"Tenra-sama!"
"Tenra-san!"
The flames unleashed by the spirit dragon weren't ordinary fire. Even from a distance, the heat was overwhelming, and as Tenra vanished beneath a torrent of blazing light, Asia and the girls cried out in fear.
But then—
A rush of spiritual energy swept outward, scattering the flames like leaves in a storm. Tenra stood unharmed, not a hair singed.
"Wuu… wuu…"
The tiny dragon trembled in his grip, cowed by the sheer force of Tenra's aura. All thoughts of spewing fire gone, she was reduced to a shivering bundle.
Tenra landed lightly, handing the dragon to Asia. "She's all yours."
The spirit dragon, still stunned by Tenra's presence, wouldn't dare attack anyone else now—unless she'd gone completely mad.
Asia's breath caught. Tears shimmered in her eyes as she cradled the little dragon, overwhelmed that Tenra had risked himself for her sake.
Zatouji finally found his voice. "Kid, you're something else. That fire would've roasted most high-class devils alive."
Tenra just shrugged, scratching his nose. "I'll manage."
If Zatouji ever learned Tenra's true power—far beyond high-class, straight into Demon Lord territory—he'd be more than surprised. He'd be floored.
Zatouji turned his attention to Asia and her new partner. "Well, well! Little lady, she seems to like you a lot. Not everyone can pull this off—go on, form your contract."
The dragon, who'd been quaking in Tenra's hands, melted into docility as soon as Asia held her, nuzzling affectionately against her chest. It was as if she'd found her soulmate.
Tenra knew why. Asia's gentle soul and natural dragon affinity drew even the wildest spirits to her. In the future, she'd become famous for taming dragons—including some at the level of Dragon Kings.
Asia closed her eyes, voice trembling with excitement. "In the name of Asia Argento, I bind you as my familiar. Let our contract be sealed."
A magic circle glowed, imprinting itself onto the dragon's body. The pact was made. From this moment on, Asia had her own spirit dragon.
Seeing Asia's success, Irina and Xenovia grew impatient, pestering Zatouji to help them find formidable familiars. The hunt resumed.
"Chop you up! Chop you up!"
"Slice and dice! Slice and dice!"
In a boulder-strewn clearing, Irina and Xenovia were locked in a wild melee with two Giant Scythe Beasts—chainsaws whirring, blades flashing.
Tenra winced. Rias facepalmed. Zatouji swallowed hard, eyes wide with a mix of awe and terror.
Those two were downright frightening.
Giant Scythe Beasts were infamous for their brutality. Their scythes, bigger than their own bodies, could cleave stone with a flick. But Irina and Xenovia matched them blow for blow, the battle a blur of violence and flying debris.
Despite their ferocity, the beasts couldn't keep up. Eventually, dizzy and battered, they submitted—forming contracts with the sisters, destined to join them in future rampages.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
High atop a windswept peak, Mira faced off against a silver-furred monkey wielding a black iron staff. The Kung Fu Monkey's moves were sharp, precise—its staffwork almost a match for Mira's own.
Zatouji cheered from a nearby rock. "That Kung Fu Monkey is a rare find! Perfect for you, little miss!"
Mira grinned, leapt high, and called out, "Iron staff—extend!"
Her weapon grew, sweeping down in a blur. The mountain shook with the impact. The monkey, seeing stars, shrank down to palm-size—then, with a resigned sigh, accepted Mira's contract.
In a field of moonlit flowers, Tosca stood at the center of a shimmering barrier, arms spread wide in focus. Above, what looked like storm clouds roiled—but on closer inspection, they were swarms of Hell Butterflies, their dark wings flickering with deadly light.
The butterflies danced, unleashing razor-thin beams that hammered Tosca's shield. Each beam could pierce steel; even her Sacred Gear's barrier shuddered under the assault.
Zatouji had tried to talk her out of it—Hell Butterflies were notoriously difficult to tame. But Tosca was determined. She needed power, and her Sacred Gear was built for defense, not attack. For her, the butterflies were more than a familiar—they were a means to vengeance.
"Tenra-sama, help! Save me!"
Deep in the jungle, Gasper was being chased by a pack of magical beasts. He'd wanted a strong familiar for protection, but the powerful monsters weren't interested in contracts—they just wanted dinner.
Eventually, Gasper staggered back, clutching a bat, tears streaming down his face. "I… I got my own familiar…"
It was humble, but for a vampire, bats were the perfect fit.
By dawn, everyone had found their match—Asia's spirit dragon, Irina and Xenovia's Giant Scythe Beasts, Mira's Kung Fu Monkey, Tosca's Hell Butterflies, and Gasper's bat.
Tenra yawned. "Looks like we're done here. Time to head home."
They'd spent nearly the whole night in the forest, and even Tenra was feeling the fatigue.
But Zatouji wasn't finished. He clapped Tenra on the shoulder. "Hold on, the night's not over yet. You still don't have a familiar—let me find something special for you."
Tenra eyed him warily. "You're not going to suggest Tiamat or Hydra again, are you?"
Zatouji laughed. "Not this time. What I've got in mind isn't quite at their level, but trust me—it's still something you'll want to see."
He flashed a mysterious smile, and Tenra felt a flicker of curiosity.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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