When someone holds a Contract Card, they can form a unique bond with it. Simply put, the cardholder learns to project their intent into the card. This intent is the key to capturing and bonding with an animal companion.
The process of making a contract with an animal involves three essential steps:
1. Hold the Contract Card.
2. Focus on the animal you wish to bond with, building a clear mental image of it, and pour your intent into the card.
3. Bring the Contract Card close to the creature.
Once the card is near the target, the Contract Card, charged with the user's intent, will attempt to capture the creature. If the attempt is successful, the contract is completed.
At this moment, Jason followed the three steps with ease. A white glow surrounded Duke, his loyal husky, who seemed to recognize Jason's energy in the light and did not resist. With a soft, confused whine, Duke was engulfed by the light and, as if turning into pure energy, was absorbed by the black card.
Jason felt a strange warmth wash over him, like a wave of energy soothing his fatigue. Alongside this rush, he felt a deeper connection to both the Contract Card and Duke.
"Incredible…" he murmured, examining the card now in his hand. It felt as though the card had somehow fused with his spirit.
He turned the card over, noticing it had changed: now, Duke's image was etched onto it, replacing its plain black surface. Below the image, text displayed Duke's new stats.
[Species]: Snowfield Hound
[Attribute]: Not yet awakened
[Class]: Medium Extraordinary
[Growth Level]: Level 1
[Skills]: None
"Looks just like a game card," Jason thought, wondering at its origin. Who had created something so mysterious, and why?
Before he could consider further, the series of prompts he had initially seen on the card faded, replaced by a countdown projected in front of his eyes.
[Novice Trial Realm Transfer Countdown: 59:59]
Jason's heart sank. So, the next phase was the "Novice Trial," just as the forum poster had described.
"Alright, Duke, come on out," he said, focusing on the thought.
In response, a glowing circle appeared on the floor, and as it shimmered and expanded, Duke emerged from the light—now noticeably larger than before.
Duke seemed a bit dazed, glancing around and sniffing, sensing the changes in his own strength and awareness. After a moment, his stomach growled loudly, and he looked at Jason with pleading eyes.
"Alright, let's get you fed," Jason said, chuckling. He quickly gathered Duke's favorite food: chopped pork, minced vegetables, and a broth poured over it all.
With an eager bark, Duke dived into the bowl, wolfing down his meal. Watching him, Jason realized that the husky, who'd once been a medium-sized dog, now had the size and presence of a large one.
'No wonder that cat was bigger than usual.'
Jason smiled to himself, feeling a surge of confidence. His own strength had improved too; he felt sharper and stronger, even if his appearance hadn't changed much.
While Duke ate, Jason decided to test his abilities. He picked up a one-handed sword he'd practiced with since childhood and swung it easily. The blade felt lighter, the motion smoother.
Growing up, Jason had developed a fascination with weapons. His parents, both renowned zoologists, encouraged his interests, enrolling him in a respected swordsmanship school and even taking him on a trip to Hawaii, where he learned to shoot. These hobbies, once impractical, might now prove useful in the upcoming trial. He'd bring his sword along for self-defense—if it could be transported with him.
"Better take this too," he said, setting down the sword to grab a small pendant from his drawer. It was an amulet with a tiny deer horn, an heirloom from his mother's side of the family. As his mother's only keepsake, it held sentimental value that gave him courage.
Thinking of his parents, Jason felt a pang of sadness. They had disappeared years ago on an expedition to study rare wildlife, and their bodies were never recovered. It was this tragedy that fueled his lifelong fascination with animals—and his desire to discover the world's hidden mysteries.
Amulet around his neck, sword in hand, Jason walked back to the living room. Duke had finished his meal and was sprawled out, lazily wagging his tail.
Seeing Jason return, Duke hopped up, barked, and gave a playful grin, his excitement barely contained.
Jason raised an eyebrow. "Feeling good, huh?"
Duke barked again, as if to say, 'Let's do that again!'
"Greedy as always, but no more power-ups for now. Besides, you're going to have plenty of fights to look forward to soon enough," Jason smirked.
"Huh?" Duke's eyes glinted with anticipation. He walked over to a small pair of sunglasses on the coffee table, nosing them onto his snout with a look that said he was ready to take on the world.
Jason burst out laughing. "Alright, big guy, I think you're ready for anything."