29 The Greatness of Gacha

[ Great Jura Forest, Dwelling of Treants and Dryas ]

"Summoning Magic, Aria," Ramiris began, "is a branch of magic that bridges the realms between our world and others."

"Though it's not just about pulling creatures from other realms; it's about forging contracts with beings beyond our world," That wording made Aria raise an eyebrow, but the Elemental Queen didn't pay it any mind, continuing.

"Take Daemons, for instance. They're not merely embodiments of evil, but entities bound by contracts. Offer too little, and they might just try to take you out. But get the deal right, and they're loyal as can be, at least until the initial agreement is fulfilled."

"Like how Guy killed his summoner after completing his part of deal, the summoner probably didn't stipulate his own safety." Aria blurted with a look of realisation, as she didn't really think much of how Guy destroyed the High Human empire. She just attributed to Guy being Guy.

"I'm sure that isn't something a otherworlder like you would know so early on, right?" Ramiris narrowed her eyes with a small smile.

The Echidna, expecting this question, innocently smiled, "I have a skill can access the Records of the Worlds Events."

Ramiris blinked at that, nodding slowly, "I almost forgot that was possible."

Aria looked at her in curiosity at those words, "You knew someone that could do the same?" Veldora with his Pursuit of Truth, and Rimuru thanks to the ultimate carry—Ciel-Sensei was the only one's she could remember.

"Veldanava." Ah, how could she forget the Big G of this universe, of course he could do that, better yet, she wouldn't be surprised if the dude could look into the past fully.

"Though he was too lazy to even use it and would just ask his subordinates what happened over the years he napped." Ramiris said, scrunching her nose.

'Is it wrong that I can somehow imagine that?' The Echidna thought, smiling in amusement, only for her expression to shift to an innocent one the next moment, courtesy of the glare thrown her way.

Rolling her eyes, the Fairy Queen continued her explanation on Summoning Magic, "I'm sure you already know this, but summoning elementals is another aspect of this magic," Her expression brightened at the mention, "They're usually harmless, driven by abstract will or directive. But occasionally, sentient elementals like Sylphide's can be summoned, though they're more selective in whom they serve."

Her gaze locked onto Elaine's figure, and the High Elf, feeling someone staring at her, reluctantly raised her head from her mistress' heavenly thighs. She looked at Ramiris with an expression that said: What do you want? Can't you see I'm busy?

Which made the Elemental Queen speechless, where was the respect? 'Forget it, anything related to Aria would just be a headache.' Thinking so, she decided to resume her explanation.

"Otherworlders, I'm sure you're interested in this," The Elemental Queen's expression turned serious, "But I'll be straight with you; I don't like it."

Aria wasn't surprised at her words and could understand why. Being as old as she was Ramiris must have seen many enslaved Otherworlders, those not mention in the light novel but most definitely existed, or probably still exist even now.

"For humans who are summoning Otherworlders, it requires a tremendous amount of magic and preparation, often involving Mental Magic spells like Locking Curse to etch contracts onto their very souls, so the summoned doesn't go against orders." The Fairy Queen scowled, clearly she doesn't like how they do things.

"No need to worry, I doubt it will be allowed in the future." Aria waved off her worries.

"You seem oddly confident about that."

"I am one hundred per cent sure."

Ramiris stared at her for a moment, trying to find any hint of deception, but all she received was a flat stare. So sighing she decided to conclude their little lesson.

"Summoning Monsters, the one considered the most dangerous by far." This was something that Aria didn't remember from the light novel, meaning that it was one of the changes in this slightly AU timeline.

Seeing the Echidna visibly interested for the first time made the Elemental Queen raise a brow, before realisation struck her, recalling the feeling she got seeing those runes, "Aria, what connection do you have to the Eldritch?"

"….."

The Echidna blankly looked at Ramiris, not expecting such a question. Where did even come from?

«Answer. Humans in the past, before knowing the formula to summon Otherworlders, have summoned many creatures beyond this universe.»

'And Eldritch Horror was among them.' Aria finished its words, still surprised that such a thing occurred, but Scholar's following explaination nearly made her jaw drop.

«Answer. Yes. A human kingdom in the past led by a High Human king, was destroyed by an Eldritch. The king summoned it and attempted to tame it, but the opposite happened, and he happily served his kingdom on a platter for the creature, himself included in the end.»

"It's always humans." The Echidna snorted in disdain, even on Earth humans were no different, oceans choked with pollution, vast swathes of forests razed to make way for expansion, and then probably the worst of them all; Nuclear Weapons.

Mushroom clouds, cities reduced to rubble, and the lingering scars etched into the Earth's surface. Aria could imagine the cries of a planet pushed to its limits.

«Notice. Emotion levels reaching dangerous thresholds.»

'Damn, what am I? A bipolar kid?' She thought wryly, quickly realising that her feelings were rather intense as she thought about nature being harmed. 'It must be because I'm also an Elemental Queen.' It was the most plausible explanation.

[Aria…Should I…Eat humans.]

Cthulhi's presence appeared in the Echidna's mind, saying something that didn't suit its childish voice.

Unperturbed, Aria declined, "It's fine, I was just thinking,"

[Okay…]

The Mother of All Monsters nearly took back her words, hearing Cthulhi's disappointment, but she wasn't a fan of causing genocides, so she could only say, "I'll cook you something tastier than humans."

[Reaaallyyy~?]

Aria almost giggled at how slowly it said that, replying, "Really."

[Okay~ I…will sleep.]

With those words, the Echidna felt Cthulhi's presence recede from her mind, and she finally came out of her Thought Acceleration, answering Ramiris' question,

"I am friends with an Eldritch."

"You mean the one you were talking to before?" Ramiris asked, eyes wide.

Nodding with a low hum, Aria continued, "Although not as strong as me, Cthulhi is strong." It truly was, after all, Cthulhi had mentioned that in the past it had eaten a funny-looking jelly with eyes, gaining its shapeshifting and adaptability.

It was most definitely a Shoggoth. Cthulhi also said it was the last remaining Star Spawn on Earth, making it lonely.

"Cthulhi-!" Ramiris felt a shiver run down her spine, as she mentioned the Spawn of Cthulhu's name.

"Don't go casually mentioning my friend's name when they're sleeping, you could have woken it up." Aria said with a roll of her eyes, adding, "Cthulhi is harmless, so let's just drop it, and finish the lesson so I can summon something cool."

The Elemental Queen wanted to face-palm at the childish excitement coming from the Echidna. Why was she so excited about summoning?

And if Aria heard her thoughts, she would look at the Fairy in disdain. How could she not understand the sheer greatness of summoning!? It was a sacred art, a responsibility of all Youths!

Could you even be considered a human if you've never played Gacha?

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A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter.