"We have to find a way to bring in outside help."
The bearded captain from the Creation Church reminded Iluna from behind. Old Mr. Modrow, the Peace Church's Eleventh Ring Arcanist, took a deep breath as though he had made some decision. But at that moment, Iluna threw the dice again.
Clatter~
The die fell, followed closely by the Keeper of Secrets' words. This time, however, they were somewhat different:
"Amid that tense battle, the cat living at 6 Saint Derain Square abruptly joined the battlefield and leaped onto Mortal's Luck Shade Hamilton's shoulder. Pet Cat Mia and Mortal's Luck Shade Hamilton are considered to be cooperating. Due to the immense disparity in their strength, Jack the Thief's score shall take the latter's value. An additional check for Pet Cat Mia will now be made. Since she joined midway through the battle, subtract 10 from the final score."
Iluna's eyes widened. She unfolded the parchment again and, sure enough, saw new information appear: Little Mia's details. Although the cat described in those entries was pitifully weak and utterly incomparable to Shade, as long as the final score was positive, it would mean a true victory for the story.
"Pet Cat Mia joins the battle. Since the battlefield is located at 6 Saint Derain Square, the trait I love my home is triggered. Add 5 to all checks."
Iluna nervously stared at the parchment in her hands. She could understand that Shade and Mia's I love my home traits had different effects. What she was looking for was this line:
"Pet Cat Mia is automatically considered an assistant to Mortal's Luck Shade Hamilton and may provide numerical bonuses to actions such as combat and investigation. Such bonuses are not considered part of the character's own score."
Iluna smiled. This meant that