Chapter 23: Smoke Screen

Chapter 23: Smoke Screen

It was a new dawn, Alister woke up from a dreamless sleep. To a plate of lukewarm hospital food and a cheerful nurse beside his bed.

"Good morning, Mr. Hazenworth! Feeling a bit better today?"

Alister managed a weak smile.

"Yeah, much better. Thanks."

He choked down the bland food, grateful for anything that went down easy.

The rest of the day passed in a blur of paperwork, checkups, and a surprisingly long lecture from a doctor about the dangers of overexertion. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the doctor cleared him for discharge. RêAd lateSt chapters at novelhall.com Only

Stepping out of the hospital doors, Alister squinted in the harsh sunlight. The world seemed sharper, more vibrant after being cooped up indoors for so long. He took a deep breath of fresh air, filling his lungs with the scent of exhaust and city life. It wasn't exactly the fresh breeze he dreamed of, but it was freedom.

He reached into his pocket, pulling out the wristwatch Lila had left him. It was sleek and modern, very different from the beat-up digital watch he usually wore.

[The player has still yet to open their status window.]

'Alright, guess it's time I check out this 'status window' the system has been talking about'

"Status window." Alister called out softly, his words followed by a yellow translucent window displaying his stats.

[Player: Alister Hazenworth

Level: 15 [XP: 120/360]

Class: ?Overlord? Summoner (Awakened Talent) (SSS)

Stats:

HP: 350/350

MP: 1220/1236 (Partially depleted)

- Strength: 106

- Agility: 121

- Intelligence: 131

- Endurance: 96

- Luck: 161

- ?Summoning Power?: 100

- Mana:

Mana Regeneration: 5 MP/minute

Available Stat Points: 30

Titles: N/E

Skills:

Draconic Rage Lvl1 (A-rank)

"We offer a variety of starter kits tailored to different summoning styles. Perhaps you could tell me what type of summoner you are?"

"Actually," Alister began, his voice dropping to a low murmur, "I was hoping to find some equipment that would enhance my..." he paused, unsure how to phrase it. "Reptile summoning abilities."

Sarah's smile fadded for a brief moment, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. This wasn't uncommon.

While the vast majority of summoners had an affinity for a specific element – fire, water, earth, or air – reptilian summons were incredibly rare.

The last one documented in the city archives dated back nearly a century ago.

"Reptile summoning, huh?"

"That's certainly...unique. We do have a limited selection of equipment designed to amplify the bond between a summoner and their reptilian companion. Would you like to take a look?"

"Absolutely," he replied with a grateful smile.

Sarah led him to a small display case tucked away behind her counter. Inside, amongst vials of shimmering potions and collars, lay a collection of items far more advanced. A pair of sleek, black gloves made of a material that resembled dragon hide stood out the most.

Beside them, a simple leather pouch with silver stitching and a small, engraved charm in the shape of a lizard caught Alister's attention.

"These gloves,"

Sarah began to explain,

"are crafted from the hide of a Lesser Wyvern. Wearing them strengthens the bond between you and your reptilian summon, allowing for greater control and a more efficient flow of magical energy during the summoning process."

'Control? Thought they were supposed to enhance my talent itself.'

Alister picked up a glove, marveling at its smooth texture and supersonic design. He could almost feel a surge of power coursing through it, a faint hum resonating with him.

'Although they feel incredible,' he thought, a genuine smile spreading his lips.

"And the pouch?"

Alister asked, his curiosity piqued by the unassuming little item.

"That, Sarah explained, "is a specially crafted summoning pouch. The charm acts as a conduit, channeling your magical energy to enhance your summoning process. It also seems as a poket dimension to keep items."

She glanced around cautiously before leaning closer and lowering her voice further.

"Let me be honest, reptilian summons are a rarity. This pouch is one of a kind, passed down through generations within some old lost family. It's said to have a unique connection to reptilian creatures, enhancing the summoning process significantly."

Alister's eyes widened. This pouch, seemingly ordinary on the outside, held a hidden power.

'This could be the perfect way to explain how I summoned Cinder without revealing the system.'

He thought. He couldn't reveal the system or Cinder's existence, not yet.

"That sounds perfect," he said decisively, placing the gloves and the pouch on the counter.

"I'll take them."

"So how much."

Serah smiled, "That will be 15,000 union credits."

Alister suddenly stood frozen, although he was utterly shocked by the price he heard.