WOULD YOU LIKE TO NAME YOUR NEW SUMMONS?
Nyxian didn't hesitate.
"Yes."
The system pulsed once—waiting.
"…Grim," she said, glancing at the beast on her left.
"And Steed."
The moment the names left her lips, power answered.
Purple and black mana erupted from the fallen Grimsteeds' bodies, spiraling upward like twin storms. The crystal armor cracked and dissolved, replaced by shadowed flesh and glowing veins of energy. When the light settled, two massive, elephant-sized beasts stood before them—horns lowered, breath steaming, eyes glowing with quiet obedience.
The air itself vibrated.
Nyxian staggered back a half-step, heart pounding.
Then reality hit her all at once.
She turned toward Jax, wings flickering nervously into existence. "I—I'm sorry. I didn't mean to overstep. I just… it felt right, and I didn't think—"
Jax was staring.
Not angry.
Not concerned.
Awe.
"You just summoned an A-rank beast," he said slowly, disbelief and pride tangled together. "On your first real attempt."
Nyxian blinked.
"The only other thing you've ever extracted was an E-rank—maybe F-rank—shadow ferret," Jax continued.
He looked down as Echo hopped up beside him, chest puffed out proudly.
"…Who is clearly Triple-S rank in cuteness, ingenuity, and clutch saves."
Echo squeaked happily and slapped Jax's raised hand in a perfect high-five.
Nyxian laughed shakily, tension draining from her shoulders.
Jax, meanwhile, was already recalculating.
He didn't need a bond to summon.
He never had.
He willed shadows into existence through authority, not connection. Whether that was due to his abnormal mana reserves, his system privileges, or something deeper, he still didn't fully understand.
But Nyxian?
She needed resonance.
Choice.
Emotion.
And that made what she'd just done even more impressive.
"There are eighty crystal soldiers back there," Jax said after a moment, gesturing behind them. "B-rank. Resistant to magic and physical damage. Extremely useful. Do you want to try?"
Nyxian shook her head immediately. "No. I don't feel anything from them. They're… empty to me."
She hesitated, then added, "They're yours."
Jax nodded once.
He didn't argue.
Instead, he raised his hand and summoned the fallen soldiers in one sweeping command.
Shadow after shadow rose—uniform, disciplined, silent.
He declined the naming prompt without hesitation.
They wouldn't grow like his bonded summons.
But B-rank soldiers like these?
He'd be a fool not to take them.
As for the Grimsteeds' original bodies, Jax stored them carefully in his inventory for later use. Grim and Steed watched calmly as he did so, neither disturbed nor confused by the process.
They trusted Nyxian.
That was enough.
The next chamber was… unexpected.
The cavern opened into a vast natural bathhouse carved from crystal and stone. A massive pool filled the center, fed by a flowing underground river that shimmered with mana. Steam rose gently from its surface, warmth rolling through the chamber like a soft breath.
Jax frowned and immediately activated Inspect.
HOT SPRINGS OF THE CRYSTAL CAVES — MIDPOINT REST FLOOR
Most adventuring parties rest here.
Beasts are not known to inhabit this level.
"…Huh," he muttered.
They'd started the raid just after sunrise.
Now, judging by his internal clock, it was nearing five in the evening.
Nearly nine hours.
Even with their momentum, fatigue was creeping in.
"Alright," Jax said, lowering his guard just a fraction. "This is a safe floor. We'll rest."
The Vixens froze.
Then—
"You're serious?" Bunny asked.
Jax nodded. "You've earned it."
Cheers echoed through the chamber.
Nyxian was already halfway to her pack. "I am absolutely getting in that water."
Jax set up camp efficiently—unfolding a compact cooking station, summoning stored ingredients, and laying out supplies. He didn't bother pitching sleeping tents yet; this wasn't about sleeping.
This was about recovery.
"The springs have rejuvenating properties," he said over his shoulder. "Put on bathing gear if you want. Eat. Relax. I'll handle dinner."
The Vixens didn't need to be told twice. And neither did they put on bathing gear, before getting in.
They emerged later laughing, relaxed, and glowing faintly with restored mana.
Zee stretched luxuriously. "Not bad for an E-rank party, huh?"
Bunny grinned. "Understatement of the year."
"Helps that Jax is here," Llandra added.
Jax shook his head as he stirred the stew. "It helps. But you could've done this without me—eventually."
They didn't fully believe him.
But they loved that he did.
Dinner was… excessive.
A rich, hearty stew layered with spices from Solmere and Crystalshire alike. Meat so tender it melted. Vegetables bursting with flavor. Hunger and exhaustion turned it into something almost transcendent.
They ate until they were full.
Until they were quiet.
The hot springs, the food, the victories—it all settled in.
By seven, they were leaning against one another, energy finally spent.
By eight, they were asking Jax to christen the new place. iPoints gained, and stress released.
By ten, they were asleep.
Together.
Tomorrow, they would face whatever waited beyond the midpoint.
But tonight?
They rested at the calm center of the storm.
And the Crystal Cave waited patiently below.