That does it then.

I had to have lost my mind.

Me? A Magical Guardian ? The idea was preposterous. Someone like me could never be worthy of such a responsibility.

"I don’t understand," I thought toward the Familiar. "Why me? I'm not special or strong, or anything like that. This has to be a mistake.

[On the contrary, the Zenith determined some time ago that you would be compatible with magic and be capable of serving in a vital role as a Magical Guardian. Otherwise, I would not have been created. Each Familiar is personalized from inception to be a match for their potential Guardian, you know! I have even been watching you for the past thirty-six days, gathering more information and performing a final assessment. After your recent actions, I decided further observation was no longer necessary.]

I couldn’t help but feel a pang of annoyance at the thought of being watched. "You’ve been observing me for over a month? That’s invasive. And… What did you observe, exactly? All you could have seen is how much of a doormat I’ve been."

The rabbit's sun-like eyes dimmed a little, taking on a gentler glow.

[During my observation, I saw more than just the difficulties you face. I saw your heart. Despite the adversity you’ve experienced, you have a resilient spirit. That bravery you displayed today, especially in the face of such danger, solidifies what the Zenith had determined about you.]

"The bravery of not even thinking about taking on the more dangerous route and then throwing my life away to fix that screw-up?" I scoffed internally.

[It’s not about the outcome, but the intention behind your actions. You took risks to protect others, Maito. You've been through so much, and yet your desire to help and protect is still intact. That is your strength.]

I shook my head in disbelief, grabbing my head. "I still don’t see it. But even if what you say is true, why would anyone trust me with such power? I could screw it up, I always do."

Lily was chatting with Brian and didn't seem to be paying us any mind, but I could feel her occasional glance in my direction, probably wondering what had me so entranced.

The Familiar's eyes softened even further.

[Maito, even the most powerful and confident of heroes have doubts. It's part of being human. You are allowed to make mistakes, to falter, and to learn. That's how growth happens. But, from what I've observed, your core nature is one of resilience and selflessness, even when the world has been far less than kind to you. It's that spirit that the Zenith and I believe in. It's not about being perfect, but about trying, about doing what you believe is right, even in the face of overwhelming odds.]

I looked at the Familiar, its golden fur and feathery wings almost shimmering with a gentle light. The fact of the matter is, I was stuck in the middle of a Usurpation with a new friend and a young child with only improvised weapons to help us survive.

If I accepted, I would be able to use magic. Magic, as in fireballs and flying and… well, pretty much anything, really. The laws of reality would become more like guidelines, suggestions that I could scoff at. Accepting would basically make me into a superhero, an icon idolized by modern society. It would greatly increase our chances of survival, and maybe, just maybe, give me a reason to continue forging ahead.

Naturally, seeing only benefits, I knew there had to be a catch. Nothing was free. Nothing.

"What exactly does this contract entail? What happens if I say yes? What’s the catch?"

[There are three stipulations to the contract. The first is by and large the biggest reason people do not accept. In becoming a Magical Guardian, you pledge to use your powers to fight the Anathema and protect humanity in its struggle. This means for the rest of your life, your fate will be entangled with pain, suffering, and death. You must realize that you cannot be a light in the darkness without immersing yourself in those very same shadows. Even should you not fight the Anathema directly, you will still be working in some way to alleviate the suffering they cause, and in doing so, expose your very soul to the tragedies of a war without end.]

I rolled the words over in my head quickly, only taking a second to consider them. It was such an easy decision, and I felt a sour taste rise in the back of my throat when I realized why.

"Not the slightest issue. Next condition."

There was a pregnant pause, and I looked back to the Familiar when it didn’t immediately reply.

[Maito. You might be under pressure given the circumstances, but perhaps you should consider it more carefully.] It suggested carefully. [The—]

I slammed a fist on the table, eliciting a jolt from Lily and Brian as tears began to prick at my eyes. I took a deep breath, and set my ice-axe scythe on the ground.

"You think I haven’t considered it already?!" I snapped mentally at the creature, anger, and sorrow mingling in a toxic mix.

