Although Lin Guang rescued her from those human traffickers, in the land of Kazdail, only the most cunning, the most understanding of betrayal, the most selfish of the Demon Race (Sakaz) can survive.
The fact that the girl was still breathing was the best explanation of her past. Her amber eyes glinted dangerously, like a beast fixated on its prey, ready to pounce.
The atmosphere suddenly cooled, as if the cheerful conversation just now never existed.
Lin Guang, however, didn't care about the ferocity in the girl's eyes and shook his head, "No."
He paused for a moment, seemingly weighing his words, "What I let you feel was an Enslavement Contract."
"For most of the Spirit Beasts and Spirit Masters in this world, Spirit Beasts are not considered independent entities." Lin Guang's words carried a weight, his gaze steady and sincere.
"To those Spirit Masters, Spirit Beasts are the most trusted existence in the world, their other half, whose importance even surpasses that of parents, children, or lovers."
The girl's gaze unconsciously shifted slightly to the left, lingering on the two black-and-white photographs hanging on the wall.
Her gaze quickly withdrew without a trace, she asked in return, "Most of them?"
"Because they sign Enslavement Contracts," Lin Guang's voice held no fluctuation, "The enslaved Spirit Beast will be thoroughly brainwashed, completely becoming the Spirit Master's vassal. Research data shows that within a month after signing an Enslavement Contract, the Spirit Beast is willing to sacrifice life and obey commands."
"In other words, it loses part of its self, or its soul. The Spirit Beast's status changes from partner to unilateral domination, and the cost of a Spirit Beast's death, or the unilateral severing of ties by the Spirit Master, is also lower."
Lin Guang explained in detail and calmly, every word revealing the cruelty behind this prosperous world.
He shook his head, with a trace of helplessness in his eyes, "This world is not peaceful. The Spirit Masters have no choice but to combat beast tides and the Demon Race, after all... the reproduction and survival of any life form accompany the sacrifice of other life forms."
"Hah." The girl smirked, her tone sarcastic, "Should I thank you for not using that method on me? And what about the Equal Contract you mentioned earlier?"
So, Lin Guang extended his hand to the girl once more, and this time the tip of his finger glowed with pure, unsymbolized light.
Glancing at him, the girl once again extended her finger, quietly feeling the presence of that contract in her spirit, or her soul, a contract filled with a sacred and grand aura that no one would doubt its content.
"The Equal Contract, although lacking the benefits of an Enslavement Contract, requires no spirit breaking for the Spirit Beast. Success probability is almost five times higher than that of an Enslavement Contract without incidental interference, and it retains the Spirit Beast's potential, cognitive ability, and combat intelligence intact."
He continued, "My 'Equal Contract Technique' has reached a masterful degree. Not only has the speed of establishing contracts greatly increased, but it also causes no damage to the Spirit Beast, completely awakening its potential and intellect—five hundred years ago, the initial Spirit Masters repelled the Demon Realm invasion, by relying on the masterful level of the Equal Contract Technique to bond with the 'Divine Beasts,' the core content of which was merely eight words, 'Heart to heart, partners on the journey.'
The girl's expression softened slightly, yet she still pursed her lips, "What Equal Contract? It took effect without my consent and can't be undone; isn't it still mandatory?"
This caused a flash of embarrassment to pass across Lin Guang's face, yet he replied frankly, "Sorry, I was too excited at the time."
"Excited?" The girl raised an eyebrow slightly.
Lin Guang looked at her, speaking sincerely, "My Talent only activates when contracting with so-called 'Terra creatures,' this talent guided me to you."
"I don't believe there is a predetermined fate in this world, but I also don't deny the existence of destiny."
"I don't know what environment shaped you, nor do I know what kind of life you want."
"But I can tell you what I think."
He stood up, extended his right hand to the girl earnestly, "This world is vast, so vast that I once couldn't imagine it. I once dreamed of exploring its beauty and wonder. But I know, my strength alone is not enough, for I may be weak, afraid, or discouraged, and I can't accomplish everything alone."
"That's why I need you."
"I want a companion, a family, someone I can trust completely, and the only promise I can make is one thing."
"I will do my utmost to explore this world, to seek the height of the skies, to find the depth of the earth, to explore the vastness of the ocean, and share everything I gain. Along the way, we will not abandon or betray each other until the end of the journey and life."
The girl slightly lifted her head, looking into his dark eyes. She had seen countless skillful liars, even she herself was an excellent actor, but she had never seen such an expression.
A Sakaz who has never seen light, even when deliberately disguised, cannot reach such a degree, what flashed inside was an incredibly genuine emotion, seemingly an anticipation and longing for the world.
Family...?
To talk like this, becoming family with a Sakaz?
Clearly unaware of what Sakaz represents, knowing nothing about me, yet making a promise so easily?
This is such enviable naivety...
At this moment, a certain malicious thought resembling jealousy and self-destruction surged in her heart, prompting a twisted idea.
Upon discovering her body bore a kind of incurable infectious disease—Ore Disease, what kind of expression would he make?
Truly something to look forward to.
A slightly dangerous smile curled at the corners of her mouth, the girl raised her hand, gently clasping Lin Guang's outstretched hand.
This made Lin Guang's smile even more radiant and dazzling, and while tidying the tableware, he even hummed a little tune.
What happiness, I'm just looking for a show.
The girl's heart grew even more restless, unclear why she was bothered.
Of course, Lin Guang didn't know what the girl was thinking, but coincidentally, what he was pondering was also related to this matter.
Even though there's only a Star Shard reward for the first feeding each day, there are other ways to obtain it, and initially, it only takes about four days to synthesize a piece of Starlight.
After unlocking all three core abilities, there's a chance to gain a Talent (Ability) in the "Caretaker's" Skill Tree that can cure various intractable diseases.
He believed that Ore Disease would be no exception.