Chapter 15: A Second Path Opens


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    I should’ve been relieved.


    I had survived. The Nullborn Tyrant was dead. My Void Summoner class had evolved, and I had summoned Nyx in her full form.


    But the system wasn’t finished with me yet.


    <blockquote>


    [BATTLE REWARD UNLOCKED.]


    [SECONDARY CLASS ACQUIRED: ELDRITCH BEAST TAMER.]


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    My breath caught.


    "A… second class?"


    That wasn’t normal.


    Hunters were born with one class, maybe two if they underwent extreme awakening rituals. But acquiring one as a system reward? That was impossible.


    And then—


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    The ground beneath me shook.


    A rift split open, swirling with deep violet mist.


    And from it, something stepped into existence.


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    The New Companion


    At first, I thought it was another monster.


    Then I realized—


    It was watching me.


    Its form was fluid, shifting between beast and shadow, its long, fox-like body wrapped in dark fur that shimmered like a starless void.


    Eyes like liquid gold gleamed as it circled me, its tail splitting and reforming in ways that shouldn’t be possible.


    Then—


    It grinned.


    "Oh my, oh my. What a fascinating master I’ve been given."


    Its voice was silk and laughter, full of amusement and secrets.


    Nyx tensed beside me. "Careful, my master. This one is… different."


    I exhaled. "Who… what are you?"


    The creature tilted its head, then gave an exaggerated bow.


    "You may call me Noctis. A pleasure, dear summoner."


    <blockquote>


    [NEW COMPANION ACQUIRED: NOCTIS, THE STARLESS TRICKSTER.]


    [CLASS SYNCHRONIZATION IN PROGRESS…]


    </blockquote>


    The system’s words faded, but I barely noticed.


    Because Noctis was still grinning, its gaze sharp with knowing mischief.


    "Tell me, master…" it purred.


    "How do you feel about making a deal?"


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