Nobody wanted to do it at first. Master Lucy was practically asking the class to perform a blood compact with their Beastblades. The apprentices were right to hesitate. They are all too young, at least 10 to 12 years old.
But at the same time, it was a test of resolve. Beastblades are not your ordinary weapons. They are powerful artifacts based on what the instructors have presented so far. Master Boros showed them a simple casting ability, and Master Lucy showed them the summoning ability. In this world, being a wielder of Beastblades is a life-or-death commitment—a far more sacred and profound practice for such incomprehensible artifacts.
But why the hell would I feed on Bella's blood?! I don't want to drink someone's blood. I may be a butter knife, but I am sure this wasn't what I signed up for when I woke up today! Has someone stopped and said, 'Maybe there's something wrong with feeding children's blood to living weapons,' I mean, seriously, this is wrong! Can't I just have butter instead!?
"Do we have to feed it our blood every time we want to summon it?" a random weak, high-pitched voice asked. It was someone from the terrified bunch near the podium.
"I'm afraid there was a misunderstanding," Master Lucy chuckled, "What I'm asking you to do is a basic ritual. The Beastblade only requires a small amount of blood. A papercut will be enough!"
Is that true? I don't need to drink blood!?
"Then why in good gods would you puncture your whole palm, Master Lucy!?" Alexios blurted loudly.
"Because," Master Lucy paused, she leaned sideways, thighs pressed together, "I like it!" she moaned.
This instructor is insane! She's unwell!
The class sighed with relief, the tension finally died, and they all could relax. Some fell and sat on the floor, crying, finally released from the burden of injuring themselves. They all tried comforting each other, like Bella and Stella, for whom I sensed a friendship brewing.
But there was an evident annoyance, disgruntled students who were still processing the turmoil that had just occurred. From some perspective, I sympathize with them. Why didn't she just say it from the beginning?
I know why, it's because she's nuts! Terrorizing students and feeling pain gives her pleasure!
Bella held me near her index finger, placing my blunt blade on her fingertips. She looked determined to do it, a chance to see a summoned version of me. I assumed this was taught by her family's personal trainers back at their estate.
Let's do it, Bella! Although not too much, let's not overdo it—
In one swift move, she swiped, and her fingertip bled instantly. I heard her whimper from the pain, but the deed is finally done. I froze in place before a thick yellow smoke billowed from where we stood.
The students were caught by surprise, even Master Lucy, but I could tell she had her grin on.
Finally. My summoned form!
The smoke lingered for a few more seconds. From the silhouette, I can recognize Bella. She wafted the smoke off her. The other apprentices in the room were fanning away the yellow smoke. They were sniffing, smelling the odor. I can smell it, too. It wasn't horrendous, but it was nutty, a tinge of milk, like butter.
When the smoke finally cleared, Bella appeared in front of me. She had a wide smile. She is still taller than me, like nothing had changed. But something had changed, and it was the fact that I felt alive, no longer a butter knife. I feel moist and slippery, but it doesn't matter.
Finally, they can respect us. I wonder what my physical form is, what beast am I—
"It's a butter!" someone pointed at me with a taunting grin.
I immediately inspected myself. I still had no eyes, but I could see. I'm as big as an adult-sized shoe. I am a stick of butter.
[Evermore Butter Worm]
F-Class Beastblade
Health: 100
Abilities: None
My divine properties are different this time, though? But, wait, I shouldn't be focusing on that!
"Is it a worm?" Alexios bent his knees, "A butter worm?" he was looking at me intently.
The room erupted with laughter, except for Alexios, who was intrigued by my beast form. Some were visibly disgusted, and I was actually wiggling slowly like a worm, leaving creamy trails behind as I moved.
I felt ashamed of myself. I was a pathetic butter worm. But when I turned to face Bella, she was still smiling.
Stella, upon realizing Bella was pumped by my appearance, looked relieved. Although Stella was sympathetic and offered her support at first, Bella clearly doesn't need one.
Bella was happy, and so was I.
I crawled slowly towards Bella, I make squishy sounds every time I wrinkle my buttery skin. The creamy trail I leave behind vanishes after a second, I think it evaporates, and returns to my body, thus I don't melt easily. It was regeneration.
Bella had both of her hands open as I approached, implying that I climb on her palms, so I did. I am a butter worm, her loyal buttery beast.
"Congratulations, Bella, you have summoned your… butter worm." Master Lucy stalled herself, observing me very carefully, squinting at one point.
There was still laughter, making fun of us. She glanced at the crowd and snarled, silencing them. She was making her mark as this fine institution's unmistakable delinquent.
"If you want to laugh, go ahead! I dare you! I will fight you and your Beastblades with my butter worm!"
Bella announced loud and clear, stomping her feet on the floor, growling as she showed me to everyone proudly. I felt embarrassed at first, but I am a butter worm. I have nothing to lose.
Yeah! Let's see how you lowlives like it now!
Everyone from the crowd exchanged glances, smirking mischievously. They proceeded to do the ritual themselves, offering a small amount of blood to their Beastblades.
"No, stop, we must do this one by one! Wait!" Master Lucy tried to stop the mob, but it was too late.
There was a colorful explosion of smoke all over the room. It differs in smell and size. But there was no mistake in what materialized. Beasts as big as a regular adult man populated the room, filling every space. We were jammed to the bones inside, and it was only half of the class that did the summons.