The last thing Haru Amano remembered was the cold.
It crept through his chest after the sharp pain of the knife, the panicked cries of a stranger, and the frightened bark of the small puppy he'd tried to protect. It was supposed to be a normal day—just a walk home, a detour through the park to watch the birds. But fate had other plans.
And now, there was only… light.
When Haru opened his eyes, he wasn't in a hospital. He wasn't even in a city.
He lay on a patch of soft grass, beneath a sky so blue it looked hand-painted. The clouds drifted lazily like feathers, and the trees swayed as if they were humming a lullaby to the wind. The sunlight was warm but gentle, filtered through silvery leaves and golden flowers that sparkled like stars.
Haru slowly sat up, blinking in wonder. The air smelled like fresh rain and blooming lilies, and the ground pulsed with life. Small creatures with soft fur and glowing eyes peeked out from behind ferns, watching him with innocent curiosity.
"Wh-Where am I…?" he murmured, clutching his chest. There was no wound. Just smooth skin, a faint heartbeat, and peace.
He turned his eyes upward, marveling at the landscape. Giant mushrooms with umbrella tops dotted a nearby hill. Crystal-clear water trickled through a brook lined with rainbow-colored moss. Birds with glistening feathers sang from branches, their calls melodic and calming.
His heart beat faster—not in fear, but in awe. As a boy, Haru had always loved nature. Animals, plants, even fungi—he had spent hours reading about them, sketching their shapes, and wandering through fields just to feel the soil under his fingers. This world felt like a dream sculpted by his childhood hopes.
Just then, the wind stilled.
A soft, radiant light gathered in front of him, and from it stepped a figure.
She was breathtaking.
A woman with long hair that shimmered like silver moonlight, clothed in a flowing white dress woven from light itself. Her eyes were as green as the spring forest, filled with kindness and knowing. When she smiled, flowers bloomed beneath her feet.
"Hello, dear Haru," she said, her voice gentle and clear. "I am Elthea, Goddess of Life and Nature. And you… have been given a second chance."
Haru froze, blinking slowly. "G-Goddess…?"
She nodded and sat beside him, as if they were old friends. The grass curled affectionately around her ankles.
"You died protecting a helpless creature. A selfless act, born not of power or duty, but of compassion. I watched you, child of Earth. Your love for the smallest life… it moved even the stars."
Haru looked down, flustered. "I… I didn't think. I just didn't want the dog to get hurt…"
"And that is why I chose you," Elthea whispered, placing a glowing hand over his heart. "This world is full of beauty, but also danger. You will be its explorer—its gentle protector. I give you the gift of Summoning."
A circle of runes lit up around him, warm and golden, like sunbeams trapped in a ring.
"Summoning?" Haru asked, eyes wide.
"Yes," the goddess smiled. "You will have the power to call forth kind-hearted creatures—guardians who will protect you, guide you, and grow alongside you. You will not be alone. You will explore freely, and your compassion will help shape the balance of this world."
She leaned forward, brushing her fingers over his forehead. "And to help you along your way… I've created someone special."
From the light, a tiny spark floated down, spinning like a firefly before bursting into a small, floating ball of light with a cheerful, wiggling swirl in its center.
"Ta-da!" came a bright, chirpy voice. "Hello, Haru! I'm Piko! I'm your system helper, your best buddy, your number-one cheerleader!"
Haru blinked. "A… a floating ball?"
"Hey, I'm more than just a ball!" Piko huffed, twirling in midair. "I've got updates! Menus! Notifications! I even sing! Okay, not well, but still! I'll help you summon new friends, level up, and maybe keep you from falling off cliffs!"
Haru giggled for the first time since waking up. "You're… funny."
"I'm cheerful!" Piko beamed proudly. "That's part of the default personality. You can't change me! I'm stuck with you forever, heehee!"
Elthea smiled warmly. "With Piko guiding you and the Summoner's power awakening within, your journey begins. As you explore and grow, your strength will unlock more guardians, each one chosen by the light of your heart."
The goddess stood, her figure beginning to fade into light. The trees leaned slightly toward her, as if bidding her goodbye.
"Will I see you again…?" Haru asked softly.
"Perhaps," Elthea said with a wink. "But your story is yours to write now, Haru. So go… explore, love, and grow. This world is waiting for you."
With a gentle glow, she vanished into petals of light that floated into the sky.
---
Haru stood quietly, the breeze wrapping around him like a blanket. He looked at his hands, then at the trees, and then at the smiling orb named Piko.
"I… I'm really here," he whispered.
"You bet!" Piko chirped. "You're now Haru Amano: Nature-loving Summoner, Explorer of the New World, and—wait for it—Friend to Kind Monsters!"
Haru smiled softly, his eyes sparkling with innocent wonder.
"I can't wait to meet them all…"
As Haru slowly stood up on the soft grass, the warm breeze brushed past his cheeks. He tilted his head toward the sky, and his eyes widened with wonder. The clouds drifted lazily across a bright blue canvas, but what truly caught his gaze was the majestic creature soaring high above.
"Whoa... what's that?" he whispered, eyes sparkling like a child seeing the world for the first time.
A cheerful voice chimed in his mind.
"That, Haru, is a Skycrest Luma! It's a rare bird known in this world for its shimmering feathers that reflect the colors of the sky. Look closely—see how its wings leave faint trails of light? That's not magic—it's natural! They feed on high-altitude pollen that only blooms on floating islands. They're gentle, calm, and often seen gliding in pairs. Beautiful, right?"
Haru's breath caught for a moment. The bird twirled gently midair, catching the sunlight just right—its feathers shimmering in soft hues of gold, teal, and sky blue, like liquid crystal gliding through the air.
As the glowing bird disappeared beyond the treetops, Haru smiled softly, still dazzled by the sight. Then, the cheerful voice returned, as bubbly and bright as ever.
"By the way, Haru! You're currently Level 1!"
He blinked. "Level 1?" he echoed, tilting his head. "Like… in a game? Do I have stats or something?"
"Nope!" the voice chirped happily.
"You don't need stats to swing swords or cast fireballs. Your role is a bit different. You'll have… special allies who will protect and support you when you need it!"
"Special allies?" Haru repeated, his eyes shining with curiosity. "So, I don't fight?"
"Nope! As you level up—by exploring, learning, and just being your curious self—you'll unlock more of these gentle companions. You just have to call their names when the time comes!"
Haru placed a hand on his chest and nodded thoughtfully. "So I can just keep exploring, and they'll come when I need help? That's… kinda nice."
"Exactly~!" Piko giggled.
"You're meant to enjoy the world. Discover the flowers, the creatures, the hidden places. Leave the protecting to your companions, okay?"
With a soft smile, Haru looked out across the rolling fields and glimmering trees. The wind smelled like spring and sunlight. His chest felt light—full of excitement.
"I'll do my best," he whispered to himself. "Let's explore everything."
Just then, a faint rustle echoed from the trees behind him. Haru turned slowly, eyes wide.
Rrrrhhh...
A low growl rumbled through the foliage. The branches trembled slightly—as if something large was moving just out of sight.
"Uh-oh..." Piko whispered nervously in his mind.
Haru took a step back, heart pounding.
The wind paused.