SWNOVELXO Chapter 1: Chapter 1: Did I Become a Summoner?
Who am I?
For a moment, as soon as I opened my eyes, I couldn't even remember my name.
And then, the instant I recall that I am Reiji Hoshino, I also feel like... I'm a Fairy?
What the hell is happening to me?
Yesterday? I think that's right... Well, when I went to sleep like any other day, expecting to have a normal dream or simply wake up the next morning, maybe even in the middle of the night if nature called...
However! When I woke up, I found myself in a situation so inexplicable I don't even know where to begin describing it.
A sweet and cheerful voice echoes in my mind, saying: {It's just training, no pressure… Let's go!}
Sure, that part, although strange, was far from the weirdest thing. I found myself unable to make many movements while, before my eyes, there was a dirt road surrounded by short grass and a few pine trees on the sides. And, a few meters away, there were two boars—one red and the other golden-brown.
In my peripheral vision, I saw what looked like a hellhound, its fur a dark wine-red color and its eyes glowing golden. Then, that same hound lunged toward the golden-brown boar and bit it twice…
But they weren't simple bites—they were the type with special effects, where only the massive teeth appeared, like giant dentures clamping down on the boar. And then, I saw the boar disappear as the hound returned to its previous position.
[13 Seconds]
While trying to grasp what was going on, I noticed an hourglass, initially counting down from 60 seconds, steadily decreasing each second. Instinctively, I felt I needed to attack before the last grain of sand fell.
Don't ask me how, but I felt as though I could use some kind of power and even knew its name and effects.
[Water Cyclone: Attacks the enemy 3 times with a swirling storm of water. Freezes the enemy for 1 turn with a 20% chance.]
[Purify: Removes all harmful effects from an ally and restores their HP. The amount recovered is proportional to the Attack Power. (Cooldown: 3 turns).]
I didn't know what would happen when the time ran out, and fearing the worst, I chose the first skill: Water Cyclone.
"Whoosh!"
Balancing on one foot, I found myself spinning like a ballerina as some kind of power swirled around me.
But when I took the position, what I saw wasn't what I expected from a skill named Water Cyclone. Instead, it looked more like a manifestation of a blue light pillar—though I could hear the sound of water in the process.
[Critical!]
As soon as I attacked, letters appeared, saying it was a critical hit, and the red boar met the same fate as the golden-brown one. Shortly after, fireworks exploded before me, and a holographic panel appeared in my vision.
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[VICTORY!]
[
[Max Energy: +2] | [Crystal +5] | [Mana Stone: 53]
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Overlaying it all, a golden chest with yellow accents and ornaments reminiscent of wealth stood out in my vision. It had two glowing purple crystals on each side and a radiant aura around it, drawing all my attention.
For a few seconds, I stood still, just staring. When nothing changed, and my movements remained restricted, I sighed and clicked on the chest. A blinding light emerged, forcing me to close my eyes.
When I opened them, the chest from before had disappeared, replaced by a screen with some descriptions.
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[[Unknown Scroll x1]: A scroll imbued with unknown energy. It summons a monster ranging from 1 to 3 Stars.]
[Current Quantity: 1]
[Okay]
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When I clicked [Okay], the same sweet and cheerful voice from earlier spoke again.
{Amazing! That should be easy for a Summoner like you! Even better, you don't need any practice! You got a Summoning Scroll! Looks like it's your lucky day! Hmm... What kind of monster will you summon with this scroll? I'm curious~}
My vision went dark the moment she finished speaking in my mind.
It took a few seconds before I could open my eyes, feeling as though something had yanked me abruptly before coming to a sudden stop, leaving me slightly dizzy.
I rubbed my eyes, which had only been able to perceive black-and-white shadows until they slowly began to focus and gain clarity.
And then, I saw it: a tower, trees, stone walls surrounding the area, a sort of portal, and, directly in front of me, a circular structure with stones positioned at its edges, forming a square. In the center was a glowing triangle. Around the triangle, a circular relief held an energy that swirled incessantly.
Everything seemed both plausible and illogical at the same time. However, until I completed whatever was required of me, my movements remained restricted. Not to mention, I felt as though I had somehow merged with the creature that allowed me to use magic.
Before my eyes, a blue holographic screen with orange borders appeared. On the right side of the screen, some text read: [
When I tried to click on the other options, I realized they were unselectable. The only available choice was the Unknown Scroll.
[Summon: 300 Mana Stones]
My balance showed 2,977 Mana Stones and 5 Crystals.