"I’ve never had anything. No family that cared, no friends that stayed, nothing. The world's been hell, and you’re saying that if I sign on the dotted line, I’d have to help other people avoid a little bit of that hell? That I’d have to put myself between monsters and innocents? I’m used to monsters."

I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting against a rising swirl of emotions.

"… People, Anathema, what's the difference?"

How many times had I lied to myself that things were okay? That one day things would change? That there was some sort of worth or value in the endless suffering I'd experienced?

I could feel the Familiar's mental presence gently surrounding me, an attempt to soothe the turmoil within. [Maito, pain can warp one’s perception of the world. It can make you believe that there's only darkness, only hurt. But just as there are those who've caused you pain, there are others who would stand by your side and help you heal. There is light, even in the darkest places.]

I let out a shaky breath, thoughts swirling in my head. I remembered Lily, the way she stood up for me, the way she risked her life to protect others. Maybe, just maybe, there were people worth fighting for. I wiped my eyes on my sleeves, and suddenly, I felt a hand patting me on the head.

Looking up, Lily's concerned face came into view, her gaze softened with understanding and warmth.

"Hey," she whispered, crouching down next to me, "I get it. That was a close call, followed by crushing disappointment… the mess with the shelter doors and whatnot. It’s a lot. Take a minute or two to pull yourself together. Just remember that I’m here with you as well and you aren’t alone."

Brian, munching on a snack bar, looked at the scene with innocent curiosity.

I managed a weak smile. "Thanks, Lily. Yeah… Just… just give me a minute."

She nodded and stood up, taking a step back to give me some space.

"Okay," I murmured, more to myself than anyone else as I massaged my temples. "Okay, let's continue."

[Very well. The second condition is more vague, but it states that you will not abuse your new powers. Things such as needlessly harming other humans, hampering other Magical Guardians without reason, or using your power in a tyrannical manner. You are expected to be a beacon of hope, not a monster. This rule is more flexible due to its far-reaching nature, and warnings will be given if it is perceived you are potentially breaking it.]

I huffed at the idea. "Why would I ever want to hurt someone needlessly?"

[That might seem an obvious decision now, but power can change individuals. Some, when granted strength, may end up misusing it in ways they never imagined. It is a reminder to always be vigilant and considerate of your actions.]

I nodded, acknowledging the rabbit-bird's words. "Okay, and the third condition?"

[The third and final stipulation, is that you agree that no matter what, you will not attempt to break the laws of magic. There are a few, but they simply cover what you can and can’t use certain magics for. Time and mind magic would be examples. Generally, don’t actively try to destroy reality or enslave another, and you’ll be fine. A more detailed explanation will be provided if necessary.]

This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.

Reasonable. Just… yeah. All of that sounded like bad news anyway.

"Okay… I’m fine with all three of the rules."

[Excellent. Know that breaking any of these stipulations is grounds for the stripping of your power and any assets you may have acquired during your time as a Magical Guardian. If all three stipulations are agreeable, then I will ask my question one last time, and you will answer. Then, we will be bound as one should you accept.]

"Wait, what do you mean, ‘we?’" I asked. "What exactly happens after the contract is formed?"

[Familiars act as a Magical Guardian’s personal assistant to not only guide them through their new abilities but also aid them in whatever they might request. Essentially, you will have a magical AI in your head whose only purpose is to help you for the rest of your life. That is why Familiars are personally customized to each Magical Guardian candidate. Extensive information gathering was done to make sure our personalities would be complementary and so I would be aware of the various aspects of your life.]

"Oh…" I said, a sudden paranoia rising in my chest. "How much do you know about me exactly?"

There was a pause, and I felt my throat grow tighter.

[It is not an exaggeration to say the Zenith are eons beyond humanity’s capabilities. Anything posted online or kept electronically pertaining to you has been acquired and researched. Once active observation began, it is safe to assume that if there was an electronic device capable of monitoring you, it was hacked to do so. Phones recorded conversations, cameras your activities, and etcetera. The only place not monitored directly by me, spellcraft, or technology was your home, although internet activity was logged as stipulated by the Accords signed with humanity.]

