The Divine Gacha icon expanded across Soma's vision.
A brilliant golden frame formed around the display, followed by a shower of glittering lights that looked suspiciously like fireworks.
Then three enormous wheels appeared.
Soma stared.
...You've got to be kidding me.
The wheels were arranged side by side, each one divided into brightly colored sections.
Above them hung three elaborate signs.
RARITY.
AFFINITY.
FAMILIAR DESIGNATION.
The entire arrangement reminded Soma of a game show from his previous life.
Syscilia, why does this look like something straight out of The Price Is Right?
[The presentation was designed to enhance anticipation and user engagement.]
Dax made a magical game show.
[Lord Dax would likely describe it as an interactive randomized reward interface.]
It's a game show.
[As you wish.]
A short fanfare played directly inside his head.
Soma jumped.
WHERE IS THAT MUSIC COMING FROM?!
[The Divine Gacha provides an accompanying musical presentation.]
Can anyone else hear it?
[No.]
Good, because I'd hate to explain why I'm sitting in the corner listening to a marching band while preparing for a life-or-death trial.
[Your description is somewhat dramatic.]
Have you met me?
[Unfortunately, yes.]
Soma laughed.
All right. How do we start?
[You possess one Familiar Summoning Token. I can retrieve it from NexPack on your behalf.]
You can do that?
[With your authorization, I can assist in managing and retrieving items from your inventory.]
Oh, that's going to be incredibly useful.
[Then I shall add inventory assistance to your preferred functions.]
A luminous blue token appeared before him.
Its surface was decorated with a silver paw print surrounded by tiny runes.
[FAMILIAR SUMMONING TOKEN]
[Use Token?]
Soma grinned.
Let's do it.
The token dissolved into a cloud of blue sparks.
Immediately, the three wheels illuminated.
The fanfare returned.
Oh, here we go.
[FAMILIAR GACHA ACTIVATED.]
[THREE WHEELS OF FATE INITIALIZING.]
The wheels began spinning.
Colors blurred together.
The first wheel rotated so quickly that Soma could barely distinguish its divisions.
He caught brief glimpses of letters.
F.
E.
D.
C.
B.
A.
S.
SS.
SSS.
And several extraordinarily rare classifications beyond them.
Come on... give me something good.
[First Wheel: Rarity.]
The wheel began slowing.
Soma leaned closer.
Its pointer passed over A.
Then S.
Then SS.
Oh, come on.
The pointer drifted toward the boundary of the next section.
Stop.
The wheel continued moving.
Stop, stop, stop!
It hovered directly between SS and a far less desirable section.
Soma held his breath.
The pointer shifted backward by the smallest possible amount.
DING!
[RARITY RESULT: SS]
Soma nearly shouted.
SS?!
[Congratulations, Master Soma.]
HOLY SHIT!
He slapped a hand over his mouth.
A girl sitting nearby looked toward him.
Soma pretended to cough.
She returned to her preparations.
An SS-rank familiar? That's insane!
[A remarkably fortunate result.]
You're telling me!
The second wheel began slowing.
[Second Wheel: Affinity.]
Soma watched as different symbols passed beneath the pointer.
Fire.
Wind.
Earth.
Water.
Lightning.
Light.
Then—
Shadow.
DING!
[AFFINITY RESULT: SHADOW]
Soma grinned.
Shadow affinity?
[Correct.]
That's perfect for scouting and infiltration.
He leaned closer.
Now give me something amazing.
The third wheel continued spinning.
Unlike the others, its sections contained names and elaborate illustrations.
A wolf.
A drake.
A spectral bird.
Several creatures Soma couldn't identify.
The wheel slowed.
The images became clearer.
One depicted a small figure wearing dark robes.
Another showed a larger creature surrounded by black smoke.
The pointer moved.
Slower.
Slower.
Then stopped.
DING!
[FAMILIAR DESIGNATION: UMBRAL SHINOBI]
Soma blinked.
Umbral Shinobi?
[Congratulations, Master Soma.]
A much louder fanfare erupted.
Golden lights exploded across the interface.
[FAMILIAR ACQUIRED!]
