I could feel my breathing pick up as I wondered if I had finally lost my mind.

[It would be best if you tried to remain calm,] a woman’s soothing voice washed over me. [Hyperventilation will only aggravate your wound further. While not an imminently fatal wound, it is still best to keep you in as perfect health as possible.]

“What… what are you?” I whispered, my voice quivering. It paused for a moment, then an ear twitched.

[Perhaps some explanation is required after all. Very well. I am an entity created by the alien race you know as the “Zenith.” As for what I am, the closest equivalent humans have is that of a highly advanced artificial intelligence. Although the proper explanation is much more complicated, you may think of me as an AI formed by both magic and unrivaled technology. I was created in order to assist humanity in their fight against the Anathema. Humans have taken to calling us “Familiars.”]

Recognition dawned on me. MGs always did seem to have weird little mascot animals that got advertised with them. Even the few Magical Girl shows I’d seen had featured weird but cute looking creatures who ended up giving the girl their power.

A flare of pain brought me back to the moment, and I suppressed a shudder. I was starting to feel cold, and I was covered in a sheen of sweat from the fight and pain. I looked back at the rabbit.

“I don’t understand,” I whispered. “Why me? I… I’m not special, or strong, or anything like that. So why me?”

The Familiar’s fox tails swished back and forth.

[On the contrary, the Zenith determined some time ago that you would be compatible with magic and be capable of serving in a vital role as a Magical Guardian. Otherwise, I would not have been created. Each Familiar is personalized from inception to be a match for their potential Guardian, you know! I have even been watching you for the past twenty-three days, gathering more information and performing a final assessment. After your recent actions, I decided further observation was no longer necessary.]

“Oh…” I replied weakly. The pain in my stomach was growing, sending sharper spikes through my body. The adrenaline from the fight must have been fading too, because exhaustion was starting to pull at me, and a nap sounded really good. If it weren’t for the sharp bouts of agony, I was pretty sure I would have passed out already.

[Perhaps more questions should wait until a later time.] The Familiar’s ears perked up slightly. [You are injured, though I have limited ability to tell how badly without forming a contract first. I would highly suggest you make a decision on my offer swiftly.]

It… all of it was so sudden, it felt surreal. No fanfare, no gradual buildup, just bam, fight an Anathema, almost die, and now an alien creature was offering me a power most would kill for. It was too much, and I wanted to ask a thousand questions, to pinch myself and make sure I wasn’t dreaming.

The Familiar, however, was right. I didn’t have much time to think through this. I was lying on the ground, helpless and bleeding with monsters roaming about. If I wanted to survive, I would just have to accept this as reality and move on.

So I bit my lip, and forced my brain to work through the situation.

Becoming a Magical Guardian, huh? Wasn’t this exactly what everyone dreamed of? Besides the gaping belly wound, of course. If I accepted, I would be able to use magic. Magic, as in fireballs and flying and… well, pretty much anything, really. The laws of reality would become more like guidelines, suggestions that I could scoff at. Accepting would basically make me into a superhero, an icon idolized by modern society.

Oh, and I would survive my mortal wound too, according to the Familiar. As far as sign-up bonuses, that was pretty good.

Naturally, seeing only benefits, I knew there had to be a catch. Nothing was free. Nothing.

“What’s the catch?” I asked in a whisper.

[There are three stipulations to the contract. The first is by and large the biggest reason people do not accept. In becoming a Magical Guardian, you pledge to use your powers to fight the Anathema and protect humanity in its struggle. This means for the rest of your life, your fate will be entangled with pain, suffering, and death. You must realize that you cannot be a light in the darkness without immersing yourself in those very same shadows. Even should you not fight the Anathema directly, you will still be working in some way to alleviate the suffering they cause, and in doing so, expose your very soul to the tragedies of a war without end.]

Her words made me shiver, eliciting an accompanying wince and hiss of pain. I rolled the words over in my head quickly, only taking a second to consider them. It was such an easy decision, and I felt a sour taste rise in the back of my throat when I realized why.

