Volume 2 Chapter 21: The Golden Summoning Scroll

“Alright, it seems everyone is here, we won’t waste any more time!” Baron Albert walked to the center of the hall, clapped his hands and drew everyone’s attention. “I’m very glad all of you are willing to join this scouting mission. I won’t repeat the details since you already knew before coming here.”

“I want to say that this scouting mission is different from normal ones. A few days ago, I informed headquarters about the serious epidemic in the Aodia Region through a magical device, and headquarters has specially allowed each team member to get 10 mission points this time.” Baron Albert smiled.

“10 mission points?”

The Baron’s words shocked all the Demon Hunters, and the hall buzzed with whispers.

“Master Odo, are 10 mission points a lot?” Qin Lun leaned to the side and asked the middle-aged man beside him.

“Hah, Doctor Stan is a newcomer, so you don’t understand our Demon Hunter Organization’s point system yet. 10 mission points is truly a very generous reward!” Odo explained softly.

“Usually, such scouting missions only give 2 points. Demon Hunters have to pay 5 points each year to the organization to keep their status. 10 mission points is two years’ worth—meaning if we finish this scouting mission, we won’t have to join any other organizational actions for the next two years.”

As Odo spoke, Qin Lun gradually understood the Demon Hunter point system. This type of mission point was not only used to measure a Demon Hunter’s work quality but could also be traded with headquarters for precious items.

The Demon Hunter Organization’s history was over a thousand years old. During that time, many powerful Demon Hunters left their martial skills and spells to the organization when they passed away, to pass them on to talented youngsters. Also, the Demon Hunter Organization had gathered many valuable treasures through long expeditions and demon hunts.

These martial skill legacies and treasures couldn’t be bought with money—only mission points earned by Demon Hunters could be exchanged for them at the organization. Of course, if a Demon Hunter wrote down their favorite martial skills and gave them to the organization, or handed over unwanted treasures, they could gain mission points too.

Odo said that 10 points would let them skip other missions for two years, but in reality, no Demon Hunter ever thought they had too many points except for the old or weak ones who couldn’t find successors. After all, these points could be passed down to heirs even if the Demon Hunter died on a mission.

“Please quiet down for a moment, I’m not finished yet. This mission is very dangerous, so the 10 points will be directly given to you before you set out. We’re not just scouting the Witch Maiar’s movements—we must confirm if the epidemic in the Aodia Region is her doing!” Baron Albert said seriously.

The hall fell silent, and every Demon Hunter looked tense. Qin Lun thought briefly before understanding the Baron’s meaning. In a normal scouting mission, a Demon Hunter could avoid fights by being careful. But if they had to prove if the epidemic was the witch’s work, they had to confront the Witch Maiar face to face.

This wasn’t a normal scouting mission—it was a scouting and combat mission! No wonder headquarters offered 10 points each. Fighting the witch in her own territory was extremely risky—all twenty Demon Hunters could die in the Maiar Forest.

“Alright, I’ve said all I needed to. Please consider carefully. You still have a chance to quit this mission before we leave tomorrow. But once you choose to join, you can’t quit halfway!” Baron Albert said earnestly. “Now, please return to your rooms for rest. Albert Castle is preparing a banquet, so we’ll all feast together later!”

The Demon Hunters in the hall slowly left. Qin Lun was about to go back to his room when he saw Bonnie come over and give him a look. Qin Lun’s heart stirred, and without a word, he followed the blond young man. The two went to a big living room in the Main Keep.

Baron Albert was already waiting. Seeing Bonnie with Qin Lun, he came forward with a smile.

“Doctor Stan, please sit.”

“Baron, what are your orders?” Qin Lun bowed respectfully.

“Doctor Stan, we didn’t expect that after reporting to the organization, they would change the scouting mission into a combat one.” Baron Albert hesitated before speaking. “Originally, we just wanted to train you as a newcomer. But if it’s a combat mission, you don’t have to take part. Otherwise, it would be too dangerous for you.”

“Baron, being a Demon Hunter is a dangerous job by itself. I’m only a newcomer, but I’m ready to sacrifice myself to protect the human world. Besides, with a doctor like me along, I might save many Demon Hunters’ lives on this mission!” Qin Lun answered firmly.

“Hah, Father, see? I told you Doctor Stan wouldn’t hold back.” Bonnie happily patted Qin Lun’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll bring Doctor Stan back safely.”

