〈System Alert: The skill «Sun Fire of Nine Creations» has ended.〉

〈System Alert: «Polketin's Failed Kitsune» has been reborn.〉

〈System Alert: You have successfully tamed «???». Please give «???» a name to complete the Soul Link.〉

Reilei blinked a few times from confusion upon receiving the system alerts.

Sun Fire of Nine Creations? She did not remember any such skill being in her arsenal.

"Reborn? Then... Is that adorable little fox the monster that was just here? But, I don't understand." Reilei thought to herself as she furrowed her brows.

Just a second ago, Reilei used Xiao Liang's sun fire—a skill that allowed Xiao Liang to absorb energy sources and convert them into a power of his own. Once enough power was collected, Xiao Liang could send out a burst of energy that contained a nearly immeasurable amount of mana.

However, if Izroth was there, he would have noticed another energy source hidden deep within the sun fire—Dragon Force!

It was due to the use of Dragon Force that Xiao Liang was left completely exhausted and fell asleep almost immediately after utilizing the sun fire.

As for the sun fire, it was overbearing by nature and devoured anything that got near it. Of course, this included the final attack launched by the Failed Kitsune.

Unfortunately, the sun fire had trouble absorbing all of the kitsune's attack due to the complex mesh of elements clashing. But, at the last moment, just as the sun fire was about to become unstable, Reilei's Orb of Nine Creations emerged, and her transformation was forcibly terminated.

What Reilei did not notice was that hidden in the distance, a sphere that contained a myriad of colors formed in the palm of Ayanellia's hands. After forming, it shot out, fusing with Xiao Liang's sun fire. The two joined as one, and, in the process, created a small bead-like object. This was the reason why the Failed Kitsune was unable to detect the sun fire. And, it was also this same bead that sunk into the Failed Kitsune's head, causing it to be ultimately reborn.

Unbeknownst to Reilei, Xiao Liang and Ayanellia sensed the impending danger and worked together to create the fusion skill, Sun Fire of Nine Creations.

If other players discovered that this occurred, they would be utterly dumbfounded. That's because there had never been a recorded case of two summons creating a fusion skill at all, let alone of their own free will without the summoner's influence!

It was already difficult enough for a player to create fusion skills since it required two skills to not only be compatible with one another but also be in perfect sync. So, how could two summons accomplish such a feat in the split of the moment? This was the result of the bonding type that existed between Reilei and her summons, Soul Link.

The white fennec fox slowly approached Reilei with some caution. The signs of aggression that the Failed Kitsune displayed had vanished without a trace. It was as if Reilei was looking at an entirely new entity altogether.

"Is this really the same monster...? It did mention something about being reborn, but... Is this really okay?" Reilei internalized as she was somewhat hesitant.

Myu...

The small fox looked up at Reilei with its dazzling big blue eyes. It had a pitiful expression as though it could feel Reilei's hesitation.

When Reilei's gaze met with the small fox, she lightly shook her head and decided to set aside her uncertainty.

"I'm still not entirely sure what happened, but it seems that it's my fault you have become like this. In that case, I will take full responsibility." Reilei said as she held out the palm of her hands.

Myu..!

The small fox's mood immediately underwent a drastic shift as it leaped into Reilei's hand as its two tails rapidly swayed back and forth in its excitement.

"A name... Let's see... Ah, I got it. How about I call you Xiao Huli? Is that okay?" Reilei asked with a gentle smile.

Myu!

The small fox seemed to like the name Reilei as it gave a small nod and released a happy squeak.

"I'm glad you like it. I hope we get along well, Xiao Huli." Reilei said with a light giggle.

〈System Alert: Congratulations, you have successfully established a Soul Link with «Xiao Huli».〉

〈System Alert: The skill «Sun Fire of Nine Creations» is now available for use.〉

Ayanellia walked over to Reilei's side before resting her head against Reilei's leg. Just like Xiao Liang, she had returned to her true form and was currently exhausted; however, she was much better off than Xiao Liang who had taken on most of the stress.

"You did well, too, Ayanellia. Thank you." Reilei stated sincerely.

