Artificial Fantasy

Chapter 124: Sapphire Dragon

ARGH!!! What's with this stupid [Familiar] system?!

I managed to use it in a dungeon filled with the most [Arcana] mana around (AKA <Tested Wilds>) and I chanted the incantation right, but all it got for me was a cracked version of the core gem! I did everything to get my very own [Familiar] to the point that I had to research how they work and help out Bai Hu before the maintenance and this is where all my hard work ended up!

Man, now I'm starting to hate the game more than Wind and this is only my first time going off alone in this game!

Agh... This sucks.

[Something the matter, young [Insignis]?]

I gasp as I turn around and see a familiar magical white tiger walking towards me.

"Hey, Bai Hu. Not a good time to talk. So much happened a few days ago."

[You mean how you passed your [Sign Creation Ceremony] with flying colors?]

My eyes widen when I hear those words. "How did you know about that?"

[I have some connections with the [Insignis] sages through my powers. You were the talk of the town and I'm surprised you managed to defeat the [Tempest Fridgate] all by yourself,] Bai Hu says. [Not many mortals can defeat it all on their own, especially with young [Insignis] adventurers. Many simply avoid them during the ceremony as the sages warned them. Sure, they might have disregarded to warn you about it, but you never hesitated to face it for the sake of your ceremony. So I commend you for your bravery and creativity for your achievements.]

I smile after he says all of that. I did work hard to finish that [Hidden Quest] despite it being all sudden. Not only that, but it was worth it since I got some awesome new abilities I can try soon. His encouragement is enough to get back on my feet.

"Thanks for that, Bai Hu. I really need that," I say. "I kinda screwed up with the [Familiar] summoning and the core gem was a one-time use."

I quickly showed Bai Hu the cracked gem that I used for the summoning.

[Oh... I'm very sorry to hear that, young Kaz. I heard the [Elves] finally allowed most of the kingdoms to have their own [Familiars]. I'm surprised you were unlucky to get one.]

I sighed as I looked at my gem again. "Yeah... If Wind gets one, I'll be really jealous. I guess having a monster companion isn't meant to be..."

I feel like one of those drama kids in my school in real life. But yeah, I'm guessing I have to live in the game without a monster friend with me.

[Either way, you tried. Besides, I know a person who was in the same shoes as you and...] His eyes suddenly widen as I notice his ears perk up. [Huh. That's odd...]

"What's odd?" I ask as I stand up.

[I sensed an unusually strong [Mana] nearby. Yet it isn't hostile or corruptive to my home.]

A strong monster who is not hostile? That is odd.

"Should we check it out?"

[Normally, I avoid letting the mortals tag along. But if you wanted to. Just be cautious. Even if it's not hostile doesn't mean it can be provoked.]

He's got a point. I would try pulling out my staff, but that might not help in this situation. Instead, I simply follow Bai Hu without anything on hand. I can still cast spells without my staff, though the power might be a bit weaker. But it's better than nothing.