Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons

His summons scattered in different directions, following his command like seasoned soldiers. Most vanished from sight as they left the building to hunt demonic prey across the globe.

A few remained behind: Formicia, Sylvaris, Aamon, the Frost Wyvern, Flame Salamander and some others. Their superior and epic ranks marked them as Arthur's strongest summons; they were creatures too valuable to place in random encounters.

Arthur turned toward Gates, his expression that of calculation.

"This isn't over. The next wave might include lesser demons—epic-ranked bosses. They might also deploy true demons at a superior-rank level."

Real threats. Not cannon fodder.

"Things are looking hectic. We need to protect the countries backing us."

Gates nodded, his businessman's mind already shifting into crisis management mode. "We've established connections with those nations ever since they showed their stance on the matter. I've been considering this problem."

Always thinking ahead. Good.

"Do you want me to call headquarters to contact them, or do you want to handle communication yourself?"

Arthur's response came without hesitation. "I want to contact them myself."

Personal touch matters in diplomacy.

"It's better to speak with leaders directly. This is our first real contact—I don't want them getting the wrong impression."

Even if I don't need their support, allies shouldn't be abandoned.

While Arthur possessed enough power to operate independently, alienating friendly governments would create unnecessary complications, it was unwise. Political support provided resources, intelligence, and legitimacy that even an overwhelming force couldn't replace.

They would also supply him with more players back in armageddon once the ability to travel between worlds is unlocked for the new awakener.

Arthur knew that even though the newly awakened couldn't access armageddon yet, they were bound to in the future.

Smart alliances prevent stupid conflicts.

Gates processed this reasoning with approval. "We need to reach headquarters. There are cars in the hospital parking lot, though I'm not sure they're still functioning."

"There's also a helicopter, but our security team..." Gates's voice trailed off as he remembered the massacre of the elite-rank demon that Arthur had killed. "One of them was meant to pilot it if things went wrong."

Arthur's smile carried confidence. "It's fine. We'll fly there. Just point us in the right direction."

Why use technology when you have dragons?

"A-Alright." Gates nodded, though confusion flickered across his features.

He was clearly confused about how they were meant to fly without a plane or a helicopter. He thought of the dragon that Arthur had summoned, but it wasn't big enough to handle all of them.

Maybe he will summon another flying beast. Gates thought.

Arthur gestured toward the hospital window that was now an exit. "Wait outside. Both of you."

Gates and Dave exchanged glances but obeyed without question.

Arthur stepped back into the hospital, his spatial awareness detecting Aetherion's presence in Charlotte's room. The void dragon had maintained perfect vigilance, protecting Arthur's sister.

"Aether," Arthur called softly.

The dragon's massive head turned toward him, intelligent eyes sparkling with affection and curiosity.

"I need you to go outside and assume your full size. We're going flying."

Aetherion's excitement was immediate and infectious. "Flying! I love flying, Master! Can we do aerial tricks?"

Adorable enthusiasm from a creature that could level cities.

"Maybe later. Right now we need to get somewhere quickly."

"Okay!" Aetherion bounded toward the exit with puppylike enthusiasm, his big body somehow not disturbing the medical equipment.

Arthur approached Charlotte's bed, studying her peaceful features. Her breathing remained strong and steady.

She's fighting back. The gear is still working.

But complete recovery required Jasmine to check up on her. Twenty-four hours felt like an eternity when Charlotte's life hung in the balance.

Soon. Very soon.

Arthur activated his spatial manipulation, carefully lifting Charlotte's unconscious body with invisible fields of force. She rose from the bed in a perfectly controlled levitation, her body suspended in protective energy.

Gentle. Precise. No sudden movements.

He guided her floating form toward the exit, maintaining perfect stability.

Outside the hospital, Gates and Dave stood in awkward silence until the ground began trembling beneath their feet.

What now?

Aetherion emerged from the building's entrance in his compressed form before expanding to a larger size with dramatic flair.

WHOOSH!

The void dragon's new size made their eyes widen in shock. Fifteen meters in length stretched across the hospital's courtyard, scales that absorbed light, creating patterns of living darkness.

Holy...

Gates stumbled backwards, his composure shattering completely.

And I thought the smaller summons were impressive. He is giving me the same vibe as that cat, except this one is loud and clear.

Dave's instincts screamed warnings about the apex predator before them. His senses painted threat assessments that made his knees weak.

This creature could annihilate armies....no, countries.

But then they remembered—this was Arthur's summon. The same Arthur who'd demonstrated casual dominance over his superior-rank summons.

Our ally. Our protector. Not our enemy.

Relief flooded through both men as understanding replaced terror.

Aetherion lowered his massive head toward them, void-black eyes sparkling with friendly curiosity.

"Hello! I'm Aetherion! Master says we're going flying!"

The enthusiasm of a puppy. Destructive potential of a natural disaster. How is that possible... Gates thought with an awkward smile.

Aether's voice carried childlike excitement that contrasted absurdly with his terrifying appearance.

Arthur emerged from the hospital, Charlotte's unconscious form floating beside him in a cocoon of protective energy. His spatial manipulation maintained perfect stability despite the complex levitation.

"Get on," Arthur gestured toward Aetherion's broad back.

Gates and Dave hesitated, uncertainty warring with obedience.

Riding a dragon. This is really happening.

"He won't bite," Arthur assured them with a small smile. "Aetherion's friendly to our people,"

Thank god, we are part of his people. Otherwise....I don't want to know what that dragon would do. Dave thought, gulping. He knew that he had made the right decision by following Arthur, and after his performance, he didn't regret it one bit.

Even if I gain nothing from joining him beyond simply remaining his ally... I'm content with that.