[Rarity: SS]
[Affinity: Shadow]
[Species: Raccoon]
[Designation: Umbral Shinobi]
[Specialization: Shadow Manipulation, Stealth, and Infiltration]
Soma stared at the result.
...Raccoon?
A circle of dark mist appeared on the marble floor before him.
The shadows swirled together, gathering into a dense cloud that seemed to absorb the surrounding light.
Two violet eyes opened within it.
Then a small figure stepped forward.
Well, small was relative.
The creature stood approximately four feet tall on its hind legs.
Its fur was predominantly white, with striking black markings around its eyes, ears, and limbs. A long, bushy tail extended behind it, marked with alternating rings of black and white.
A black hood covered its head, complete with carefully fitted openings for its ears.
Its dark robes were tailored closely enough to allow easy movement, while its trousers had a narrow opening for its tail.
The creature moved with astonishing precision.
Not a single unnecessary motion.
It stepped out of the smoke, straightened, placed one paw against its chest, and bowed respectfully.
Soma stared.
Then slowly smiled.
Is that a trash panda?
[Master Soma, I would advise against referring to an SS-rank Umbral Shinobi as a trash panda.]
Are you kidding? I'm thrilled!
He leaned forward.
Raccoons were one of my favorite animals back on Earth!
[An unexpected but fortunate coincidence.]
Soma examined the creature more carefully.
The raccoon remained perfectly still, waiting.
There was something almost ceremonial about its posture.
It resembled an elite warrior reporting to a commanding officer.
And look at him. He's so disciplined!
[The Umbral Shinobi possesses highly developed stealth instincts and behavioral traits associated with structured combat training.]
He's an actual little ninja!
The raccoon's ears perked up.
Soma smiled.
"Hey, little guy."
The creature looked toward him.
"Can you understand me?"
It nodded.
Soma's eyes widened.
"Seriously?"
Another nod.
[Your familiar understands your language, although it cannot reproduce human speech.]
Can he communicate with me?
[Through your familiar bond, yes. His communication will consist primarily of emotions, intentions, and mental images rather than spoken language.]
Soma considered that.
"Well, that works for me."
He held out his hand.
The raccoon examined it.
Then stepped forward and placed its paw against Soma's palm.
A gentle pressure touched Soma's thoughts.
It wasn't a voice.
It wasn't even a word.
It was a feeling.
Respect.
Curiosity.
And a quiet willingness to stand beside him.
Soma's smile softened.
"Nice to meet you, partner."
The raccoon bowed again.
Soma chuckled.
"You know, you're going to need a name."
The creature tilted its head.
"I think I've got one."
He leaned forward.
"How about Kage?"
The raccoon's ears immediately rose.
Its tail swayed once.
Then a small wave of approval flowed through the bond.
Soma grinned.
"You like that?"
Kage nodded firmly.
[Familiar Name Registered: Kage.]
[Bond Established.]
[Tamer Experience Synchronization Activated.]
[Eligible Companion Experience Bonus: +30%]
Soma let out a low whistle.
"Welcome to the family, Kage."
The raccoon placed one paw against his chest and gave a dignified bow.
For a moment, Soma genuinely believed he'd just acquired the most disciplined companion in all of Hallowcrown.
Then Kage saw the ring.
Not the Signet of the Packmaster.
A different ring.
Several benches away, a newly awakened boy was inspecting an ornate golden ring in the palm of his hand.
The gemstone at its center glittered beneath the chamber's magical lighting.
Kage froze.
His ears twitched.
His tail went rigid.
Soma frowned.
"Kage?"
The raccoon's eyes remained fixed on the jewelry.
A strange feeling washed through their bond.
Interest.
Excitement.
Desire.
Soma followed his gaze.
"Oh, that's a nice ring."
Kage's pupils widened.
"Kage?"
The raccoon vanished.
Not in a flash of light.
Not in a cloud of smoke.
He simply sank into the shadow beneath his feet.
One moment he was standing there.
The next, he was gone.
Soma blinked.
"...Where did he go?"
[He entered the shadows.]
