The courtyard was alive with the chirping of sparrowtails and the shimmer of morning dew, yet within the underground chamber beneath the Jitters estate, the air was heavy, humid, and charged with magic. Floyd stood shirtless in the middle of a wide summoning circle engraved with runes older than any known human language—his body glowing faintly with the lingering effects of the fire elemental bonding.
Blazefang, the Flameclaw Direwolf, lay silently at the edge of the circle, his eyes watchful and reverent. There was no growl, no resistance. He was bound—not by force, but by Floyd's sheer magical pressure. A bond deeper than master and pet.
Today, Floyd wasn't just experimenting. He was expanding.
[Summoning Core Matrix Initialized]
[Warning: High Mana Consumption—Recommended Energy Anchor Present]
[System Suggestion: Begin Familiar Bonding Ritual - Tier 2 or Lower]
"System," Floyd whispered. "Access the bestiary. Show me compatible spiritual creatures in the eastern region."
[Matching…]
[Result: Aqua Sylph - Minor Water Spirit | Location: Silverwater Caverns]
[Result: Shade Imp - Mischief-Class Shadow Creature | Location: Hollowrock Glen]
[Result: Wind Kirin Cub - Elemental Beast (Rare) | Location: Tempest Cliff]
The last one caught his attention.
"A Wind Kirin?" he murmured, eyes widening slightly. "That's... extremely rare."
[Caution: Host is not recommended to approach Tempest Cliff without preparation. Environmental mana instability detected.]
A smirk curled his lips.
"That's never stopped me before."
—
Later that afternoon, Floyd emerged from the depths, donned in light adventuring robes—a flowing navy tunic reinforced with magical thread, lined with spell-absorbing runes. His belt held two enchanted pouches and a slim crystal dagger—not for fighting, but for drawing binding glyphs.
As he passed through the halls, Gabby caught sight of him.
"You look like you're up to something," she said, arms folded. She was in casual attire today—her black mage coat open at the front, revealing a snug blouse that hugged her curves and high-slit pants that revealed smooth, powerful legs.
Floyd smiled and tried to walk past her. "Just some light exploration."
Gabby stepped in front of him. "You're leaving the estate, aren't you?"
"...Maybe."
She raised a brow. "Where to?"
"Tempest Cliff."
"You're insane."
He chuckled, brushing past her. "That's not new."
Before he turned the corner, she grabbed his arm gently. "Just… be careful."
For a moment, there was a softness between them—an awkward closeness. Floyd's eyes dropped, catching the subtle rise and fall of her chest. Gabby noticed his gaze and gave a small smirk.
"Eyes up, Jitters."
He flushed. "Right. Sorry."
She waved him off. "Just make sure you come back in one piece. I need you alive to beat BohLin in our next spar."
—
Tempest Cliff
The winds howled like spirits singing ancient warnings.
The edge of the world—jagged cliffs towering over miles of forest, their faces carved by centuries of wind magic. Crystalline formations jutted from the cliff walls, crackling with elemental energy.
Floyd stepped carefully, his boots crunching on loose gravel. He could feel the mana here—sharp, electric, almost sentient.
He focused his senses. A presence—light, swift, and watchful—darted just beyond the rocks.
"There you are," he whispered.
The Wind Kirin cub revealed itself from behind a stone ridge, its pale teal mane flickering like silk caught in a breeze. Hooves made of cloudlight barely touched the earth. Its large eyes—curious, intelligent—locked with his.
Floyd lowered himself to a knee.
"I won't harm you," he said calmly. "I want to form a bond."
The cub snorted, sending a burst of compressed air toward him.
Floyd raised a barrier just in time.
"Okay. Earned that."
He reached into his pouch and pulled out a palm-sized spirit core.
The Wind Kirin blinked, then cautiously stepped closer, nose twitching at the magical aroma.
[System Prompt: Initiate Spiritual Familiar Bonding? Y/N]
"Yes."
A ring of light encircled them. The Wind Kirin tensed—then relaxed as Floyd channeled his mana, letting it flow not with dominance, but invitation.
The cub pawed the ground once… and stepped into the circle.
[Bonding Successful. New Familiar: Galeheart the Wind Kirin]
Magic surged through Floyd's spine. The connection was sharp and euphoric. Images and emotions flooded his mind—freedom, speed, sky.
Galeheart bowed its head, and Floyd touched its forehead.
"I'll protect you. And together, we'll soar."
—
That night, back at the estate, Floyd stood alone on the rooftop with Galeheart beside him.
The stars were silver-bright. The moon hung low and wide.
Behind him, he sensed movement. Sophia appeared in her nightgown—barefoot and sleepy-eyed.
"You snuck out again."
Floyd didn't turn. "Just wanted some air."
She stepped closer, her gaze flicking to the new creature beside him. "Another magical beast? You're collecting them like toys."
He laughed softly. "They find me."
"I find you... a mystery," she murmured, now just a breath away.
He turned slowly. Their eyes met.
The night air thickened.
Then, before either of them could speak, she rose on her toes and pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"I'm going back to bed," she whispered, cheeks flushed. "Try not to get killed, hero."
He watched her go, stunned.
A part of him had been lit—a small flame of something more than power.
Something harder to control.
And much harder to ignore.
—