First Phantom Contract Trial

"Haleth!" Mikel's voice echoed through the quiet forest. "Hey! Haleth!"

[I don't think shouting is going to make it come out, Master.]

He ignored Doom's comment and kept moving deeper into the trees.

"Haleth! I know you're in here!" he called again. "My name's Mikel — not a shaman, not yet anyway! But I need something from you!"

He paused, listening to his voice bounce back from the trees.

"Ever heard of a contract with a human? It's a mutual agreement! Want to test that out?"

[Master, if someone else is here, shouting your intentions might put you at a tactical disadvantage.]

"Got any better plans?" Mikel muttered, glaring at the screen. "Just keep scanning and warn me before I get jumped."

The screen flickered reluctantly.

[Scanning…]

Mikel clicked his tongue and resumed calling Haleth's name—again and again— but his own voice was the only reply.