Krans del Leon guided Levara between rows of orchard trees, sunlight dappling their cloaks. A few villagers trailed at a safe distance, curious but nervous. The scent of blossoms mingled with a faint tang of char lingering on the breeze. Arrix and Danek joined them minutes later, stepping lightly over tangled roots.
Arrix knelt beside a crude wooden pen that once held the missing calf. He touched a scorched post—blackened edges, tiny splinters curled inward. "See how the wood didn't just burn, it sort of… melted in places," he said, voice low. "Like intense heat focused in small points."
Levara narrowed her eyes. "That suggests something magical. A simple beast wouldn't do this." She traced a finger near the scorch mark, not touching. "Could be a creature aligned to Fire essence, or something twisted by mana."
Danek grunted softly, scanning the ground for tracks. He pointed to a patch of disturbed soil: elongated prints, three-clawed, leading east into denser foliage. "Footprints," he said, voice just above a whisper.
Krans nodded, hand resting near the pommel of his saddle—though he stood on foot now, horse tied nearby. "We'll follow the trail shortly," he decided. "But first, let's clarify our strengths and resources. We must approach carefully."
At that moment, their signet bands hummed in unison, faint mana sparks dancing. Transparent panels of azure light flickered into view before each Summoner's eyes—[System Notification: Status Update Available].
Levara's eyebrows rose. "Status update? Didn't know these bands had this feature."
Arrix tilted his head. "The Academy hinted at advanced functions for ranked Summoners. A system to track progress and abilities. Let's see."
Danek merely stepped closer, all four forming a quiet huddle among the orchard's shade.
Krans reached out, mentally accepting the prompt. The panels expanded, displaying neat lines of text and symbols.
[Summoner Status]
Name: Krans del Leon
Rank: Initiate Summoner (Tier 1)
Attributes:
Vitality: 16Focus: 20Agility: 14Willpower: 22
Abilities:Mana Thread Weaving (Basic): Shape creatures from ambient mana.Elemental Attunement (Novice): Mild affinity with all elements, improved synergy with team summons.Commanding Presence (Passive): Allies gain +5% Focus when following your lead.Clay Carapace (Minor Summon): Conjure a defensive creature or structure from earth-like mana.Aerial Scout (Minor Summon): Create a small winged summon for reconnaissance.
Equipment:Summoner's Signet Band (Tier 1): Enhances mana control, grants Status Interface.Basic Travel Gear (clothing, rations)
Titles:
"Trial-Forged": +2 Willpower
Reputation: Neutral with Frontier Villages
Name: Levara Salion
Rank: Initiate Summoner (Tier 1)
Attributes:
Vitality: 14Focus: 18Agility: 17Willpower: 19
Abilities:Mana Thread Weaving (Basic)Aquatic Shaper (Novice): Improved Water-based summons for support and control.Feline Grace (Passive): +5% Agility when moving alongside summoned creatures.Misty Predator (Minor Summon): A fast, clawed spirit beast formed of mist and moisture.Healing Spritz (Minor Spell): Convert some mana into a mild healing mist.
Equipment:
Summoner's Signet Band (Tier 1)Basic Travel Gear
Titles:
"Fourfold Challenger": Slight boost to elemental summons.
Name: Arrix Velhar
Rank: Initiate Summoner (Tier 1)
Attributes:
Vitality: 13Focus: 21Agility: 15Willpower: 16
Abilities:Mana Thread Weaving (Basic)Amphibious Whisperer (Novice): Water & Earth hybrid summons gain stability.Snare Threads (Minor Spell): Create sticky mana filaments to slow foes.Eel Scout (Minor Summon): A small aquatic summon adept at underwater tasks.Insect Harrier (Minor Summon): Summon tiny insects to harass and distract enemies.
Equipment:
Summoner's Signet Band (Tier 1)Basic Travel Gear
Titles:
"Team's Resolve": +1 Focus for each ally present.
Name: Danek Torren
Rank: Initiate Summoner (Tier 1)
Attributes:
Vitality: 19Focus: 14Agility: 16Willpower: 17
Abilities:Mana Thread Weaving (Basic)Earthen Bulwark (Novice): Earth-aligned summons gain enhanced durability.Silent Tracker (Passive): Gain +5% Agility and Focus when following tracks quietly.Burrower Drone (Minor Summon): A small creature that digs tunnels or pitfalls.Bristleback Hog (Minor Summon): A sturdy, defensive summon that can absorb hits.
Equipment:
Summoner's Signet Band (Tier 1)Basic Travel Gear
Titles:
"Stone-Steady": +2 Vitality when on natural terrain.
[System Notification:]
New Party Formed: "Krans' Company"
Party Bonus: +5% Focus Regeneration when working cooperatively.Party Reputation: Neutral (Local Settlements)
[Quest Log Updated:]
Quest: Frontier Investigation
Objective: Identify and neutralize the mana-twisted creature threatening Carwell's Ford.
Rewards: Improved local reputation, possible material components for advanced summons.
The blue panels faded. Levara blinked, impressed. "So, we have a structured system to track our skills. Helpful."
Arrix traced patterns in the air. "I didn't realize I had a focus boost with allies. That's… neat."
Danek exhaled, no words, but a faint smile at "Silent Tracker" and "Stone-Steady."
Krans nodded, absorbing the information. "Good. We know our strengths. Let's use them effectively."
They turned back to the scorch marks. Krans knelt, brushing ash from the wood. "A creature that burns wood and leaves claw marks. Possibly a Fire-aspect beast twisted by ambient mana. Maybe a drake or lesser salamander variant."
Levara eyed the orchard's leafy canopy. "If it's small, it might climb trees. If large, maybe it hovers or leaps."
Arrix tapped his chin. "I can use my Insect Harrier to flush out hiding foes. Or Snare Threads to slow it."
Danek pointed east again. "Tracks lead that way. We should follow—quietly."
Krans stood, adjusting his belt. "Danek, your Silent Tracker passive and Burrower Drone can help us set a pit or ambush. Levara, your Healing Spritz might keep us safe if we get singed. Arrix, you handle scouting with Eel or insects. I'll coordinate."
Levara grinned, excitement glinting in her eyes. "Now we move as a proper team."
Arrix stepped forward, summoning a handful of small, buzzing insect-spirits that hovered about his shoulder. "I'll send these ahead. They'll circle back if they find something hostile."
Danek silently readied to follow the trail, each footstep careful, benefiting from Silent Tracker's subtle boon.
Krans led them beyond the orchard's edge, where undergrowth thickened and sunlight filtered in motes of green and gold. Villagers watched from a distance, hopeful. The Summoners ventured forth, united and aware of their capabilities.
As they vanished between tall ferns and twisting branches, the orchard's hush pressed around them. They moved with renewed purpose, guided by their newly revealed stats and abilities. A creature lurked ahead, and they would meet it not as uncertain cadets, but as Summoners confident in their roles.
The hunt began.