Chapter 10: First Summon
Chapter 10: First Summon
Jason lay sprawled on the silk-covered bed in his private chambers, his gaze fixed on the ornate ceiling. The intricate carvings of celestial beings and mythical creatures stared back at him, illuminated by the warm glow of an oil lamp. To an outsider, he might have appeared lost in thought or perhaps simply indulging in idle relaxation. But within his mind, a world beyond comprehension was unfolding.
Hovering in the air above him was the blue, translucent panel of the system—a feature that existed solely for him in this world, unseen and unknowable to others. The familiar lines of text scrolled before his eyes, detailing his achievements, attributes, and, most intriguingly, the objective that had been waiting for him to address.
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[Status Update - Prince Aung]
- Level: 30
- Attributes:
- Strength: 30
- Agility: 35
- Intelligence: 40
Charisma: 38
Unique Skills:
- Summoning: Can summon spirits, monsters, holy beasts, and other entities at random ranks ranging from Low to Emperor. Summoned beings may form a contract based on mutual agreement.
-Appraisal: Allows the user to analyze the properties and potential of objects, creatures, and magic.
Supreme Skills:
(None)
Titles:
- Prince of the Pagan Empire
Objective: Summon your first familiar. The rank and nature of the summoned entity will determine your reward.
--Jason's eyes lingered on the Summoning skill, his curiosity mixed with apprehension. The description of the skill was straightforward but hinted at boundless possibilities. Spirits, monsters, and holy beasts… and their ranks—Low, Middle, High, Supreme, and Emperor—added an element of unpredictability to the process. He couldn't help but wonder what fate would grant him for his first attempt.
He sat up, the panel fading as he swung his legs off the side of the bed. His room was quiet, the thick stone walls muffling the sounds of the palace. He'd ensured no one would disturb him, casting a protective barrier that absorbed sound and magical disturbances. No one would know what he was about to do, not even Mira.
Jason inhaled deeply, centering himself. "Time to see what this skill is all about," he muttered under his breath.
---
Standing in the center of the room, Jason began channeling his Anja. The familiar hum of energy coursed through him, warm and steady, flowing from his core to his fingertips. The room seemed to shift around him, the air growing denser as his presence filled the space with latent power. The system's guidance resonated in his mind, providing the incantation for the summoning.
"Hear me, denizens of the realms unseen," Jason intoned, his voice steady and commanding. "By the strength of my will and the power of my Anja, I call forth a spirit to stand before me. I summon thee!"
As the final words left his lips, the air in the room crackled with raw energy. A circle of radiant blue light appeared on the floor, etched with runes that glowed brighter with each passing second. The temperature dropped, and a breeze stirred, though no windows were open.
From the center of the summoning circle, a figure began to materialize, shimmering into existence like a reflection on rippling water. Jason's breath caught as the light coalesced into a form—graceful, regal, and undeniably otherworldly.
Before him stood a woman of ethereal beauty, her translucent blue skin glowing softly. She wore a crown that shimmered like sunlight on the ocean, and her gown flowed like liquid sapphire. Her presence was both calming and awe-inspiring, the air around her vibrating with an aura of immense power.
Jason's system chimed.
[Appraisal Activated.]
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Name: Aqua
Title: Queen of Water Spirits
Rank: Emperor
Abilities: Mastery of all water-related magic, environmental manipulation, and healing.
---
Jason's mind reeled. Emperor rank—the highest possible. His first summon, and it was a being of unmatched status and power. He wasn't sure whether to feel exhilarated or terrified.
The spirit smiled, her voice like the gentle flow of a river. "You are the one who summoned me?"
Jason nodded, swallowing his surprise. "I am. My name is Aung… Prince of the Pagan Empire."
Aqua inclined her head slightly, her expression one of curiosity and approval. "A mortal, yet one who stands at the pinnacle of your realm. I see potential in you—strength untapped, a will unbroken. Rare qualities indeed."
Jason's heart raced as he met her gaze. The intensity of her presence was overwhelming, but her words carried no malice. "Thank you," he said carefully. "Your presence here is an honor. I… wasn't expecting someone of your stature."
Aqua chuckled softly, the sound like a trickling brook. "Summoning is often a reflection of the summoner. It seems the strength within you resonated with mine."
Her words carried a subtle acknowledgment of his progress, a validation he hadn't expected. Still, he knew there was more to this interaction than mere pleasantries.
Jason hesitated before asking, "Would you consider forming a contract with me?"
Aqua's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You waste no time, do you? Very well, I accept. You have shown respect and strength in summoning me. As long as you honor the bond, I shall lend you my power when called upon."
Jason exhaled, relief flooding through him. "Thank you, Queen Aqua. I will not take this bond lightly."
With a graceful wave of her hand, Aqua's form shimmered. A faint mark appeared on Jason's wrist—a delicate blue sigil shaped like a droplet, symbolizing their connection.
"Our contract is formed," Aqua said. "I will remain in my realm until you call for me. Should you need my aid, speak my name, and I will come."
Jason nodded, his mind still processing the magnitude of what had just happened. "Understood. Thank you for trusting me."
Aqua smiled once more before her form dissolved into light, leaving the room as silent as it had been before. The summoning circle faded, and Jason found himself standing alone.
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For a long moment, he stared at the sigil on his wrist, the weight of what had transpired sinking in. He had summoned an emperor-ranked spirit—a being whose power dwarfed that of the strongest mages in the human realm. And she had agreed to form a contract with him.
Jason clenched his fist, determination shining in his eyes. This power was a secret he would guard fiercely. For now, no one could know of Aqua's existence. The court was already a web of intrigue and danger, and revealing his new ally would only paint a larger target on his back.
As he sat back on his bed, the sigil glowing faintly on his wrist, Jason allowed himself a small smile. He had taken another step forward, a step that placed him far beyond the reach of most mortals.
"One day," he whispered, staring at the ceiling. "I'll show this world what I'm capable of. But for now… this stays between us."