“Alright. Next condition.”

There was a pregnant pause, and I looked back to the Familiar when it didn’t immediately reply.

[Time may be short, but perhaps you should consider it more thoroughly.] It suggested carefully. [The fear of death may be influencing your decision, but-]

“I did consider it!” I let out a weak shout, slamming my fist down on the tile impotently. “I don’t think you understand. My life… it hasn’t been good, alright? The idea of fighting Anathema scares the crap out of me, but at least it would be a fight! For once, I would have the power to make a difference, to stop just surviving!”

Tears began to blur my vision, and I clenched my teeth.

“Every day, it’s always the same thing over and over again. Take the hits and just roll with them. All I’ve ever managed to do is just survive. I even tried to stand up for myself, and it only made things worse. Can you imagine what that’s like? To come face to face with how helpless you really are? How futile it all is? To actually wonder what the point of living is if it’s just never ending pain?”

I squeezed my eyes shut, fighting against a rising hysteria. How many times had I lied to myself that things were okay? That one day, things would change? That I would eventually stop feeling utter disappointment every morning I woke up?

“I’m just so tired of being helpless,” I whispered. “I can’t… I just can’t anymore. I can’t keep trying and losing.”

The fox tails behind the Familiar lowered down to the floor, and it gave a slow dip of its head. I wiped my eyes on my sleeves, and after a few seconds of silence, it continued in a somber tone.

[The second condition is more vague, but it states that you will not abuse your new powers. Things such as needlessly harming other humans, hampering other Magical Guardians without reason, or using your power in a tyrannical manner. You are expected to be a beacon of hope, not a monster. This rule is more flexible due to its far-reaching nature, and warnings will be given if it is perceived you are potentially breaking it.]

“That’s fine,” I shook my head. “Wasn’t planning on world domination anyway.”

[Yes,] the feminine voice in my head gained a hint of dry sarcasm to it. [Though your friend’s lust for the conquest of Australia is potentially worrying.]

I blinked. Did it just… wait how did it even know about-

[The third and final stipulation,] it interrupted my thoughts, [is that you agree that no matter what, you will not attempt to break the laws of magic. There are a few, but they simply cover what you can and can’t use certain magics for. Time and mind magic would be examples. Generally, don’t actively try to destroy reality or enslave another, and you’ll be fine. A more detailed explanation will be provided if necessary.]

Reasonable. Just… yeah. All of that sounded like bad news anyway.

“Okay… I’m fine with all three of the rules.”

[Excellent. Know that breaking any of these stipulations is grounds for the stripping of your power and any assets you may have acquired during your time as a Magical Guardian. If all three stipulations are agreeable, then I will ask my question one last time, and you will answer. Then we can begin saving your life.”

“Wait, what do you mean, ‘we?’” I asked. “What exactly happens after the contract is formed?”

[Familiars act as a Magical Guardian’s personal assistant to not only guide them through their new abilities but also aid them in whatever they might request. Essentially, you will have a magical AI in your head whose only purpose is to help you for the rest of your life. That is why Familiars are personally customized to each Magical Guardian candidate. Extensive information gathering was done to make sure our personalities would be complementary and so I would be aware of the various aspects of your life.]

“Oh…” I said, a sudden paranoia rising in my chest. “How much do you know about me exactly?”

There was a pause, and I felt my throat grow tighter.

[It is not an exaggeration to say the Zenith are eons beyond humanity’s capabilities. Anything posted online or kept electronically pertaining to you has been acquired and researched. Once active observation began, it is safe to assume that if there was an electronic device capable of monitoring you, it was hacked to do so. Phones recorded conversations, cameras your activities, and etcetera. The only place not monitored directly by me, spellcraft, or technology was your home, although internet activity was logged as stipulated by the Accords signed with humanity.]

Anger and panic rose in me at the thought of them spying on me, but the Familiar’s voice quickly continued.