Anger and panic rose in me at the thought of them spying on me, but the Familiar’s voice quickly continued.

[I am aware humans value privacy dearly. The main purpose of the information gathering was not to pry, but to make sure you would be a suitable Magical Guardian. The amount of power that comes with being one is too much to give to a candidate without first making sure they would not abuse it. If it makes you feel better, I promise not to bring up anything that might be considered an overstepping of boundaries. My purpose will be to help you in your duties as a Magical Guardian, not judge or pry into your personal life. What you choose to share with me and bring me into will be completely up to you.]

I swallowed. I… really didn’t like that the thing seemed to know so much about me, but it made sense. How else were the Zenith supposed to determine if people met their criteria? It made me uncomfortable, but in the end, it didn’t matter. If the Familiar really promised to respect my boundaries…

"Lily?" I whispered out loud this time. “I… I need a second of privacy. I’m going into the bathroom to wash up, and then I should be good to go."

Lily blinked in surprise but nodded, understanding in her eyes. "Alright, then." She shuffled a little to make room for me to move.

As I entered the small bathroom, I splashed my face with cold water, the sensation helping to ground me. I leaned on the sink, eyes focused on my reflection.

What was I doing? What was I considering? This wasn't some online game or a movie. This was real life. The idea of being bound to some creature, no matter how benevolent, forever was... overwhelming. I was only fifteen, and I was considering shouldering the responsibility of defending humanity.

I could feel the presence of the Familiar just at the edge of my mind, patiently waiting.

I took another deep breath, my thoughts turning to my past, the loneliness, and despair that had characterized my life until now. And then I thought of Lily, of Brian. Of all the people out there who might be in danger from these Anathema.

[Maito Shiroki. I ask of you again — Would you like to make a contract?] it asked quietly in my mind.

I found myself silently sitting down on the lid of the toilet, crossing my fingers.

"Yes" I whispered.

And then I fell through the floor.

I yelped as the sensation of dropping sent fear into my throat. Shadows enfolded my vision as I plummeted downwards into absolute darkness. My back hit something painlessly, and there was a shattering sound. I saw glass shards glinting in the shadows as they began to descend with me, only for everything to come to a jolting stop, frozen mid-air.

Then I began to fall back the way I came. Instead of flying through the hole I smashed through, I splashed into lukewarm water face-first. It was only about an inch deep, and there was some kind of featureless ground beneath it. I sputtered as liquid filled my nose. Pushing myself up, I coughed a few times, trying to get my bearings. All I was able to make out was darkness, and as I stood on my feet-

A second later, there was the sound of an explosion, and a sudden orange light bloomed in the shadows with the intensity of a summer bonfire. I brought a hand up, shielding my eyes as they adjusted. Squinting, I was able to make out a vague pillar shape of harsh orange light rising from the water and into the sky. Something about the light called to me, beckoning me to ignore my confusion, and so I made my way towards it.

My vision adjusted as I neared, and I saw the pillar was created from strands of wreathed flame shaped like vines. The energy had a pitch black core with a red outline, giving it an unnaturally eerie look. While the frozen, perfectly sculpted fire was beautiful, something about the vine shape each ember had gave me a deep sense of... isolation, maybe? Indignation? Tightly entangled as the vines were, it almost felt like they were trying to keep something away.

I peered at the amber fire-vines, and I found myself slowly moving around the pillar-like shape they formed. Even though they were thickly intertwined, I could see through portions deeper into its column, and an oddly colored shape poked through the holes. I finally got to one portion where the vines hadn’t bunched together as much, and I peered inside the small window formed by their absence.

My heart stopped.

Suspended several inches above the ground and wrapped in the tangle of wreathed flame was a naked young man. He looked a lot like he could have been a member of my family, but somehow he gave off an air of being mature and… ethereal. He was lean and toned, with hair cascading down in a sea of white that contrasted starkly with the vibrant amber light.

