Dae exhaled a sigh of relief as his humanoid form rematerialized, the intricate belt encircling his waist shifting with him, offering both protection and access to his essential tools. With practiced ease, he reached for one of the many throwing blades suspended from the belt, preparing to strike as soon as the guard turned their back.

Minutes ticked by, the guard's movements becoming increasingly predictable. Finally, the opportunity presented itself, and Dae released the blade with uncanny precision. The metal projectile flipped through the air, finding its mark in the guard's unsuspecting eye with a sickening thud.

Dae swiftly moved in to retrieve his blade, a treasured possession among his limited arsenal. Though he preferred to avoid using ranged weapons, he acknowledged their necessity in certain situations.

With the guard incapacitated, Dae assumed their position at the edge of the valley cliff, peering down into the abyss below. He could sense his fellow operatives already making their descent, their footsteps echoing off the sheer rock face.

Nestled in the secluded valley below, the small camp buzzed with activity. Beastmen of various sizes and shapes worked diligently side by side, their claws and paws deftly handling tools and materials. At the center of the camp, near the shaman's tent, a summoning circle was taking shape. Its intricate patterns and symbols radiated an ethereal glow, promising untold power to those who dared to unlock its secrets.

This camp had been the object of a relentless search by the Bloody Pack. Rumors had spread like wildfire among the beastmen communities, whispering of a massive energy crystal and rare materials discovered by one of this camp's members. The Alpha and his Circle, captivated by the allure of such treasures, had set their sights on acquiring them by any means necessary.

Dae surveyed the scene with a heavy sigh. He knew all too well the terror that the Bloody Pack brought upon their victims. If not for the rumors that had led them here, he imagined that his pack would be enjoying the comforts of one of their familiar sites. Nearby was even one of his favorites, hot springs which bubbled and steamed, inviting weary travelers to relax and rejuvenate. But for the Bloody Pack, there was no respite tonight. Their mission was relentless, and their thirst for power knew no bounds.

Dae's heart sank as he contemplated the fate of the unsuspecting camp below. The beastmen, unaware of the impending danger, continued their work with fervor, unaware that they were about to become entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse. The Bloody Pack was closing in, and the tranquil valley would soon be transformed into a battleground where blood would flow freely.

As the other members of the stealth team reached the bottom of the valley, Dae swiftly descended the rocky terrain to join them. He glanced at the empty space beside him, wishing that Nare, his trusted partner, was by his side. However, she had stayed back with the fighters at the head of the valley, her keen eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of movement. Her role was crucial, as she waited patiently for the prearranged signal that would trigger the next phase of their plan.

The team split, slipping within the shelters where some of the enemy group were sleeping. Each designated to take them out of the equation by using toxins to enforce their slumber and increase the slaves captured tonight.

Dae’s target was unfortunately awake, as he was tasked with distracting the shaman once the signal to attack was given. Slipping into one of the shelters, he found the current inhabitants were already taken care of. This made it easy to grab a cloak one was sleeping under and wrap it around his body. The covering would give him the scent of the group in case one of the more bestial had sharp senses.

His estimation was correct as he found himself just outside the shaman’s tent wall. The tent was well made, and had to have been bought from a nearby city. There was only a moment as he wished to be able to see such a thing, but the vanguard was never allowed within sight of the walls. The fear that they would escape or be taken by a group within was too big a risk for the Circle and they were always denied.

He also grumbled at the loss of any of these materials. They would die for them but the Circle would get the rewards. Even with the small items his group would already be collecting from the normal members of the camp, the rewards within this tent would allow a full summoning and awakening, something the vanguard hadn’t been allowed to do since he was born.

The signal, a fox call from the other end of the valley, caused Dae to reach for his sharpest blade, opening the side of the tent enough for him to slip inside. The shaman was there at the open entrance, an owl-like humanoid, known for controlling wind. He wished Zy was here instead, but he had died along with his mate several battles before and they had no summoned left since Mai was tasked with the Alpha of this camp who was one of the more dangerous beasts, a bear.

The air grew thick with anticipation as the signal reached Dae's ears. The familiar sound of the fox call, a piercing cry echoing through the valley, ignited a spark of urgency within him. This was their cue. The moment they had been waiting for, the culmination of their meticulous planning and preparation.