“If that’s how it is, I won’t say more. A Demon Hunter’s will is free—every choice is part of fate!” Baron Albert sighed and bowed slightly. “Accept my respect, Doctor Stan! Also, take this item; it will keep you safer to some extent, and Bonnie will show you how to use it.”

Baron Albert took an elegant Golden Summoning Scroll from his pocket and handed it to Qin Lun. The gleaming gold scroll had mysterious symbols and teak handles on both ends, looking like a priceless treasure.

“Baron, I can’t accept something so precious!” Qin Lun frowned slightly but didn’t take the scroll yet.

“Take it, Doctor Stan. This Golden Summoning Scroll isn’t free—it needs 10 of your points in exchange!” Bonnie took the scroll from the Baron and stuffed it into Qin Lun’s hand. “Come with me; I’ll teach you how to use it.”

Qin Lun’s eyes flickered in thought, but he didn’t refuse again. In truth, with a good reason, he wouldn’t say no to adding extra insurance for his life.

After getting the scroll, Bonnie led Qin Lun toward one of the four Subsidiary Keeps—one the doctor hadn’t visited before.

Qin Lun’s eyes brightened; this was an unexpected gain. Once inside, he noticed this keep felt different immediately. The hallways were gloomy and dim, lit by fewer crystal lamps than the others, and there were no windows to see outside.

As they went upstairs, Qin Lun finally understood the keep’s purpose. There were no rooms, only all kinds of cells and torture tools—simple wooden-bar cells, iron-door cells, water dungeons, and more.

Albert Castle was once a war fortress centuries ago; each Subsidiary Keep had a role, and this one was for imprisoning people. Looking at the dark stains in the cells, Qin Lun imagined how many witches and their Magical Creatures were locked up here.

Bonnie took Qin Lun to a wooden-bar cell in the middle of the keep. As soon as they entered, a strong foul smell hit Qin Lun’s nose.

But he quickly traced the source: the smell came from a huge creature in the cell. It was a massive black bear, at least half again bigger than ordinary ones.

Right now, it was only sleeping on the ground, but by estimation, it was over 300 centimeters long and much broader than a normal bear. From Qin Lun’s past reading, a bear this size had to weigh at least a ton, maybe two tons—as heavy as a small car from ancient Earth times.

“This…” Qin Lun pointed at the black bear in the cell, its limbs and neck locked in five thick chains, and looked puzzled at Bonnie.

“Hah, his name is Ben, a male. He’s drugged now. The Albert Family raised and trained him since cub as a combat pet.” Bonnie said with a laugh. “But of course, normal people can’t command him. That’s why we need that scroll in your hand!”

“And… Mister Bonnie, you’re not suggesting that he…” Qin Lun looked at the scroll, then at the huge bear, and his eyes widened.

“Hah, don’t underestimate Ben. He may be big, but the Albert Family trained him and he’s quite agile. With him beside you, you have a big shield—your safety increases a lot.” Bonnie smirked. “We can’t boost your fighting skill fast, so this is how we keep you safe.”

“Mister Bonnie… this Golden Summoning Scroll must be worth way more than 10 mission points, right?” Qin Lun frowned and suddenly asked.

“Oh?” Bonnie paused briefly, then smiled. “Since you saw it, I’ll tell you straight. This scroll is actually worth 50 points. Besides your 10 points, mine and my father’s remaining 30 points weren’t enough. The other 10 points are investment from the Demon Hunter Organization, trusting your healing skills and courage.”

“So those 30 points you spent for me… are for Little Miller?” Qin Lun thought for a second and suddenly understood.

Since Frank returned to the castle, Qin Lun had been feeding Little Miller with breast milk he mixed using “World Tree Dew.” Little Miller was slowly recovering; he wasn’t awake yet but no longer looked emaciated, and his eyelids sometimes twitched, a sign of waking up soon.

Little Miller was the Albert Family’s third-generation heir—his recovery made everyone in the family deeply grateful to Qin Lun. If the doctor hadn’t joined the organization, the Albert Family would repay him with money.

But since Qin Lun was part of it, they couldn’t use money without insulting him. That was why they used this Golden Summoning Scroll. Plus, Qin Lun was the only doctor who could cure the epidemic, and keeping him alive was worthwhile for the Demon Hunter Organization.

