00:00:00
The countdown on the Sky Clock reached zero.
Thunder boomed, rumbling throughout a cloudless, clear blue sky. Pitch-black lines fissured, zigzagging across the heavens as they cracked and shattered the fabric of space.
Barely visible to the naked eye, an outpour of a translucent silver mist flooded from the dark abyssal cracks, washing over the entire planet with a mighty, all-encompassing foreign energy. But it wasn’t just the planets. Solar systems, galaxies, and the entire universe experienced the baptizing phenomena.
Like a broken dam, the shimmering new energy continued gushing out and overtaking every corner of the universe infinitely faster than the speed of light. Like a broken pipeline, the vapors kept pushing out, thickening into shimmering silver clouds as they condensed and swallowed up everything on the planet. The new, enriching power submerged and melded into everything in the surroundings.
All living beings experienced a reinvigorating power that fueled explosive, massive growth. The already towering trees suddenly shot up to the skies with unnatural speed as mana increased and maxed out the limits of their current existence. The earth burst open as Nature fully awakened its potential. All plant life ripped up the manmade roads as they reached up to feast on daylight. Neat and trimmed lawns became jungles. And the animals—many animals changed and morphed into enormous warped versions of nightmarish monsters.
The thick ambient mana rushed through the Nexus Barrier and walls of the house, covering every inch and corner, washing over every member of the family. Their bodies jolted and spasmed from the rush of energy, racing up their spine like an electric shock. The family of four all jumped from the abrupt surge that entered their bodies and merged with every fiber of their being. A new power coursed through Anton’s veins, circulating and pooling in his heart, and fully unlocking his mana stat. It was a blessing disguised as a disaster; their stats slowly climbed while the limits of their humanity increased.
The massive growth of the vegetation outside caused the earth to shake violently, knocking the family of four to the floor along with some of the taller stacks of supplies. The lights flickered before weakly fading out. A momentary darkness ensued before the family’s backup electric solar reserves turned on.
The lights flashed back on as the family of four reoriented themselves.
Anton’s body remained unharmed as the wolf protected his front while the elf wrapped herself around his back, pressing her warm full mounds against his cool skin.
“Are you ok, Master?” The elf maid asked Anton in her light, pleasant soothing voice.
Anton groaned from a dizzy spell that left his mind spinning and not fully aware of his interesting situation. “Yes, I think so. Can you check on the others?”
“Of course, Master.”
A notification screen popped up in front of Anton after the earth-shaking quake.
[System Notification]
Attack on Nexus Barrier!
Damage taken –312 HP
Remaining Barrier HP: 188/500 -> 188/700
Heal Barrier?
(Consumes 10 Mana to recover 100 HP)
(Available Mana in Nexus Crystal: 10/50 -> 30/70)
[Yes] [No]
Anton immediately pressed ‘yes’ and used up all of the remaining 30 Mana to restore the barrier, increasing the HP total by another 300 HP to the current amount of 488. A new blaring red countdown replaced the once-completed countdown. Worry over the future left Anton restless from the remaining HP of the barrier and the now empty mana reserves.
I need to find some tribute and increase the mana again before the new countdown completes. I need to let Mom and Dad know.
However, he was momentarily distracted as the elf lady lightly pushed off his shoulders as she stood up and seamlessly walked like a model toward Ansel. The teenager pushed off his side and rubbed a bulging bump on his forehead.
“Are you ok?” The bikini-clad maid asked, crouching down to a squat.
Ansel aggressively jerked his head and snapped, “Of course, n-“
Seeing the supple mounds descending from Heaven stopped Ansel’s sharp reply. His face flushed pink as he changed his response upon seeing the elf’s face of unworldly beauty, “Of-of course! I’m perfectly fine! Something like that couldn’t phase me!”
The elf moved in closer, lifting her soft slender fingers to slightly prod the growing bump on the teenager’s forehead. He momentarily forgot the pain as his breaths heated up while staring with a piercing gaze at the close-up perfect bosom.
