He Who Fights with Monsters, #1
He Who Fights with Monsters
by Shirtaloon
Contents
23. I May have Made a Huge Mistake
Overview
Jason uses his Apocalypse-awakened power to summon a Sanguine Horror familiar via a taxing blood ritual. The creature manifests as a mass of leeches, then merges into Jason’s blood and accelerates his healing. Stabilized and strengthened, Jason and the team leave the manor, signaling a new phase of travel and consequences ahead.
Summary
Jason reveals that the Apocalypse stone granted a familiar-summoning power. Under Farrah’s guidance, he prepares his first full ritual, using a complex chalk diagram, blood quintessence, and spirit coins, while learning the basics of external and ritual magic versus essence magic.
Jason begins the summoning with a blood sacrifice and incantation. A viscous red pool floods the circle and leeches emerge in growing numbers. As the ritual completes, the pool and materials drain away through the astral channel, and Jason collapses from the extreme costs.
The leech pile slowly crawls over Jason and melts into his wounds, merging with his blood rather than consuming him. Farrah explains that summoned familiars can subsume into the summoner and that blood-entering types often induce rapid healing. Wiping away blood reveals Jason’s injuries already closed.
Later, Jason awakens in a wagon crossing desert terrain. He feels tired but empowered by the familiar within his veins. Amid teasing banter, tensions with Anisa persist, and Rufus travels alongside leading heidels as the group departs the manor to continue their journey.
Who Appears
- JasonPerforms a blood-fueled ritual to summon a Sanguine Horror familiar; collapses, then awakens stronger and healing rapidly.
- FarrahGuides Jason’s first ritual, explains external and ritual magic, confirms the familiar merges into blood and accelerates healing.
- RufusSkeptical observer focused on practicality and safety; later rides alongside leading heidels as the group departs.
- GaryJokes through tension, helps with preparations, expresses concern about the leeches, drives the wagon afterward.
- AnisaTravels with the group; remains aloof and disdainful during Jason’s recovery and banter in the wagon.
- Sanguine HorrorApocalypse-born familiar manifesting as leeches; merges into Jason’s blood, healing him and enhancing his vitality.