He took a deep breath, his senses heightened. The shaman stood before him, his back turned, engrossed in his preparations for the summoning ritual. Dae's hand tightened around the hilt of his blade, the cool metal a comforting reminder of his purpose. It was time to act.

With a burst of speed, Dae lunged forward, the blade flashing through the air like a venomous serpent. His aim was precise, targeting a non-vital area to incapacitate rather than kill. The shaman let out a startled cry as the blade found its mark, a shallow wound opening on his shoulder.

The owl-like beastman whirled around, his eyes wide with surprise and alarm. "Who are you? What is the meaning of this attack?" he demanded, his voice laced with a hint of fear.

Dae wasted no time on explanations. He launched into a series of swift and calculated strikes, his movements fluid and graceful. The shaman, though caught off guard, was no pushover. He deftly parried Dae's attacks, his own claws extended, ready to retaliate.

The tent became a whirlwind of motion, the air filled with the clash of steel and the snarls of two predators locked in mortal combat. Dae's agility and speed proved to be a formidable advantage, allowing him to evade the shaman's counterattacks and land several blows of his own. But the owl-like beastman was resilient, his wind magic swirling around him like a protective barrier.

As the fight intensified, Dae realized that incapacitating the shaman would be more challenging than he had anticipated. The summoning circle pulsed with energy, drawing upon the surrounding power and amplifying the shaman's abilities. Dae knew he had to act quickly before the ritual was completed.

With a surge of adrenaline, Dae changed tactics. He feinted a high strike, then ducked low, his blade aimed at the shaman's legs. The owl-like beastman, anticipating another overhead attack, left himself vulnerable for a split second. Dae seized the opportunity, his blade slicing through the shaman's hamstring.

The owl-like beastman let out a pained cry as he stumbled and fell to his knees. Dae pressed his advantage, disarming his opponent and pinning him to the ground. The shaman struggled, but Dae's grip was unyielding.

"You will not complete this ritual," Dae hissed, his voice cold and menacing. "Your time is up."

“It’s too late, it’s starting.” The owl’s beak cackled, and Dae pulled a toxin laden spike out and stabbed him in the neck, causing the beast to lose consciousness after several minutes.

Dae looked at the array and shook his head. One of the Circle or their own shaman would deal with it. Then two shadows broke from the melee in the camp and hurried in his direction.

"Nare!" Dae shouted with joy as he reached out to grab her hand. Elias was trailing behind her with a pack, which was strange because he was usually in the thick of the fight.

“Hush boy, we have little time before the Circle and their lackeys arrive to dismantle this and we can’t have that, you and the girl are going to use this opportunity to complete your summoning.” Elias quickly removed his pack and pulled out some of the precious materials the vanguard had been able to gather.

Dae looked stunned, but Nare smiled and pulled him within the array. “It’s ok, it’s our turn and you know it. Wouldn’t happen unless we took a chance and we can say it was already active, which it is.”

“That’s why the signal was late?” Dae asked Elias, with a shocked look on his muzzle.

“Yes” Elias’s grin showed his full set of teeth, “And the Circle will be furious, but there isn’t anything they can do about it and it’s not like they can afford to kill any summoned.”

Dae finally looked closer at the array and the gathered materials. There was the largest energy crystal he had ever seen at the center, the natural array that made it must have been huge and old. The rest of the array had materials from monsters around. No animal had bones that big or thick, but those who were enhanced or worse awakened would become something more, and their components were required for the best results during a summoning. Dae’s sense of himself started to fade as he felt Nare’s arms surround him in a hug.

Time seemed to stop as the summoning portal's energy enveloped the two figures within the array. Nare felt a tendril probe her body, latching onto an incomplete array within her. In a rush, the array connected to the surrounding energy, and a pulse surged through her. Her mind went blank as the summoning began, but something was amiss. Her connection faltered, lost in the swirling chaos beside her. Yet, her array remained linked to the immense power nearby, and she sensed a bond forming with her partner before she tried in vain to scream.

Dae watched in astonishment as multiple tendrils of energy delved into his body. Unlike Nare, who had only one, the energy flowing into him was on a different scale entirely. Instead of drawing power from the array, he felt his body amplify its strength. The tendrils danced around him, intertwining with his groin, heart, and mind. Their pulsating energy coursed through him, establishing a connection to Nare. He reached out to her, but a resistance blocked his path. Sensing something was wrong, he pushed harder, feeling her pain as her energy waned and her connection to the summoning faltered but instead merged with his own.

