Rewards and Missions

Taming a beast means creating a bond with it, and even among the same species, each has its own temperament.

As I observed the two creatures before me, their calm demeanor suggested they were both gentle by nature.

"They seem obedient. I think they'll be relatively easy to handle," I noted.

"...It's unusual for them to be this calm. They're not typically like this," Rachel replied.

"Can they communicate as well?"

"No, but they can sense each other's emotions."

They can sense emotions?

This was something only possible in reality, not something you could ascertain in a game. With curiosity, I examined them closely. The wolf had a striking appearance, while the bear's large size made it seem imposing. Initially, when I first encountered them, the wolf had growled at me, but now it lay on the ground, resting its chin on its paws like a docile puppy with its eyes closed.

Do they enjoy being petted?

Some people have an uncanny ability to connect with animals. Just watching shows like those featuring Kang Myung-wook, who quickly befriends dogs, makes it clear that there's something about their aura or scent that draws animals in.

In this world, it seemed that this ability was referred to as "affinity."

Grrr...

Suddenly, both creatures blinked as if drowsiness was overtaking them. Intrigued by how far I could push this connection, I stared directly into their eyes.

Direct eye contact is often a sign of challenge or wariness.

The languages of humans and animals differ greatly. I recalled a dog training program I used to enjoy watching and continued to observe them quietly. While these summoned creatures might not share all the traits of dogs, they were still animals—there would likely be similarities.

"Jed, that might be a bit risky," Rachel warned.

"I think it'll be fine. For some reason, I just feel that way," I replied confidently.

Having grown up in the countryside with a Shiba Inu as a pet when I was very young, I felt a connection to these creatures. While we didn't live together indoors, I had developed a fondness for that dog during our time together.

Are they nervous?

As I continued to stare at them, they deliberately avoided my gaze and began yawning widely—a clear sign in animal language that they felt uncomfortable in this situation.

I wasn't an expert, but I could sense that much.

"You said they're not usually calm?"

"Of course! They're typically quite fierce."

"Hmm."

If they were truly fierce creatures, wouldn't it be normal for them to charge at me instead?

Seeing Rachel's curiosity mirrored my own uncertainty.

"Jed, do you want to try rubbing their bellies?"

"Their bellies?"

"I need to check something. Don't worry; I'll keep things under control."

The belly is a vulnerable area for animals and isn't usually exposed unless there's a level of trust between them and their owner. Presenting their belly signifies submission and trust; among peers, it can also indicate surrender.

"…Do you think I can do that? They might be more sensitive than you think."

While some of their aggressive tendencies may have faded during taming, they were still beasts at heart.

Feeling suddenly tense, I swallowed hard.

"Trust me," Rachel said with confidence in her eyes.

Well, given her exceptional affinity with animals, her assurance wasn't unfounded.

I moved cautiously toward the direwolf and extended my hand slowly toward its side.

Thud!

"?!"

In an astonishing turn of events, the creature rolled over onto its back and presented its belly!

It wasn't like an automatic door; it was as if my touch triggered an instinctive response.

"Wow…"

I could only stare in disbelief. This creature was undeniably a massive puppy disguised as a wolf—like an incredibly gentle golden retriever.

"Just as I thought…" Rachel nodded knowingly when she saw my astonishment.

When I looked at her in surprise, she smiled back warmly.

"Jed, it seems your affinity might actually be higher than mine."

"Really…?"

"I can't even touch their bellies because they're usually so rough around the edges."

"But you're their master!"

"The relationship between summoner and summoned isn't one of master and servant; it's more like partners. We must avoid actions that are taboo for each other."

"Oh…"

But why were they acting this way toward me?

Curious about the direbear as well, I decided to try petting it too—and just like before, it flopped over onto its back!

Then both creatures began nudging my hand with their faces as if asking for belly rubs.

"Haha! They really seem to like you! It's a little jealous-making; these are beasts I've raised since the north," Rachel chuckled.

I was just as surprised myself! Who would have imagined these once-fierce beasts could show such affection?

My affinity is high? Could this be due to Temud's influence?

After all, he had once tamed even the mighty sea dragon with just his words—so dealing with these beasts should be manageable!

However, this situation was different from then; while the sea dragon had fled in fear, these creatures genuinely seemed to like me.

"Jed, it's time for you to make your choice."

Right—there was no point in delaying any longer. Unfortunately, only one beast could be stored in the summoning ring. Both creatures gazed at me with wide eyes that sparkled with hope as if pleading to be chosen.

I steeled myself and made my final decision.

"I'll choose this one."

Grrr...

Roar!

One creature looked dejected while the other suddenly let out a fierce roar. As Rachel activated the magic circle again, the chosen beast transformed into smoke and entered my ring.

Two months passed since then.

Considering all the incidents that had occurred during that time, life had become somewhat monotonous. The repairs on the small estate were completed; Liou and her brother returned along with their companions while Eddie and Lakto went back to their detective agency.

I spent most of my time here so that my master wouldn't feel lonely without his usual company.

"You've really improved! Your growth is remarkable!" he exclaimed proudly.

"It's all thanks to the hellish training from morning till night," I replied modestly.

"Hmph! You're one of the toughest students I've ever seen! You've really endured through everything!"

