The rain had slowed by dawn, leaving the village of Eronfall washed in the pale light of morning. The air smelled of wet earth and crushed leaves, and the distant mountains loomed like silent guardians over the valley. Kael Varis sat at the edge of the river, Lyra kneeling beside him, her amber eyes fixed on him with a calm intensity.
He still couldn't believe what had happened the night before. A storm, a glowing crystal, and the first contract of his life—a wolf-beast capable of taking human form, obedient and loyal. The sheer impossibility of it all made his head spin, but the Emperor Summoning System pulsed inside his mind, steady and undeniable.
(System Notification: First contract completed. Combat experience gained. Loyalty of Lyra increased to 15/10. New species detected within 20 kilometers. Some species may assume humanoid form. New quest available: Explore nearby realms and recruit first allies.)
Kael blinked at the system message, feeling a thrill of excitement and fear. "Allies… I'm supposed to find more?"
Lyra's voice was soft but firm. "Yes, Master. There are many species in this region. Some are bound to serve only those strong enough to command them. Others may respond to your heart, your choices, and your bond."
Kael nodded. Bond… that word keeps coming up. This isn't just power. It's… trust.
He rose, brushing mud from his clothes. "Then we start today. I'll explore the mountains. Maybe I can find another species to contract… someone who can fight alongside us."
Lyra tilted her head, a playful smile curling at her lips. "Master… be cautious. Some species are not friendly. Some are clever, dangerous, and cunning. But if you succeed, our strength will grow."
Kael's excitement flared. "I'm ready. Let's go."
———
The Grayfang Mountains were treacherous, jagged cliffs and dense forests forming a natural labyrinth. Kael and Lyra moved cautiously along a narrow path, Lyra's senses sharp, tail flicking with each step as though she could read the air itself.
"Lyra… how do I even know if a species will respond to me?" Kael asked, scanning the rocky terrain.
"You must project your intent, your mind, your spirit. The system will guide you, but you must show strength and kindness. Some species respond to dominance, others to compassion. Some… to companionship."
Kael nodded slowly. He hadn't thought of companionship before—not in a world where survival was often about strength and cunning. But now… he understood. These creatures aren't just weapons. They're allies. Friends. Partners.
Hours passed as they climbed higher, the clouds parting to reveal sharp peaks jutting into the sky. Finally, they reached a plateau overlooking the valley. There, in a small clearing, a creature unlike any Kael had ever seen waited.
It was humanoid in shape, but clearly not human. Its skin shimmered like liquid silver, with faint patterns that shifted constantly across its body. Eyes the color of molten sapphire observed Kael intently, and twin horns curved from its head like polished ivory. A pair of feathered wings, folded elegantly against its back, glimmered in the sunlight.
Kael froze. "What… what is that?"
Lyra's ears twitched, and she crouched slightly. "Master… that is a Celestial Seraph. Rare. Powerful. And cautious of intruders. Approach carefully."
Kael swallowed. His heart pounded. "I… I want to try. I think… maybe it can be my next contract."
Lyra nodded. "Then show it your intent. Do not hesitate, do not falter."
Kael stepped forward, hands raised but empty. He projected a calm, steady aura through his mind, reaching for the creature. I mean no harm. I seek allies, not conquest.
The creature tilted its head, wings spreading slightly. The air itself seemed to hum around it. A voice, deep and melodic, resonated in Kael's mind.
"Mortal… why do you approach me?"
Kael flinched but spoke clearly. "I am Kael Varis. I seek allies… companions who can fight with me, who can grow stronger alongside me. I mean no harm, only partnership."
"And why should I trust a mortal?"
Kael's hands clenched into fists. 'Because I don't have any other choice. I have to show strength, yes… but also honor.'
"I have survived raiders, storms, and impossible odds all my life. I am not the strongest yet, but I will become stronger. I promise loyalty, respect, and growth. If you fight with me, I will protect you as I would myself."