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He felt a surge of power as the array around him started to glow and pulse with energy. The tendrils started to fade as the array took over, and he felt a pull from somewhere far away. He could feel Nare’s presence fading, but he couldn’t do anything about it now. He had to focus on the summoning. He closed his eyes and let the array take over.

The darkness was absolute, and Dae felt himself being pulled in all directions. The only constant was the pain, a searing, agonizing pain that tore through his very being. It felt as if his body was being ripped apart and put back together, over and over again. He wanted to scream, but no sound escaped his lips. He wanted to fight back, but his limbs felt heavy and unresponsive.

Then, as suddenly as it had begun, the pain subsided. The darkness receded, and Dae found himself standing in a vast, empty space. The only source of light was a faint, ethereal glow emanating from a shimmering portal that hung suspended in the void before him.

As he approached the portal, he could sense powerful presences on the other side, their energies intertwining and resonating with the portal's pulsating power. While he could not see or hear anything, he could comprehend that those presences were godlike in their power.

The first figure to appear was a creature of captivating beauty and alluring darkness. Her form, that of a succubus, was both seductive and intimidating. Her skin, as pale as moonlight, contrasted with her flowing raven hair and piercing crimson eyes. Bat-like wings unfurled from her back, their leathery membranes shimmering with an iridescent sheen.

The second figure to step up to the portal was a magnificent phoenix, its feathers ablaze with vibrant hues of orange, red, and gold. Its eyes, like molten sapphires, burned with an intensity that spoke of ancient wisdom and boundless power. As it spread its wings, the air crackled with the heat of its fiery essence.

The last figure to arrive was a dryad, her form a living tapestry of bark, leaves, and vines. Her eyes, as green as the forest depths, held a serene and gentle gaze. Her presence exuded an aura of tranquility and harmony, a stark contrast to the raw power of her companions.

"How intriguing," purred the demon succubus, her voice like velvet laced with venom. "This portal pulses with an unfamiliar energy, a raw, untamed power I've never encountered before."

A fiery phoenix, its feathers shimmering with iridescent flames, let out a melodious cry. "Indeed, demon of shadow. This realm, this... pocket dimension, seems to exist outside the known planes. But what truly perplexes me is the nature of this portal. The tendrils, they intertwine with the being's mind, heart, and groin. Such intimacy, such vulnerability..."

A dryad, her form composed of living wood and verdant leaves, spoke in a voice as gentle as a summer breeze. "It is unlike any bridge I have witnessed. This portal, it draws upon not one, but three distinct energies. The mind, the body, and the spirit. It is as if the summoner seeks to forge a bond that transcends the physical and delves into the very essence of being."

The succubus chuckled, a low, sultry sound that sent shivers down the spines of her companions. "Perhaps this is why we were drawn here, sisters. This invoker, this... Dae, he offers a unique opportunity. A chance to explore the depths of power and pleasure, to experience a connection unlike any other."

The phoenix tilted its head, its fiery eyes filled with curiosity. "And what of the risks? Such power, such intimacy, it could consume us, bind us to this summoner in ways we cannot foresee."

The dryad nodded in agreement, her leafy brows furrowed with concern. "We must tread carefully. This summoning is unlike any we have encountered before. The consequences of our actions could be far-reaching."

The succubus smiled, her fangs glinting in the ethereal light. "Fear not, sisters. We are creatures of power, of desire. We shall embrace this opportunity, this challenge. Together, we shall explore the depths of this summoning, and claim its rewards for ourselves."

The dryad stepped forward, her ethereal form shimmering with a verdant glow. Extending a delicate hand towards the portal, she released a surge of pure, natural energy. The portal's surface rippled and distorted, momentarily destabilizing the connection.

"Foolishness," the succubus hissed, her crimson eyes narrowing. "Your meddling will only disrupt the summoning and doom us all."

The phoenix, its fiery gaze fixed on the dryad, spoke in a voice that crackled with both curiosity and concern. "Sister of the forest, what is your purpose? Why interfere with the natural flow of this summoning?"

The dryad's voice, as gentle as a rustling breeze, carried a note of unwavering determination. "This portal is a bridge between worlds, a conduit for beings of immense power. But it is also fragile, its stability dependent on the delicate balance of energies. Our presence, as fully formed beings, would overwhelm this fragile connection and risk collapsing the entire dimension."

