Leo stared at the Shadow Wraiths, their glowing purple eyes locked on him like loyal hounds. "Damn, Valtharion," he muttered, shaking his head. "Why’d you hand me something this big?"
[You can check the stats of your summons now,] Elynn chimed, its voice bright and eager.
"Show me," Leo said, leaning forward.
Two interfaces flickered into his vision, one for each wraith, their stats laid out in clean, glowing text.
[Shadow Wraith (First)]
Type: Mana-Bound Summoned Entity
Stats:
• Level: 10
• Strength: 45
• Speed: 70
• Defense: 30
• Endurance: 40
• Mana Cost: 1 per 3 seconds
[Shadow Wraith (Second)] Type: Mana-Bound Summoned Entity:
Stats:
• Level: 10
• Strength: 45
• Speed: 70
• Defense: 30
• Endurance: 40
• Mana Cost: 1 per 3 seconds
[Cooldown: If a summon is destroyed, it cannot be resummoned for 3 hours.]
[Additional Ability: Shadow Manipulation—Leo can channel shadow-based magic through his summons, using their attacks or creating shadow constructs like tendrils or blades.]
Leo nodded, a grin tugging at his lips. "Not bad. But where’s the third one? The free-willed one?"
[Try summoning again!] Elynn suggested, its tone almost teasing.
Leo sighed, rolling his shoulders. "Alright. Come out," he murmured.
His shadow stretched across the floor again, but this time, the air grew colder, heavier, like a storm was brewing in the room. A prickling sensation crawled up Leo’s spine—something darker, more dangerous, was coming.
Rising into a sleek, massive form—a Shadow Panther, its body a swirling mass of inky mist, its eyes blazing with an intense purple glow. The creature was just like black panther but more darker, its muscular frame radiating raw power, its presence filled the room with an intimidating aura, both majestic and terrifying.
Leo’s breath caught, his crimson eyes locked on the panther. "Holy..." he whispered, a mix of awe and caution in his voice. The beast’s gaze met his, unyielding, loyal—but there was a wildness in its eyes.
[Shadow Panther Summoned!]
"Show me stats," Leo said, his tone steady.
[Shadow Panther]
Type: Free-Willed Summoned Entity
Stats:
• Level: 12
• Strength: 60
• Speed: 80
• Defense: 35
• Endurance: 50
• Mana Cost: None (Free-Willed)
[Cooldown: If panther is destroyed, it can be resummoned after 6 hours.]
[Unique Trait: Predator’s Will—Acts independently in combat, prioritizing high-threat targets. May disobey direct orders if it deems them unwise.]
Leo’s smirk returned. "You’re a tough one, huh?" he muttered. He stepped closer, extending a hand. "Alright, big guy, let’s work together."
The panther’s eyes narrowed, its tail flicking sharply. It let out a low, rumbling growl, not hostile but clearly asserting its independence. It prowled a slow circle around Leo, its claws clicking softly on the floor, as if sizing him up.
Leo held his ground, his gaze unwavering. "Not a fan of taking orders, are you?" he said, half-amused.
It sprawled lazily on the floor, licking a paw as if Leo were barely worth its time. Unfazed, Leo dismissed the Shadow Wraiths with a flick of his mind, their misty forms melting back into his shadow.
He studied the beast. This thing could tear through anything, he thought, a grin tugging at his lips. Keeping it out would give him a serious edge, but a giant panther walking around would send everyone screaming.
Then, like a spark, he remembered. "The pet collar from the shop."
[Pet Collar!]
[Cost: 50 Mana Shards!]
"Buy it," Leo commanded. A sleek collar materialized in his hand, perfectly sized for the beast. He dropped to one knee, his crimson eyes meeting Faline’s as he fastened the collar around its thick neck. The panther yawned, flashing sharp fangs, utterly unbothered.
Then,
The dorm door opens, and Liana walks in. "Young Master, the arrangements for home are set! We can—" Her voice cut off, her eyes widening in horror. There, in the center of the room, was her young master, kneeling before a monstrous panther, its gaze shifted to her with lazy disdain.
"W-what..." she stammered, stumbling back and slamming the door shut behind her.
Outside, she pressed herself against the wall, her heart pounding. "A panther? In the dorms? No way. I’m losing it. Too little sleep, that’s all." She muttered to herself, shaking her head. she cracked the door open for a peek.
Her jaw dropped. The beast was gone. Instead, Leo stood petting a small black cat, its purple eyes glinting mischievously as it stared right at her.
Leo straightened, brushing his hands off with a smirk. "Liana, how many times do I gotta say it? Knock first before entering."
She blinked, her mind reeling. "Young Master... was there... a giant animal in here? I swear I saw something huge."
Leo glanced at the cat, chuckling. "Huge? Just this little fuzzball." He nodded at the cat.
Liana rubbed her eyes, exhaling shakily. "Hallucinations. Definitely not enough sleep." She squinted at the cat, curious. "Where’d this cat come from?"
The cat sauntered over to Liana, purring loudly and weaving between her legs, its soft fur brushing her ankles. Leo tried to pet it, but Nimbus dodged him, sticking to Liana like a flirt. This cat’s a damn charmer, Leo thought, half-annoyed, half-amused.
"It wandered in," he said casually. "Figured I’d keep it."
Liana knelt, scratching Nimbus’s ears, her smile softening. "Pets are a lot of work, Young Master Leo. Have a name for this cat?"
Leo’s mind flashed to Chloe’s voice, full of dreams, picking a pet name for their future. Always planning ahead. He smirked softly. "Nimbus."
"Nimbus?" Liana echoed, uncertain. "That’s... cute."
[Name registered: Nimbus!]
Leo flopped onto his bed, the mattress creaking. "What’d Torgrim say about my sword?" He’d sent Liana to deliver the broken remains for repair.
Liana’s face fell. "He was angry. Said there’s nothing left to fix, so he’s crafting a new one from scratch. I gave him the address to ship it when it’s ready."
"Good," Leo said, staring at the ceiling. "Now, get a fast mail ready."
"For who?" Liana asked, still petting Nimbus, who purred like an engine.
"House Valarune," Leo said, his tone sharp with purpose. "We’re paying them a visit on the way to home."
Liana froze, surprised, but nodded quickly. "I’ll handle it, Young Master." Nimbus leaped onto her lap, nuzzling her, and Leo shot the cat a mock glare. Playboy.