My experiments with new skills can wait a few hours honestly. I only have three or four skills I desperately want to test, so checking over Kite, Sigil, and Cain for their new level-ups isn’t a huge distraction.
“Sigil? Would you meet me in the cellar, please? I’m doing everyone’s level-ups today” I call out mentally to my familiar, receiving a faint purr rather than words in response. It still takes my stealthy companion several minutes to come sauntering back into the cellar.
Once my trio of minions has finally convened in our make-shift subterranean lair, I set about going over their statuses and levels, starting with Cain. Summoned undead aren’t usually supposed to have skills, most of their abilities are innate to their form. So Cain having [Mind of the Master] is already unique in that regard. I’m hopeful to see how his growth will continue.
“Query. Read any system notifications for Cain’s recent level-ups” I mentally probe the bond between us, hoping I can see his stream of reports even if they don’t come to me directly. There’s a faint delay, but soon the familiar Ding! of system reporting comes through all the same.
System linkage detected.
Operational barrier removed.
Experience buffer found. Accumulated XP to be granted now.
Congratulations!
[Shadewolf] has leveled up to 1.
…..
[Shadewolf] has leveled up to 10.
[Shadewolf] has granted you +10 points in [Vitality], and +5 points in [Strength], and +5 points in [Agility], and -5 points in [Charisma].
Species threshold reached, initiating species upgrade protocol.
Shortly after I read through the full list of changes, a somewhat familiar interface opens, listing every available species evolution for Cain. Thankfully, I already know what I want to choose for him. With the evolution from [Bonewolf (Greater)] into [Shadewolf] Cain gained a lot of utility. His fledgling intelligence aside, just being less visibly undead will allow me to keep him with me more often, furthering our safety.
“Select species [Void Hound]” I prod the system, briefly recalling a small pack of Void Hounds and their further evolutions that followed Andras Gregori in our younger days. Easily hidden and easily called upon allies are a must have.
Species input accepted.
Congratulations!
[Void Hound] has leveled up to 1.
….
[Void Hound] has leveled up to 20.
[Void Hound] has granted you +40 points in [Vitality], and +20 points in [Strength], and +10 points in [Agility], and -20 points in [Charisma]
A series of system notifications ring out, even as I watch Cain’s form begin to shift and stretch. His exposed bones seem to dull in color as the shadows of the cellar grow longer. The thin and wispy shadow stuff that clings to him in the place of flesh grows more substantial, more muscular. The purple twinge of my friend’s eyes flares bright and shoots across his back in two thin lines of energy. A train of purple now seared into his body from above his eyes to the end of his tail. The entire process is both horrifying to watch, but strangely enthralling. Cain is like a work of magical art to behold, his construction beyond anything I’ve seen in either of my lives.
When it finishes, Cain is still clearly a monster, but not quite so obviously an undead monster. His feet are still boney, and his claws and teeth are far too long. The flames that sat in his eyes have been replaced by actual shining orbs of amethyst, giving him a much less ghoulish face. This close to him, however, I can see the shadow mist already starting to boil off his shoulders and haunches. If I’m lucky I can pass him off as an [Abyss] attuned spirit, and if not another evolution or two should allow him to stay out of sight completely.
The big hits to his charisma stat aren’t great, but Cain was already frightening people as is, if Leigh is any indicator. Content that my friend won’t level up or evolve any further as we’re sitting here, I note his level is only slightly lower than my own and prompt the system for his full status.
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Name:
Cain
STR:
45
Species:
Bone Wolf (Greater) lvl 5
Hp:
140
VIT:
70
Shadewolf lvl 10
Mp:
6
AGI:
35
Void Hound lvl 20
Active Species:
Void Hound
INT:
3
CHA:
-25
General Skills:
WIL:
0
Mind of the Master - lvl 35
Looking over his stat sheet is nice. Cain isn’t supposed to have skills at all, but the skill he does have is staying capped at his total level. His recent evolution also appears to have increased his intelligence even though the system didn’t notify me of that point. He’ll do great, I’m sure of it, and once he grows strong enough I won’t have to worry about mewling infants being scared of him.
I take a deep breath to steady myself, tamp down the anger I can feel rising in my chest, and turn to Kite. Sigil is likely to be the most complicated level up if they want me involved at all, so Kite should be easily done first.
I prompt the system for any notifications for my little bird, and Kite only levels up to four. More than I expected, all things considered, Kite’s only been undead for a few days. I leave off on checking his status until his species' evolution, and gently pat the little avian on the head before depositing him nearby.
“Sigil? You ready to level up?” I call out into the cellar, barely able to make out the thin outline of my feline friend in the distant shadows.
“I am indeed. As fun as this form has been, the diminutive size is getting rather old.” Sigil explains as they come trodding out of the darkness right up to me. The little cat takes a seat in front of me, and looks up with expectation in their eyes.
“Would you share your status with me please?” I ask the tiny ball of darkness staring up at me. Sigil nods, and a moment later their system notifications are sent through my mind.
System linkage detected.
Operational barrier removed.
Experience buffer found. Accumulated XP to be granted now.
Congratulations!
[Shadow Kitten] has leveled up to 1.
…..
[Shadow Kitten] has leveled up to 5.
Species threshold reached, initiating species upgrade protocol.
Species input accepted.
Congratulations!
[Abyssal Cat] has leveled up to 1.
…
[Abyssal Cat] has leveled up to 10.
Species threshold reached, initiating species upgrade protocol.
Species input accepted.
Congratulations!
[Missing Lynx] has leveled up to 1.
…
[Missing Lynx] has leveled up to 23.
In the moment I’m more than a little bit overwhelmed. Sigil has taken full control of their system, choosing new species options before I can even register the list of options. Their level ups also coincidentally don’t show me any mention of stat increases or decreases. I want to ask my familiar about their admittedly rude, and downright idiotic, actions in excluding me, but as I turn back to face them Sigil is far too busy evolving.
Their body lengthens, and the already pitch-black fur grows impossibly darker as if actively sucking in light and lengthening shadows. The tiny ball of fur quadruples in size, now only being half the size of Cain, who in turn stands at my hip when fully alert. Sigil’s glimmering eyes are still there, now in a much larger and more sleek-looking frame, gazing at me from across the cellar.
“You should have discussed it with me before choosing your species.” I admonish the cat, looking through my magically enhanced senses and trying to get a feeling for their exact form.
“We are partners. I am not your pet. My contract does not stipulate anything about involving you beyond what is necessary for our mutual benefit. I know what you are seeking and I have chosen accordingly. If you wish to remain partners you must learn to trust me. Telmire.” Sigil practically hissed the words into my mind, and while reluctant I do agree with the logic behind the statement.
“Fine. I was just concerned is all.” I huff, not wanting to waste any time arguing. However, Sigil has done another favor for me. They called me Telmire. That feels far more natural now than it did previously, and it’s starting to feel more natural than Vincent or Andras. Perhaps it's a side effect of the soul bond? I’ve never had multiple names before when summoning spirits.
I suppose that means it’s time to experiment with my new skills and see exactly what's going on in there.