[I am aware humans value privacy dearly. The main purpose of the information gathering was not to pry, but to make sure you would be a suitable Magical Guardian. The amount of power that comes with being one is too much to give to a candidate without first making sure they would not abuse it. If it makes you feel better, I promise not to bring up anything that might be considered an overstepping of boundaries. My purpose will be to help you in your duties as a Magical Guardian, not judge or pry into your personal life. What you choose to share with me and bring me into will be completely up to you.]

I swallowed. I… really didn’t like that the thing seemed to know so much about me, but it made sense. How else were the Zenith supposed to determine if people met their criteria? It made me uncomfortable, but in the end, it didn’t matter. If the Familiar really promised to respect my boundaries…

“Fine,” I whispered, wincing in pain. “I guess that works.”

The creature’s head bobbed up and down.

[Then, if you accept the previously explained rules…] the gentle voice prodded.

I took a deep breath as I met the Familiar’s eyes. I could feel fear inside me, but I couldn’t quite figure out why. I ignored it, knowing that it didn’t matter anymore. I’d made my decision, so I gave a serious nod to the creature offering to change… well, everything. There was a breath, and then it asked its question.

[Would you like to make a contract?]

“Yes,” I replied.

And then I fell through the floor.

I yelped as the sensation of dropping sent fear into my throat. Shadows enfolded my vision as I plummeted downwards into absolute darkness. My back hit something painlessly, and there was a shattering sound. I saw glass shards glinting in the shadows as they began to descend with me, only for everything to come to a jolting stop, frozen mid-air.

Then I began to fall back the way I came. Instead of flying through the hole I smashed through, I splashed into lukewarm water face-first. It was only about an inch deep, and there was some kind of featureless ground beneath it. I sputtered as liquid filled my nose. Pushing myself up, I coughed a few times, trying to get my bearings. All I was able to make out was darkness, and as I stood on my feet-

My eyes widened, and I quickly looked down at my stomach. There was no wound in it, and even my clothes seemed utterly devoid of damage. Frowning, I gently touched my belly, but felt nothing amiss. I took a few tentative steps forward, the gentle swish of water parting around my shoes the only sound. There was nothing around me but an endless expanse of emptiness and shallow water.

A second later, there was the crackle of electricity, and a sudden purple light bloomed in the shadows with the intensity of a lightning flash. I brought a hand up, shielding my eyes as they adjusted. Squinting, I was able to make out a vague pillar shape of harsh purple light rising from the water and into the sky. Something about the light called to me, beckoning me to ignore my confusion, and so I made my way towards it.

My vision adjusted as I neared, and I saw the pillar was created from strands of electricity shaped like thorned vines. The energy had a pitch black core with a violet outline, giving it an unnaturally eerie look. While the frozen, perfectly sculpted lightning was beautiful, something about the thorned vine shape each electrical arc had gave me a deep sense of... isolation, maybe? Emptiness? Tightly entangled as the vines were, it almost felt like they were trying to keep something away.

I peered at the amethyst lightning-vines, and I found myself slowly moving around the pillar-like shape they formed. Even though they were thickly intertwined, I could see through portions deeper into its column, and an oddly colored shape poked through the holes. I finally got to one portion where the vines hadn’t bunched together as much, and I peered inside the small window formed by their absence.

My heart stopped.

Suspended several inches above the ground and wrapped in the tangle of thorned electricity was a young girl. She was naked, showing a petiteness that edged on dangerous. Her skin was smooth and pale as a porcelain doll. Even though she wore nothing, the lightning entangling her somehow provided the perfect amount of modesty, as if artistically placed. Her hair was raven dark, falling in straight, silky tresses down to her hips, and it framed her too-soft sleeping face in a dark veil.

I stared at the girl, wondering what I could do to get her out of her prison. Suddenly, she took a sharp, shuddering breath. Her body spasmed slightly against the vines, but they held tight with an electric crackle. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, meeting my own.

Heterochromatic eyes of azure and scarlet met mine, and I realized the girl I was looking at was a reflection of me only with longer hair, alabaster skin, and-

Her pupils. They were shaped like crescent moons, the darkness of them drawing me in.