The succubus scoffed, her wings twitching impatiently. "Then what do you propose, sister of the trees? Shall we simply stand aside and watch this opportunity slip through our grasp?"

The dryad smiled serenely, her emerald eyes shining with wisdom. "Not at all, sister of shadow. There is another way, a path that allows us to partake in this summoning without jeopardizing its integrity."

The dryad, her connection to nature as intrinsic as her bark-woven skin, reached deep within herself. Drawing upon the life force that coursed through her veins, she coaxed forth a seed, a tiny vessel of untapped potential. With a gentle touch, she placed the seed upon the ethereal ground, her fingers tracing intricate patterns around it, infusing it with her essence.

As if awakened by an ancient spell, the seed trembled and sprouted, its roots burrowing into the nothingness with surprising tenacity. A delicate stem emerged, reaching towards the shimmering portal with an unwavering determination. Leaves unfurled, their vibrant green a stark contrast to the void that surrounded them.

The seedling grew at an astonishing pace, its form becoming more defined with each passing moment. It stretched and twisted, its branches weaving together to create a small, humanoid figure. The figure's features were still indistinct, but its outline bore a striking resemblance to the dryad herself, a miniature echo of her own form.

With a final surge of energy, the dryad severed the connection between herself and the seedling, granting it autonomy and independence. The newly formed being opened its eyes, their emerald hue mirroring the dryad's own. It turned its gaze towards the portal, a sense of curiosity and purpose radiating from its nascent consciousness.

She gestured towards the seedling, its form now fully realized and standing beside her. "This is my offering, a vessel of pure potential, unburdened by the limitations of our own existence. It is a blank canvas, ready to be shaped and molded by the energies of this realm."

The phoenix let out a soft cry, its feathers ruffling with a mix of awe and apprehension. "But will it be enough? Can such a young, untested being withstand the power of this summoning?"

The dryad nodded confidently. "It is not strength or experience that this portal seeks, but potential and adaptability. This seedling, born of my essence and nurtured by the energies of this realm, possesses both in abundance."

The succubus, her initial skepticism waning, stepped forward to examine the seedling. Her crimson eyes scanned its form, taking in its delicate features and the raw power that thrummed beneath its surface.

"Intriguing," she purred, a hint of admiration in her voice. "Perhaps there is merit to your plan, sister of the forest. But what of our own desires? How do we benefit from this arrangement?"

The dryad smiled enigmatically. "The rewards of this summoning are not limited to the summoner alone. The energies that flow through this portal will touch us all, shaping and transforming us in ways we cannot yet imagine. And as this seedling grows and matures, it will become a conduit for our own power, a vessel through which we can experience the wonders of this realm."

The phoenix, its fiery gaze still fixed on the seedling, let out a cry that echoed through the void. Drawing upon the flames that danced within its being, it released a single, incandescent feather. The feather, ablaze with a brilliant light, floated gently towards the portal, its trajectory guided by an unseen force.

As it approached the shimmering surface, the feather began to dissolve, its fiery essence merging with the portal's energy. The portal's glow intensified, its colors shifting and swirling in a mesmerizing display. From the heart of the portal, a new form emerged, a being of pure fire and light.

The phoenix's avatar stood tall and proud, its humanoid shape composed of flickering flames. Its eyes, like twin suns, radiated a warmth that was both comforting and awe-inspiring. Wings of fire unfurled from its back, their ethereal flames casting intricate patterns of light and shadow. It then shrunk, becoming a small bird with rainbow colored fire surrounding it.

The succubus, her crimson eyes gleaming with anticipation, stepped forward. With a seductive smile, she extended a clawed hand towards the portal, her dark energy flowing into its depths. The portal's surface rippled and pulsed, its colors darkening as it absorbed the succubus's power.

A shadowy figure emerged from the portal, its form shrouded in darkness. The succubus's avatar was a creature of both beauty and terror, its features a blend of human and demonic. Its skin, as pale as ash, was marked with intricate tattoos that seemed to writhe and shift. Its eyes, like pools of liquid night, held a predatory glint. The form shrunk as well, becoming a smaller humanoid hidden by swirling shadows.

As the three avatars started to cross the boundary, a second call sounded in the space around them. It was small but resilient. Nare was pulled forward to stand next to Dae.

