The adventurer guild was in a state of controlled chaos. Papers shuffled, boots clattered, and voices echoed with tension as adventurers prepared for the coming battle. Theo stood at the center of it all, his commanding tone cutting through the noise as he directed groups and gave orders. Arke, calm and efficient, assisted Arthur behind the counter—signing documents, sorting missions, and confirming deployment routes. The air was heavy with anticipation. Everyone knew what was coming.
Meanwhile, at the far end of the guild, Akari Sato stood quietly in the training ground. She exhaled, wiping the sweat from her forehead as she stared at the glowing blue screen before her eyes—her Status Window.
Her gaze trailed over the list of skills she had accumulated:
[
Adaptability (Unique)
Storage (Unique)
Vine Hostage (Lv. 4)
Heal (Lv. 3)
Power Strike (Lv. 4)
Godspeed (Lv. 2)
Reinforcement (Lv. 1)
Rage (Lv. 1)
Summoning (Lv. 1)
Evolution (Passive)
]
She muttered, "Still not maxed… I can't evolve any of them yet." Her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "But Reinforcement... that might be useful for what's coming."
Akari opened the detailed description. The text shimmered faintly:
Reinforcement — Allows the user to temporarily command and control low-tier monsters within range.
The number and strength of monsters are limited by the user's mana capacity and mental focus.
"Commanding monsters… sounds risky, but better than nothing," she whispered. "At least Rage can be my last resort."
She swiped to the next skill.
Rage — Temporarily increases all attributes by 300%, but limits mental control after 5 minutes depending on user's stability.
"Five minutes, huh?" she mumbled, tapping her chin. "That's basically asking for trouble."
Finally, her eyes landed on the last one—Summoning.
Summoning — Opens a portal connecting to the primal realm. Allows a contract with one random beast.
Her lips curled into a grin. "Right… it's time to try this."
She took a deep breath and raised her right hand.
"Summoning!"
A black magic circle expanded beneath her feet, lined with glowing red runes that pulsed like a heartbeat. The air crackled. Akari gritted her teeth as she felt her mana being drained—heavily, forcefully, like something on the other side was tugging it away. The pressure built until she could barely stand.
Then—fwash!
A bright burst of crimson smoke filled the room. The training ground trembled, and a massive shape began to form from the haze. When the smoke cleared, Akari's eyes widened.
Before her stood a red dragon—its scales gleaming like molten ruby, its golden eyes sharp and intelligent. Though not fully grown, the aura it exuded was terrifyingly majestic.
The dragon blinked, lowering its head slightly.
"So… you are the one who called me?"
Akari froze. "Y-you can talk?!"
The dragon chuckled softly, its voice smooth and feminine. "Of course. Are you prepared to form a contract with me, little human?"
Akari nodded, sparks of excitement in her eyes. "Yes! What do I need to do?"
"Give me a name," the dragon replied. "A name that will bind our souls."
Akari thought for a moment. The name came to her like a whisper in the wind.
"Then… I'll call you Ruby."
The dragon's eyes glowed with gentle warmth. "Ruby… I like it."
In an instant, the circle below them flared once more. Crimson smoke enveloped the dragon. Akari shielded her face, coughing slightly. When the smoke cleared again, her jaw dropped.
Standing before her was not a dragon—but a young woman with long red hair, golden eyes, and a maid outfit that looked strangely pristine despite the summoning.
Akari blinked. "Wait—what happened to the dragon?"
Ruby brushed off her skirt and smiled. "This is my land form. Humans tend to panic when they see a dragon. I prefer this look."
"Okay… but why a maid outfit?"
Ruby tilted her head. "Because you're wearing one."
Akari froze. "I'm… not—wait, I was wearing an..maid outfit..oh.." She sighed, defeated. "You just copied it, didn't you?"
Ruby grinned mischievously. "A fitting uniform for partners, don't you think?"
Before Akari could argue, the training hall doors swung open with a loud bang. Theo and Arke stepped in, their faces tense from exhaustion—until they saw Akari gently patting Ruby's head.
Theo blinked. "Akari… what did you just do?"
Akari laughed nervously. "Oh, um… this is Ruby! My new partner."
"Partner?" Arke stepped closer, her sharp eyes scanning Ruby's aura. "Wait… that energy—" she paused, eyes widening, "—you're not just any dragon. You're the Northern Red Dragon Guardian, aren't you?"
Ruby smirked. "So someone remembers. It's been centuries since anyone recognized me."
Akari tilted her head. "Guardian?"
Arke folded her arms, explaining, "There are entities known as Guardian Deities—ancient beasts that maintain the world's balance in their respective regions. Ruby here… is one of them."
