Chapter 63: The Familiar's Egg

After the Great Cataclysm, people's habits changed dramatically—especially after they discovered the mysterious, strange "systems" within their minds. Those who possessed such systems could add friends in person and chat remotely, but their greatest ability was "Identification." By focusing their attention on any object, they could see a clear description and its properties, much like hovering a mouse over items in a pre-cataclysm game.

At this moment, the information about the toy bear appeared vividly before the three sisters.

[Annie's Little Bear]
[Soul Equipment (recyclable)]
[Can summon 'Tibbers' to attack enemies, duration: 45 seconds, area attack (Have you seen my bear?)]

"What is this?"

Staring at the floating information, the three sisters were utterly stunned. It was the first time they'd seen such details. They had used the skill before, but the descriptions were usually mundane—like [a pen], [a damaged diary]—yet this little bear was entirely different. It not only had a name but also an effect. Moreover, unlike most informational displays that appeared in ordinary white text, this one was blue.

"You can think of it as a magical item, like a witch's wand in a fairy tale."

"Haah..."

Listening to Ferrin's explanation, Eluca hesitantly picked up the plush, giving it a shake.

"How do you use it?"

"Just like you use your abilities."

Hearing Ferrin's advice, Eluca hesitated, then gripped the plush and closed her eyes. Suddenly, the soft toy began to glow, and blue flames emerged. Seeing this, Eluca shrieked in fright and hurriedly threw the plush away.

"Whoosh!"

To the sisters' astonishment, the moment Eluca let go, a pillar of fire erupted from the bear, blue flames radiating intense heat in all directions, forcing everyone to step back. Then, the flames soared upward and a giant bear, wreathed in fire, appeared. It opened its mouth and let out an angry roar, scanning its surroundings.

"Whoa..."

Witnessing this spectacle, not only did Chris widen her eyes in surprise, but even Corona cried out. The flaming bear looked around, and finding no enemies, vanished with a "bang," reverting to a plush toy lying on the ground.

"Area attack, auto-targeting... though the duration is short, it seems quite useful."

Ferrin withdrew his gaze and looked at the three sisters.

"You decide for yourselves."

At his words, the sisters quietly discussed and finally chose to let Corona use the plush. She was the only one among them with little combat ability, so with the bear by her side, she wouldn't be defenseless in battle. Though a bit embarrassed by her sisters' decision, Corona ultimately nodded and accepted it; compared to Chris and Eluca, her fighting prowess was indeed lacking. While they had trustworthy comrades and siblings, in the wastelands, ultimately, everyone had to rely on themselves.

"Commander, what is that crystal?"

After witnessing the energy chip and the bear, the sisters grew curious about the last, strange crystal. They'd noticed Ferrin and Derin paying special attention to it, so their interest was piqued. Ferrin evidently had no intention to hide anything, and casually produced the crystal for them to inspect. It was slightly larger than an egg, semi-transparent white, as if forged from ice. Upon closer inspection, they could see a faint, translucent human figure within.

"Commander, what is it?"

Eluca scrutinized it, finding no clues. Even when she concentrated to investigate, the information displayed was simply "??," clearly outside anything they'd ever encountered. Ferrin smiled and soon gave the answer.

"It's a familiar's egg."

"Eh?!"

His reply made the sisters cry out in surprise. Eluca widened her eyes, staring at the familiar's egg.

"So, it's an egg laid by a familiar? Do familiars have children?"

(Of course, we don't have children.)

At this, Derin, perched on Ferrin's shoulder, explained.

('Familiar's egg' is just a metaphor... in fact, you can think of it as a familiar's tomb.)

"But, Miss Derin, didn't you say familiars never die?"

(Indeed.)

Faced with Eluca's puzzled retort, Derin nodded.

(I said familiars don't die completely, but that doesn't mean they ignore threats that can harm them. Usually, when a familiar faces an external threat it can't resist, it releases a surge of energy to form a shell-like barrier, sealing itself inside. This way, it avoids harm from the outside. Of course, it enters a state similar to suspended animation, and unless someone wakes it or its energy runs out, it won't respond.)

"So, what's the use of this thing?"

"It can awaken a familiar... and if you're lucky, the familiar may become your companion and fight for you."

"Really?"

Eluca jumped up excitedly, glanced at Ferrin, and spoke softly.

"Commander, can we have a familiar as a companion?"

"Of course, as long as you meet two requirements."

"Two requirements?"

The sisters paused, and Ferrin held up a finger.

"First, the familiar must like you. Simply put, you must get along."

"And the second?"

Eluca calculated silently, finding the first requirement simple, so she asked again out of curiosity. Ferrin smiled and raised a second finger.

"You must be able to support it."

"Support it?"

This seemingly normal yet odd requirement left the sisters exchanging confused glances. After a moment, Eluca tilted her head and pressed on.

"What does it mean to support it?"

This time, Ferrin didn't answer directly. Instead, he glanced at the black cat beside him.

"Derin."

At his call, Derin stood up, leapt from Ferrin's shoulder into his arms. Ferrin took a green energy chip and placed it in front of Derin. Under the sisters' watchful eyes, the black cat reached out, took the chip with its paw, popped it into its mouth, chewed and swallowed it, then stretched lazily and curled up, contentedly closing its eyes.

"..."

"..."

"..."

Watching this scene, the sisters were silent for a moment. Then Eluca helplessly raised both hands.

"I understand, Commander. I choose to pass..."