《Monster of Elements》


 Prologue - Everything Burns

    <Year 2XXX>


    My name is Shiranui Ryoma, 40.


    Right now, this is my end.


    End of my career and end of my love.


    I felt that almost everything has left me.


    Is this the life of a ruined man ?


    I finally know the feeling of one.


    I laid on my desk, reflecting and regreting.


    All the mistakes and the wrongs I had done.


    I glanced at the clock hanging above the office door.


    It''s almost 12am.


    Time to move out.


    I  made sure all my company doors are locked.


    Then I dragged out the  jerry cans of flammable petrol under my desk.


    Boy, They are heavy.


    I left one jerry can for myself after pouring the petrol all over the floor.


    Here''s the final moment.


    I pour the final jerry can of petrol on myself.


    It''s like a cooling shower.


    Now where did I put that lighter ?


    Ah, there you are.


    Now then,


    Flame On.


    WAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH


    --------------------------------------------------------


    <Unknown>


    Stolen story; please report.


    I am pretty sure I died.


    But hey, I did have fun laughing while being burnt alive.


    And at the top of all, I finally obtained eternal rest.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    *DING*


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    What''s with the ding sound ?


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    You have been reincarnated into a Lesser Flame Spirit


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    Huh? Lesser Flame Spirit?


    That''s cool I guess.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    You have been summoned to the mortal world for a contract.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    What? Wait!


    Instead of darkness, now whiteness covered my vision.

 Chapter 1 - The Hunter and the Hunted

    <?????><Day 1>


    <Okay, okay where am I ?>


    I look around once my vision cleared up.


    A girl who looks 6-7 years old, is standing a few metres in front of me.


    Red hair, blue dress and oh, she has yellow eyes.


    <Why does she look so irritated?>


    Voices start coming from my left and right sides.


    Unknown: The summoning is a success, My Lord


    The male voice which came from my 3 ''o clock belongs to a hooded figure holding a staff.


    Looking from his hand, he seems to be in his twenties.


    Unknown #2: Riggs, this thing you summoned, will it protect her?


    <So, I am a thing. Wait, am I the Thing?>


    From my 9 ''o clock, the second male voice belongs to a man who had red hair and mustache.


    He seems to be in his thirties or forties.


    Riggs: Yes, Lord Grim. It is as you requested, a familiar who will guide and protect her. It will be her eternal companion no matter where she goes.


    Lord? Hmm....Reminds me of nobles in medieval games.


    Lord Grim: But this thing is just a flame?


    <Sorry! I am just a flame. Happy?>


    Riggs: This is the familiar''s true form. If you want to see a different form of the familiar, it depends on the master.


    Lord Grim: I see. Anything else?


    Riggs: Young Miss has to apply her mana on the furthest outer line of the summoning circle in order to form a contract.


    Riggs: And then she has to imagine the form of the familiar while doing that. The summoning circle will disappear once you given the familiar a name.


    Lord Grim: Hmm... Is that all? Is there anything I should be worried about?


    Riggs: Yes, My Lord. The summoning circle will prevent the familiar from doing anything until a name is given to it.


    Lord Grim: Walter!


    A butler who has black hair and a small pony tail came into the room.


    Walter: My Lord?


    Lord Grim: This adventurer has perfectly completed what I have requested. Guide him to the door and give him what was promised.


    Walter: Yes, My Lord. Over here, Sir.


    Riggs: Then I shall take my leave. My Lord. Young Miss.


    Riggs quickly bows to both of them and left, followed by the butler.


    He seems to be in a rush. I wonder what''s wrong?


    Lord Grim seems to be puzzled by his actions but did not stop Riggs from leaving.


    Lord Grim: Ariel.


    Lord Grim calls out to the girl in yellow dress.


    Ariel: What?


    Lord Grim: *sighs* Is that how you called your father?


    Ariel: You do know I do not need protection!


    Lord Grim: Yes, yes. My little beauty have the abilities and skills to defeat D ranked monsters.


    Lord Grim: But at least for this one time, listen to this worrisome father''s request for once.


    Ariel: Hmph...Fine!


    Ariel stomps towards me.


    Ariel: So I just have to apply mana to the circle and imagine the form while doing it ?


    Lord Grim: Just as that adventurer said.


    Ariel knees down and pulls her hands on the summoning circle as mentioned.


    Ariel: Here I go! FULL POWER!


    <Huh!? Full power!?>


    Lord Grim: WAIT! THERE IS NO NEED FOR......


    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.


    The summoning circle start to glow brightly and Lord Grim was pushed back by its power.


