Morning sunlight filtered through the mansion windows. The scent of freshly baked bread and warm herbal tea lingered in the air as the team gathered in the lounge.

  Faye stood in the center, fidgeting slightly while holding a cup of milk. Kazuki, Kairyuuha, Mei, Thora, Kael, Aika, Yuno, Reiya, and Lumina sat or leaned around the long table, watching curiously.

  > “Alright, scanning now,” Yuno said as he activated the mansion’s stat-scope artifact.

  A shimmering screen appeared behind Faye, glowing with magical letters and numbers.

  ---

  Name: Faye

  Age: 12

  Level: 4

  Race: Human

  Class: —

  Mana: 82

  Spiritual Energy: 138

  Strength: 23

  Agility: 31

  Intelligence: 40

  Vitality: 28

  Unique Traits:

  Resilient Mind (Common)

  Spirit Companion (Rare)

  The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

  ---

  “Pretty average stats for a kid,” Thora said, arms crossed. “Though that spiritual energy’s something else.”

  “Resilient Mind?” Mei tilted her head. “That’s the one that helps against illusions and mental stuff, right?”

  Reiya gave a small nod. “It’s passive. Not flashy, but useful in the right situations.”

  “But this… Spirit Companion?” Aika asked, eyes narrowed.

  All eyes turned to Kairyuuha.

  > “Go on, professor,” Kael grinned.

  Kairyuuha sighed and stood, hands in his coat pockets.

  > “Alright. Listen up.”

  ---

  The Explanation

  > “Most adventurers either swing swords or sling spells. Both paths rely on your own inner strength—mana, muscle, intelligence. That’s the norm.”

  > “But Spirit Companions? That’s a different kind of power. You don’t fight alone. You form a contract with a spirit—an entity born from pure elemental or emotional energy. And they fight with you.”

  Yuno leaned forward, intrigued. “Like a summon?”

  > “Exactly,” Kairyuuha said. “They can take many forms. Wolves made of flame. Shadows that whisper. Even ancient humanoids. Their form and strength depend on your Spiritual Energy.”

  Lumina added quietly, “And she’s already got quite a bit of that…”

  > “Which makes her a natural,” Kairyuuha nodded. “But there’s a catch. Spirit summoning is expensive. Every summon burns spiritual energy. And forming a stable contract? Takes time, trust… and training.”

  Faye’s eyes were wide. “But… I can actually do that? Summon spirits?”

  Mei smiled. “If you’re willing.”

  > “I want to,” Faye said firmly. “I really do.”

  Kael grinned. “Well, then. Let’s raise a summoner.”

  Reiya stood with a sigh. “She’ll need the basics first. Control, form, endurance.”

  Thora snorted. “We’ve got the training grounds. She’ll manage.”

  ---

  Later That Day

  In the garden behind the mansion, the wind carried the scent of flowers. The grass was cool under bare feet as Faye stood quietly, eyes shut, guided by Yuno and Lumina.

  Kairyuuha and Kazuki observed from the stone pathway.

  > “She’s listening already,” Kairyuuha murmured. “The wind’s reacting.”

  Kazuki nodded. “She’s... calm. Like she’s used to chaos, but doesn’t let it shake her.”

  > “That kind of composure is rare,” Kairyuuha replied. “And valuable.”

  A faint shimmer gathered around Faye’s hands—translucent light, brief and soft. A hush fell over the garden as the breeze stilled.

  “Did she…?” Mei asked.

  “Not yet,” Yuno replied, voice low. “But she’s close.”

  ---

  Evening

  Back inside, laughter rang through the dining hall. Plates clinked with spoons as everyone enjoyed warm soup, vegetable pie, and fresh bread.

  Faye grinned, cheeks flushed.

  > “I’ve never eaten this much before.”

  “You’ll get used to it,” Reiya said, passing her another slice of bread.

  Kael raised his glass. “To Faye—our new Spirit Summoner!”

  “Cheers!” everyone echoed.

  Aika leaned closer and whispered, “You’re one of us now.”