Qin Lun felt a twinge as he looked at the scroll. From the start when he showed off in Audiya Town to now, mixing potions for Little Miller, he’d used up almost the last drop of “World Tree Dew.”

Though Qin Lun didn’t care about repayment—just wanted to uncover the truth behind the Albert Family—his efforts brought rewards. This scroll was his gain for all work so far.

Bonnie glanced at Qin Lun but didn’t answer. This topic needed no more words; both understood.

“Come on, I’ll teach you to use the scroll!” Bonnie took the scroll from Qin Lun, pressed the teak handles, and unfolded it slowly.

Inside the scroll was a Pentagram Array carved out, with a golden “seal” character at the center in the local language.

“Cut your palm and press it here!” Bonnie handed Qin Lun a small ox-horn knife and pointed solemnly at the “seal” mark.

Qin Lun did as told; the knife cut his palm, and blood covered his hand at once. Bonnie held the doctor’s bloody hand to the scroll and chanted ancient words.

As the chant grew louder, sweat beaded on Bonnie’s forehead. Ben, who’d been drugged, seemed to feel something in sleep; his huge body jerked uneasily, resisting an unseen will.

But Ben was used to the Albert Family’s training; he felt the familiar intent in the chant and slowly stopped fighting. As he stopped, his body turned into a golden flash and shot from the cell toward the scroll.

“Clang!” The now-empty heavy chains hit the cell floor with a sharp noise.

“Apostle 70053, you have encountered your first combat skill, fulfilling Shattered Laws rule 300, unlocking the combat skill system. Details can be accessed in Death Notice.”

“Note: Apostle 70053, this combat summon skill is a scroll-type consumable, and the skill and summoned being cannot enter Shattered Starry Sky. However, your first combat skill fulfills Shattered Laws rule 301, allowing you to anchor it with debt to your combat skill slot.

“The summoned being is an ordinary creature, costing one Law of Shattering Fusion Crystal. Do you wish to activate debt mode? If yes, the crystal must be paid upon return to Shattered Starry Sky, or 50 Soul Lifespan will be deducted.”

Qin Lun looked oddly as this prompt appeared suddenly on Death Notice. He never thought his first combat skill would be a summon one. But he chose fast: Ben might be just a bear, but for now, it was useful and needed.

Also, if anchored, Ben could enter Shattered Starry Sky—a huge value. Debt mode asked for one Law of Shattering Fusion Crystal, but it was payable after finishing the first Otherworld Mission—not too harsh.

This was likely a perk every apostle got. After all, apostles needed time to grow, so Shattered Starry Sky investing in their first skill made sense.

The only slight trouble was: Ben was just a bear and had low growth potential. Qin Lun wondered if he could pay extra to switch to a stronger beast later.

After the bond ended, the Pentagram Array faded on the Golden Summoning Scroll, leaving it useless—the scroll had done its duty.

“Let’s go; we’re leaving here!” Bonnie panted; the ritual clearly wasn’t easy.

Truthfully, Qin Lun didn’t know this Golden Summoning Scroll was of high rank—much higher than Ben himself. If not for the doctor needing an option now, Bonnie would tell him to save it.

A stronger beast would be harder to bind too. Luckily, Ben was a pet long-trained by the family—otherwise, without a skilled Summoner from the organization, even Bonnie couldn’t help.

Plus, Qin Lun hadn’t unlocked his skill system yet. Without the Albert Family owing him this debt, he couldn’t have bonded Ben properly. Bonnie doing this took effort for him alone.

To fully use the scroll, Qin Lun would need a tamed, high-tier beast and a top Summoner, besides stronger personal power to draw out its full value.

For now, that was a dream! Even possible, the cost of taking a high-tier beast to Shattered Starry Sky on debt was beyond Qin Dun’s ability to pay.

“Roar!” Just then, a loud furious roar boomed from the top of the keep—the magic from the ritual must have disturbed something up there.

“Head out; the banquet starts soon.” Bonnie paled slightly at the noise and hurried Qin Lun away.

Outside the Subsidiary Keep, Qin Lun stared at the Dungeon Sub-fortress and froze in thought—he suddenly saw a crucial issue.

But this wasn’t the time to ponder it. The doctor rushed back to his room. He focused and opened Death Notice, eager to examine his new skill and combat system closely.