prologue

Unsealed and Unprepared

> System Booting... Summoning Protocol #0666 Initiated. Welcome, User: Kael Varraz.

Darkness peeled away like an old curtain. Dust coated Kael's once-luxurious crimson cape, and the coffin creaked louder than his joints.

"Ugh... what year is it? And why do I smell pickles?"

The tomb door collapsed outward, letting light pour in. Kael squinted, shielded his eyes, and immediately tripped on his own boots. He lay groaning while bats burst out overhead in a panic.

> Host Status: Confused. Mana: Critically Low. Charm Level: Unintentionally High.

"Am I dead? Wait. No. I'm too handsome to be dead."

> System Online. Beast Summoning Enabled. Core Skill Unlocked: Beast Pact (Rank F). Target: Lesser Beast.

"Summoning beasts? Oh ho! My time has come."

He flared his cloak dramatically and bit his finger. "Let the pact be sealed, and the night obey me!"

A small poof sounded.

> Beast Summoned: Batling – Name: Flap.

A tiny squeaky bat appeared, promptly flew into Kael's face, and clung to his bangs like a living hair clip.

"Worthy steed!" Kael said proudly. "You may ride upon my glorious head."

> Beast Count: 1. Army Progress: 0.0001%.