Level 0 Summoner

Suki wasn't sure what was happening, but a strange woman was studying her up close—so close, in fact, that she was barely an inch away, scrutinizing every part of her body.

"Uh… Ren, what happened while I was asleep? And who is this strange person?" Suki didn't like that this stranger was so close. She wouldn't have minded if it were her master; she trusted him completely. But having someone she'd never met be so "hands-on" was rapidly becoming unbearable.

"She's Sofia," Ren replied. "She's going to help make you even stronger."

"But… didn't you say all I needed to do was kill monsters and level up to become stronger?" Suki asked, looking puzzled. "And I don't like her. She's weird."

Ren sighed, unsure how to explain. He knew Sofia's assistance was something they couldn't pass up. Personalized skills were unheard and something people would pay a fortune for if they knew of its existence. And here he was, getting it for free. This skill would give Suki's potential a serious boost.

"Just bear with it a little longer," he said gently. "This is necessary."

Suki pouted, clicking her tongue in annoyance. "Can't you be the one to analyze me? I don't mind if it's you… actually, I like it when you touch me."

Ren's face turned red at her words, and he quickly looked away. "No, I… I can't. Sofia needs to take exact measurements and understand your… proportions to make sure the skill she creates fits you perfectly."

"All done!" Sofia announced suddenly, stepping back from Suki and letting her breathe a sigh of relief.

"Evil! Evil woman!" Suki exclaimed, wasting no time before running straight into Ren's arms, hiding her face against his chest.

She's… so cute, Ren thought, but he quickly turned his focus to Sofia. "Do you have everything you need to create her skill?"

Sofia laughed. "Creating a skill from scratch isn't that simple. I'll need a lot of resources, which is why it was easier back when I was working for the Royal Family—I had all the materials I needed right there."

"Resources?" Ren frowned, realizing they still had to find rare ingredients. They weren't out of the woods yet, and their first priority would still be making money.

"Don't worry; I won't ask for too much. I actually have most of what I need," Sofia said with a dismissive wave. "You'll probably need to fetch one or two ingredients, but I'll know for sure after I put her through a few more tests."

"Tests?" Ren asked, feeling Suki tighten her hold on him. Her small arms wrapped around him even more firmly, and he could feel her trembling slightly. She was scared, and clinging to him for comfort. Ren even started feeling her ample chest pressing against his body.

He didn't mind it. In fact, he enjoyed her closeness, the warmth and trust she brought with her embrace. In a world where almost everyone despised him for his apparent weakness, Suki's affection was something he hadn't realized he needed.

"Nothing too crazy," Sofia assured him. "I just need to see her fight."

"Does it have to be against a monster?" Ren asked, hoping they could avoid a long trek to another hunting ground.

"No, it can be anyone, as long as it's a realistic match," Sofia replied. "Otherwise, I won't get an accurate read on her fighting style."

"Anyone…" Ren murmured.

"If I were to fight her, would that work?"

Suki's head snapped up, her eyes wide with concern as she looked at him.

Sofia shrugged. "Possibly. But are you sure you'd be the best sparring partner? She won't want to hurt you. She cares too much about you."

"T-That's right!" Suki stammered. "I… I don't want to fight you. But…" Her gaze turned toward Emma, who had been quietly observing from a corner. "I wouldn't mind sparring with her."

Emma's eyebrows rose, but Sofia nodded approvingly. "That could work perfectly. Alright, it's settled—Emma and your summon will spar."

"What? But I—" Emma began, but Sofia cut her off.

"Stop complaining. Stand up. We won't be fighting in here; let's head outside."

Emma tried to protest but knew it would be pointless. Sofia was as stubborn as they came; once she made a decision, there was no swaying her.

In a few minutes, they were outside, and both Suki and Emma took their places at opposite ends of the narrow alleyway. Despite the "friendly" nature of the fight, both wore serious expressions. Sofia had insisted they use weapons to make the match as realistic as possible. Suki wielded the small knife she'd had before, while Emma held a short sword, poised and ready.

"Stop once someone admits defeat," Sofia said firmly.