The demoness, her crimson eyes narrowed, scrutinized the newcomer with a mix of curiosity and disdain. "Another?" she hissed, her voice laced with a hint of possessiveness. "But this one bears no resemblance to me."

The dryad, her gaze gentle yet perceptive, nodded in agreement. "Nor to me," she added.

The phoenix, however, seemed intrigued. Its fiery eyes, usually burning with an intense heat, softened as it regarded Nare. "There is a familiarity here," it mused, its voice a melodious trill. "A resonance that calls to me, even though it does not mirror my own essence."

With a graceful gesture, the phoenix released another feather from its resplendent plumage. This feather, smaller and less radiant than the first, still carried a spark of the phoenix's immense power. It fluttered towards Nare, drawn by an invisible thread of connection.

The feather, as delicate as a hummingbird's wing, danced around Nare, its fiery essence tracing intricate patterns in the air. It seemed to be testing her, probing her energy, seeking a point of resonance. Finally, with a gentle touch, the feather landed upon Nare's chest, its fiery tip nestling against her heart.

A surge of warmth spread through Nare's being, a sensation both comforting and exhilarating. The feather's energy, like a gentle flame, intertwined with her own, forging a bond that was both unexpected and undeniable.

The three avatars, their forms shimmering with otherworldly energy, converged upon Dae. The succubus's avatar, a creature of shadow and seduction, reached out with an ethereal hand, its touch as cold as moonlight. It caressed Dae's forehead, its essence seeping into his mind like a tendril of darkness.

In that moment, Dae felt his consciousness expand, his perception shifting as he became attuned to the hidden currents of power that flowed through the void. The succubus's power, a mastery over shadow and illusion, mingled with his own, granting him a newfound understanding of the subtle arts of deception and manipulation.

The phoenix's avatar, a being of fire and rebirth, approached next. Its fiery gaze met Dae's, and a surge of warmth enveloped him. The avatar's hand, radiating an intense heat, pressed against Dae's chest, its essence flowing into his heart like molten lava.

Dae's body trembled as the phoenix's power coursed through his veins, igniting a fire within him. His muscles swelled with newfound strength, his bones hardened, and his senses heightened. The phoenix's gift of regeneration, a power to heal and restore, merged with his own, granting him an unprecedented resilience.

Finally, the dryad's avatar, a creature of nature and life, stepped forward. Its emerald eyes, filled with a serene wisdom, met Dae's gaze. The avatar's hand, as gentle as a spring breeze, reached for Dae's groin, its essence flowing into him like a life-giving sap.

Dae felt a connection to the natural world blossoming within him, his senses expanding to encompass the rhythms of the earth, the whispers of the wind, and the pulse of life that permeated the very fabric of reality. The dryad's power, a mastery over growth and vitality, intertwined with his own, granting him an unprecedented affinity for the natural world.

The kaleidoscope of sensations and emotions that had overwhelmed Dae and Nare began to recede, replaced by a growing awareness of their physical surroundings. The ethereal plane faded, and the familiar sights and sounds of the shaman's tent rushed back into their senses. The summoning was complete.

Dae's eyes flickered open, and he found himself standing within the summoning circle, his body trembling with residual energy. Beside him, Nare stirred, her own eyes slowly opening to reveal a newfound clarity and focus. The tendrils of power that had connected them to the otherworldly beings had vanished, leaving behind a lingering warmth and a sense of profound transformation.

Dae could feel the lingering presence of the succubus within his mind, granting him newfound control over shadows and the ability to weave illusions. The phoenix's essence coursed through his veins, filling him with a sense of boundless energy and the ability to mend his wounds at an accelerated rate. The dryad's connection to nature allowed him to sense the world around him with heightened clarity, drawing strength and vitality from the very earth beneath his feet.

Nare, though her connection was primarily with the phoenix, had also been touched by the residual energies of the summoning. Her physical prowess had increased, her muscles rippling with newfound strength and her reflexes sharpened to a razor's edge. A warmth radiated from her core, a testament to the phoenix's gift of regeneration, which would allow her to recover from injuries faster than before.

Though not as pronounced as Dae's abilities, Nare's newfound powers were a significant boon to her already formidable combat skills. She could feel the potential for even greater strength and resilience within her, waiting to be unlocked as she continued to explore the depths of her connection with the phoenix.