[Checking Status Window]

[Name: Jed (Arahan)]

[Class: Magician]

[Traits]

[Immune to All (S)]

[Eternal Gambler (S)]

[Resilient Challenger (S)]

[Noble Soul of Champions (S)]

[Great Sorcerer's Blessing (S)]

[Stats]

[Strength: 100 (-30)]

[Dexterity: 100 (-30)]

[Health: 100 (-30)]

[Sense: 100]

[Mana: 20 (+5)]

I gazed contentedly at my significantly improved status window. Now at sixteen years old, my penalties for strength and agility had decreased by ten points each while my mana increased by four points—a considerable boost!

While other stats were fine too, nothing compared to how elated I felt every time my mana increased…

Thinking back on all that training makes me grind my teeth.

I had reached a level where multi-casting spells and transforming magic forms were possible along with controlling spell intensity effectively.

That wasn't all; thanks to special training sessions along the way, my practical skills improved significantly—I learned how to mask my presence using mana or detect movements within hundreds of meters!

Combined with Lich's Bracelet boosting my mana stat up to 25—equivalent to 2.5 circles in this world—I felt confident enough to face off against most 5-circle mages easily without relying on surprise tactics!

"Isn't it almost time?"

"Yes! It should start soon!"

Today is January 22nd in the year 1052 of the Empire. The special missions would commence in February—the official decree should arrive shortly!

Liou, Eddie, Lakto… especially Krang understood well how heavy these special missions weighed upon us all—everyone seemed worried about what lay ahead.

But not me!

I had made sure not to waste any time preparing myself for what was coming next instead filled with excitement rather than anxiety at what awaited us—traveling across the Empire battling various powerful foes kept me awake at night lately!

"Sigh… there's still so much left unsaid."

"I'll resolve everything quickly and return stronger than ever! By then you might find you have nothing left to teach me!"

"Hah! Where did you pick up such arrogance? Didn't I teach you not to get too full of yourself?" Krang grumbled while frowning—but even he couldn't hide his underlying concern behind those words.

"In any case… thank you for everything during this time! I won't forget your kindness."

"Don't act like we'll never see each other again! As we grow older we become more sensitive over trivial matters!"

"That's just talk! But still… before leaving I wanted to express my gratitude."

"Hmph! Just make sure you come back alive! Then maybe I'll teach you some advanced vision magic!"

"Yes!"

If only such things existed…

Due to differences in energy properties between us teaching him magic directly wasn't feasible anyway; Krang knew better than anyone else how much he could impart regarding spell application techniques like transformation or intensity control instead!

"Well then… I'm off! There are still people waiting for me!"

"Oh right! Wait just a moment!"

Krang hurried away towards his quarters before returning with a box adorned with Cherbille's emblem engraved upon it containing a necklace inside.

"What's this?"

"This is what you requested—a certain someone came by personally since he hasn't shown his face around lately."

"Ohh… got it."

I carefully accepted the box from him; currently wearing another necklace designed specifically for enhancing mana stat growth options—I had asked him for something different since growth options wouldn't suffice during special missions ahead!

I wonder what kind of incredible item he crafted this time?

Removing my current necklace carefully from around my neck before pulling out whatever lay within—the new piece wasn't adorned with diamonds or rubies like typical jewelry but rather embedded with mana stones instead!

Maximizing options while minimizing weight is where true craftsmanship lies after all…

It feels incredibly light!

This new necklace weighed less than even its predecessor—almost like holding onto feathers!

[Item "Unidentified Necklace" has been unequipped.]

[Item "Artisan's Necklace" has been equipped.]

[Option "Mana Surge" has been added.]

[Surge Rate: 100%]

"Whoa…!"

Blinking rapidly at my status screen filled me with awe!

Mana Surge allows one to double mana expenditure while temporarily boosting spell power—a feature previously considered exceptional if reaching only 30%.

In essence doubling mana consumption yields an output of 1.3 times normal power—which may seem inefficient but becomes essential when needing destructive force beyond limits often encountered during battles!

Mastering proper usage distinguishes experts from novices alike…

But 100% surge rate?! Is such a figure even possible?!

Once again realizing just how impressive Cherbille House truly is…

The main drawback behind Mana Surge lies within its low power-to-consumption ratio—a form akin to unfair trade practices hence why it's reserved only for critical moments rather than being wasted frivolously...

Yet this necklace allows for double output without compromising efficiency whatsoever!

With this synergy paired alongside my belt maintaining full mana reserves,

I'd achieved peak performance levels now—no longer needing caution regarding usage frequency either!

As I admired my new accessory once more Krang grumbled under his breath:

"Tsk tsk… didn't I tell you not rely too heavily on magical tools? Nowadays young folks just focus on shortcuts instead of hard work!"

"What do you mean by shortcuts?"

Even athletes utilize specially tailored equipment designed specifically for their sizes after all!

In an empire where mana reigns supreme alongside swords—it stands true across every aspect imaginable!

Regardless of Krang's complaints though—gear matters just as much if not more than stats themselves!

Now at 2.5 circles plus Mana Surge added on top means reaching nearly five circles!

Forget about easily defeating five circles—this newfound power might even allow tackling six circles head-on if fought strategically enough!