The Eternal Sketch

The morning sun cast golden hues over the city of Vistoria, its light reflecting off the grand murals that adorned the towering buildings. The Atelier was alive with the sounds of ink strokes and the quiet murmurs of students preparing for another day of training. Ryo, however, could only think about what lay ahead—his true training under Master Callus.

Elara greeted him at the entrance to the training hall, her expression unreadable. "You made quite an impression yesterday," she said. "Few can summon a creation with such strength on their first attempt."

Ryo rubbed the back of his neck, still feeling the echoes of his connection to the wolf he had drawn. "It felt... different, like I was linked to it somehow."

Elara nodded. "That's because you were. Ink creatures are not just drawings—they carry a part of your essence. Today, you will learn how to strengthen that bond."

Inside the hall, Callus stood at the center, surrounded by floating scrolls. The other students, now fully aware of Ryo's ability, watched with varying expressions—some with curiosity, others with challenge in their eyes.

"Today's lesson," Callus announced, "is about the Binding Ink. To wield your creations effectively, you must establish a connection that goes beyond mere summoning. Without this bond, your ink beasts will be fragile, fleeting things."

He gestured, and one of the scrolls unfurled in the air. The ink upon it twisted and coiled, forming the image of a great falcon. With a snap, the falcon burst from the parchment, circling the room before perching on Callus's outstretched arm. "This is mastery," he stated. "And this is what you will achieve."

Ryo exchanged a glance with Elara before stepping forward. He could still feel the presence of his wolf lingering in his mind, a faint tether between them. He closed his eyes and focused, calling upon that connection.

The parchment before him darkened as ink flowed onto its surface, shaping into his wolf once more. It rose from the page, but this time, something was different. The moment it locked eyes with Ryo, he felt a pulse—a rhythm syncing between them. The bond had strengthened.

Callus observed with a nod. "Good. But can you command it?"

Ryo hesitated before speaking aloud. "Move."

The wolf responded instantly, stepping forward with fluid grace. Ryo's heart raced—he wasn't just willing it to move, he was guiding it through thought and intent. The realization was exhilarating.

Across the room, another student smirked. "Let's see how strong that bond really is." He sketched a panther with swift, practiced strokes. It leaped from the parchment and prowled toward Ryo's wolf, its ink-black eyes gleaming with challenge.

Ryo tensed. He hadn't expected a test so soon.

Callus remained silent, watching.

The panther lunged, claws extended. Ryo didn't think—he reacted. "Dodge!"

The wolf pivoted sharply, avoiding the attack with agility. The panther circled, preparing for another strike. Ryo could feel his wolf's instincts as if they were his own. This wasn't just a battle of ink creatures; it was a battle of will.

"Strike!" Ryo commanded.

The wolf surged forward, knocking the panther off balance. The rival student gritted his teeth, trying to maintain control, but his creation was faltering.

With one final lunge, the wolf pinned the panther to the ground. The ink of the defeated beast wavered, then dissolved back into the parchment.

Silence filled the hall.

Then, Callus spoke. "Well done."

The other student sighed in frustration but gave Ryo a respectful nod. The challenge was over, and Ryo had won.

Elara smiled. "Looks like you're catching on faster than I expected."

Ryo exhaled, his pulse still pounding. This was only the beginning, but he could feel it—his bond with his ink had grown stronger. He was no longer just a mangaka. He was a creator of living art, and his journey had only just begun.