In the city just outside the academy, there are several magical shops that attract students in search of everything they need for their adventures. Among weapons, amulets, potions, and much more, one of the shops that has caught my attention is the Familiar Shop.

I decide to take a look, and the shopkeeper approaches me with a smile. "Are you interested in getting a familiar?" he asks. I reply yes, although I want to think carefully before making such an important decision.

The shopkeeper nods and invites me to follow him to the familiar section. He explains that they have a wide selection of monsters, mainly of rank D or lower. He also offers me a special deal: if I purchase one slime, I'll get another one for free. "They only cost 100 dollars, it's a bargain. Trust me," he assures me. If I'm looking for stronger monsters that can help me in battles, they also have rank E monsters like crimson wolves, which cost 10,000 dollars. Furthermore, as it's my first purchase, they will give me a discount on rank D monsters. Alternatively, I can choose a rock golem, which is the cheapest among the available monsters. With 100,000 dollars, I could take one home. He shows me a brochure with over 25 types of monsters and 60 different species.

I realize that these are not ordinary animals but real monsters. The shopkeeper laughs and explains the difference between an animal and a monster. Monsters have a core that they innately use to control mana. I thank the shopkeeper for the information and tell him that I will think about what I want to purchase.

Next, I head to the Skill Shop. It is an imposing palace with a golden emblem depicting a lion, the emblem of the prestigious Golden Lion Guild, the richest guild in the world. On the first floor, there are some skills on display, and I can freely move around to explore them. Rank F skills are the least expensive, with prices ranging from a few thousand to 10,000 dollars. For rank E skills, they are around 100,000 dollars. Currently, I don't have access to the higher floors, but I am already fascinated by the possibilities that await me in the world of magical abilities.

I will continue to explore the shops and carefully consider my choices, seeking to find the familiar and skills that will allow me to face the challenges that await me.

I venture into various magical shops, eager to find my familiar. I am aware of what I am looking for: a companion with an innate affinity for the dark element. I know it won't be easy, but I am determined to find the perfect familiar that can aid me in my endeavors.

I seek advice from experts, browse through books and scrolls in search of information. However, I realize that familiars with a disposition for darkness are rare and difficult to find. They are enigmatic creatures, often associated with ancient myths and legends.

I don't get discouraged; I continue my search with perseverance. I turn to specialized shops that offer exotic familiars and gather information from magical fairs and markets, hoping to find a clue or a vendor who can assist me in my quest.

In the meantime, I study ancient texts and immerse myself in libraries, searching for information on creating familiars or spells that can attract dark creatures. I seek advice from my peers and professors, hoping that someone can guide me in the right direction.

After a long search, I finally find what I'm looking for in a peculiar shop called the "Emporium of Shadows." The atmosphere is shrouded in a dark and eerie aura, and its shelves are filled with macabre and mysterious objects.

Drawn to this intriguing ambiance, I approach the section dedicated to familiars and am astonished by the variety of dark creatures present. Shopkeeper: Good morning, young one. Can I assist you with something?

Damien: Hello! Yes, I am in search of a familiar with an affinity for darkness. I heard that I might find some here.

Shopkeeper: Ah, you're interested in dark familiars, huh? You have an unusual taste, but you're in the right place. We have a selection of dark creatures to choose from. Come, let me show you what we have.

Damien: Fantastic! I'm curious to see what kind of creatures I could have as familiars.

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Shopkeeper: Here is a row of zombies; they may seem a bit clumsy, but they definitely have darkness in their veins. Then we have bats, fascinating nocturnal creatures with extraordinary agility.

Damien: Interesting options, but I'm looking for something more unique. What special options do you have here?

immerse in the vast selection of skeletons in the store, each with its own eerie and captivating aura. Among the displayed skeletal creatures, one in particular caught my eye irresistibly. It was a skeleton with silver bones, emanating a dark and mysterious energy.

The store clerk approached me with a smile, noticing my interest. "You've set your eyes on our silver skeleton," he said enthusiastically. "It's truly a unique piece, hardly found elsewhere. It is said to possess exceptional dark power, capable of manipulating shadows and controlling dark energy like no other."