Realizing I couldn't progress without clicking "Summon," I decided to go ahead.
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[You can summon a monster between 1 and 3 Stars using the Unknown Scroll.
Do you want to summon?
[Yes] | [No]
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An obvious arrow blinked over "Yes," and it was clear I couldn't click "No." So why offer choices when I didn't truly have a choice?
The moment I clicked "Yes," beams of energy shot out from the tip of each stone, converging at the center and intensifying the glow of the triangle. The light grew so bright it forced me to squint.
Exactly two seconds later, the glow subsided, and something miraculously appeared in the center of the triangle. At the same time, a holographic page materialized in front of me.
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[(Wind) Lv.1 Wandering Knight [★★]]
Max Level: 20 | Type: HP
HP: 1,590 | Attack: 82
Defense: 82 | Speed: 97
Skills: [Stone Shock] | [Wave Shock]
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When I clicked [Okay], the familiar voice echoed in my mind once more:
{Ah, it's a [Wind Wandering Knight]. Now you have 3 monsters with different attributes. This allows you to take advantage of attribute relations during battles.}
As soon as she finished speaking, another holographic page appeared, displaying a chart illustrating elemental advantages.
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[- Elemental Relationships]
[Fire -> Wind -> Water -> Fire]
[Light <-> Darkness]: They are stronger against each other.
[Close]
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I clicked "Close," and the voice echoed in my mind again:
{It's as easy as playing rock, paper, scissors! Water beats fire, fire beats wind, wind beats water, and so on… Oh, I almost forgot! Durand left something for you. This is a [Rune], which you can equip on your monster. It has the power to make them stronger.}
The voice faded, and a new page appeared, organized in square grids with icons, each accompanied by a description below: [Battle] | [(New) Monsters] | [(New) Missions (5)] | [(New) Shop (1)].
Although it displayed several options, only one was available for selection. A clear arrow pointed directly at the grid for [(New) Monsters], indicating it was the only possible choice.
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[
[{Info}]:
[Skill]
[Awaken]
[Rune] (Arrow)
[Artifact]
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Water Fairy [★★★]
Exp: [230 / 640 | 35%]
Type: Support
Level: 1/25
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Attributes:
HP: 2,280 | Attack: 133
Defense: 170 | Speed: 103
Crit Rate: 15% | Crit Damage: 50%
Resistance: 15% | Accuracy: 0%
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[Fairy] | [Hellhound] | [Wandering Knight] | [] | [] | [] | [] | [_]…
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An image of a Fairy appeared on the left side. She had long blue hair, slightly drooping, pointed elf-like ears, and blue eyes. She wore an elegant blue dress with white decorative details near the hem, emphasizing a water theme, and a sheath resembling a four-pointed flower.
'So, it's her…' I thought. It became obvious to me that it was thanks to this Fairy that I could use magic. So, I presumed I was somehow interconnected with her.
Setting my doubts aside, I continued observing. On the opposite side were the selection grids, and among them, the [Rune] option had the same arrow forcing me to click on it.
Upon clicking, a new grid appeared with four options in the bottom corner, while at the top corner was a six-pointed star, each point numbered from 1 to 6. Clicking on the [Rune] option that was blinking brought up several more grids, and among them, one had the arrow indicating I should click: [Energy].
When I clicked, I saw a stone shaped like an irregular hexagon with softly rounded edges. At its center was a white letter [E] highlighted against a dark brown background, contrasting with the lighter outline around it.
Clicking on what I assumed was the [Rune], a new page appeared, overlaying the previous one, with a dark brown background and orange options.
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Energy Rune (1)
[★ Rune (E)]: Attack +3 | [Normal]
Options:
[Equip] (Arrow)
[Enhance]
[Sell]
Set Effect:
2 Runes [E]: HP +15%
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When I clicked [Equip], another smaller page popped up.
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[Would you like to equip a Rune? (Equipped Runes will be bound to the monster.)]
[Yes] | [No]
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Once again, the options were "Yes" or "Yes"… So, naturally, I clicked "Yes."
{Great! Rune engraving is complete. Can you feel the difference? And that's not all! You can also upgrade your Runes through Rune Enhancement! Now, try Rune Enhancement.}
I wanted to speak or at least transmit my thoughts to her, but I couldn't. I still found myself trapped in this automatic effect that forced me to select the highlighted options. Once again, I had to click on the rune occupying position number 1 of the six-pointed star and then on the enhancement option.
