Location: Pondsville Outskirts – Still the same muddy pond, now smelling suspiciously of boss fight.
Objective: Investigate mysterious shadow.
Bonus Objective: Don't drown.
Penalty for Failure: Wet socks. And probably death.
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The water settled. The shadow was gone.
Oliver waited, rod in hand, expecting another mini-kraken or sword-fish incident.
Instead, something… soft brushed against his ankle.
Oliver looked down.
A cat climbed out of the pond.
Not a wet, flailing mess of claws and regret like most cats in water — no. This thing emerged bone-dry, with silver fur that shimmered like moonlight and eyes that glowed faint gold. It sat down, wrapped its tail around itself, and stared up at him.
"You have the look of one who fishes without purpose," the cat said.
Oliver blinked.
"…You talk."
"I also judge. Harshly."
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HUD POP-UP:
[You have encountered: Pond Cat Spirit]
Rarity: Legendary Familiar Candidate
Requirements to Bond: Feed it a fish it deems worthy
Reward: Permanent Familiar Bond + Unique Passive Skill
Failure: Mockery for the rest of your mortal existence
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Oliver rummaged through his bucket. Minnow? No. Bluegill? No. The carp? Still glaring at him.
"Right… you're a picky eater."
"I am a gourmand," the cat corrected. "Feed me something worthy, or leave me to my nap."
Oliver sighed, baited the hook with a suspiciously glowing worm (don't ask), and cast again.
The line tugged instantly.
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[SYSTEM ALERT: You have caught: Moonscale Koi]
Rarity: Epic
Effect: +7 LCK, +10 CHA
"Looks like it's judging you back."
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Oliver held it out. The cat sniffed delicately.
"…Acceptable."
It took the koi from his hands, bit once, and the fish dissolved into stardust.
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[FAMILIAR CONTRACT COMPLETE]
You have bonded with: Mistral, the Pond's Silver Fang
Perk Unlocked: Hunter's Instinct – Grants +20% crit chance against anything you've recently insulted.
"This will get petty fast."
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The cat leapt to Oliver's shoulder and curled there like it had always belonged.
"I am Mistral. I will guide you, mock you, and save your life exactly three times before I tire of you."
Oliver frowned. "Only three?"
"Yes. And one was just now, when you almost fell in."
Oliver was about to argue, but the pond bubbled again.
And from the trees behind him, the sound of armored boots approached.
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Guild Master Beck: "THERE HE IS! THE FISHING MENACE!"
Guild Mage Maria: "Sir, is that a familiar on his shoulder?!"
Intern Peter: "It's purring, sir."
Oliver stood. Rod in one hand, talking cat on his shoulder.
Mistral yawned.
"Oh good. More people to insult."
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SYSTEM LOG [Updated]
Oliver – Bugged Fisherman
Level: 3
HP: 24
STR: 32
AGI: 26
WIS: 8
INT: 8
CHA: 14
LCK: +7
Perks:
• Hooked on Growth
• Muscle Memory
• Hunter's Instinct (Crit bonus vs. insulted enemies)
Familiar: Mistral – Pond Cat Spirit
Special: Can detect hidden enemies, delivers morale damage to allies/enemies via sarcasm.
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