“Hmm… Master’s younger brother, I advise we ice your forehead. There seems to be increasing swelling.
“Yes, yes! Ice me all you want!”
Anton walked towards the two—along with the happy wagging tail of the giant brown wolf—and stopped, thinking to himself, Did the brat get taller? He looks bigger somehow.
Unbeknownst to Anton, he, too, grew slightly taller. They all did. The effects of the introduction of mana to the universe slightly increased not only some of their stats but more importantly—their maximum stat capacities. Their universe was blessed with a boon of increased potential.
But Anton then rolled his eyes at his younger brother, who tried to play it cool but obviously ogled too much at the supple curves of the bikini-clad Elf. “Teenage hormones for you, Ms. Elf. Don’t try anything weird, got it, Ansel?”
“Weird? You’re weird!”
Anton ignored his brother and focused on his new assistant. “I didn’t get the chance to ask your name, Ms. Elf.”
“My name is Hyliel, Master. Thank you, Master, for asking.” The Elf said with a slightly surprised tone, not expecting her new employer to be so cordial and polite—especially from an employer who was a human man.
“Oh, of course, Hyliel. Can you help my foolish love-struck brother? I’ll go ask my mom for something you can wear in just a bit.”
“Yes, Master.” I am glad you have good intentions, Human. I would have cut off any unnecessary body appendages should you have tried anything nefarious. Now or forever more.
Curious about what his new assistant would do, Anton waited a bit longer before heading to his mother.
The elf smiled like an innocent angel, hiding her thoughts as she placed her finger on Ansel’s bump and closed her eyes. Her body glowed, rippling out with small fiery flares of silver aura as her warm touch left the bump on Ansel’s forehead icy cold. However, it didn’t do much to cool the horny teenager’s lower half.
Anton chuckled, noticing his brother’s bodily reaction. Ansel hurriedly pulled his knees uncomfortably to his chest before glaring at Anton’s back, who blew two long taunting whistles as he walked away.
“That jerk! Why couldn’t he act like he didn’t see anything?!”
“You mean, Master? Master is kind, no?”
“Maybe to you! He just likes embarrassing me!”
“I think he cares more than you know. Why else would he ask me to help you?”
Ansel looked into the pure blue eyes of the elf. Her alluring face and figure made a certain body part throb again, and he instantly pulled his knees closer and turned away with a flustered face.
“Maybe he does,” Ansel replied, trying to think of anything else but the much-too-exposed voluptuous elf before him.
Hyliel’s eyes narrowed sharply, gleaming with suspicion that Ansel missed. She immediately relaxed her face, hiding her wariness as she glanced toward Anton, wanting to test her new employer. She had yet to decide whether to stay. “Well, we should find out, shouldn’t we, Mr…?”
“I guess…Oh! You want to know my name! Sorry. Hehe. I’m Ansel.”
“Mr. Ansel, a nice name. I shall remember it. And those two that Master is helping off the floor are…?”
“Oh! That’s my mom, Sandra,” Ansel said, pointing at his thin-wasted brunette-haired mother. He then pointed to his stout-nosed father and said, “And that’s my dad, Theo.”
“And the other man, who is also helping up your mother? Although hidden, his ears make me think he is not human. Your father does not seem pleased with him either.”
“Oh that’s…um…what was it again? I forgot his name. He’s my mom’s new love interest. A lythan? Ly- Ly-something.”
“A Lycanthrope…lover. Interesting, I see.” Hyliel turned back and smiled at the horny but honest teenager. “Thanks for telling me, Mr. Ansel.”
“No problem!” Ansel’s shy gaze took in all of the lady form as he tried, but not succeed, to be a peeping pervert while asking, “Um, Miss Hyliel, are you really an Elf by chance?”
Hyliel was uncomfortable, but the somewhat innocent, shy peeks at her body were barely comparable to the lecherous stares and unwanted grabs of her former Contractors. However, the wretched merchant-like System required all Contractees’ first appearance to be displayed as such. A well-known marketing ploy that increased profits.