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[
[Energy Rune (1)] |
[Power (Selected)]
[Enchant (gray)]
[Reassess (gray)]
[- [+1] +]
[Cost: 50 Mana Stones]
[Enhance]
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Sighing, I clicked "Enhance." Immediately, a sound played while a light swirled around the rune.
{I knew you could do it! Great job!}
When she said that in my mind, I felt like a child who had just taken their first step.
{Did you know all Runes are divided into sets? They become stronger when you complete a Rune set.} Her voice sounded slightly regretful as she continued: {It would've been great if Durand had given you a complete Rune set! They say a monster is only as strong as the Runes it has equipped.}
'Durand again... Who is this person anyway?' Of course, my questions were destined to remain unanswered as her sweet and cheerful voice went on.
{Well, we can't do much except try to obtain them ourselves. Now, we need the Enhancement Circle. It's absolutely necessary if you want to improve your monsters. Monsters level up and evolve through the Enhancement Circle.}
Her voice in my mind became more excited: {Are you ready to summon a building this time?} She laughed: {Hehe~ Don't be nervous!}
'Who's nervous? Who?' I thought. 'I just want this to end! I want to go back home!'
But did she hear me? Of course not. She simply brought back the previous page, where the [Shop] option was highlighted with an arrow.
When I clicked it, a new page expanded before my eyes.
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[
1: [Normal]
2: [Building]: [Building]|[Decoration]|[Tree]|[Plant]
[Expand Arena (Locked – Unlocks at Lv.8) - (5,000 Mana Stones)]|[Enhancement Circle -(1,000 Mana Stones)]|[Magic Shop (Unlocks at Lv.6)-(2,000 Mana Stones)]...
[Energy: 94/94]|[Mana Stones: 2,627]|[Crystals: 5]
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I clicked on the [Enhancement Circle], then on buy.
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[Icon] -
[A circle where you can improve the quality of a monster. With the high conductivity levels of Epikion natural stone and Orihalcons, it minimizes side effects when using magic.
[Monster Enhancement]|[Monster Evolution]
[Buy]|[Cancel]
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When I clicked [Buy], a flash of light, even brighter than before, blinded me.
I felt the ground tremble as a sharp sound echoed, accompanied by construction noises.
Soon, everything stopped.
The first thing I noticed was a new structure. Similar to the Summoning Circle, the Enhancement Circle appeared more elaborate.
At its center was a hot pink six-pointed star, surrounded by a glowing double-circle emitting a bright light. Unlike the Summoning Circle, this one had a sort of pedestal, to which I was automatically directed.
Around the Enhancement Circle was a low golden barrier. In the middle of each section connected to the Circle, there was a raised area with a pointed, glowing blue crystal.
{That wasn't so hard, was it? Now you can enhance your monsters!} she said again in my mind. {First, try enhancing the Hellhound. I've prepared the enhancement materials you'll need!}
Three options appeared before me: [Enhance], toward which the arrow pointed, [Info], and [Modify].
Clicking [Enhance], new options emerged, and a grid displayed a total of four monsters available for selection. Among them was the Hellhound, which the arrow kept insistently blinking at. When I clicked it, a "+" sign appeared, allowing me to select another monster.
I chose a monster that resembled a mushroom with a dome-shaped blue cap, eyes, a mouth, and arms that ended without hands. Once selected, I clicked [Okay], and the mushroom monster appeared in place of the "+" sign. Then, the enhancement option became available, costing 600 Mana Stones.
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[Perform enhancement now? (Material monsters will disappear.)]
[Yes] | [No]
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When I clicked "Yes," the Hellhound appeared in the magic circle, glowing. Shortly after, the Hellhound's profile was highlighted before my eyes.
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[(Fire) Lv.2 Hellhound [★★]] | [EXP: 55.4%]
Level: 1 -> 2
HP: 1,140 -> 1,170
Attack: 124 -> 126
Defense: 70 -> 71
Skills: [Bite] | [Double Attack]
[Okay]
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I clicked [Okay], and the sweet, cheerful, and enthusiastic voice echoed in my mind:
{Congratulations! The Hellhound leveled up! You can always level up your monsters through battles, but you can also use the Enhancement Circle to speed up the process. Evolution can make your monsters even stronger, but that's not important for now. I'll tell you about it later.}
I thought I was done, but her voice spoke again:
{I think that's all! The rest is… huh? A message from Durand! Let's read it!}
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[Missions]
1) > [Investigate the Garen Forest. (!)]