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    *DING*


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    Due to the contract and the mana given, you have been transformed into a monster known as Flame Bear.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <Flame Bear? DID YOU SAY BEAR!?>


    I was immediately transformed from a Lesser Flame Spirit into a Flame Bear.


    I stood on my two legs and looked at my newly transformed paws.


    I try grasping my paws and then I notice my orange fur.


    <Great! I am ORANGE!>


    <table>


    <tbody>


    <tr>


    <td>


    As according to contract, you are to hunt and devour your target Ariel Crimsonheart.


    </td>


    </tr>


    </tbody>


    </table>


    <HUH!?>


    I thought I was supposed to guide and protect the girl.


    Then I felt something touching my belly.


    Ariel: Your name will be Fiery from now on.


    I looked at the girl who is currently hugging my belly.


    I pat the girl with my paw and place the other paw behind my head.


    Fiery: Nice to meet you. I am Fiery.


    Ariel: Hehe.


    Ariel rubs her face against my furry belly.


    It was then both of us noticed Lord Grim who was about to start screaming.


    Lord Grim: MMMONNN.....


    Ariel & Fiery: Mon?


    Lord Grim: MONNNNNNSTTTEEERRRR!


    --------------------------------------------------------------------------


    <Unknown Room>


    A hooded figure is sitting in a dark room with a single candlelight and in front of him was Riggs.


    Hooded Figure: Is it done?


    Riggs: Yes, it is done. Just as you have told me. The symbols of the summoning circle which say "The companion who guides and protect", has been switched to the symbols which say "The monster who hunts and devours".


    Hooded Figure: Good, good. Did anyone notice the changes ?


    Riggs: No one. As discreet as you requested.


    The hooded figure placed a bag on the table.


    Hooded Figure: This is what you wanted.


    Riggs: Then, I shall take my leave.


    The hooded mage quickly took the bag and left, shutting the door.


    Hooded Figure: You are still around, right ?


    Unknown: Yes, My Master


    A shadowy figure appeared behind the hooded figure.


    Hooded Figure: Any reports of death from that family ?


    Shadowy Figure: There are no such reports.


    Hooded Figure: None?....That''s weird.


    Hooded Figure: Ion.


    Ion: Yes ?


    Hooded Figure: That man, Riggs. He must not exist and nothing leads to me. Do you understand ?


    Ion: Understood.


    Hooded Figure: Good. I leave it to you.


    Ion: Yes, My Master.


    The shadowy figure disappeared into the shadows.

 Chapter 2 - I Got Collared

    <Unknown Room>


    Lord Grim: MONNNNNNSTTTEEERRRR!


    <Woah! You do not really have to scream>


    The scream of Lord Grim surrounded both me and Ariel with the butler, Walter and girls who looked like maids.


    Walter and the maids have armed themselves with unsheathed swords and they are looking at me with killing intent.


    <This is like watching a cosplay photoshoot.>


    Unknown Female Voice: Grim, what is going on?


    Behind the wall of maids, the voice came from a beautiful woman who looked like an adult version of Ariel.


    Grim: Rose! What are you doing here! You''re still pregnant!


    Rose: Did you not told me that you will be showing me the familiar who will be protecting our child? Of course I could not wait to see it.


    Grim: But it is a monster!


    Rose: Monster?


    Rose looked at me and then at Ariel who is still rubbing my belly with hands and face.


    Rose: Ariel?


    Ariel stopped rubbing and turned to look at Rose.


    Ariel: Mother!


    Ariel walked towards her happily.


    Ariel: Look, Mother! Father got me the best guardian I ever have.


    <That''s right! Your best friend, The Teddy Bear!>


    Rose: Really?


    Fiery: Nice to meet you, My Lady. I am Fiery.


    I bowed down with my arms in front while speaking..


    Rose: Oh, you can talk and you are quite polite too.


    Fiery: I apologized for the trouble I have caused.


    Rose: No, I should be sorry for the trouble that my husband have brought to you.


    Grim: Honey....


    Rose glared at Grim.


    Rose: We will have a talk later...


    Grim flinched at what Rose had said.


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    *DING*


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    You have unlocked Etiquette.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Seriously? (-_-)>


    I ignored the window and continued the conversation.


    Fiery: My Lady, are you not afraid of me,  a monster?


    Rose looked at me with a smiling face.


    Rose: Not at all. One of your kind was the first creature which I faced and won as a trial.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Rose paused for a while.


    Rose: And I have faced other monsters which are more fearsome and terrifying than you. To me, you are just a plaything.


    <*gulp* Plaything (>_<) >


    I calmed myself and then continue talking.