Akari gawked. "I summoned a deity?!"
Theo sighed heavily. "Akari… only you would accidentally summon a world guardian like it's nothing."
"I didn't mean to!" she protested, puffing her cheeks.
Arke chuckled softly. "Still, to form a contract so easily means your mana affinity must be extraordinary. Few people in history could have managed that."
Ruby crossed her arms proudly. "I like this girl. She's reckless but honest."
Theo finally broke the chatter. "Enough talk. We're moving soon. Reinforcements are almost ready."
Akari's expression hardened, determination flashing in her eyes. "Understood."
Ruby shifted beside her, eyes glowing faintly. "Then I shall fight by your side, my master."
"Don't call me master!" Akari blurted, embarrassed. Ruby only laughed.
—
By evening, the perspective shifted.
At the northern frontline, soldiers and adventurers fortified barricades under the command of the Kingdom's Knight Commander. The battlefield stretched across the misty plains, where banners flapped violently against the cold wind.
"Commander!" shouted a scout, running up breathless. "Adventurer reinforcements from the guild are en route!"
The commander exhaled in relief. "Good. Tell the men to prepare the first formation. We'll hold until they arrive."
As orders spread through the camp, the scene cut sharply—to the shadows beyond the mountains.
There, surrounded by a horde of monsters, stood a woman in a black-violet robe. Her long dark hair fluttered in the wind, and her cold smile gleamed beneath the hood.
"Summon," she whispered.
A black circle expanded before her—and from it emerged a colossal black dragon, scales darker than night itself. The monsters around her roared in unison.
"Arima will be pleased," the woman muttered. "This kingdom will crumble… and so his wish will draw nearer."
—
Back in the Kingdom of Solemn, tension reached its peak. Adventurers assembled in rows, weapons gleaming beneath the twilight.
Akari stood among them, her heart pounding. The air felt electric—alive with courage, fear, and purpose.
She looked around and accidentally bumped into someone—a towering, muscular man whose sheer presence made her flinch.
"Sorry! I wasn't looking—"
The man turned, smiling kindly. His voice was gentle despite his intimidating frame. "No harm done. You're new?"
Akari nodded, a little embarrassed. "Yeah. Akari Sato."
"Draco," he said simply, offering his hand. Behind him stood three others—Sena, a nun-like cleric; Yone, a rugged middle-aged swordsman; and Techies, a dwarven bomber with a massive grin.
Before long, another familiar group joined them—Leo's team, White Sword.
Leo waved. "Akari! Glad to see you safe."
Akari smiled. "You too, Leo!"
Draco and Leo clasped hands firmly, their camaraderie clear. Akari blinked. "You two know each other?"
Leo nodded. "Our groups have worked together before. Guess fate wants another round."
Akari laughed softly. "Then let's make it count."
Before they could say more, Theo's commanding voice rang out across the field.
"Adventurers! Ready your weapons!"
All turned toward him as he stood atop a raised platform, Arke beside him.
"This will not be an easy battle," Theo declared. "You may die—but remember, you are not fighting alone! This is our homeland! Protect it!"
A roar of approval echoed across the ranks.
Theo turned to Akari, his voice lower. "Summon Ruby when the signal is given. Use Reinforcement to turn the enemy's monsters against them. You'll know when."
Akari nodded firmly. "Understood."
As the horn of battle echoed from the northern ridge, Akari tightened her grip on her sword. Her heart raced, her mind focused. Ruby's voice echoed softly beside her.
"Are you ready, Akari?"
She smiled, eyes burning with resolve. "Yeah… Let's give them everything we've got."
—
Far above, in the Divine Realm, three deities watched through a pool of light.
The God of Reincarnation leaned back, expression unreadable. "So… it begins."
The God of Death smirked. "This will be a bloody one. I should prepare for incoming souls."
The Goddess of Divine Beasts crossed her arms, amused. "Your vessel just summoned one of my children. You do have a taste for chaos."
"She's unpredictable," the God of Reincarnation replied softly. "That's what makes her… perfect."
The goddess chuckled. "If the Goddess of Fate hears about this, she'll cause another uproar."
The god's smile faded. "Those hypocrites have no right to speak. Their greed shattered this world's peace long before my vessel arrived."
The God of Death's voice turned cautious. "Careful, old friend. Words like that echo… and not all who listen are kind."
The God of Reincarnation's eyes glowed faintly. "Let them listen. When the time comes… this world will tremble again—just as it once did."
And as his words faded, thunder rolled across both heavens and earth—heralding the beginning of a war that would change everything.
To be continued...