The morning sun cut through the rain soaked city, glinting off puddles that still reflected the chaos of last night. Kaito sat on the edge of a rooftop, staring at his hands. His chest still ached from adrenaline, and his mind buzzed with numbers, stats, and abilities that the system had shown him.
[Spirit Bond: 1/5]
[Mana: 80%]
[Daily Quests: Survive, Summon, Level Up]
I… I really can summon them," he whispered, almost in disbelief.
He clenched his fists. Closing his eyes, he focused, summoning his fire wolf once more. This time, it emerged with more clarity, its fur shimmering with molten energy.
Good," a voice in his head spoke the system again.
[Spirit tamed: Fire Wolf Name it to increase bond.]
Kaito hesitated, then said, "I'll call you… Inferno."
The wolf's eyes glowed brighter, and it bowed slightly, acknowledging the bond.
[Spirit Bond Increased: 1 to 2]
[Kaito Hoshin: Lv. 2 to Lv. 3]
Suddenly, a loud crash came from the alley below. Kaito jumped, landing silently on the street. Another shadow creature, bigger than the last, stood in the middle of the street. Its body was black as night, with streaks of glowing blue energy.
Kaito's heart raced. "Okay… let's try this.
He raised his hands, and from the air appeared not just Inferno, but a second spirit a hawk made of swirling wind.
[New Spirit Summoned: Gale Hawk]
[Ability Unlocked: Dual Summon Can summon two spirits simultaneously]
The creature roared, charging at him. Inferno leapt forward, claws blazing, while Gale Hawk dove from above, slicing through the air like a blade of wind. The monster staggered but was not defeated.
Kaito felt the system's warning:
[Warning: Enemy Level High. Estimated Threat: Lv. 5]
He swallowed hard. This would be his first real fight. He focused, calling upon the spirits' powers together. Fire and wind combined, creating a blazing tornado that swept the creature off its feet, sending it crashing into a wall.
Breathing heavily, Kaito stepped forward, summoning all his courage. "I… won't lose!"
The creature vanished in a cloud of dark smoke. Kaito's body trembled, exhausted but exhilarated.
[Level Up: Kaito Hoshin Lv. 3 to Lv. 4]
[New Ability Unlocked: Spirit Fusion Combine elemental spirits for devastating attacks]
As he looked at the smoke filled street, Kaito felt a chill. A shadow watched him from the top of a nearby building. Eyes glowed in the darkness.
A calm, sinister voice whispered into his mind:
"Interesting… the system has chosen you. I will be watching."
Kaito's fists clenched. The battle was over, but the war was just beginning.