"I can see that. Where did he go?"
[His current movement suggests an infiltration maneuver.]
Soma's expression slowly changed.
"Syscilia..."
[Yes?]
"Don't tell me."
A notification appeared.
[ITEM ACQUIRED.]
[C-RANK SPATIAL RING]
Soma stared at the message.
"...What?"
A shout rang through the waiting chamber.
"WHERE'S MY RING?!"
Soma turned.
The boy who had been examining the jewelry was frantically searching his hands and pockets.
"It was right here! I just had it!"
Soma closed his eyes.
Oh, no.
[Master Soma, I have identified the source of your newly acquired item.]
Please don't say it.
[Kage appears to have stolen it.]
Soma slowly lowered his head.
I summoned him less than five minutes ago.
[An impressive demonstration of his infiltration capabilities.]
THAT IS NOT THE PROBLEM!
A dark shape emerged from the shadow along the wall.
Kage reappeared before him.
The raccoon stood perfectly upright, holding the glittering ring between two claws.
Its expression was dignified.
Proud.
Absolutely shameless.
It raised the ring toward Soma.
Through their bond came an overwhelming sensation of accomplishment.
Soma stared.
"Kage."
The raccoon tilted its head.
"Did you steal that?"
Kage's ears flattened slightly.
He glanced toward the ring.
Then back at Soma.
A mental image flashed through their bond.
The boy holding the ring.
A sparkling gemstone.
A tiny shadow slipping across the floor.
Then the ring in Kage's paw.
Accompanying the images was a powerful feeling of satisfaction.
Soma rubbed his forehead.
"Okay. So you definitely stole it."
Kage nodded solemnly.
[He does not appear to understand why this is undesirable.]
"Apparently not."
Soma pointed toward the panicking boy.
"Kage, listen carefully. We do not steal from innocent people."
The raccoon's posture changed.
Its tail lowered.
A faint wave of disappointment crossed their bond.
Soma sighed.
"You're not in trouble for being curious. But you can't just take something because it looks pretty."
Kage stared at the ring.
Then at Soma.
His ears drooped.
Soma gently took the ring from him.
"We'll find you something shiny later, all right?"
A spark of interest returned.
"Something that actually belongs to us."
Kage considered that.
Then gave a reluctant nod.
Soma smiled.
"Good."
He rose and walked toward the boy.
"Excuse me."
The boy looked up, visibly distressed.
"Yes?"
"Is this what you're looking for?"
Soma held out the ring.
The boy's eyes widened.
"That's it!"
He snatched it up.
"Where did you find it?"
Soma glanced toward the little raccoon sitting several steps behind him.
Kage had assumed a perfectly innocent posture.
Hands folded.
Back straight.
Eyes respectfully lowered.
Unbelievable.
"My familiar got a little too curious," Soma admitted. "He took it without permission. I'm sorry."
The boy stared past him.
Kage bowed.
A very formal, deeply apologetic bow.
The boy blinked.
Then looked toward Soma again.
"Your familiar is a raccoon?"
"Apparently."
"And he stole my ring?"
"Unfortunately."
The boy looked at Kage.
Then at the ring.
Then back at Kage.
For a moment, Soma worried he might become angry.
Instead, the boy shook his head in disbelief.
"I don't even know what to say."
"That's fair."
Soma offered a small bow.
"It won't happen again."
Behind him, Kage nodded solemnly.
Soma hoped that meant agreement.
He wasn't entirely convinced.
Once they returned to their quiet corner, Soma folded his arms.
"Kage. No stealing from the other Awakeners. Understood?"
The raccoon nodded.
"Good."
A mental image appeared.
A glittering necklace.
Soma stared.
"No."
Another image.
A golden crown.
"No!"
Kage's ears drooped.
[Master Soma, I believe your familiar is attempting to negotiate acceptable targets.]
"There are no acceptable targets!"
A pause.
Soma reconsidered.
"Well... enemy equipment during an actual fight might be different."
Kage instantly straightened.
His violet eyes brightened.
A wave of almost overwhelming enthusiasm rushed through the bond.
Soma pointed at him.
