The Ultimate Fluff Experience

"Alright, here we go!"

Yuri and Luca stood a short distance away, watching intently. We had left the city on foot and found a secluded spot where I could safely use my gift, [Sacred Beast Summon].

"Come forth, Sacred Beast! [Sacred Beast Summon]!"

The air in front of me shimmered, bending as though reality itself were rippling. Bathed in radiant light, the sacred beast materialized.

A pure white cat with long, silky fur appeared, its size no larger than an ordinary house cat—small enough to cradle in both hands. Its bright, intelligent eyes locked onto mine.

"So, you're the sacred beast that answered my summons…"

"Indeed. I am the king of cats, summoned by your call."

"It… it spoke!?"

"Sacred beasts possess great intelligence, and many can communicate in human tongue. Do not act so surprised, child. You have summoned me, and thus, you must fulfill the contract."

"Contract… that means giving you a name, right?"

"Precisely. Now, hurry and decide."

I racked my brain for a fitting name. This beautiful and regal creature deserved something that matched its majesty. Before I could decide, Yuri and Luca approached, having moved closer without me noticing.

"A sacred beast that's a cat? Can it even fight?" Yuri wondered aloud.

"Wow, look at that fur! So soft and shiny! It's adorable!" Luca gushed.

Ignoring the commentary, the cat simply stared at me expectantly. I smiled. "You seem so wise. I'll call you Sophia. Does that work?"

"Sophia, derived from the ancient word for wisdom. A fine choice—I accept it. Now then, I have yet to hear my master's name."

"Oh, right. I'm Matthew. Nice to meet you, Sophia."

"Well met, Matthew. Know this: I abhor unnecessary conflict. But should you ever find yourself in need, you have but to ask, and I will lend my aid."

"Thanks, Sophia. Actually, I have a favor to ask right away."

"Speak, and I shall listen."

Taking a deep breath, I leaned forward. "Can I pet you!?"

"...Very well. If that is your desire."

"Really!? Thank you! Oh wow, you're so silky and fluffy!"

I immediately began stroking her fur, marveling at the softness. Watching this, Luca's eyes sparkled. "I want to pet her too!"

"I am no common pet," Sophia said firmly. "Only my master may do so."

While I was engrossed in her luxurious fur, Sophia let out a long-suffering sigh. "Matthew, enough. As a sacred beast, I neither attract fleas nor require grooming."

I ignored her. "So soft…"

"Matthew…"

Still ignored. "So fluffy…"

"Enough! If you're done, send me back already!"

"Oops, sorry, Sophia. I got carried away. I'll call you again when I need you."

"Very well. Should you need guidance, summon me. I will show you the way."

"Thanks. See you soon, Sophia!"

I sent Sophia back, much to Luca's visible disappointment. She groaned loudly, clearly upset at being denied the chance to pet the sacred beast. Still, with Sophia's summoning complete, I had finally unlocked the full extent of my first gift.

Yuri, however, muttered skeptically, "She didn't exactly look like much of a fighter…"

It was true that Sophia seemed more suited to lounging than battling. But based on my mana detection, she contained an immense amount of magical energy. She had promised her assistance, so I couldn't imagine she was powerless. Still, she hadn't been specific about what she could do.

With that thought lingering in my mind, our encounter with the sacred beast concluded, and we resumed our journey.