Deep within the forest, the group emerged before a spring so clear and bright, it seemed to glow with its own sacred light. The water's surface shimmered, casting ripples of radiance that made even the air feel holy.
"Get ready, kid," Zatouji whispered from the shadows beside the spring, barely able to contain his excitement. "The familiar I'm about to introduce you to lives right here—the water spirit, Undine!"
As if on cue, the spring's glow intensified. "Look, look—it's happening!" Zatouji hissed. "The water's lighting up! Undine's coming!"
Everyone's eyes turned to the water. Sure enough, dazzling light spread across the surface, and a figure began to rise from the depths.
First came a cascade of golden hair, then a towering silhouette. A faint sense of dread crept over the group, but nothing prepared them for what emerged: a statuesque, broad-shouldered Undine whose sheer physical presence was almost blinding.
"Fantastic! This is an incredibly rare and powerful Undine, kid—you hit the jackpot!" Zatouji crowed, practically vibrating with excitement.
The rest of the group fell silent. Yes, the Undine radiated power, but her appearance was… overwhelming, to say the least. Weren't Undines supposed to be gentle, healing maidens with pure hearts and ethereal beauty? This one looked like she could bench-press a minotaur.
"Tenra, maybe we should keep looking?" Even Akeno, usually unflappable, couldn't help but avert her eyes.
But Tenra just shook his head. "No need. My familiar will be an Undine."
A sly smile played at his lips as he stepped out of the shadows, striding confidently toward the lake.
Akeno and the others stared, dumbfounded. Was Tenra really into this kind of… intensity? Zatouji, meanwhile, let out a booming laugh of approval. "That's the spirit! Go on, catch her and make the contract!"
Tenra's eyes gleamed with mischief. "No, I said my familiar would be an Undine—but this one isn't quite up to the task."
Before anyone could react, he raised a hand. A swirling gray vortex formed at his fingertip, and with a sharp crack, a demonic sword shot from the void, striking the Undine square in the chest.
The mighty Undine glanced down at the hole in her torso, confusion flickering across her face. In the next instant, her form dissolved into a splash of water, vanishing back into the lake.
The group was stunned into silence. Then, before anyone could speak, the entire lake began to churn. One after another, more Undines surged from the depths, every one of them glaring daggers at Tenra.
"You idiot! What did you do?!" Zatouji howled, nearly beside himself with panic. "Now you've pissed off all the Undines—we're in serious trouble!"
Normally gentle, Undines were terrifying when provoked. Even Zatouji looked ready to bolt.
Rias, Akeno, and Tosca instantly flanked Tenra, their stances tense, eyes locked on the furious spirits. They didn't know why Tenra had acted so recklessly, but they trusted he had his reasons.
Tenra just laughed, utterly unfazed. "Relax, old man. This is nothing I can't handle."
He snapped his fingers. Gray vortexes materialized in the air, and demonic swords slid forth, each one locking onto an Undine with lethal precision.
For a heartbeat, the air crackled—battle was seconds away.
But then—
"Enough. Stand down, all of you."
A voice as soft as spring rain floated across the water. Another Undine rose, this one so different she seemed to belong to another world entirely.
She was graceful, regal, her beauty almost unearthly. Water-blue hair flowed in gentle waves, and her gown shimmered like liquid crystal. Ribbons of water danced around her, crowning her with an aura of divinity.
The other Undines immediately dropped to one knee, bowing their heads in reverence.
"I am the Water Spirit King of this spring," she announced, her voice calm but commanding. "Devils, I ask that you do not harm my people."
Tenra regarded her with open admiration, letting the gray vortexes fade from the air. "We're only here to seek familiars, not to start a fight."
Truth was, he'd never intended to harm the lesser Undines. He'd simply wanted to draw out the strongest presence in the lake—and now, his target stood before him.
The Water Spirit King's gaze lingered on Tenra, her eyes clear as the spring itself. "Young devil, your aura unsettles even me. For one of my kind to serve a being like you would be an honor. I will send my tribe's mightiest warrior to follow you."
But Tenra shook his head, his tone leaving no room for argument. "No other Undine is worthy. Water Spirit King—only you are fit to be my familiar."
His words dropped like thunder. The newly calmed air tensed again, every Undine bristling with outrage.
Rias and Akeno exchanged glances, amused by Tenra's audacity. Irina and Xenovia cheered from the sidelines, "Go, Tenra-sama!" Zatouji, meanwhile, looked like he might faint from shock.
Did he just… ask the Water Spirit King herself to become his familiar? That was madness! She might not be a legendary monster like Tiamat or Hydra, but even high-class devils feared her power when roused.
People could die—seriously die.
Yet the Water Spirit King showed no anger. Her eyes remained placid, her voice serene. "Young devil, Undines serve only one master in their lifetime. If you wish for me to become your familiar, you must earn my recognition."
Tenra's lips curled into a playful grin. "And how do I do that?"
"The rules are simple," she replied. "Defeat me in accordance with the ancient contract."
A spark of anticipation lit Tenra's eyes. "Sounds good to me."
He'd have let this go if fate hadn't brought them together. But now that she was here, Tenra had no intention of letting the Water Spirit King slip away.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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