Hyliel tried thinking of the situation differently. It was actually kind of cute to see the abashed youngster before her. At that thought, she smiled and replied, “Yes, that I am. The lady elf’s eyes drooped as she continued, “But I am unwanted and rejected by my kind. I am now nothing but a mere lowly maid.”
“No! That’s not true! They’re wrong! You’re not lowly! Who could not want you!? That would be stupid of them! You iced my forehead with nothing but a touch of your finger!! You're really capable!”
The Elf smiled widely from cheek to cheek, showing her dimples that somehow made her even more seductive. “Thank you, Master’s younger brother. I hope to finally find a place to stay. I pray we can be of use to each other.”
Ansel gulped down his thoughts before replying with much enthusiasm. “Of course, you can stay! And it’s Ansel! Please, call me Ansel! No honorifics and definitely not by association with that jobless brother of mine. Wait. I guess he’s not jobless anymore. Although I hate to admit it, my brother did something right by calling you here.” Ansel genuinely smiled as his blood cooled a bit from talking about his brother.
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Anton walked back—unaware of his little brother’s comments—with a long, sunflower-patterned summer dress and a fuzzy white robe in hand. “Hopefully, this fits, Hyliel. My mom said it might be a bit tight in certain areas. So unfortunately for now, if the dress doesn’t work then you can use this robe.”
A gleam flashed in the elf’s eyes as she took the clothes. She was going to test her new employer. Something so easy and so simple, but it would tell her a lot.
“Thank you, Master. If your mother would allow it, and by your grace, of course, if you could give me the proper sewing tools, I could also re-tailor the dress to better suit my needs.”
“Oh, sure! That would help out a lot! My mom would do it, but she’s not the best at sewing and needlework. Might make it more unwearable.”
For once, Ansel agreed, nodding his head.
Anton continued, “Are you good with that kind of thing? I was actually going to ask you if you could help us. Something crazy bad is happening to our universe, and we are just trying to survive. Any form of help would do. I know the System said I needed to pay you, but it didn’t go into the specifics. Maybe we can better help each other?”
Hyliel looked at her new employer with intrigue. Out of the ones she’s worked with so far, the young man before her showed nothing to be feared; extremely unlike the others she worked for in her past. Slipping her much-exposed curvaceous body into the white bathrobe and tying the waistband—much to Ansel’s dismay—she started to comprehend more of her employer’s situation.
“I see,” Hyliel nodded in understanding, and in more than one way. “I am certain you can now review the contract in its entirety from your interface. But I shall explain how my contract works and the other types as well. You were not first shown the obligations of our agreement, likely due to the nature of the skill you used to obtain my contract.”
The elf lifted four fingers before continuing her explanation, “There are four types of contracts beings can enter into with the System, which serves as the officiary. In all situations, the System assigns and binds the contract between two parties. The first two contracts are similar, a long-term agreement that is a give and take, but one is auto-assignable and the other is manual-assignable. Your mother’s summon is manual-assignable, as negotiations must be agreed upon between both parties in order to move forward. However, that large wolf and I are auto-assignable, meaning we set conditions that must be met, and the System automatically forges connections to other parties that align, which technically takes less time but leaves the identities of the parties uncertain. I would choose the other route as well. However, my circumstances make it difficult. My contracts should be present on your Status Page. If you review it there, then you can see our contractual obligations.”
“I see,” Anton said, tapping his finger on the outside of his thigh. He wanted to check the blue screen but was curious about the other two remaining types of agreements. “What about the other two contract types?”
Hyliel bowed her head and the long locks of her golden hair gracefully slid off the nape of her shoulders and fell forward. “My apologies, Master. I forgot to finish.”
Anton hurriedly waved with his hands in front of him, signaling that it was not an issue. “No worries! No need to apologize at all.”
The elf lifted her head, a bit more at ease. She was pleased with her interaction with her new employer thus far. “Thank you, Master. I am thankful you are kind. Let me continue. One of the other contracts is for temporary summons, which need an agreed-upon sacrifice every time when used. Most are mana offerings or System Points, but there are special required offerings for powerful entities.”
