I Was a Loner, but My Class Got Summoned to Another World…

After inspecting Regal's new form, Logan looked down.

There, still gently caught on the sticky strands of Regal's web, was the small fox. The red glyphs across its fur pulsed faintly, glowing softly in the dim light. Despite the dark crystals he'd given the creature earlier, it remained hesitant, lingering while close to making a decision.

Logan tossed it one final crystal.

The fox blinked up at him, red eyes wide and bright, then quickly drained it. Without hesitation, Logan made a small cut across his finger, letting a few drops of blood fall.

The crimson beads splashed across the fox's back.

He expected rejection. Most creatures, especially small, young ones, usually tried to fight back against the mental pressure his blood caused. They either passed out or refused the bond outright at the start.

But not this fox, it was greedily absorbed it.

And more than that, it accepted it.

The bond suddenly caused the creatures to come to life. Smooth and natural, just as if she'd been waiting for it all along.

[Why did you not fight the taming?] Logan asked, crouching down.

[Fight? No,] came her soft, feminine voice across the Empathic Link. [I feel power. Want power also. Will help me!]

Logan suddenly helped the small creature get out of the webs that still bound it.

The small fox trotted forward, curling lightly around his foot, a soft rumble rising from its throat—almost a purr.

Logan chuckled. "You're bold."

Something about her reminded him of Luna—before the evolution before the change in looks and attitude happened.

There was something terribly cute here, though.

A creature worth raising with care.

[You're a girl, huh?] he asked.

A small flick of her tail gave him the response to his question.

"Alright then... what name suits you…"

He let the thought wander—until it clicked.

"Nyx," he whispered. "You'll be Nyxie."

The fox's glyphs glowed brighter at the sound, pulsing deep red like neon lights.

The bond was officially sealed.

Logan smiled—and brought up her status window.

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Name: Nyxie

Species: Duskhide Shadow Fox (Darkness / Shade Elemental)

Level: 23 / Blood Mark: Tail Base / Loyalty: 31/100

Str: 16 / Agi: 28 / Dex: 26 / Con: 16 / Int: 33 / Char: 40

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[Skills:]

Flickerstep – Nyxie briefly fades into shadow and reappears up to 10 meters away, leaving behind an afterimage that distracts enemies.

Shadow Wink – Narrows her eyes and emits a pulse of dark mana from her gaze, lowering an enemy's magic resistance and the chance to hit for a few seconds.

Umbral Whispers – Projects faint illusions through darkness that cause enemies to hear false sounds, disrupting formation and targeting.

Nighttail Veil – Wraps herself or an ally in a dark mist, reducing detection and granting a small dodge bonus for 6 seconds.

Gloom Gleam – Releases a burst of dark sparkles that cause low damage but briefly blind or disorient targets.

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[Passive:]

Twilight Grace – Gains a slight speed and stealth boost at night or in dim environments. Her presence is harder to detect when not attacking.

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Logan looked over the small fox's skills, frowning thoughtfully.

It was strange for a creature that young to already possess shadow-aligned abilities. They were technically part of the darkness domain, but to show signs of manifesting them this early? That was rare, it just made him want to get closer to the darkness temple and find answers to his questions.

"Well, we'll work on the details later, little one. How about it? Let's go. We've got a long road ahead… Do you have any family you wish to bring?" Logan asked, a trace of curiosity in his voice. Maybe the fox wasn't alone.

[No. Alone. Can fend for self,] the small fox said proudly, raising her tiny torso as if to prove her point.

[Good. We'll need your power,] Logan replied with a smirk, reaching out to gently pat her head. Then, without ceremony, he placed her on his shoulder.

The fox looked mildly offended at first—perhaps unused to being handled so casually—but after sensing the depth of Logan's mana, especially the overwhelming darkness flowing from his body, she settled into place without resistance.

It was as if she were drawn to it.

Logan extended his wings and took to the sky, returning to the others. Regal silently followed through his shadow, just like Victor often did. In fact, she was adjusting to that method of travel so quickly that it began to make the hero of shadows look bad, especially since he hadn't finished his job quest yet.

