A sharp synthetic beep sounded in his head.
Startled, he flinched, jerking his head back.
The sound gradually intensified, resembling a boot-up sequence.
His gaze snapped around as he frantically looked for the source.
Bit by bit, it amplified, escalating to a agonizing wail of metal grinding against metal at a unbearable pitch.
He clutched his skull, his fingers dug into temple, his knees collapsing, as his mouth parted into silent cry.
Just as abruptly it arrived, it dissipated, leaving only eerie silence behind.
A mechanical, flat, monotone voice resounded.
[Initiating system. ]
[Establishing synchronization with hosts body. ]
[Analyzing physical capabilities: strength, adaptability, resilience...]
[System initialization: 1% complete.]
[Processing: 5%... 15%... 35%... 66%... 89%... Standby for finalization.]
[Welcome 'User: Zephyr' to the Summoning Hero System. ]
A final, confirming beep as the process finalizes.
In daze, he stared blankly at stark glowing white text hovering in his vision.
Zephyr cautiously brought his hands up, letter flickered as they slipped through them meeting no resistance.
Is this magic?
His eyes held a mix of wariness and spark of fascination.
A delicate chimed echoed once more, he almost recoiled back, his pulse racing.
[Access full details by mentally commanding 'Status'.]
Fidgeting with his finger, he reasoned.
So this thing wants me to command 'Status'—
A large, translucent screen unfolded dominating his vision.
He jolted back, his skull smacking against the counter top, one of the plastic canisters on the counter top wobbled dangerously before tipping, showering him in a soft white avalanche.
A hollow plastic clunk rang out as it hit the floor with a dull thud, bouncing slightly.
Finalizing grand performance with a flourish
Zephyr mused. Karma is a bit*h
Screw that, Why do we have so much flour anyways?
He dusted flour of his clothes, his gaze snapping back to the status screen.
[STATUS WINDOW]
System Name: Summoning Hero System
[General Information]
Name: Zephyr
Class: None
Affiliation: None
Race: Human
[System Resources]
Summoning Points: 1200 SP
(Earn SP by guiding your summoned heroes to greatness)
Available Summons: 3
Summoning Type: [Random | Contract (Locked)]
Special Resource: Mana
[Inventory]
Relics: None
Skills: None
[Attributes]
HP: 13 / 13
MP: 6 / 6
Strength: 4
Agility: 3
Intelligence: 2
Willpower: 12
His eyes scanned the lines. His hand lifted instinctively, to touch the text, becoming aware he hesitating brought it back.
Zephyr coughed, and stood up.
No way, I'm using it.
Mom said not to touch strange things.
Yet, an undeniable gleam of interest lit up in his eyes.
He licked his lips, cast a quick look around checking for anyone like a children about to commit mischief.
It's clearly not a strange thing right? Just look at this it has my name clearly written on it.
With his questionable logic, he rubbed his hands in anticipation.
So how do we go about this?
I have to issue mental command huh
Lets see…
Flicking his tongue on the lips, he focused on Random summoning.
[Random Summoning]
Cost (SP): 800 SP
Remaining Summons: 3
Summoning Type: [Random]
Summoning Outcome Possibilities
S-Rank: Chances: 0.01%
A-Rank: Chances: 1%
B-Rank: Chances: 5%
C-Rank: Chances: 15%
D-Rank: Chances: 25%
Better luck next time: Chances: 53.99%
[Summon Hero]
■■ Press to Summon and reveal your hero's rank!
Seeing the percentage of summoning his eyes bulge out.
forty four percent for nothing, what is this crazy lottery system?
Is this some kind of cruel joke?
With amount of sp I could only roll it once.
And I need a summon for earning sp.
Doesn't that mean my whole luck depend on a single summon?
He gulped. Maybe I should bring the priest and wait for a perfect moment to roll
No. He slapped his cheeks lightly and sharpened his gaze.
I am doing this, I'm my mom's son, yeah, a man, peak of masculinity.
With that he clicked on the roll.
A rhythmic clinking and spinning, coins clattering filled the air, the sound intensifying until a triumphant bell rang out.
[Congratulations! 'Zephyr', You've unlocked your first hero!]
[You have unlocked 'Morgiana' - Grade C hero. ]
A sudden flash rang out just Infront of him blinding him momentarily.
His hand instinctively covered his eyes.
The flash gradually faded, leaving Zephyr blinking into the empty air, his hand still shielding his eyes. A soft hum lingered in the silence, as if something was waiting for him.
He lowered his hand, squinting at the still hovering text.
[Hero Summoned: Morgiana]
[Hero Rank: C]
He grumbled quietly, breathing out in frustration.
"Morgiana…" he muttered, scanning the name. "A C-rank, huh? Could've been worse… but it could've been better too."
"Is this Morgiana from…?"
Air around the room shimmered, another figure suddenly materialized Infront of him.
It came like a hallow transparent phantom, until suddenly the weight of it settled on the small kitchen space.
A girl, no a young women with black hair, tied in braid falling down just below her shoulder. She had average features, a softly defined figure, small nose, light medium skin tone. She had neutral expression on her face. But her eyes gleamed intensity of intelligence, sharp and calculating.
She wore flowing light wear robes decorated by shapes of sun and moon, cinched at the waist.
Then, her gaze settled on Zephyr, and a faint, knowing smile filled her lips. Almost like she could see right through his thoughts.
She knelled Infront of Zephyr and spoke.
"I am ready to act, Master, whenever you command."