Suddenly I was lying back on the floor of the mall. Sharp, silvery pain exploded through my skull, and I let out a groan as I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to will it away.

SYSTEM UPDATE

Soul Gem formulation successful.

Reflection room stabilized.

Contract Ceremony complete.

Mana resonance recorded at 124%.

System access granted.

Gate access granted.

Credentials updated.

ERROR: Unable to unlock Astral Shift. Blacklight Protocols are in effect. See Familiar for assistance.

Precontractual achievements found. Rewards have been applied.

The message that visually appeared in my head rang out in discordant voices, followed by the Familiar’s feminine voice in an excited tone. For some reason, its words also appeared at the bottom of my vision like subtitles.

[Obtained Magical Guardian Starter bonus! Welcome to the world of magic!]

[Obtained 150 Points]

[Saved: 1 Defenseless Child]

[Reward: 10 Points]

[Achievement unlocked for sacrificing yourself to certain doom to save another!]

[Reward: 100 Points]

[Defeated (Fomorian Hound - Level 1)]

[Reward: 10 Points]

[Total Points: 270]

[Unique Augment Available!]

As the pain and messages in my head faded, I looked to my left to see the Familiar still sitting in the same position. To my surprise, its pure white visage had changed. Near the tips of each of its tails and ears was a swath of black fur that formed a ring. Between its eyes, more black fur had formed the symbol of a crescent moon, and its previously heptagram shaped pupils had changed to the same shape.

[Contract successful,] my Familiar said. [As your bonded Familiar, I will begin my role as companion and advisor, answering questions and making recommendations based on your personality, background, and requests. I now have a link to your senses, so give me a moment to look over your vital- oh…]

There was silence, and I raised an eyebrow as fear rose in my throat.

“What?” I asked in a panicked voice. “How bad is it?”

[The injury itself is serious but manageable. It’s just… you have a rather unusually high pain tolerance.]

I felt my heart rate lower, and I glared at the creature for nearly giving me a heart attack. It didn’t seem to notice.

[Very well. I believe our best course of action would be to skip the immediate introduction and use some of your points to purchase items capable of healing your injury. Afterwards, I will explain in further detail your new abilities. Is that acceptable?”

“Sure?” I furrowed my eyebrows. “But what do you mean by purchase?”

[Magical Guardians are rewarded with “points” for a variety of activities such as defeating Anathema, completing quests, and saving people from danger. With these points, you can access what is called the “Arcane System” and purchase everything from spells and abilities to more mundane physical items. Clothes, weapons, and technologies from beyond your imagination are now a simple expenditure of points away!]

“Wait,” I stammered. “Quests? Defeating monsters? And didn’t that notification earlier have a level on that Anathema I killed? Isn’t this just like a video game? ”

[Very much so! In fact, I think you will soon be pleasantly surprised by some aspects of your new power. Regardless, your health and safety take precedence. It has been less than thirteen minutes since the first Rifts formed and two minutes since you defeated the Fomorian Hound. Getting you healed and to a shelter as soon as possible would be ideal.]

Two minutes!? That wasn’t possible! We’d had a whole conversation, and the explanations hadn’t been that short!

[I sense your confusion,] my Familiar said somewhat smugly. [Due to the time sensitive nature we were in, I elected to send my words to you as instantaneous blocks of information and let your brain process them as if we were speaking normally. This means my parts of the conversation have essentially been “said” at the speed of thought. Therefore, the only time that has passed has been when you were speaking or considering your choices. To anyone observing, you were having a very quick conversation with yourself interrupted only by momentary bits of silence.]

“O-oh,” I stammered. “That’s… actually incredibly useful.”

[It does strain your brain somewhat, so outside of combat situations, I will simply “speak” to you normally. However, we can discuss that later. For now, let us begin by saving your life.]

“And how exactly do we do that?” I asked. “Do you teach me a healing spell or something?”

[No,] the feminine voice replied with undisguised glee. [There is only one way we can save you at the moment.]

I raised an eyebrow, curious at my Familiar’s excited tone.

[We go shopping!]