When Logan landed on his dragon's back, every girl present froze mid-action; it even seemed as if their eyes twitched.

In perfect sync, they all leaped onto Silis's back and rushed toward him to swarm the little fox.

The poor thing tried to resist, but there was no escape. She cried out in protest, squirming as hands began to pet her fur from all angles.

[Sorry, Nix. You're just too damn cute…] Logan said with a chuckle, offering the fox an apologetic glance as he let the others enjoy the moment.

Within minutes, they were once again on the move.

Everyone had settled on Silis's broad back—even Orus, who perched carefully so his talons wouldn't scratch her scales. Some took the time to eat, and others dozed off as they rode. Logan sat high atop the massive Earthen Sovereign's head, holding onto one of her amber-tipped spikes for support.

Ahead, Terra and Scorch led the way. Juggernaut protected the rear alongside Serana's minions, keeping watch for any disturbances around them.

The mood had improved. Compared to the tension of previous days, there was a sense of ease now. The dark fog was still kept at bay, but Logan remained alert.

He knew something was wrong.

There had to be a reason why mana here wasn't replenishing properly. Something, or someone, was draining it quickly.

He just didn't know who… or what it was… yet.

But he'd find out eventually. For now, it was fine—he needed rest too. The journey was still long, and Juggernaut had warned them they had quite a way to go before reaching the area where the mana felt strongest.

With the new fox to cuddle against him, Logan enjoyed the ride. There was a lot on his mind—conversations he needed to have with his creatures. Things he needed to catch up on.

Silis, who had quietly evolved into a dragon, and all the changes she felt about her new body.

Scorch, who still didn't understand how to be a good parent, and did not want to train his kids just yet, so they could grow up slowly.

As for Terra, she wanted more metal to devour and strengthen herself so she could burrow deeper underground.

And now Nix…

The little fox had been wandering for weeks. She'd left her home in search of something better, only to be chased out of a cave by a raccoon-like beast. It had claimed the place she had found as a new home and made it its territory.

Since then, Nix hadn't just been looking for a den. She'd been looking for strength, not to be chased off, and now she needed it so as not to be touched or approached just because she looked soft and harmless.

"Don't worry. With me, you'll become one of the strongest," Logan murmured, scratching beneath her chin until her eyes fluttered in satisfaction. "Just… try to stay the way you are for a while, alright?"

The group moved forward once again—this time without stopping. Hours passed, but no one complained. Unlike before, they weren't descending. They were climbing.

Upward, step by step, toward what felt like the peak of the mountain.

"How are we doing, Nix? Can you tell us anything about this place?" Logan asked, his voice gentle as he addressed the small fox curled against his shoulder.

She glanced around warily, then gave a small nod.

[Can't say much… I'm only one year old. But… this place changed months ago. Just like with your group, others came. They changed things.]

Her voice was quiet, hesitant.

[Before… it was silent. Safe, protected by darkness. Then something happened. Big mana storms. Strange beasts. Even the caves shook.]

Logan's expression hardened slightly.

They were getting close to something—Nix's ears flared up, her nose already caught on to something in the distance.

There in front of them, parts of the forest were destroyed, and it hadn't just affected the environment.

It had terrified even the creatures who called this place home.

"Were they the ones that caused all these demons? Did they also pass through here?" Logan questioned, he thought maybe it was the vampires from before.

"They are strong, not vampires; they only passed in the group but are strong enough to defeat strong protectors."

The little fox looked up at Logan, her ears twitching before a sudden shiver ran down her small frame.

Logan gently placed a hand over her back.

"Hmmm. There is probably more than just vampires, then, demons who want to take over the dark temple, possibly…" he muttered, glancing at the distance, they were almost through the first cavern.

"I guess the vampires were just one of many of the demons." Serana walked closer towards Logan, she had heard him speak about the vampires and also knew something was up ahead, her beholder and garmr had long sensed it.

A few minutes later, Logan spotted something strange, as if what they were talking abouthad heard them, they found signs of a camp which had been made not long ago.

If anything, it was from a few weeks ago, there were signs of a flame that was made and food that had been eaten.

Logan called out to the others to inspect his findings.