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'Mission?' I thought. 'And Durand again…'
I clicked the red blood-colored (!) with an arrow pointing at it.
{The Garen Forest is a dangerous place, so make sure you're prepared for the adventure before investigating it.} Her voice sounded pensive. {It used to be such a peaceful forest… What could have happened?}
As soon as the voice faded, the bar with the [Battle] option was highlighted, with an arrow pointing to it. A map then appeared, with each location identified by a different name. Only the Garen Forest was unlocked, and an arrow pointed directly at it.
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[
[[Info] | [Level: Normal] (v)]
Outskirts [3 Energy (Battle)] South [3 Energy (Battle)] East [Locked] Paths [Locked] North [Locked] Plateau [Locked] Valleys [Locked]
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I clicked on Option 2 (South), and then a grid with three spaces appeared. The Fairy and the Hellhound were already occupying two of them, leaving the last one empty. I clicked on the Wandering Knight, who took the remaining spot. After confirming, my vision blacked out, and soon I found myself in an area similar to where I had awakened in this place, which oddly resembled a summoning battle game.
Before me, I saw two mushrooms resembling the one used as material to strengthen the Hellhound: one with a red cap and the other with a light brown cap. In the middle stood a Large Red Boar.
The Hellhound attacked first, biting the light brown-capped mushroom twice and eliminating it.
The surviving mushroom retaliated with an energy orb, hitting the Wandering Knight. Then, it was my turn to attack, as the same hourglass from before appeared, this time counting down 30 seconds.
In my mind, I selected Water Cyclone, extending my right hand in a "stop" gesture.
"Whoosh!"
"Bang!"
Automatically, I spun, and the pillar of 'blue light' struck the mushroom, instantly eliminating it.
{That big monster in the middle… I think it's the boss!}
She said this and fell silent immediately after.
'Urgh!!!'
The instant the Hellhound attacked the brown-capped mushroom, the blow wasn't enough to eliminate it. I was hit by an energy orb, unable to defend myself, and felt an indescribable pain.
However, despite the pain, I couldn't produce any sound, groaning silently in my mind. All of this was completely illogical.
When my turn came, I took a deep breath and healed myself. Afterward, the Wandering Knight was attacked by the Red Boar, receiving a headbutt. I looked at him and noticed his health bar had decreased slightly.
I had no time to think as the Hellhound lunged forward, delivering two bites to the red-capped mushroom, eliminating it. Now, only the Red Boar remained, which clearly seemed stronger. Even the sweet and cheerful voice had commented on it.
When it was my turn again and I was unable to use healing, I chose Water Cyclone. The sound of water was produced as three consecutive explosions echoed. I watched as the Red Boar's health decreased only slightly. The Wandering Knight attacked but was counterattacked, leaving him with half his health.
The Hellhound struck next, and once again, I used Water Cyclone, spinning lightly on one foot as I cast it.
With less than 10% of its health remaining, the Wandering Knight attacked again, further reducing the Red Boar's life but was counterattacked again, barely surviving. Shortly after, the Hellhound charged forward and finished the opponent.
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[VICTORY!]
[
[Max Energy: +2] | [Crystal +5] | [Mana Stone: 424]
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[(Lv.2) Fairy ★★★]: Level UP!] +766EXP | [(Lv.3) Hellhound ★★]: Level UP!] +766EXP | [(Lv.2) Wandering Knight ★★]: Level UP!] +766EXP
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I clicked on the chest, similar to the one that had appeared the first time, and after it glowed, before I could see my reward, my vision darkened.
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When I opened my eyes, I could barely see. It was dark, and I felt something soft... Yes, like my mattress and pillow!
"Ah, ahh..."
Clearing my throat, I had never been so happy to do something so simple.
Sitting up in bed, supporting myself with my hands, I vividly remembered everything that had just happened while my eyes adjusted to the darkness of my room.
'What was all that?' I thought. 'Was it a realistic dream?'
"Reiji, wake up! It's almost time for school!"
Mom's voice came from the stairs, just like every other morning.
"I'm awake, Mom!" After responding like that, I dragged myself out of bed and headed for the light switch. When I turned it on, I froze.
"What the hell?!"
"Watch your language, young man!"
Reflexively, I replied, "Sorry, Mom!"
My mind was a whirlwind. As I thought about going to the bathroom, I felt the same sensation I had experienced before in my dream.
Whatever it was, that wasn't the most important thing. What truly mattered now was that I felt capable of using the two abilities of the Water Fairy!