Ren watched with anticipation. This would be his first time seeing Emma fight. His memories of her were limited to her role as his maid, standing by silently, always close yet never getting involved. He'd never realized the full extent of her power, and he was eager to see her true strength.

Suki, standing at the ready, looked determined. If I prove myself, Master might reward me! Her ears perked up, and her tail began to swish at the thought. She wanted nothing more than to make him proud—and maybe earn a little extra affection in return.

"Ready?" Sofia shouted.

"Yes!" the two replied in unison.

Suki launched forward, dashing toward Emma in a blur of speed. But Emma remained unmoving, her sword still grounded as she waited calmly for Suki's approach.

"You know what I used to call Emma when we were young?" Sofia said with a smirk.

"No, what?" Ren asked.

"The fortress. No one could break her defenses when we were kids. That's why she's perfect for analyzing Suki's fighting style." Sofia's expression darkened. "It's a waste, her working as a maid for you and your family."

Ren heard the bitterness in Sofia's voice. Her experience with the Royal Family must have been harsh, and it wasn't hard to understand her resentment.

Sofia was right about Emma, though. She was an impenetrable fortress, effortlessly deflecting each of Suki's rapid attacks. Suki increased her speed, trying different angles, but Emma's defenses were flawless. Nothing broke through.

"Tsk! How is this even possible?!" Suki growled in frustration. "Come on, why don't you try attacking me?"

Emma ignored her taunts, keeping her sword firmly grounded. She waited, an unshakable wall, as Suki tried in vain to find a weakness.

"You'll have to do better than that if you want to stand a chance," Emma said calmly.

Ren watched in awe, realizing just how much he didn't know about Emma. He had assumed she was strong, but seeing her in action was something else entirely. She was easily matching, if not outclassing, Suki, whose power was supposed to be comparable to a Level 20 Awakened.

'Just how powerful are you, Emma?' he wondered, noting that her fighting prowess and past connection with Sofia raised more questions than answers.

"What did I tell you?" Sofia said coldly. "Your maid is wasting her talent doing chores for a noble family."

Ren had no reply, though he knew she was right. Emma was holding back, but her skill and control were beyond anything he'd imagined. She wasn't merely his maid; she was something far more capable.

Meanwhile, Suki was struggling, her breaths coming faster as she launched attack after attack, only for each to be deflected with ease. Emma hadn't even broken a sweat, her expression cool and composed.

"You should surrender," Emma said finally. "There's no point in continuing. I'm stronger than you, and if I attacked, you'd have no chance of blocking."

Suki hesitated, eyes downcast. She wanted to make Ren proud, but she knew Emma was right. She'd given her best, and it wasn't enough. "I… I surrender. Emma won."

Her shoulders slumped, and she didn't dare look at Ren, convinced he would be disappointed.

"You did great, Suki!" Ren's voice echoed through the alley, full of pride.

Her ears perked up, and her face turned slowly, disbelief giving way to joy as she saw Ren smiling warmly. Her eyes sparkled with relief, and she ran to him, hugging him tightly, feeling safe in his embrace once more.

Master smells so good, she thought, her cheeks flushed with happiness.

Their moment was interrupted by Sofia's voice. "Alright, I've seen enough. I know how to design her skill now. Here's a list of the ingredients you'll need to gather."

Sofia handed Ren a small slip of paper. But before looking at it, he asked the question burning in his mind.

"What kind of skill will it be?"

"Oh, you'll find out after you gather everything. Trust me—it'll be perfect for her," Sofia replied, her tone cryptic.

Ren wanted to press her further, but Emma shook her head, a silent signal to drop it. So he looked down at the paper. Relief filled him when he saw only one item listed, but his relief faded as he read what it was.

Two Minotaur horns.

"This… this isn't a joke, right?" he asked, staring at Sofia.

"Not at all. You're actually lucky I already have most of the other ingredients," Sofia said with a grin. "A Minotaur is only a B-Rank beast. With Emma and your summon, you should be able to handle it. Think of it as good training for your upcoming exams. Now, shoo! You don't have time to waste."

And with that, Sofia swung the door to her home shut, leaving Ren, Emma, and Suki standing in the alley, at a loss for words.