The rain fell in sheets, drumming against the roof of the small village of Eronfall like the fingers of some invisible hand. Thunder growled in the distance, rolling over the jagged peaks of the Grayfang Mountains, and lightning painted the darkened valley in fleeting, jagged silver. Kael Varis crouched near the riverbank, the hem of his cloak soaked through, teeth chattering. He had been sent to fetch herbs for his mother, the simplest of errands, but now, drenched and miserable, he cursed his own curiosity.
Yet, something gnawed at him, deeper than the storm. A strange pull, almost magnetic, tugged him toward the mountains. Most of the villagers avoided the jagged peaks, speaking in hushed tones of ancient spirits and wandering beasts. Kael had grown up on tales of dragons, demons, and celestial beings, but he had never believed them. Now… he wasn't so sure.
A flash of lightning illuminated a crevice hidden in the cliffside—a narrow opening in the rock, just wide enough for him to squeeze through. It shimmered with a strange, unnatural glow. Despite the storm and the warnings of every story he had ever heard, Kael felt himself drawn forward. The air around the cave was different: thick, charged, and humming with a faint vibration that tickled his skin.
"Why do I feel like… something is calling me?" Kael whispered to himself, shivering from more than the cold.
He stepped inside, the rocks slick under his boots. The glow grew brighter as he descended, and soon he found himself in a circular chamber, the walls lined with veins of crystal that pulsed with soft, golden light. At the center of the chamber, floating above a pedestal, was a crystal shaped like a dragon's claw clutching a sphere of swirling energy. It radiated warmth, not heat, and the hum in the air seemed to settle around Kael like a welcome embrace.
He approached cautiously. The moment he reached out, the crystal flared, and a voice resonated in his mind.
"Welcome, Candidate. You have been chosen to wield the Emperor Summoning System. Your destiny begins here."
Kael staggered back, his heart hammering.
"W-What… what is this?"
"This is your path to supremacy. Through me, you may contract species from all worlds, command armies, and ascend to a power beyond imagination. First Contract Available: Lesser Beast."
Kael blinked, uncertain if he was dreaming.
"I… I don't understand."
"Do you accept?"
The crystal pulsed in his palm as he hesitated. The storm outside roared, and Kael's heart raced. What harm could come from trying? He nodded, almost instinctively.
"Accepted. Beginning Summoning Protocol."
The sphere inside the crystal shimmered violently, and suddenly the air in the chamber felt alive. Shadows stretched and swirled, coalescing into a small creature at his feet. It was a wolf-like animal, no larger than a large dog, with fur the color of midnight and eyes like molten amber. Its gaze was intelligent, unnerving, and it let out a low growl—not aggressive, but testing.
Kael froze. "Uh… hello?"
(System Notification: This species can assume a human form. Would you like to attempt contract in humanoid mode?)
Kael frowned. "Humanoid… mode?"
"Yes. Some species possess the ability to manifest as human. This form retains combat abilities and consciousness while allowing closer interaction with the summoner."
Kael's curiosity overcame caution. He nodded. "Alright… humanoid mode, then."
The wolf's body shimmered like heat over asphalt. Limbs elongated, fur receding into smooth skin, yet subtle markings remained—faint streaks of black across her arms, small clawed fingers, and amber eyes that now burned like twin suns. Her hair flowed like midnight waves, and when she straightened, she stood at Kael's chest height, graceful yet undeniably powerful.
She tilted her head, eyes studying him with intelligence and warmth. "Master… I am yours to command," she said, her voice soft but firm.
Kael blinked, speechless. His first instinct was to recoil, but something in her gaze—trust, loyalty, awareness—stilled his heart.
(System Notification: Contract Complete. Species Name: Lyra, Lesser Wolf Beast. Contract Rank: Squire. Combat Ability: 5/10. Loyalty: 10/10.)
Kael exhaled. "Lyra… okay. You can call me Kael."
Lyra inclined her head. "Kael… understood. I am yours, in battle and in service."
The chamber felt alive, as though the walls themselves were watching. Kael's mind raced. This… this changes everything. A wolf that can fight, think, and… talk? And there's more out there—more species like her?
Before he could ponder further, the cave entrance trembled. A deafening roar shook the chamber as the storm outside intensified. Kael's first challenge arrived sooner than expected.
From the mouth of the cave, a group of black-armored raiders emerged, drenched and armed with crude axes. They had been pillaging the village for weeks, and it seemed the storm did not deter them. Their eyes fell on Kael and the glowing chamber, and a twisted grin crossed the leader's face.
"Well, well… what's this? A boy in a storm playing with shiny rocks?"
Kael's instincts screamed. Fight or flee. But with Lyra at his side, something inside him ignited—power he had never known before.
"Lyra," he whispered, almost trembling. "We fight."
Her amber eyes flared. "Yes, Master. Command me."
Kael raised his hands, and the system responded.
(System Notification: Combat Mode Activated. Summoning Aura Engaged. Lyra will respond to all battle commands.)
The wolf-girl moved with impossible speed, leaping at the first raider. Her claws, sharp as daggers, tore through armor and flesh with precision. Kael stumbled backward, watching in awe. She's amazing… this isn't just summoning. This is… a partnership.
The raiders swung their axes blindly. Lyra dodged with supernatural agility, tail swishing in the air as if sensing danger before it arrived. Kael realized he could focus his mind and issue commands verbally or even telepathically through the system.
"Left flank!" he shouted, pointing.
Lyra obeyed instantly, flipping over the raider's shoulder, landing gracefully behind them. The battle was chaotic, but her skill and loyalty gave Kael confidence. For the first time, he didn't feel helpless. He felt… powerful.
The fight ended quickly, the raiders either unconscious or fleeing into the storm. Kael's chest heaved, adrenaline still pumping, and Lyra crouched beside him, panting but uninjured.
"You… you are incredible," Kael said, awe-struck.
Lyra smiled faintly. "Master, this is only the beginning. Many more species await. Many more battles. Are you prepared to rise?"
Kael looked at the storm outside, then back at the glowing crystal in the chamber. Rise… yes. He clenched his fists. "I'm ready. I'll become stronger. I'll gather every species I can find. I'll… become Supreme."
The system chimed softly.
(System Notification: First Combat Completed. Loyalty of Contracted Species Increased. New Contracts Detected in Nearby Realms. Some may assume human form.)
Kael felt a shiver run down his spine—not from the cold, but from realization. The path ahead was terrifying, but thrilling. He had the Emperor Summoning System, his first loyal companion in Lyra, and a world that no longer felt ordinary. Every species, every realm, every battle would shape him into something far beyond a mere boy from Eronfall.
And somewhere deep in his heart, he knew… he would not walk this path alone. Some of these species—some of the human-form ones—would fight beside him, laugh beside him, and perhaps… share his life in ways he had never imagined.
Lyra's eyes met his, glowing softly. "Master… let us begin."
Kael nodded. "Yes… let's begin."