These dark figures floated above the Summoning Array, like projections from another dimension. Their details were indistinct, leaving only vague silhouettes.

The first was a skeleton, and the only one he could make out clearly—with its sharply defined leg bones and pelvis, it was instantly recognizable.

The second looked like... a bear’s head? It had round ears and a protruding snout, like a dog’s. Its head alone was larger than the skeleton beside it.

The third was faintly recognizable as a clothed figure. The outline of a dress was quite distinct, and it had long hair... ’Hmm, it’s probably not a skeleton. It has flesh.’

The last one was the fuzziest. Its entire body resembled a slime monster, constantly shifting its form.

The book, *A Brief Analysis of Undead Summoning Magic*, did state that the summoning process followed an ancient contract and would randomly summon several Undead Creatures for him to choose from.

But like this, he couldn’t tell what species they were, had no idea of their strength, and, most outrageously, couldn’t even discern their appearance...

’Is this just a blind box opening?’

’So it’s really all just a gamble on luck, huh?’

Just then, several strange sounds in different tones came through the Rune Array.

The tall skeleton: "CLACK CLACK?" (Wizard?)

Bear head: "ROAR ROAR." (Edible.)

The dress: "RATTLE RATTLE." (I’m not interested. You all go ahead.)

The slime monster: "SQUELCH." (Pick me, pick me.)

"..."

Through the Summoning Array, Wei’en could understand what these Undead Creatures were trying to say, but for that very reason, his expression turned incredibly strange.

’What did the book say again...? Something about how Undead Creatures summoned via Magic aren’t supposed to have high intelligence, right?’

’But judging by how well these four figures could express themselves, they didn’t seem unintelligent at all.’

"How about an introduction?"

After saying it, Wei’en repeated himself in the Gonzalez language.

"CLACK CLACK CLACK." (Powerful, brave, fearless... Skeleton Warrior.)

"ROAR ROAR ROAR." (I’ll go with you, as long as you provide a free supply of flesh and blood.)

"RATTLE." (...Get lost.)

"SQUELCH." (Pick me, pick me.)

Four more voices came through, and Wei’en made his decision in an instant.

’The first one, the Skeleton Warrior, was clearly unhinged—and a total chatterbox.’

’The second one, the flesh-eating Undead Creature... What a joke. He could only afford black bread for himself; where would he get the money to buy meat for it?’

’The third one had been completely unwilling from the start. Why so aloof?’

’And the last one was obviously a moron...’

"I choose you."

Having eliminated all the problematic Undead Creatures, Wei’en pointed his finger at the third one: the undead in the dress.

The other three Undead Creatures were greatly disappointed, disappearing from the Rune Array while muttering curses.

The slime monster, in particular, flew into a rage. "SQUELCH SQUELCH SQUELCH SQUELCH..." (I curse you...)

The last remaining undead, the one in the dress silhouette, was silent for a moment before staring with its two hollow eyes. "RATTLE?" (You, looking to die?)

Wei’en ignored its attitude. Following the steps of the Undead Summoning Spell, he pressed his source imprint onto the Rune Array, completing the Summoning Contract.

As the contract was completed, the Summoning Array dissipated, and the form of the undead in the dress became clear.

"A zombie?"

What appeared before him was indeed one of the other most common types of Undead Creatures besides skeletons: a zombie.

It was also the type of Undead Creature mentioned most often in *A Brief Analysis of Undead Summoning Magic*, simply because many Wizards loved to experiment on them.

In the book’s own words, they were ’effective and inexpensive.’

This Miss Zombie, who could charitably be called female, stood with her mouth slightly agape as a stream of rattling sounds poured out.

"You shameless Wizard Apprentice! You’re not even strong, and yet you dare..."

Her complexion was ghastly pale, her eyes sunken, hollow, and lifeless.

Her skin was just as bloodless, with a network of black veins weaving a terrifying pattern beneath its pale surface.

The faint outlines of her bones were visible, supporting her skin and keeping it from looking as shriveled as a skeleton.

Her long black hair hung in disarray over her shoulders, reeking of decay.

Her fingers were as long and thin as withered twigs, and some of her nails were broken or missing.

She wore an old, long white dress. Faint traces of its original, beautiful lace and embroidery were still visible, but the fabric was now covered in grime and faded patches.

Her torso was unnaturally slender, devoid of any curves or fullness. Her shoulders were gaunt, and her waist was cinched in, hinting at a once-elegant figure.

Wei’en stood not far away, tilting his head and quietly listening to her rattling, showing no reaction.

Thanks to the effects of the Undead Summoning Contract, he didn’t have to worry about Miss Zombie posing a threat to him; the thought couldn’t even form in her mind.

[Congratulations on signing a contract with the Undead Creature - Zombie. You can now use the Undead Summoning Spell to summon it for battle. Reward: Survival Points +2.]

[Note 1: As a common Undead Creature, zombies have a natural fondness for carrion and can restore their toughness by consuming it.]

[Note 2: Zombie: Toughness Level 65, Spirit Level 32. Talent: Corpse Eater. Skills: Death Plague, Fearful Howl, Rending Claw.]

[Note 3: Death Plague: Death-plague worms buried deep beneath the skin can spread the disease to the surroundings, infecting creatures with a Toughness Level below 20.]

[Note 4: Fearful Howl: The zombie’s howl can create an Illusion Realm of fear for creatures with a Spirit Level of 20 or lower.]

[Note 5: Rending Claw: The zombie’s claws are exceptionally sharp and can easily tear flesh, causing a bleeding wound that is difficult to heal (requires healing-type Extraordinary Abilities or Magic Potions to treat).]

The more Wei’en looked at Miss Zombie, the more pleased he became.

Although her appearance was a bit strange, compared to a zombie covered in rotting wounds, she was definitely "easy on the eyes."

What’s more, she had three powerful skills, which were more than enough to deal with ordinary people.

’As for Extraordinaries... one with both Toughness and Spirit below 20? Just how weak would they have to be?’

"RATTLE RATTLE." (Bastard, I will never forgive you.)

SNAP.

Wei’en snapped his fingers, pointed at Miss Zombie, and waved the ghost Xiaoxi over. "She’s yours now. Teach her the rules here."

As a pseudo-gentleman, he considered it a grave discourtesy to beat a woman without reason.

But Xiaoxi, as a sub-body of his source, had no such concerns about its image.

"Rules? Baba, what rules?" The ghost’s eyes were filled with eagerness; it was clearly very interested in this Miss Zombie.

"My word is the rule. Go on, I trust you’ll..."

The ghost Xiaoxi flew over and began to circle Miss Zombie incessantly.

"Say Baba, say Baba..."

"RATTLE RATTLE." (Get lost, you ugly thing.)

"Say Baba, say Baba..."

Wei’en: "..."

’Fair enough, I guess.’

’Any creature that comes here belongs to me, so it’s only right that they respect me from the bottom of their hearts... my ass!’

’Looks like I’ll have to teach the Xiaoxis what the rules of Wei’en Loft truly are!’