    Fiery: Very well, My Lady. I will be frank with you.


    Rose: Hmm?


    Fiery: It seems there is a problem in the contract with me and Ariel.


    Rose: Problem?


    Fiery: Yes,  I think it is better to speak to you about it in a private room. Just the two of us.


    Grim: What! I am....


    Grim was silenced by a glare from Rose.


    Rose: Would it be better to speak to your master instead of me ?


    Fiery: My Lady, it is because it concerns my master who is your daughter and I am worried that she will not be able to bear the truth.


    I sighed and looked at Ariel.


    Ariel: Fiery?


    Ariel looked at me with a cute puzzled look.


    <CUTE!>


    Rose: Very well then. Walter and the others. You may all stand down and resume your daily duties.


    Walter & the maids: Yes, My Lady.


    Walter and the maids walked away with their weapons sheathed.


    Rose was about to walk away with Grim on her heels.


    Rose: Oh yes, I have totally forgotten.


    Rose: Fiery, you cannot be walking around the house unleashed. You will scare some of my guests who are currently living here.


    Fiery: And you need to put a collar on me ? My Lady.


    Rose: That is correct. You are quite intelligent. Are you really a monster?


    Fiery: Of course, My Lady. And I am a familiar too.


    Ariel: Mother, mother! Can I choose Fiery''s collar?


    Ariel interrupted the conversation between us.


    Rose: Of course, you can. Be sure to tell Walter that you are going with him.


    Ariel: YES!


    Ariel ran out of the room.


    Rose: Fiery, please stay here until you have a collar on. I will notify the servants to prevent anyone from entering here and of course, as a familiar, you do not need food. Am I right ?


    <She is going to figure me out (>_<)>


    Fiery: I am not very sure but please provide both food and water. My Lady


    Rose: As a familiar, you are unsure. Hmm...interesting.


    Rose: I will tell my servants to provide them. We will have that private conversation after you had that collar on.


    Fiery: Very well. My Lady


    <That''s how I got collared.>

 Chapter 3 - Just the Two of Us

    <????> <Day 1>


    Everyone left the room, leaving me behind.


    A few minutes later, a young maid came into the room with two buckets and put them on the floor for me.


    <IT''S MEAL TIME!>


    I looked into buckets, ignoring the young maid who left the room.


    <Water and Meat.....>


    <Is that how dogs are feed ?>


    I tried eating the meat and it tasted delicious for no reason.


    <Was raw meat that tasty ?>


    I am starting to feel myself straying from being human.


    Anyway, having finishing my meal and being left alone in the room, I took the chance to look around.


    The room I am in looks like a solar which is often seen in western medieval games. It has a fireplace and interesting decorations on the walls.


    The only differences in the room was that all the tables and chairs are placed against the wall. I guess it was to make space for the summoning ritual.


    As I looked around, I started picking up scents. Not my furry scent, but the scent of a perfume.


    The only person who has close contact with me would be Ariel.


    <Does young girls put on perfume in the old days ?>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    *DING*


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    You have unlocked Sniff.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    Ariel Crimsonheart has been added to your list of Scents.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <SNIFF WAS A SKILL!? I HAVE A LIST OF SCENTS!? WHY WAS HER SCENT ADDED!?>


    I almost growled loudly in anger at notifications.


    <Whoever design this notification system must be screwing with me!>


    Ignoring the notification in front of me, I continue to focus on my current task while calming down.


    Then I noticed some piles of books on the tables and went over there.


    At first, the symbols on the books seems foreign to me but as I attempt to read and figure them out, I started to have a splitting headache.


    <Aww~>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    *DING*


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    You have unlocked Lesser Flame Spirit''s Wisdom.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    You have unlocked Language Comprehension (Olam).


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Olam ? What does that mean?>


    <Wait, how did I managed to unlock it ?>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    You had obtained them when you were a lesser spirit of fire but due to the summoning ritual, your skills are locked until the summoner permits it. As the contract with Ariel Crimsonheart is not a familiar contract, you may obtain or unlock skills as you progress along.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <The notification spoke!>


    <Are you the system who give me those lame notifications?>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    No, I am your wisdom.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <My wisdom?>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    Yes.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Do you mean the Lesser Flame Spirit''s Wisdom ?>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    Yes.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <So, Wisdom, or err... Do you have a name?>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    No.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Hmm... then I shall name you as Wisely, is that alright ?>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    *DING*


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    Wisely, the Lesser Flame Spirit''s Wisdom has evolved to Wisely, the Flame Spirit''s Wisdom


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    You have unlocked Naming.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Naming huh, that would be an interesting skill>


    <Wisely, can you give me the description of the Naming skill?>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    No, You do not have the required information.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <Eh, so does that mean I have to find out about it ?>


    <table><tbody><tr><td>


    Yes.