His words fascinated me even more, and I felt an instinctive connection with the silver skeleton. Its bones seemed to resonate with my affinity for darkness, promising to unveil a power greater than I had ever imagined.

"May... may I hold it in my hands?" I asked, eager to touch the silver skeleton and perceive its energy.

The clerk nodded, granting me permission. "Certainly, young adventurer. Let the energy of the silver skeleton flow through your fingers. If you feel a harmony, it's a sign that the two of you are destined to be companions."

With a mix of excitement and reverence, I took the silver skeleton in my hands. I could sense a subtle pulse of power coursing through my fingers, an instant connection that made me feel.

The store clerk smiled satisfied. "You've made a wise choice, young adventurer. The silver skeleton will accompany you on every quest, protecting you with its dark power and guiding you on your path."

Damien: "Perfect, I'm ready to make this purchase. I really want to have these skeletons as my familiars. How can we proceed with the purchase?"

Store Clerk: "Great choice! We can complete the purchase here at the counter. This particular skeleton costs $10,000. I'll need your information and payment. After finalizing everything, you'll be the fortunate owner of two dark-affinity skeletons."

Damien: "$10,000, alright, let's proceed. Even though it's much more expensive, I'm willing to invest. I can't wait to start this new adventure with my new skeletal familiars. Thank you for your help and for showing me the different available options."

Store Clerk: "Congratulations on choosing your familiars! Now, to complete the transformation ceremony of the skeleton into your familiar, a special ritual needs to be performed. The cost for the ceremony is an additional $1,000. Are you interested?"

Damien: "Yes, I'd like to complete the ceremony. I'm willing to pay the additional cost."

Store Clerk: "Perfect! I assure you that the ceremony will strengthen the bond with your familiar even more. Let's prepare; the ritual requires concentration and unwavering intention."

Damien: "I'm ready. I'm determined to establish a deep bond with my familiar."

The store clerk began arranging the necessary items for the ritual, creating a solemn and mysterious atmosphere. Following his instructions, Damien joined the store clerk at the center of the magic circle drawn on the floor.

The store clerk held a magical object called the "Dark Acolyte Amulet" in his hands. It was a sparkling pendant with intricate engravings and a black gem at the center pulsating with magical energy. The amulet had the power to establish a connection between a mage and their familiar, enabling a deeper connection and greater control over the creature.

With precise and focused movements, the store clerk gently placed the amulet on the silver skeleton's chest bone. Instantly, the amulet emitted a bright light, enveloping the skeleton in a dark aura. Damien could feel the energy of the amulet merging with that of the skeleton, creating an unbreakable bond.

"With this amulet, the silver skeleton shall be your familiar, bound to you for eternity," declared the store clerk solemnly. "Now, you can fully harness its affinity for darkness and use its power to your advantage. You can also give it a name."

"I'll call you Argenius," i said with determination.

Name: Argenius (F+)

Strength: 10 Speed: 10

Intelligence: 1 Resistance: 10

Mana: 10 Health: 10

Resistance: 100/100 Mana: 100/100 Health: 100/100

Ability: Moon Dance (F) (passive)

Description: The silver skeleton is a mutated skeleton that absorbed the moonlight. It is now Damien's familiar.

ithanked the store clerk for guiding me through this important step in my magical journey. i finally have my familiar, a dark companion that will accompany me on my adventures and help me uncover the extent of my power.

Store Clerk: "It was a pleasure assisting you. I'm sure you'll enjoy your new familiars. If you need anything else, don't hesitate to ask. Good luck with your new dark creatures!"

Completing the purchase, I left the store with my new skeletal familiars in tow. Despite their scary appearance, I felt a special connection with these creatures. I realized that the true value of familiars lies not only in their strength but in the understanding and harmony that develops between them and their master.

I felt excited and ready to explore the possibilities that my new familiars offered. I was aware that this was only the beginning of our journey together, and I was determined to nurture our bond, develop our skills, and harness the potential of the darkness that unites us.