I look around once my vision cleared up.
A girl who looks 6-7 years old, is standing a few metres in front of me.
Red hair, blue dress and oh, she has yellow eyes.
Voices start coming from my left and right sides.
Unknown: The summoning is a success, My Lord
The male voice which came from my 3 'o clock belongs to a hooded figure holding a staff.
Looking from his hand, he seems to be in his twenties.
Unknown #2: Riggs, this thing you summoned, will it protect her?
From my 9 'o clock, the second male voice belongs to a man who had red hair and mustache.
He seems to be in his thirties or forties.
Riggs: Yes, Lord Grim. It is as you requested, a familiar who will guide and protect her. It will be her eternal companion no matter where she goes.
Lord? Hmm....Reminds me of nobles in medieval games.
Lord Grim: But this thing is just a flame?
Riggs: This is the familiar's true form. If you want to see a different form of the familiar, it depends on the master.
Lord Grim: I see. Anything else?
Riggs: Young Miss has to apply her mana on the furthest outer line of the summoning circle in order to form a contract.
Riggs: And then she has to imagine the form of the familiar while doing that. The summoning circle will disappear once you given the familiar a name.
Lord Grim: Hmm... Is that all? Is there anything I should be worried about?
Riggs: Yes, My Lord. The summoning circle will prevent the familiar from doing anything until a name is given to it.
Lord Grim: Walter!
A butler who has black hair and a small pony tail came into the room.
Walter: My Lord?
Lord Grim: This adventurer has perfectly completed what I have requested. Guide him to the door and give him what was promised.
Walter: Yes, My Lord. Over here, Sir.
Riggs: Then I shall take my leave. My Lord. Young Miss.
Riggs quickly bows to both of them and left, followed by the butler.
He seems to be in a rush. I wonder what's wrong?
Lord Grim seems to be puzzled by his actions but did not stop Riggs from leaving.
Lord Grim: Ariel.
Lord Grim calls out to the girl in yellow dress.
Ariel: What?
Lord Grim: *sighs* Is that how you called your father?
Ariel: You do know I do not need protection!
Lord Grim: Yes, yes. My little beauty have the abilities and skills to defeat D ranked monsters.
Lord Grim: But at least for this one time, listen to this worrisome father's request for once.
Ariel: Hmph...Fine!
Ariel stomps towards me.
Ariel: So I just have to apply mana to the circle and imagine the form while doing it ?
Lord Grim: Just as that adventurer said.
Ariel knees down and pulls her hands on the summoning circle as mentioned.
Ariel: Here I go! FULL POWER!
Lord Grim: WAIT! THERE IS NO NEED FOR......
You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.
The summoning circle start to glow brightly and Lord Grim was pushed back by its power.
*DING*
Due to the contract and the mana given, you have been transformed into a monster known as Flame Bear.
I was immediately transformed from a Lesser Flame Spirit into a Flame Bear.
I stood on my two legs and looked at my newly transformed paws.
I try grasping my paws and then I notice my orange fur.
As according to contract, you are to hunt and devour your target Ariel Crimsonheart.
I thought I was supposed to guide and protect the girl.
Then I felt something touching my belly.
Ariel: Your name will be Fiery from now on.
I looked at the girl who is currently hugging my belly.
I pat the girl with my paw and place the other paw behind my head.
Fiery: Nice to meet you. I am Fiery.
Ariel: Hehe.
Ariel rubs her face against my furry belly.
It was then both of us noticed Lord Grim who was about to start screaming.
Lord Grim: MMMONNN.....
Ariel & Fiery: Mon?
Lord Grim: MONNNNNNSTTTEEERRRR!
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A hooded figure is sitting in a dark room with a single candlelight and in front of him was Riggs.
Hooded Figure: Is it done?
Riggs: Yes, it is done. Just as you have told me. The symbols of the summoning circle which say "The companion who guides and protect", has been switched to the symbols which say "The monster who hunts and devours".
Hooded Figure: Good, good. Did anyone notice the changes ?
Riggs: No one. As discreet as you requested.
The hooded figure placed a bag on the table.
Hooded Figure: This is what you wanted.
Riggs: Then, I shall take my leave.
The hooded mage quickly took the bag and left, shutting the door.
Hooded Figure: You are still around, right ?
Unknown: Yes, My Master
A shadowy figure appeared behind the hooded figure.
Hooded Figure: Any reports of death from that family ?
Shadowy Figure: There are no such reports.
Hooded Figure: None?....That's weird.
Hooded Figure: Ion.
Ion: Yes ?
Hooded Figure: That man, Riggs. He must not exist and nothing leads to me. Do you understand ?
Ion: Understood.
Hooded Figure: Good. I leave it to you.
Ion: Yes, My Master.
The shadowy figure disappeared into the shadows.