The night sky split with violet lightning as the Shard streaked across West Astra City—searching, hunting, choosing.
Charles could still feel its energy gnawing at the edges of his senses as he tried to slip away from the Bureau lockdown.
Midnight jumped back onto his shoulder, fur bristling.
"Meow!"
(Translation: It's coming back.)
Charles paled.
"Now?! It just left!"
The system chimed coldly:
[Correction: The Shard has rejected all nearby hosts.]
[Warning: It is returning to you.]
Charles nearly fainted.
"Why ME?!"
Midnight slapped his cheek with a paw.
Charles glared.
"Yeah, yeah, okay—focus."
But then—
The ground vibrated.
A hum filled the air.
A purple comet descended—
straight toward Starlight Academy.
Charles's heart nearly stopped.
"No—no—NO! Not the school again!"
Midnight hissed at the sky.
---
Impact
BOOOOM!!!
The Shard slammed into the abandoned training field, blasting debris in all directions.
Students screamed.
Teachers shouted orders.
Alarms rang.
Charles sprinted toward the source.
If I don't get there first, the Bureau will—
He rounded the corner—
And froze.
---
The Shard Has Changed
Floating above the crater was a small, crystalline creature.
Two glowing purple eyes.
A shifting, humanoid outline.
A tail made of drifting light.
Almost… cute.
But undeniably dangerous.
The creature turned.
Its eyes locked onto Charles instantly.
Midnight leaped in front of him with a feral growl.
The Shard creature tilted its head—
Then bowed.
Deeply.
As if greeting a master.
Charles's jaw dropped.
"Oh come ON—why are you bowing?! I didn't—!"
The system chimed:
[The First Shard has recognized your Divine Authority.]
[Host Compatibility: 99.8%]
[Bond Initiation Mandatory]
Charles shook his head violently.
"No. Nope. Not happening. Go find someone else!"
The Shard floated closer.
Midnight jumped onto Charles's head in full protective mode.
The Shard extended a small, trembling crystalline hand.
Charles whispered:
"Oh god… it wants to be… my familiar?"
Midnight screeched in disgust.
---
Creed Arrives (Again)
A thunderous boom shook the air.
Charles whirled around—
Inspector Creed stood at the edge of the crater.
Alone.
Silent.
Deadly.
He stared at Charles.
At the Shard.
Then back at Charles.
"Reyes."
Charles squeaked, "Sir… It's not what it looks like—"
Creed's eyes narrowed like knives.
"It looks like a Riftborn entity is trying to bond with you."
Charles choked on air.
Midnight screamed.
The Shard floated even closer, glowing brightly, as if proud.
Creed took a step forward.
"Step away from it."
Charles froze.
The Shard reached for him again.
Charles whispered in horror:
"I can't move…"
(The Shard's presence felt like gravity pulling him forward.)
[Warning: Contract Formation Imminent]
[Rejecting may provoke hostility]
Creed's voice hardened.
"CHARLES. REYES. Step. Away."
But Charles couldn't.
He whispered:
"I-I can't… it's pulling me."
Midnight hissed and tried slapping the Shard.
The Shard ignored him and pressed its forehead gently against Charles's chest.
Light exploded.
---
THE CONTRACT IS SEALED
[Contract Completed]
[Riftborn Familiar Registered]
New Companion: Shardling (Infant Core)
Rank: C → B (Evolving)
Status: Loyal
Abilities Unlocked… Pending
The Shardling vanished—
absorbed into Charles like a second heartbeat.
Charles fell to one knee, gasping.
Midnight yowled, furious and betrayed.
Creed took another step.
His voice cold:
"Reyes… what did you just do?"
Charles whispered:
"I… I think I accidentally adopted a demon rock."
Creed looked ready to arrest him on the spot.
The system flashed red:
[Major Threat Detected]
[Bureau Danger Level: HIGH]
[Recommendation: RUN]
Charles stood, grabbing Midnight.
"Sir—I can explain—"
"No. You cannot."
Creed's eyes glowed.
Charles panicked.
Midnight shrieked.
The Shardling's voice whispered inside Charles's mind:
"Protect… Master…"
And Charles realized—
He had just become the most hunted person in West Astra City.
---