Master Of Astral Summoner
Chapter 45: Mysterious Passenger

Chapter 45: Mysterious Passenger

Hearing Chelsie’s words, Shaan smiled. Thankfully, all the effort he had put into saving Chelsie and Nalira hadn’t been in vain. For now, they could breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that it wouldn’t chase after them for a while.

"Uhm... Shaan, so what about the Doppleshade’s whereabouts? Have you managed to kill it?"

Shaan shook his head. "Not exactly... I didn’t kill it. That thing’s incredibly powerful, and I’m just not strong enough yet to defeat it. Honestly, I almost died back there.

"Chelsie rounded both of her eyes instantly. " Oh god, but how did you manage to escape?"

"A special power," Shaan replied. "I don’t know how, but in that moment, I suddenly got a notification saying I had activated my special skill." He paused before continuing, "And not only that, when the skill activated, I could feel my strength surge, and it was like I was far more powerful than usual, but only for a short while. The skill’s name is Aspira Ignis. Have you ever heard of it?"

"Aspira Ignis?" Chelsie tilted her head and shook it. "Uhm... sorry, Shaan. I’ve never heard of a special skill by that name before," she said, scratching her head. "Oh, well, maybe you can check the explanation of your special skill in your status window. It should explain in detail about the ability there."

"Yes, that’s a good idea. I’ll try to read up on that special ability."

[Special ability: Aspira Ignis]

[A power that allows a Daemonist to gain a considerable increase in strength due to having a strong will and determination to survive in the dark realm. However, everything depends on the strength of the Daemonist himself. The stronger the Daemonist, the stronger this special power will be.]

’Strong will and determination?’ Shaan furrowed his brow. ’Ah, of course. Before that thing almost ended my life, I had a strong determination to escape this situation because I wanted to meet Aunt Isabel. That’s probably what triggered this power to activate.’

"Shaan, so what’s the explanation for your special ability?

"It says here that this power will give me a rapid increase in strength as long as I have the will and determination to survive in the dark realm," Shaan gently stroked his chin. "I simply don’t know of any special powers like this."

"Wait, so as long as you have a strong will and determination, you can get a drastic increase in strength?"

"You could say that. However, the power increase also depends on my strength. So, the stronger I am, the stronger the power increase will be."

"Interesting. I’ve never heard of such a special ability before." Chelsie said, nodding thoughtfully.

"Yeah, I ’ve been thinking the same thing," Shaan replied. "So... where will this train take us?

"Out of this tunnel," Chelsie excitedly spoke. "Lira once again recited the incantation, and luckily, it worked."

"Good. I think I’ll go check things out in the locomotive," Shaan said as he stood up and began walking toward the front. "Maybe there’s something I can—"

Suddenly, Chelsie grabbed his wrist.

"Uhm... Shaan, I think that might be a bad idea. Lira’s power is really limited right now, and she needs to focus completely on the incantation. I just... I don’t want anything to distract her right now."

Yeah... Chelsie’s right. It’s probably best I wait and not disturb Nalira right now.

"’Okay, I understand." Shaan paused, then turned around and sat back down quietly. After a moment of silence, Chelsie spoke again.

"Uhm... Shaan, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you."

She hesitated slightly, then looked at him seriously. "Why do you suddenly want to come back to help us? You could’ve gone back to the human world... back to your family. But instead, you came back here. Why?"

Hearing Chelsie’s question, Shaan smiled. "Of course, I can’t possibly leave you guys. You two have allowed a stranger like me to come with you, and I should at least return the favor, right?"

Chelsie froze for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Shaan, you are the funniest person I’ve ever met."

Hearing Chelsie’s laughter, Shaan simply smiled back. Well, at least the atmosphere inside the train wasn’t as tense and quiet as before. Slowly but surely, he was beginning to get Chelsie’s trust as well.

"Uhm... Shaan, once again, I’d like to thank-"

"Chelsie, did you hear that?" Shaan’s expression instantly tensed. "That sound seems to be coming from the back carriage."

Chelsie nodded her head. "Yes, I heard it, Shaan."

"There seems to be something there," Shaan said, standing up from his seat. "Wait here. I’ll try to check it out."

"Be careful. Shaan."

Shaan slowly opened the carriage door and looked around. Everything looked safe, and there was nothing unusual in sight. Strange, he was so sure the voice came from here, but why did he find absolutely nothing here?

Maybe it was just my imagination. I should probably head back and—

’Crash!’

One of the lamps in the carriage suddenly shattered and scattered on the floor. Knowing that there must be something in this place, Shaan drew his dual short swords and prepared to attack whatever appeared in front of him.

[Shaan, be careful. That thing must be around here.]

"Yeah, I know." Shaan walked over, pointing his two short swords forward. "Just watch my back, Robin Hood."

[Got it, Shaan.]

As he walked once more around the carriage, he noticed a strange movement behind one of the stacked boxes of explosives in the carriage. Quickly, he chased after the creature until he finally caught sight of it.

"Oh... crap." Shaan rounded his eyes as he saw the Doppleshade eating a rodent with a voracious appetite. "But... how?!"

[Shaan, we should leave this place while the Doppleshade doesn’t see us.]

"Yes, you’re right." Shaan slowly nodded his head. "Come on, it’s time to get away from here."

Quietly, he walked backwards, making sure that the Doppleshade was unaware of his presence. He just kept walking, and the gap started to get longer and longer away from Doppleshade. Good, if this keeps up, Shaan will be able to get out of this place without getting caught.

"Just a little more... I just need to take a few more steps and then I can—"

’Crack!’

Sadly, Shaan mistakenly stepped on the broken glass, causing the Doppleshade to slowly roll its head back. It instantly began to walk closer to him and slowly transformed its appearance to mimic Shaan.

’Oh, crap!’