Online Game: Starting With SSS-Ranked Summons

Jasmine smiled at Arthur's compliments.

"It felt..." She searched for words to describe the experience. "Natural. Like I was always meant to move in three dimensions."

The battlefield around them bore witness to her evolution.

Shattered branches, compressed earth, and the withered remains of a superior-rank boss that had underestimated human adaptability.

"Exceptional adaptation, Master. Your father would be proud."

....

Arthur turned toward Jasmine, studying her face as power continued to radiate from her body.

The battle had transformed her, not just in ability, but in confidence. She carried herself differently now.

She went through one hell of a progression.

"Where do you want to go now?" he asked.

"Do you want to go to your family?"

"My family?" she muttered, confusion flickering across her features.

She's been an exile so long she's forgotten she has living relatives.

"Yes, the royal family. Based on the scenes we witnessed, they definitely don't hate your mother. When they find out you're her daughter, they'll protect you. You are a royal."

The inherited visions had shown genuine grief from Alaric when Elara was acting strangely. Furthermore, the way Nikolas tried to frame them also proved it.

"The current king is King Alaric, your mother's younger brother. His daughter's name is just like your mother's... Elara. He definitely held your mother in high regard."

Named after the aunt she never knew.

Jasmine's expression cycled through emotions, hope, fear, and uncertainty. Her gravitational fields fluctuated in response, making nearby leaves dance without wind.

"I'm not ready now," she said finally, shaking her head.

"Maybe after I think about it for a bit. I don't know how I would react to them right now..."

Understandable.

Arthur considered her words, recognising the wisdom in her caution. Meeting long-lost family while processing traumatic revelations about her entire life? it was a recipe for disaster.

"I agree. You should take your time."

When she's ready, she'll let me know.

"Alright, I'll take you back to Village 419."

Arthur's spatial senses reached out.

"Be careful," he warned. "The next hour or so, there might be attacks on the village or maybe the world as a whole. I had thought I would need more summons around the village to protect it, but it seems with you there...they are no longer needed."

His smirk carried genuine amusement.

Jasmine smiled, slapping his shoulder gently. "Flattery will get you everywhere."

Arthur activated his spatial manipulation, reality folding around them like silk. The Verdant Maw dissolved, replaced by the familiar sight of Village 419's central plaza.

Home sweet temporary home.

The mayor spotted them immediately, his face brightening with relief. Most of the warriors were gathered in the plaza, their posture suggesting they'd been waiting for Arthur's return.

Theodore stood at the edge of the group, his massive body easily distinguishable. Beside him, Cain and Abel maintained their usual playful games, while other players clustered in smaller groups based on their allegiances.

Arthur approached the assembled crowd, Jasmine walking beside him with confidence. The warriors from Arthur's group tracked their movement, noting the subtle changes in Jasmine.

The players grew excited as they recognised Arthur's approach. Voices rose in greeting, questions about their mission, expressions of relief at their safe return.

"Fateless!"

"You're back!"

"Did you find what you were looking for?"

Time for the announcement.

Arthur raised his hand, silence spreading through the plaza like ripples in still water. When he spoke, his voice carried across the entire gathering.

"Citizens of Village 419, I have important news to share."

The crowd leaned forward, anticipation crackling through the air.

"Your village now has official protection. A Protector whose power will shield you from the coming darkness, from the coming merge that would consume many others."

Murmurs erupted throughout the assembly, confusion evident in their expressions.

They don't understand what a protector means...yet. It's time for the reveal.

Arthur's gaze swept across the gathered faces before settling on Jasmine. "I present to you Jasmine, your new Protector."

The mayor's eyes widened with shock and joy. His hands trembled as understanding crashed over him.

'She actually succeeded. The inheritance has finally been taken!' The mayor thought with joy.

"The trial... You completed it?" he whispered, making sure he was not hallucinating, his voice was barely audible above the crowd's growing chatter.

Jasmine nodded, producing a black badge from her inventory. The obsidian surface caught the light, proving her authority.

The Protector's Badge. Symbol of power and status.

The mayor's reaction was immediate and reverent. He dropped to one knee, his voice carrying across the plaza.

"All hail our Protector! Village 419 stands under her shield!"

But not everyone was pleased with the revelation. Voices rose from the crowd—angry, accusatory, filled with wounded pride.

"What's a protector?"

"What does that mean for us?"

"Is she going to protect us?"

Questions born from ignorance. Time for education.

Arthur stepped forward, explaining what it means to the crowd.

"A Protector is someone who has inherited the legacy of this village's founder. They possess power beyond normal and the highest status in the village. Nobody is allowed to disobey the protector's orders...even the village mayor himself."

The simplified version. They don't need to understand everything about it.

"Jasmine has claimed that inheritance. Her power now stands between you and the forces that would destroy everything you've built."

And that power is terrifying in its scope.

But even explanations couldn't satisfy everyone. Several players pushed to the front of the crowd, their faces twisted with resentment and entitlement.

"This is bullshit!" one shouted, pointing accusingly at Jasmine.

"She stole our chance!"

Here we go. Jealousy is rearing its ugly head.

"We should have been given the opportunity!" another added.

"Why does she get to claim power that could have been ours? I've never seen this girl before. Did you come to this village to take our chances? I knew it! Nobody is kind enough to come and protect us from the demons; they just came here to empower their own men. Wake up, people! Wake up!"

Because you weren't worthy. Because inheritance doesn't work that way.