Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 123: Unexpected Summon

[Familiars]. According to the wiki, they are monsters bonded by someone through unique stones called [Core Crystals]. They were originally made by the [Elves] until they decided to share their methods to connect with the monsters to most of the kingdoms through a union between the [Adventurer Guild] and the monarchy of the kingdoms.

Apparently, the new feature of <Isekai Online> is a pet system that doubles as an NPC ally in most of our future battles. With my role as Kaz's [Guardian Player] finished, we probably need more hands to help us in our gaming ventures. There are times when most of our friends are going to be busy in the coming months and there are [Quests] that we can't do all by ourselves. Honestly, this feature is a blessing in disguise for both of us.

Although, the real problem lies in the mechanics of the feature itself. According to the forums we read, the [Familiar Soul Gem of Fate] can get us a fully-randomized [Familiar] or nothing at all. The only way to manipulate the odds is to use the item at a specific location based on the monster's element. Kaz and I wrapped our heads around what we might get in our gems. While there's no way for us to choose our ideal [Familiars], we learned from the wiki that we can manipulate our chances based on the locations where we use our gems. The problem, this time, both of us have different interests where we want to summon our would-be [Familiars]. While it's no problem now that Kaz is old enough to go off by himself, I'm a bit concerned about him.

"I know what you're thinking, Wind," he says as we head out of the inn. "I told you, I'll be fine. I read those safety tips from you and Dad yesterday. I promise not to join any suspicious parties along the way. So don't get too paranoid."

He has a point there. I shouldn't be the overprotective big brother any longer. Kaz is a growing kid and I need to let him do what he wants in the game now.

"Alright. Sorry about that." I sigh loudly before I continue. "If something comes up, you know where to call."

"Yeah. Good luck on your [Familiar] summon, Wind!" Kaz says before he runs out of town.

I smile as I wave at him. "Same to you, Kaz!"

As I watch him go off, I can't help but frown as I watch him grow smaller the farther he runs from me. He only turned 13 a few days ago and he's already taking advantage of his newfound freedom in the game. He really is starting to become a man.

Well, enough reflections. I should head out before the sky turns dark here.

-----

Honestly, I don't think I need an ally. Thanks to Kaz, I can hunt monsters with my friends or Kaz's help. Yet I can't help but not to ignore the [Familiar's] benefits. I read from the wiki that my namesake element can aid me by doubling my movement or attack speed for a while. Since I've got a new [Advanced Mastery] that may fit with my build, a Wind-elemental Familiar should be a good partner for me.

This is why I'm walking through the windiest area near <Initio> called the <Gust Plains>.

I heard there are some more dungeons and areas related to the [Wind] element. But the wiki didn't say it needs to be a dungeon to increase the odds of a Wind-elemental Familiar. All that's left is to leave it up to chance for this one summoning. I take out my [Familiar Soul Gem of Fate] and raise it up in the air just as a gust of wind blows through my body. There's an incantation attached as soon as I try to use it, so all that's left is to chant it to activate it.

"I call on the spirits that govern the ties between humanity and creatures of mana. Show me where my path lies with my future partner."

The stone begins to glow in many colors I can't describe in words.