I take one last look at the stone circle before turning away, deciding that it can wait for now. There are more important things to take care of, like securing the area. The last thing I need is to get distracted by something that could be a trap.
I call out for the guard, my voice carrying through the trees. "Hey! Come here for a moment!"
It doesn't take long before I see him approach, his boots crunching on the forest floor. His eyes are scanning the surroundings, always alert, even though he's already on patrol. He stops a few feet away, his posture straight as always.
"Reporting, Sovereign," he says with a slight bow.
I hesitate for a moment, trying to figure out the right way to do this. I've been thinking about it for a while, and now feels like the right time.
"You've been loyal. You've been protecting me, watching over this land," I begin. "And I think it's time I give you a name. Something that means something."
The guard tilts his head slightly, the faintest trace of curiosity in his eyes.
I nod. "From now on, I'll call you Aric. Does it suit you?"
His gaze sharpens, as if he's testing the name, considering it. Then he gives a slight nod. "Aric. It has a strong sound to it. I accept it."
"Good," I say, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Now, as for your duties—I need you to focus on guarding the territory. Patrol the area. Make sure no threats approach."
Aric doesn't hesitate. "Understood. I will guard this place with my life."
He turns on his heel, moving toward the edge of the shelter, his eyes scanning the surrounding trees. I watch him go, feeling a strange sense of satisfaction. There's something about naming him that makes this whole situation feel more real. He's not just a summoned unit anymore—he's an ally.
I turn my attention to the system again. There's something I need to know, something I've been meaning to check for a while.
---
[Status Window: Sovereign]
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The screen materializes before me, showing everything about myself. I'm curious to see what's changed since I got here, to understand more about who—or what—I am now.
---
[Sovereign]
Name: No Name
Level: 1
Gold: 50
HP: 100%
Stamina: 100%
Skills: None
Abilities: None
---