"BUT ONLY IF THEY'RE ACTUALLY OUR ENEMIES!"
Kage placed one paw against his chest and bowed.
[He appears satisfied with these conditions.]
Soma sighed.
"Fantastic. I summoned a ninja with a stealing problem."
[A highly capable ninja with a stealing problem.]
"That doesn't make it better."
[It does make him useful.]
Soma looked toward Kage.
The raccoon was already inspecting the shadows surrounding their corner, apparently searching for possible escape routes.
Despite the theft, his movements were extraordinarily disciplined.
He could see how such a companion might become invaluable during dangerous missions.
All right. We'll work on the shiny-object problem.
Kage turned toward him.
A gentle feeling of loyalty passed through their bond.
Soma smiled.
But I think we're going to get along.
[An optimistic assessment.]
Oh, shut up.
[Master Soma, we still have three Divine Gacha vouchers available.]
Soma looked up.
Right! The golden ones.
[Shall we use them now?]
Absolutely.
Three golden tickets appeared before him.
Their surfaces shimmered with delicate celestial patterns.
One by one, they dissolved into brilliant sparks.
The Gacha display changed.
This time, only a single wheel appeared.
[DIVINE REWARD GACHA ACTIVATED.]
A familiar musical fanfare began.
Soma grinned.
All right. Let's see what happens.
The wheel spun.
Hundreds of symbols flashed across its surface.
Weapons.
Armor.
Crystals.
Books.
Coins.
Strange artifacts.
And several icons Soma couldn't identify.
The wheel slowed.
Then stopped on a symbol depicting multiple branching pathways.
DING!
[REWARD ACQUIRED: ADDITIONAL CLASS UNLOCK.]
Soma froze.
...What?
[Congratulations. You have acquired the opportunity to activate an additional foundational class.]
He stared at the display.
I JUST GOT A SECOND CLASS?!
[You have obtained an additional class selection. You must still choose which class to activate.]
Soma slowly leaned back.
Well, that changes things.
The wheel began spinning again.
[SECOND REWARD.]
This time it stopped on a circle filled with glowing elemental symbols.
DING!
[REWARD ACQUIRED: AFFINITY SIGIL.]
[ADDITIONAL AFFINITY UNLOCK AVAILABLE.]
Soma stared.
Another affinity?
[Correct.]
You have got to be kidding me.
[I assure you, the results are genuine.]
The third wheel spun.
Then slowed.
A golden coin appeared beneath its pointer.
DING!
[REWARD ACQUIRED: ONE PLATINUM COIN.]
Soma nearly fell backward.
ONE PLATINUM?!
[Correct.]
As in one hundred gold coins?
[Yes.]
Soma pressed his hands against his face.
Syscilia, I'm going to have a heart attack before I even enter this trial.
[I would advise against that.]
Thank you for your medical expertise.
[You are welcome.]
He looked at the coin notification again.
Wait. Does that mean I finally have some money?
[You do. Furthermore, the large pouch within your Pantheon Chest contains an additional platinum coin among its contents.]
Soma stared.
So I have two?
[Correct.]
He began laughing.
I haven't even started adventuring and the gods have already paid me.
[I would recommend viewing the funds as resources intended to support your development rather than payment for services rendered.]
You really know how to take the fun out of things.
[I consider it financial responsibility.]
Soma shook his head.
Then glanced toward Kage.
The raccoon had watched the entire process with growing interest.
When the platinum coin appeared, his eyes had followed it with almost religious devotion.
Soma slowly narrowed his eyes.
"Kage."
The raccoon looked at him.
"That money is not for stealing."
Kage gave a dignified nod.
A faint mental image appeared.
The coin.
Resting in a neat little pile.
Next to several other shiny objects.
Soma sighed.
"Of course."
[Master Soma, we should return to your remaining gifts.]
He looked toward the inventory.
Right. Because apparently two classes, two affinities, and an SS-rank ninja raccoon aren't enough for one morning.
[Your assessment is correct.]
Soma stared.
That wasn't a serious statement.
[I am aware.]
He laughed.
All right, Syscilia. Show me what's left.