I stared at the boy, wondering what I could do to get him out of his prison. Suddenly, he took a sharp, shuddering breath. His body spasmed slightly against the vines, but they held tight with roar.

Then suddenly, his eyes fluttered open, meeting my own.

Heterochromatic eyes of azure and scarlet met mine, and I realized the boy I was looking at was a reflection of me only with longer hair, alabaster skin, and-

His pupils. They were shaped like the sun itself, with radiating thin lines that extended outwards from a central circle, contrasting against the vibrant shades of his irises. There was a haunting beauty in those eyes, a reflection of both pain and rebirth.

Suddenly I was lying back at my seat in the bathroom. Sharp, lancing pain exploded through my skull, and I let out a groan as I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to will it away.

SYSTEM UPDATE

Soul Gem formulation successful.

Reflection room stabilized.

Contract Ceremony complete.

Mana resonance recorded at 124%.

System access granted.

Gate access granted.

Credentials updated.

ERROR: Unable to unlock Astral Shift. Blacklight Protocols are in effect. See Familiar for assistance.

Precontractual achievements found. Rewards have been applied.

The message that visually appeared in my head rang out in discordant voices, followed by the Familiar’s boyish voice in an excited tone. For some reason, its words also appeared at the bottom of my vision like subtitles.

[Obtained Magical Guardian Starter bonus! Welcome to the world of magic!]

[Obtained 150 Points]

[Saved: 2 Defenseless Children]

[Reward: 20 Points]

[Achievement unlocked for sacrificing yourself to near certain doom to save another!]

[Reward: 100 Points]

[Defeated (Fomorian Hound - Level 1)]

[Reward: 10 Points]

[Total Points: 280]

[Unique Augment Available!]

As the pain and messages in my head faded, I looked to my left to see the Familiar still sitting in the same position. To my surprise, its golden visage had changed. Near the tips of each of its three plumes and ears was a swath of burning feathers that strangely enough, didn’t emanate any heat. Between its eyes, more black fur had formed the symbol of a sun, and its previously Taiji-shaped pupils had formed a wheel-like, burning pattern to match.

[Contract successful,] my Familiar said. [As your bonded Familiar, I will begin my role as companion and advisor, answering questions and making recommendations based on your personality, background, and requests. I now have a link to your senses as well.]

It paused for a moment, as if gathering its thoughts. [You might not want to keep Lily waiting too long. She'll be concerned, and we have spent considerable time here with Anathema on the move. I will provide you with information and the essentials of skill use and point allocation as you prepare to move.]

Still reeling from the last few minutes, I nodded, my thoughts racing. My hands instinctively moved up to my face, feeling for any changes. Nothing.

"I don’t feel any different."

[That is to be expected. The changes are internal and to your soul, not physical.] the Familiar explained.

I looked at it curiously. "Do you have a name? And um, I don’t mean to be rude, but you are male, right? Your voice sounds like a twelve year old boy’s, I mean, but I don’t really know how genders work with creatures literally made by magic."

[The name of a Familiar is bestowed upon them by their bonded Guardian. I have been without one as every Guardian is unique, and so too will their perception of me be. As for gender, I don’t truly have one. My personality was created based on a young, masculine archetype as it was determined to be the best match to assist you, but I do not possess a "true" gender in the physical sense. Should you wish, I can switch to an older, more feminine, or masculine voice]

"No, that’s fine," I replied. "They were right. It’s… encouraging. Feels like someone has my back, for once."

He didn’t respond, but I got a weird sense of satisfaction from his silence that made me smile.

I tried to start thinking of names, but none immediately popped into my head. He was a rabbit, but also reminded me of a phoenix. So a bird-rabbit? It would need to be some kind of mystical name, then. Other than my Familiar’s sun-shaped eyes, there wasn’t really anything else to…

No. No, that would work!

I observed its new patterns, the sun motifs that adorned its body, and its radiant presence. The name that came to mind felt... fitting.

"How do you feel about the name… 'Helios'?" I asked hesitantly.