"The second thank-you gift is this." Loki handed a gleaming golden key to Rhode.
Rhode examined the key carefully; its weight and texture resembled those of the Twelve Zodiac Gates' keys.
It just looked plain, with no special markings or intricate patterns.
"What kind of key is this?"
Loki said, "Strictly speaking, this counts as a Zodiac key."
"?" Rhode was puzzled, "Aren't all the Zodiac Spirits in Lucy and Yukino's hands? Is there a fourteenth one?"
Loki gave a mysterious smile, "This is a Zodiac Key that corresponds to no spirit."
"What's the use... are you planning to tame those rebellious spirits and let me contract them?" Rhode proposed a bold idea.
Loki denied, "Impossible... the incident happened because they dislike such rules."
"Then what does this mean?"
Loki explained, "Although it doesn't correspond to any spirit, its power is exactly the same as other Zodiac Keys.
"Therefore, it can be used to perform the most powerful and unique technique in Celestial Spirit Magic, which is the Cost Summoning Technique."
Rhode had heard of the Cost Summoning Technique; as the name suggests, it's a summoning technique that requires paying a certain price to summon some strong presence.
This 'cost' usually involves life and blood, which is why such techniques are often classified as Black Magic.
For example, the Black Magic Sect, they used the lives of kidnapped children to summon demons, which is one type.
Some go even crazier, sacrificing their own lives as well.
But he had never heard of this Cost Summoning Technique in Celestial Spirit Magic before...
Rhode asked, "Who can it summon? The Star Spirit King?"
"Exactly!" Loki surprisingly confirmed his guess and introduced,
"The Cost Summoning Technique in Celestial Spirit Magic originally required an outstanding Star Spirit Mage to cut ties with their most trusted spirit, break the key, and summon the Star Spirit King.
"Throughout history, very few Star Spirit Mages have been able to perform this magic. Even if they could, they might not be willing to pay such a price.
"So this magic has almost no documented details in the Human Realm. Only when the Zodiac Star Spirits truly recognize a Mage and it's a matter of life and death would they decide to use it.
"This key is a special gift from the Star Spirit King. Since it doesn't correspond to any spirit, you don't need to sever any contract. You just have to learn the Cost Summoning Technique."
Compared to other summoning techniques that require life or blood, this particular technique in Celestial Spirit Magic seems to not demand a severe 'cost.'
However, Rhode knew that Lucy's principle in practicing Celestial Spirit Magic is to treat spirits as friends, valuing contracts as much as life.
For her, breaking a contract would be as painful as losing her own life.
Such a cost is indeed heavy.
If other Star Spirit Mages who do not value spirits and contracts as much as Lucy do not see this as a heavy price, then they probably cannot gain spirits' recognition and would not have the chance to know this summoning technique.
What contradictory and harsh conditions.
"In other words, it's almost like skipping the process of paying a price and directly giving me a chance to summon the Star Spirit King for battle."
"Yes, creating this key itself is an act against the rules. The Star Spirit King had to swear to the stars that this will never happen again."
"This... is indeed a very precious gift." Rhode put the key away carefully and listened to Loki explain the use of the Cost Summoning Technique.
"That's about it. Lastly, the Star Spirit King asked me to convey a message to you – 'May the starlight be your friend.'"
Loki put on a serious expression but soon returned to his less formal demeanor after speaking.
"I also wish to be friends with starlight..." Rhode laughed, "How about I respond like this?"
Loki gave a thumbs up and smiled mysteriously, "Alright, I have to go now, I've been delaying a few dates for a while."
'A few' dates, huh... Rhode sighed, "Who are you going to bother this time? Don't cause trouble for the Guild!"
"Don't worry." Loki slipped out, leaving behind, "I'll never get caught by them!"
"Then you should get caught by them..."
You can run, but you can't hide forever. If caught on the spot and pummeled to vent their anger, it might be better for the Guild.
Rhode studied the golden key for a while, then reopened his book.
After thinking for a bit, he closed the book again and went outside for a stroll.
Lucy seemed to have just finished her breakfast; the plate was still on the front desk while she complained to Mira about Loki's misdeeds.
Rhode waved, "Morning, Lucy, were you exposed again today?"
"Please change your greeting..." Lucy was too tired to retort, "What did he talk to you about for so long?"
"Just some words of thanks, and he delivered two gifts from the Star Spirit King."
"Bearded Dad's gifts?" Lucy was full of curiosity.
"I can't tell you the details now, but you'll find out later."
"Saying it like that makes me even more curious." Lucy then looked at Mira, "Miss Mira, could you ask him? He'll definitely tell you."
"Sure." Mira smiled at Rhode, "Can you tell me when we get home?"
Rhode nodded decisively, "No problem!"
"Why does it have to be after we get home?!" Lucy felt her emotions were deceived by Mira.
Rhode chuckled, "I can tell you one thing: the Star Spirit King intends to invite all Star Spirit Mages to the Celestial Spirit Realm for fun."
"I'm not going!" Lucy immediately refused, recalling the painful experience last time.
Yet if she truly got an invitation, she probably wouldn't be so resolute, as long as there was enough time.
She'd also remember to inform the Guild next time.
"By the way, Mr. Rhode, how's the rules research going?"
"I've only read halfway." Rhode replied, "The specific events aren't written, but basically there's a combination of athletics and battles every day, with a points-based ranking system.
"And this year's format has a slight change, adding a pre-selection round before the main competition to pick eight teams from many to enter the finals. So this year might be the fiercest competition yet."
"Oh..." Lucy sighed, "That means I have even less hope of participating?"
She heard the Great Demon Fighting Martial Arts is broadcasted nationwide; she hoped her dad could see her performance.
Moreover, Princess Jade had expressed her anticipation for Lucy to appear.
The Guild being too strong also brings its own troubles.