Meanwhile, Luna watched the scene unfold a few meters away from Reilei.

"Incredible." This was the first word that crossed Luna's mind as she witnessed everything.

"This is the first summoner I have seen with summons capable of taking on human form. Not only that, she was even able to somehow convert a boss monster into one of her summons... It must be the unique nature of her class. Nine Creations Summoner—it's a class I have never heard of, but if it can allow a player to tame a boss monster... What a frightening ability." Luna thought to herself.

Turning a powerful boss monster into one's own weapon—how could something with that type of potential not be a terrifying thought? After all, it usually took an entire party of players to face a single boss monster.

Luna believed that if Reilei took full advantage of her class, she would practically be a one-person army!

Of course, the skill itself did not come without its flaws. Luna noticed that there was no loot or experience given from the Failed Kitsune. Also, the creature's power appeared to have been reverted to an infancy stage; therefore, it was currently nowhere near as strong as the Failed Kitsune from a few moments ago.

Still, the potential was there. And, perhaps there was even something beyond its past self?

Luna found that there were many interesting and mysterious things surrounding the player It's So Realistic.

"She reminds me of when I first formed a party with him..." Luna whispered to herself as she thought back to the time she found the first world boss with Izroth, as well as their journey to the Shadahi Realm.

However, before she knew it, Luna's mind strayed to the time Izroth held her in his arms to hurry into the Millennial Veiled Oasis.

Luna soon found that her cheeks had become flushed a rosy pink as she lightly shook her head to clear her thoughts.

"What am I thinking about...? That was just because of the circumstances at the time..." Luna internalized.

"...A... Na... Luna?"

Luna snapped out of it as she heard a voice call out to her.

Reilei, who was just several meters away, had moved in front of her.

"Are you okay? Your face is all red. Have you been getting enough rest? It's not good to play too much. If you feel tired, you should take a break and rest." Reilei noted.

"My apologies. I did not mean to make you worry. I assure you, I am fine. However, I am truly grateful for your concern." Luna said with a graceful smile.

Reilei was still somewhat worried, but since Luna seemed like a responsible girl, she decided to take her at her word.

"If you say so, then... Ah, that's right. Um, is it okay if I send you a friend request?" Reilei asked.

It was her first time being on the giving end of a friend request; therefore, Reilei was a little nervous.

"Sure. I feel it would be a shame to simply part ways here without at least becoming friends." Luna replied happily.

A smile quickly formed on Reilei's face as she scrambled through her system's interface and finally managed to send a friend to Luna.

〈System Alert: You have added Player Luna as a friend!〉

"I will be heading back to Eastgate to make a report. What will you do now, Realistic?" Luna asked.

"Eastgate... Ah, Phoenix...!" Reilei suddenly remembered that Phoenix was still waiting for her at Eastgate!

"Would you mind if I accompany you there?!" Reilei asked.

"That should not be a problem, but... Is everything alright?" Luna inquired.

"Well... I promised someone I would meet them at Eastgate. She's probably worried about me. I will send her a message to let her know that I'm okay. But, I still feel bad for making them wait for long." Reilei explained with a weak smile.

"Then, we should hurry so that we do not keep your friend waiting any longer," Luna stated calmly.

"Yes." Reilei nodded as she began her journey to Eastgate with Luna.

"By the way, Luna..."

"Yes?"

"Do you have anyone you're romantically involved with? If not, how about I introduce you to my son?"

Son? In Luna's eyes, Reilei could not be more than two to four years older than her. Therefore, her son had to be much younger—maybe even still in primary school!

"This is... I'm afraid I have to decline. Besides, I already..." Luna answered as her last few words drifted off and her gaze turned to the ground.

"Ah, I see~" Reilei immediately understood after seeing Luna's reaction.

She then continued, "Then, I won't get in the way. Do your best, Luna. I will be rooting for you."

"...Thank you..." Luna muttered quietly.

Although her gaze was at the ground, one could see that her ears had become bright red.

...

Somewhere in the Rosentarus forest...

'The entrance and illusion have both disappeared without a trace. It looks like there truly is no way back inside.'