Embrace of the void

The next morning, Michael awoke and set about preparing breakfast. As the aromas filled the air, he activated his {Undead Summoning} kill to summon Nyxar.

A rift opened in the void, and Nyxar emerged, taking a seat at the table.

 "Are you ready?" Michael inquired, glancing at his companion.

 "Yes, let's go," Nyxar replied, seamlessly slipping into Michael's shadow. With that, Michael stepped out of the house and made his way toward the Awakened Guild.

After navigating the bustling streets of the city for some time, they finally arrived at the Awakened Guild building. The structure loomed majestically, a grand testament to artistry with multiple floors adorned with intricate designs. A prominent sign at the entrance read, "The Awakened Guild, Arcadia City Branch," rendered in an elegant and ornate font.

Outside the building, magical carriages and fantastical beasts were tethered, their riders bustling about. Numerous powerful Awakened stood guard, their presence a reminder of the guild's significance.

Michael took a moment to admire the beauty and grandeur of the place. Checking his{Fool's Cuff} bracelet, he took a deep breath to steady his nerves before entering the building.

As Michael stepped inside the Awakened Guild, he was greeted by the bustling atmosphere of the main hall. Awakened of various ranks moved about, engaged in conversations and transactions, their presence lending an air of purpose to the space.

Approaching the reception desk, Michael found a young woman seated behind it. She had a warm smile that contrasted with the seriousness of her surroundings. Her desk was organized, with glowing crystals and neatly stacked parchment, indicating her efficiency.

 "Welcome to the Awakened Guild, Arcadia City Branch," she said cheerfully, looking up from her work. "How can I assist you today?"

Michael cleared his throat, trying to sound confident. "I need to obtain an Awakened License," he replied, meeting her gaze.

 "Of course! May I have your name and class, please?" she asked, her pen poised over a ledger.

 "Michael," he said, hesitating for a moment. "I'm a… Summoner."

The receptionist raised an eyebrow but maintained her professionalism. "I'll need to verify your identity and skills. Do you have any proof of your class or a previous license?"

Michael reached into his pouch, pulling out a basic identification token he had acquired during his school.. "This is all I have for now," he explained, handing it over.

She examined the token, her brow furrowing slightly. "This is a basic ID. I'll need to conduct a quick assessment to confirm your abilities. Please follow me to the testing chamber."

Michael nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination as he followed her through the guild. The walls were adorned with banners celebrating the accomplishments of various Awakened, each telling a story of bravery and skill.

Upon entering the testing room, the receptionist gave him a form to fill out and ordered him to stand in the middle of the room. "Please show your abilities," she ordered, her tone now more serious.

Michael cast a brief glance at the model before redirecting his focus to his magic. He summoned a small orb of lightning, allowing it to flicker and dance gracefully above his palm. The vibrant purple lightning illuminated the room, casting dynamic shadows that flickered across the walls.

The receptionist watched intently, her expression shifting from skepticism to mild surprise. "Impressive," she acknowledged, taking notes. "Can you show me a more complex spell?"

Michael concentrated intently, invoking his technique to conjure four lightning spears. With a swift motion, he launched them toward the walls, where they detonated in brilliant bursts of energy, leaving no trace but a dazzling display of light.

 "What about your class skills?" the receptionist inquired, her tone professional.

Michael hesitated for a moment before responding. "I just woke up. Currently, I possess two skills: Monster Taming and Monster Summoning. However, I can't utilize them yet, as I haven't acquired a monster."

 "Very well, Michael. Now you need to complete this form. We will verify the information you provide," she instructed. "Your card will be ready in an hour."

Michael glanced at the form, which required his name, age, class, rank, and affinities. Taking a deep breath, he filled it out:

Name: Michael Nightshade 

Age: 15 

Class: The Ancient Summoner 

Rank: F 

Affinity: Lightning S, Dark S, Shadow S, Space S 

As he reviewed the classes, he noted that the Summoner was a rare class, unable to tame or summon orcs. He needed to strive for a higher class. The Ancient Summoner, however, promised greater power and versatility.

He included all his affinities on the form, mindful not to mention the void element. After completing the paperwork, he handed it to the receptionist.

She took the form and began to review it. As she processed the information, surprise flickered across her face at his lineage, but when she noticed his surname, her expression shifted, narrowing her eyes in recognition.

Suppressing her curiosity, she stated, "We must ensure that you are being truthful, Mr. Nightshade."

 "Okay, how can I assist you?" Michael replied, his curiosity piqued.

The receptionist retrieved a spherical crystal from her ring and gestured for him to place his hand on it. Michael, discreetly activating his bracelet, complied.

The crystal illuminated with a bright white light, displaying the same details Michael had provided on the form.

 "Is everything in order?" he asked, a hint of apprehension in his voice.

The receptionist continued examining him, then confirmed, "Mr. Nightshade, everything appears to be in order. We will prepare your card within an hour."

"Can I leave now?" Michael inquired.

 "Indeed، Mr. Nightshade. However, I've received a directive from the head of the guild to bring anyone from the Nightshade family who wishes to register to his office."

Michael's heart raced at the mention of the guild leader, but he maintained a composed exterior. "What if I refuse?" he asked coldly.

The woman responded nervously, "I'm afraid I cannot do that, sir. It's an order from the leader. You must accompany me."

After a moment of tense silence, Michael sighed. "Very well, you may lead the way."

Relieved, the receptionist motioned, "This way, please."

As they walked, Michael contemplated what the guild leader could want.

 "Don't worry. If anything dangerous arises, I will transport you outside the guild using my ability," Nyxar assured him telepathically. ""Then you have to activate the transport scroll that can take us to the Frostholm continent."."

Michael felt a wave of reassurance at Nyxar's words. "While it may be dangerous, we have little choice. Can the guild leader sense your presence while you are in my shadow?" he asked.

 "I don't believe so," Nyxar replied, easing Michael's concern.

The two entered the guild elevator, ascending to the top floor where the guild leader's office awaited.

Upon reaching the ninth floor, they navigated through a corridor lined with staff and guards, finally arriving at an office at the end of the hall. The receptionist knocked on the door and awaited a response.

 "Come in," a voice called from within.

The receptionist entered, gesturing for Michael to follow. Taking a deep breath, he stepped inside behind her, bracing himself for whatever lay ahead.