The circle was glowing. My breathing slowed, my chest rising and falling in rhythm with the wind I'd gathered into my palms. Around me, the runes carved into the marble floor pulsed with otherworldly power, radiating a golden hue that shimmered through the walls of the tower's highest chamber. I could feel something building. Something massive. Something ancient. Something far beyond what I was supposed to be able to summon.
And then—
A blinding light exploded from the circle.
I gasped, falling backward onto the floor, shielding my eyes as the air howled with pressure and power. I thought I had messed up. That I had triggered a backlash or summoned a storm elemental too big for the room. But then, as the light dimmed, five shadows stepped through the glow… and I saw them.
Five women. No—five goddesses.
Saphielle, who had been lazily floating in her magic chair while sipping from a crystal goblet, nearly dropped her drink.
"What… the hell?" she whispered.
One by one, the girls knelt.
"We have heard your call," they said, their voices harmonized and divine. "And we acknowledge you… as our Master."
I couldn't breathe.
Saphielle shot to her feet, her spellbook flipping open beside her. "You didn't just summon spirits. You summoned the Five Prime Beasts. The greatest spirit creatures in existence. Behemoth, Leviathan, Ziz, Bahamut, and Chimera—beings so strong entire countries offer sacrifices to not summon them!"
I swallowed. "A-And they're… kneeling?"
"Like kittens," she muttered, almost jealous.
Behemoth stood first. She was tall, regal, and elegant, with long, flowing silver-white hair adorned with gold and white floral ornaments. Her golden eyes were calm and cold, but not cruel—gentle in a way that made you feel safe and unworthy all at once. She wore a radiant white and gold gown with a high slit, orange gemstone accents glowing across her bodice and gloves. Her aura was holy. Untouchable. A light-themed beauty that looked like she stepped from heaven itself. "I shall lend you my strength, Master," she said softly. "If that is your wish."
Leviathan peeked from behind her, her twin-tailed aqua blue hair twitching as she nervously glanced up. Her violet eyes were wide, her cheeks dusted with pink. She had dragon horns, pointed ears, a sleek tail, and wore little more than a white bikini with light-blue armor plates. A tiny blue bow sat between her breasts, almost mockingly innocent. "U-Um… please be gentle with me," she mumbled, clinging to my arm. "I-I get lonely…"
Ziz was next, walking with exaggerated sway, a teasing grin playing across her lips. Her light blonde hair was done up in a thick braid, her long ears flicking with each step. Her sheer white halter-top and barely-there bottoms left nothing to the imagination, trimmed with gold chains and teal gemstones. A red tattoo spiraled around her lower belly like it owned her skin. "So, this is our 'master,' huh?" she purred. "You're adorable. I could eat you up." She flicked her tongue across her lip. "Want me to teach you how to use that mouth?"
I choked on air.
Bahamut didn't even open her eyes as she stepped forward, her long pink hair cascading in a side braid. Her celestial outfit sparkled with star-shaped gold patterns and high slits that flashed skin with every movement. Her neckline was so open it may as well have been an invitation. She held a massive golden staff, crescent-shaped, with an orb that pulsed with cosmic light. A star-shaped mark sat beneath one closed eye. "You summoned me in the flesh…" she mused, a sultry smile tugging at her lips. "Does that mean I'm allowed to explore your body next?"
And then came Chimera, practically bouncing forward like a sugar-fueled puppy. Her mint-green hair was braided thick with white lilies and blue feathers, and her bright green eyes sparkled with mischief. Her outfit was a leafy, floral ensemble trimmed with blue and gold, exposing her toned stomach, deep cleavage, and bare thighs. "Yaaay! I got summoned by someone cute!" she squealed, leaping onto my back. "Can I ride you, Master? Huh? Huh? Can I?!"
I crumpled to the floor, overwhelmed, aroused, and confused.
Saphielle walked over, bent down, and cupped my chin. "You really don't know how insane this is. Do you even get what kind of contract you've triggered?"
"I-I didn't mean to—"
"Oh, but now you've got to finish it," she said with a dark grin. "You want them loyal, right? Fully bound to you? Then you'll need to mark them."
"H-How do I do that?"
She leaned in, her voice sultry. "With your tongue. A deep, passionate kiss, cutie. That's how you place the slave crest… right on the tip of their tongues."
"M-Master, you're joking…"
She held up her spellbook, already glowing. "It's a real ritual. I didn't invent it. Now pucker up, or let them run wild."
I stared at the five spirit beasts. Each of them looked ready. Willing.
And I—
Behemoth stepped forward, her voice soft. "Shall I go first, Master?"
I nodded slowly.
She knelt, cupped my cheeks, and leaned in. Her lips were soft, impossibly warm. Her tongue gently parted mine, and I tasted sunlight and serenity. My hands shook as the golden crest began glowing on her tongue. When she pulled back, her cheeks were slightly red.
"You handled it well," she whispered.
Leviathan was next. Shivering, she pressed her body close to mine, her dragon tail wrapping around my leg. "K-Kiss me… please…" she whimpered. Her lips trembled against mine, and I felt her whole body melt into me. When the crest flared on her tongue, she gasped, then buried her face in my chest, squeaking. "T-That was my first…"
Ziz didn't wait. She straddled my lap and grinned. "Let me show you how a real woman kisses." Her tongue immediately forced its way into my mouth, curling with experience, dominance, and a wild hunger. When the crest appeared, she licked my lips playfully. "You're lucky I didn't take more."
Bahamut smiled gently. "Let's make this memorable, shall we?" She kissed slowly, sensually, her breath warm as her lips trailed along mine before pulling me into a deep, dizzying dance of tongues. When the star-marked crest lit up, she sighed. "You taste… very summoner-y."
And Chimera—
She didn't even wait for me to move. She jumped me, knocked me down, and pressed her lips to mine with reckless glee. Her kiss was wild, uncoordinated, but full of affection. When the crest shimmered, she giggled and licked my cheek. "You're my favorite toy now!"
I collapsed on the floor, panting.
Saphielle looked down at me and grinned. "Congrats, cutie. You've got a harem of the five most powerful beings in the world… and they're already fighting over who gets your bed."
The five girls turned to each other, suddenly glaring.
Chimera growled playfully. "I'm sleeping with Master tonight!"
"No," Behemoth said calmly. "He will rest beside me."
"W-Why not both?" Leviathan whimpered.
Ziz cracked her knuckles. "Fine by me… if I'm in the middle."
Bahamut smirked. "You're all so immature."
I covered my face.
And thus… my nightmare—and dream—began.