    </td></tr></tbody></table>


    <NUUUUUUUUUUuuuuuuu>


    I was depressed for a few hours until the room''s door burst open.


    Ariel: FIERY! Look at what I have got for you!


    I turned around and saw Ariel holding up a red collar for me to see.


    Ariel: Do you like it ?


    I nodded to her question and patted her head. She seems to like it.


    Walter: Excuse me, Fiery


    I did not notice Walter came into the room


    Walter: Due to the lack of guest rooms, I am afraid that you have to stay here for the night.


    Fiery: It''s alright, Having a roof over my head is better than nothing.


    Walter: Very well then. Young Miss, it''s time for your lessons.


    Ariel: Walter, can I play with Fiery for a little while? Pretty please?


    Walter: Sorry, Young Miss. I am sure that you do understand the consequences if you do not attend your lessons.


    Ariel: Fine, I will go.


    Ariel said with a pouting face.


    Ariel: Fiery, we will play together at a later time, okay?


    Fiery: Of course, Young Miss


    As I and Walter watched Ariel left the room, Walter turned to speak to me.


    Walter: A message from the lady, she said she will have that private conservation in here by tomorrow morning.


    Walter: Is it alright with you ?


    Fiery: I am alright with that. Please send my thanks to the lady.


    Walter: I will give your message to the lady.


    Walter left the room after that.


    For the rest of the day, I just simply read the books which I just found, played with Ariel, ate another meal and slept till next morning.


    <Central Empire, Nahar, Crimsonheart Mansion / Guest Room> <Day 2>


    Rose: Fiery, are you listening ?


    I was still fidgeting with the red collar that Aerial bought while sitting on the floor. Rose was in front of me sitting on an armchair and sipping a cup of tea from a small round table which was beside the armchair.


    Fiery: Sorry, My  Lady. Yes, I was listening.  It is just that I am not used to being collared.


    Rose: Well, that will take time. So what do you think of our world ?


    Fiery: Hmm...........


    I looked up with eyes closed and folded my arms while trying to come up with an answer.


    <This is what I found out from Rose. The current world I am in is called Olam. In Olam, there are five empires and four religions.>


    <These are the current empires:


    Southern Empire, ruled by Demon Emperor, Flamma


    Northern Empire, ruled by Pope Hibernis


    Western Empire, ruled by Elven Emperor Artorius


    Eastern Empire, ruled by Empress Murasaki


    Central Empire, ruled by Monarchess Shamsun


    Northern Empire is always at war with Southern Empire and Eastern, Western and Central Empire declared neutrality.>


    <Followed by the religions:


    Holy Order of Light (Southern Empire)


    Black Order of Darkness (Northern Empire)


    Spirit Order of Balance (Western Empire)


    Divine Order of Paths (Eastern Empire)


    Central Empire was the only empire that accepts all religions in spite of their differences. One example of their differences would be marriages. Holy Order does not allow polygamy while the other religions are fine with it.>


    <Right now, I am in Nahar, one of the kingdoms of the Central Empire where the Crimsonheart family resides as nobles. The family I am living with was only a branch family. The main family resides in one of the kingdoms of the Western Empire and that is where I found it strange.>


    <In fantasy games, elves are known for their beauty, arrogance, pride and lastly hatred for humans and demons. How did the main family manage to live there ? The answer I got was that the main family members was all half-elves. Half-elves like Grim Crimsonheart who has facial features of a human, are forced to leave the Western Empire in order to prevent conflicts from other elves.>


    <Grim was a half-elf! I was surprised that guy who was afraid of monsters would be a half-elf. Again, it sounds strange, if he is a half-elf, he should know something about magic.>


    <It turned out that he is more interested in gold than magic and becomes a merchant. Thanks to his successful businesses and charitable services, he was popular among people in the kingdom and earned himself a noble position. It was during one of his businesses which he has to personally transport, he met Rose as one of his bodyguards.>


    <Rose went on about loving days and adventures with Grim that I have to stop her by asking more questions about the world.>


    Rose: So, have you done thinking ?


    I reacted to her question by opening my eyes and looking at her.


    Fiery: Yes. I am done, My Lady. The world is not as bad as I think.


    Rose diverted her eyes from my answer for a while and look at me again.


    Rose: If you say so...Is there anything else you want to ask me ?


    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


    Author''s Notes:


    As you requested, another chapter.