The Eternal Sketch

Four Weeks Later

Ryo sat in his training chamber, staring at the parchment before him. He had conquered stability. He had increased his endurance. But now, he faced a challenge unlike any before—giving his creations thoughts of their own.

Hayate stood beside him, arms crossed, his usual stoic expression in place. Unlike a living person, Hayate only acted based on Ryo's will. He followed commands, reacted to danger, but lacked true independence. If Ryo wanted to make his summons feel real, he needed to grant them something more.

With careful precision, Ryo dipped his brush into the ink and began sketching a series of symbols around Hayate's image—runes of cognition, ones that should, in theory, allow him to make decisions on his own.

The moment the final stroke was complete, something shifted. Hayate's posture straightened, his eyes sharpened. For the first time, he spoke without Ryo willing it.

"You should rest," Hayate said, his voice calm but firm.

Ryo's breath caught. He hadn't told him to say that. It had come from him—his own reasoning, his own choice. A thrill ran through Ryo's veins. It worked.

But before he could celebrate, a voice rang out behind him.

"You are playing with fire."

Callus stood at the entrance, his expression unusually grim. He walked forward, eyes locked on Hayate as if assessing a danger only he could see.

Ryo wiped sweat from his brow. "This is the next step, isn't it? If I want to bring my creations to life, they need to think for themselves."

Callus exhaled slowly. "Yes. But not without limits."

Ryo frowned. "Why?"

Callus knelt beside him, pressing a hand against the parchment. "Do you know how many summoners have perished because they created something they could not control? How many thought they could handle true independence, only to be destroyed by their own creations?"

Ryo stiffened. "I wouldn't—"

"You are still mortal, Ryo," Callus interrupted. "Your body has limits, your mind has limits. Your creations may not. If you give them full independence, what happens when they decide they no longer need you?"

A chill ran through Ryo's spine. He glanced at Hayate, who stood motionless but now seemed… different. Not dangerous, but aware.

"I'm not saying abandon the idea," Callus continued. "But you must remain in control. Even the greatest creators learned this lesson the hard way. Do not make their mistakes."

Ryo swallowed hard. He had been so focused on progress, he hadn't thought about the risks. He looked at Hayate again, realizing for the first time that he was treading dangerous ground.

But he couldn't stop now.

"I understand," Ryo said finally. "I'll be careful."

Callus studied him for a long moment before nodding. "See that you are."

As the older man left, Ryo turned back to Hayate. He had taken a step forward into something incredible, but also something terrifying.

How far could he go before he lost control?