Fox Bound by Fate
The black-market lights of Vikka flickered like dying stars as the contract finalized.
Brush felt the forbidden skill lock into place.
A pulse of energy rippled outward—quiet, controlled, but heavy enough to make Hikaru shift her footing.
Then someone appeared.
She stood just behind Brush, hands nervously clutching the sleeves of her kimono. Fox ears twitched atop her head, silver hair falling messily around a flushed face. A single tail swayed uncertainly behind her, betraying every ounce of her anxiety.
The kimono itself was elegant—ancient patterns stitched with spirit-thread—but its cut was far more revealing than expected, exposing shoulders and legs in a way that clashed sharply with her timid posture.
"I—I'm sorry…" the girl said softly. "I didn't mean to surprise anyone."
Hikaru froze.
For the first time since Brush had summoned her, the legendary samurai looked genuinely caught off guard.
"…A fox spirit?" Hikaru said slowly.
Her crimson eyes scanned the girl in one sharp motion—ears, tail, spiritual aura, then finally the revealing attire. Her grip tightened on her sword.
"And bound through a forbidden skill," Hikaru added.
The fox girl bowed so fast she nearly stumbled.
"My name is Mia Nikka. I was sealed within Ultimate Power. My form reflects the summoner's resonance… not my preference."
Brush blinked. "Wait—so that outfit—"
"I-I didn't choose it!" Mia said quickly, ears flattening in embarrassment.
Hikaru looked away with a quiet huff.
"…Troublesome," she muttered.
Yet she didn't draw her blade.
Instead, she turned back to Brush, expression stern but measured.
"You've crossed another line," Hikaru said. "A forbidden skill, a sealed spirit, and now a fate-bound companion."
Mia peeked up timidly. "I'll fight if I must. I can support, scout, seal… I won't be useless."
Brush opened his status window.
[Ultimate Power – Sealed State]
Bound Entity: Mia Nikka (Fox Spirit – Incomplete Awakening)
Fate Slots Remaining: 7
Seven more summons.
Seven unknown names.
Hikaru followed his gaze and frowned.
"…So this is only the beginning."
Behind them, the city of Vikka seemed to breathe—alive, aware, and watching.