Summoning and Discovery

After the golden light fades and the gates take shape before Jacob, he feels a strange sense of anticipation. A small golden shimmer appears at the center of the gates, and although Jacob does not fully understand the power of this aura yet, his intuition suggests it is connected to his new abilities. Standing before the gates, he feels his heart race with anticipation and a lingering inner anxiety.

Aerys, noticing his turmoil, steps closer. Her eyes sparkle with determination as she begins to explain the importance of the upcoming event.

— Jacob, now you need to summon your first subject through the portal. This is especially crucial because Pandora increases the chance of a useful summon at this early stage. Remember, every Lord receives a one-month protection period during which no one can attack your settlement. This time will help us strengthen our position and prepare for future challenges. — Her voice is like a soothing balm, easing Jacob's tension.

Jacob nods, absorbing her words. He takes a deep breath and approaches the gates. He places his hands on the cold, metallic surface of the portal, focusing his thoughts. He gives a mental command to begin the summon, and the gates respond with a swirling vortex. Stars begin to light up from above, one by one. One star, then another, a third, a fourth, and finally, the process halts at the fifth star. Aerys's eyes widen with excitement, and her face lights up with joy.

— Five stars! This is an exceptional result for your first summon. It means you'll likely receive a powerful and useful ally. — Her enthusiasm is contagious, and Jacob feels a mixture of pride and nervousness.

As the vortex stabilizes, a tall figure emerges from the gates. He is dressed in black robes, his face hidden beneath a hood. He steps forward and kneels before Jacob with a deep, respectful bow.

— My Lord, I am the Faceless, — he says in a calm, resonant voice. — I have the ability to fully transform into any humanoid creature I have slain.

Jacob observes the Faceless as he begins to explore the area around their new home. His movements are deliberate and graceful, each step calculated. Jacob takes this opportunity to learn more about the world of Pandora and its mechanics.

Aerys continues her explanation.

— As you are aware, we are currently at level zero. Both new summons and yourself are at this base level. We can advance our ranks by absorbing energy from the environment or by defeating other creatures. As a Lord, you also gain a portion of the energy from creatures slain by your summons. Additionally, monsters may drop items such as artifacts, summoning scrolls, blueprints for buildings, and more. The nature of the loot depends on the luck and strength of the defeated monster.

Jacob processes this information, feeling a sense of responsibility and excitement. He decides to test his new abilities. He closes his eyes and concentrates, activating his Foresight. The ability reveals auras of varying colors around him. Aerys's aura shines green, indicating safety and vitality. Nearby, a plant emits a red aura. Jacob hypothesizes that the red color might signify danger.

Determined to test his theory, Jacob carefully extracts some juice from the red-glowing flower and applies it to his skin. Almost immediately, he experiences a sharp, burning sensation. His skin begins to irritate and corrode, confirming that the flower is poisonous. The pain is intense but brief, leaving him with a valuable lesson about the dangers of the world around him. Despite the discomfort, the experiment allows him to understand his powers better.

During this time, Jacob is hit by a powerful surge of energy. It floods his body, filling every corner of his being with an electrifying sensation. It surpasses any pleasure he has ever experienced on Earth, far exceeding the effects of alcohol, drugs, or any other earthly indulgence. The energy continues to flow, bringing him a deep sense of euphoria and invigoration. Over the next ten minutes, three distinct waves of energy surge through him, each more invigorating than the last.

As the energy subsides, the Faceless returns, carrying an enormous wolf carcass on his back. The wolf is massive, twice the size of its earthly counterparts, its fur bristling with raw power. Jacob feels an instinctive sense of danger from the mere sight of the creature, marveling at the Faceless's strength and capability.

The Faceless approaches Jacob and hands him a summoning scroll.

— This scroll will allow you to summon one additional individual. — Aerys explains. Jacob takes the scroll and tears it in half. The gates light up once more, and a new summon emerges with no stars—an individual named Oliver.

Oliver, a rugged and lean figure, quickly gets to work. He assists in transporting the wolf carcasses closer to the portal. Meanwhile, Aerys begins preparing a meal from the wolf, her movements efficient and skilled. The air fills with the aroma of roasting meat, adding a sense of normalcy to the otherwise surreal experience.

Jacob continues to refine his use of Foresight, examining the auras of various items and objects. He notices that certain auras, such as the purple one surrounding specific objects, appear more stable, while the red ones indicate potential hazards.

The wolf meat, although tough and difficult to eat, provides Jacob with a significant boost of energy. It nourishes his body, bringing him closer to advancing to the next rank. Each bite is a reminder of the harsh reality of Pandora, where even basic sustenance requires adaptation and resilience.

As the evening progresses, Jacob, Aerys, the Faceless, and Oliver gather around a makeshift campfire. Jacob and his summons spend time analyzing the Foresight ability, practicing the recognition of various auras. The Faceless, ever vigilant, continues his hunt nearby, utilizing a protective barrier to avoid any potential threats. He ambushes animals near the barrier and retreats into its safety when necessary.

Oliver proves to be a valuable assistant, helping to move the carcasses and organizing their collection. By nightfall, a pile of fifteen monster carcasses has accumulated near the portal. Despite the impressive haul, no loot emerges from the remains, adding a layer of frustration to Jacob's efforts.

Jacob reflects on the challenges faced so far and realizes that patience and strategic planning are essential in this new world. Each failure offers a lesson, pushing him to adapt and refine his approach. The enigmatic nature of Pandora demands continuous learning and resilience.

As Jacob prepares for sleep, his mind is with thoughts of the future. He ponders the potential of his new abilities and the resources at his disposal. The challenges ahead seem daunting, but Jacob is resolute in his determination to make his mark in this strange world. He knows that every decision he makes will impact his survival and the growth of his settlement.