Anton nodded his head in understanding, thinking, Spirit Summoners. I see. However, the pondering man froze at the next type of contract.
“The last are slave contracts. Usually created when supreme beings enslave their assets to be sold to other beings or on the System Marketplace. The worst ones are those sold to the Abyssal Planes, which serve as one of the worst Black Markets. The treatment there is horrendous, and I wish it not even upon my worst enemies.”
Noticing her employer looking over at his family with much concern, Hyliel added, “Master, from what I heard, the new owner of your universe may not entirely be seeking to enslave all of this universe’s creation. I heard rumors that there is a larger secret agenda. However, what exactly, was not revealed.”
Anton’s head snapped back in the elf’s direction. His eyes stretched wide with shock as he shouted at his assistant, “You know?! How!? We had no idea this was going to happen!”
The shout reverberated loudly in the room, causing everyone to look over at Anton. The wolf’s ears drooped down as he whined from behind his new employer.
Hyliel jumped at Anton’s sudden outburst. She bowed her head and quickly apologized in a rushed frantic voice. “I am truly sorry, Master. I am but a lowly maid with no extraordinary abilities. I wish there was a way to forewarn your people, but I am incapable of doing so. However, even then it was hidden until the last moments. I only knew because I overheard this from my previous employer.”
Hyliel’s face turned sickly pale as her body trembled with fear, recalling her last employer. She nearly did not leave alive, or worse, almost forcefully enslaved. However, it was true that she knew of the interdimensional transaction that sold off Anton’s universe, though she was powerless to help. Sorrow and worry mixed into her still breath-taking face, not knowing what she should do to appease her new employer.
However, seeing the downcast look, aching with hurt, Anton felt a sharp pain in his chest, knowing he indirectly implied accusations—that in reality—his assistant could not do anything about. He wanted to ask more about her past but now was not the correct occasion.
“I’m sorry, Hyliel. I’m sorry I yelled at you and got angry for something you could not even control. That was wrong of me. I over-worried about how to protect my family. And now, I want to protect you and the wolf, too. But I am weak. I know I am weak. Please, help me and my family, and let us help you in return.”
A strange feeling flooded Hyliel’s chest. It was warm and hopeful. Her situation was still uncertain and likely dangerous, but her new employer left her comforted and feeling safe.
“Master, I shall do all I can to serve you and your family.”
“And we will do the same for you, Hyliel. Which reminds me! I need to look at your contract terms so I can do a better job of that! Let me check it now.”
The Elf assistant looked at her rushing but diligent new employer. Glimmers of a better future together with Anton and his family filled her up inside, and she smiled, genuinely, but yet, not entirely relaxed. However, her guard slowly began coming down.
Anton did not know. He focused solely on swiping down and pulling up his Status Page. His eyes narrowed, focusing on the two names now showing under ‘Assistants.’ He debated which to start first but selected the first name, Wook - The Banished Lone Dire Wolf.
[Assistants Page]
(Wook - The Banished Lone Dire Wolf)
(Hyliel - The Unwanted Mix Breed)
Name: Wook
Age: 12 (Wolf Years)
Sex: Male
Race: Wolf (Dire Wolf - System Ascended)
LVL: 003
Contract Rank: One Star
Contracted to: Anton Randson
Contractual Obligations and Agreements:
* The contract is stated for combat-related purposes, however, Contractee is also willing to provide services for non-combat roles. (Note: the following payment obligation reflects the additional services willing to be provided.)
* 70 System Points must be paid 30 Planetary Days after summoning and every 30 Planetary Days thereafter.
* No time restrictions or contract completion dates are listed. However, the contract may be on hiatus when the Contractee’s Combat Occupation - Squire evolves to its higher form. At such time, the Contractee: Wook requests for time away for personal reasons.
* Food–especially cooked meat–water, and shelter must be provided or attempted to be provided. However, by the Contractee requirements, after a week of no food or water, the Contractee is free to cancel and revoke the agreement.
* Also by the Contractee request, the Contractor must be ‘friendly’ and ‘like to be licked’ by System evaluations.