The Seraph studied him for long moments, wings flexing like sails catching wind. Finally, it lowered its head, eyes glinting.
"Then I will test you, Kael Varis. Prove your worth."
Without warning, the ground beneath Kael shifted. Rocks erupted from the earth, forming jagged spears that shot toward him with deadly precision. The Seraph hovered above, eyes gleaming as if amused by the mortal's plight.
Kael's pulse surged. "Lyra! Shield me!"
Lyra leaped in front of him, claws slashing through the stone projectiles, which shattered against her. She growled, eyes blazing, and Kael felt a surge of pride. She's incredible…
(System Notification: Combat Mode Available. Suggest using companion synergy.)
Kael's mind raced. 'Synergy… okay… I'll try.' He focused on Lyra and projected his intent. Coordinate. 'Protect me, but also fight when needed.'
Lyra's eyes glowed brighter. She launched herself at a massive boulder hurtling toward Kael, shattering it mid-air with a powerful leap. Kael realized the system allowed him to issue battle commands mentally. Every movement Lyra made felt like an extension of his own body.
Seizing the opportunity, Kael dashed forward, weaving between rock spikes, and projected his intent toward the Seraph: 'I accept your test. I will prove myself.'
The Seraph's wings unfurled fully, lifting it high above the plateau. Energy crackled around its hands as it conjured a barrier of radiant light. Kael braced himself. The ground shook, the air thick with energy, but he didn't falter.
For a moment, he felt something strange—a connection forming between him and the Seraph. It wasn't friendship yet, but recognition. The creature saw his spirit.
Finally, the light dissipated, and the Seraph descended. "You have resolve… courage… and a spark of potential. I will join you. But know this: my loyalty is earned, not given lightly."
Kael exhaled, relief flooding him. "Thank you… thank you so much."
(System Notification: Contract Complete. Species Name: Aria, Celestial Seraph. Contract Rank: Guardian. Combat Ability: 8/10. Loyalty: 8/10. Human Form Available.
Aria's form shimmered, wings folding neatly.)
Her humanoid appearance was elegant and intimidating: tall, lithe, with silver hair cascading over her shoulders and piercing sapphire eyes. Kael felt a strange flutter in his chest. She's… beautiful. Powerful. Incredible.
Lyra tilted her head, a faint smirk on her lips. "Master… it seems your harem grows already."
Kael froze. "H-harem?"
Lyra laughed softly. "Some species will take human form. You may form bonds… companionships. Strength and loyalty grow from trust and care, Kael."
Kael blinked. 'Bonds… companionship… maybe even more. I didn't expect this… but… I like it.'
———
With Aria flying above and Lyra beside him, Kael began the trek back to Eronfall. The air seemed lighter, charged with new possibilities. Each step brought new realizations:
He now had two species, both capable of human form, both loyal and strong.
He could feel their presence linking to his own aura, strengthening him subtly.
His journey wasn't just about power—it was about connection, strategy, and companionship.
"Lyra… Aria… thank you," Kael said softly. "I couldn't have done this without you." Kael smiled to Lyra and Aria. "Thanks for taking a chance on me, Aria."
Lyra's amber eyes gleamed. "Master… you have begun to awaken the true potential of the system. Many more species await, and many more bonds must be forged. But today… you have taken your first steps toward supremacy."
Aria landed lightly, her sapphire gaze meeting Kael's. "Do not grow complacent, Kael Varis. Each ally, each species… is a test, a gift, and a responsibility. You must earn my loyalty every day, as I will strive to protect you."
Kael smiled, a sense of purpose solidifying within him. 'I will become stronger. I will find every species, every realm. And I will… rise to be Supreme.'
As the sun broke through the clouds over Eronfall, Kael realized one undeniable truth: his life had changed forever.
He had the system, loyal companions, and the promise of untold power. And somewhere in the future, he would discover the vastness of worlds beyond his own—and conquer them all.
But for now… he would learn, grow, and form the bonds that would carry him to heights no mortal had ever imagined.