* Poor treatment deemed as abuse or harassment of any kind will have a three-strike policy, ending with a penalty on the responsible party and cancellation of the agreement, which will also result in additional fines.
* The Contractee is to abide by all reasonable requests made by the Contractor so long as requests do not interfere with the moral values of the Contractee.
* If breached more than three times, the Contractee is free to cancel the agreement at no penalty. (Exceptions may apply.)
* While under contract, the Contractee is hereby restricted from harming the Contractor and all Contractor assets and properties.
* Both parties will have a period of 30 Planetary Days to cancel requests at no penalties.
* If not, canceling of System Contract will result in a penalty of 200 System Points for the party canceling the contract.
* However, a case-by-case review will determine all situations and circumstances upon each request. Results may vary.
* Other scenarios and situations will be evaluated and judged by the System should they arise. The System reserves all rights to ‘fair’ judgment and resulting consequences. The System may designate representatives to assist cases on behalf of the System when needed.
Combat Occupation:
Wolf Warrior - Squire of the Right Strike or Main Front Guard (Uncommon/Unique) - (Unevolved) (Press for Evolution Requirements)
One of the trainees to be the ‘right or left hand’ wolf to the Grole, Alpha of the Dire Wolves of the Majestic Lysander Mountains. Needs pack in order for the class to function properly, else a debuff will be placed on stats. Increased buffs for larger packs or when near the Alpha Leader. Current Alpha Leader: Anton Randson. Grants the following LVL 1 skills: Mana Manipulation, Quick Strike, Thick Hardened Skin.
Grants: STR+2, CON+2, DEX+1, AGL+3, INT+.50, CHR+.50, +5 Free Stats, and +5 Skill Points per level up.
Non-combat Occupation:
Watchdog (Uncommon) - (Unevolved) (Press for Evolution Requirements)
Security detail who is always on the lookout for danger. Grants skill: Danger Sense
Grants: STR+.05, DEX+1, AGL+1, WIS+1, +5 Free Stats, and +5 Skill Points per level up.
Free Stat Points: 015
Remaining Skill Points: 000
Stats: (Max LVL: 03 average stat threshold for a Dire Wolf is roughly 32, while the average is 23)
Strength: 24/33
Constitution: 21/29
Dexterity: 22/26
Agility: 30/34
Intelligence: 16/23 (+1) -> 17/23
Wisdom: 10/21
Charisma: 19/25
Health Points: (CON)+(Racial Bonus +5) x (3) -> 78
Satiety Fullness: 07/15
Mana Pool: (INT+WIS) x1.2 -> 32.40
Endurance: (STR+AGL+SAT) x1.50 -> 91.50
Skills:
Mana Manipulation LVL 3 - Passive - New!
Allows the circulation and use of Mana, Bend the laws of Nature, and alter reality, but may require additional skills for intended uses
Quick Strike LVL 3 - Active - New!
Fast like lightning, the user flashes to the enemy for an immediate, nearly unavoidable attack. Mana Costs: 5 Mana.
Thick Hardened Skin LVL 2 - Active - New!
Sends mana to reinforce the skin and fur, creating a shield to defend against attacks. Effective on both physical and special attacks. Acts like equipped armor that reduces damage taken by the amount of reinforced Mana divided by two. Mana Costs: 7 Mana.
Danger Sense LVL 2 - Passive - New!
Enhances the senses, and Perception of subtleties in surroundings increases.
Translator LVL 5 - Passive - New!
Translate foreign language into understandable terms, INT +1
Experience to Next Level Up: 598/1100 EXP
Anton looked away from the blue window and at the wolf with many thoughts racing through his mind. First and foremost was, Wook? That’s your name? And you’re a lone wolf, huh? Also banished? What happened, buddy? Are you going to get revenge when you get stronger?
But Anton didn’t want to be rude, so instead he voiced out, “Wook, so just food and points, buddy? I’m not sure how to get System Points yet, but help me, help you, and you got yourself a deal, my furry friend!”