A sudden voice echoed inside Haruto's mind.
[Beast Tamer Activated.]
[Target available for taming.]
Haruto's eyes immediately shifted toward Miyuki. She stood beside him, trembling, her body frozen in fear as the bandits surrounded them.
I can't… he thought, his chest tightening. She saved my life…
Sophia's voice came again calm, emotionless.
[If you do not tame her, both of you will die.]
Haruto froze.
Shock flickered across his face. Until now, Sophia had only shown messages—never spoken like this. But there was no time to question it.
Swallowing hard, he responded in his mind.
"…Then tell me," he said, forcing himself to stay calm. "If I make a contract with her… what do I gain? How do I survive?"
[There is no time for a full explanation.]
[Your life is in immediate danger.]
[Act first. Understanding will follow.]
Haruto slowly lifted his gaze toward the bandits.
They were watching. Waiting.
If he hesitated now… everything would end here.
His jaw tightened.
I can't let her die again.
Taking a steady breath, he turned to Miyuki and met her eyes.
"I know this won't make sense," he said quietly, his voice firm despite the fear around them. "But if I don't do this… we're both going to die."
Miyuki looked at him, her fear still clear but she didn't look away.
"If… if this can save us…" she said softly, her voice trembling, "then do it."
Haruto held her gaze for a moment.
Then he nodded.
"…Then I'm going to form a contract with you."
For a brief second, Miyuki froze.
The meaning of those words wasn't light. No one would accept something like that easily.
But this wasn't a normal situation.
After a moment, she lowered her head slightly… and nodded.
That was enough.
Haruto exhaled slowly and stepped closer.
But just before he moved, hesitation crept in again.
Before, he had only tamed beasts creatures without will, without thought.
This was different.
"…How do I do it?" he asked internally.
Sophia responded instantly.
[To initiate the contract, physical contact is required.]
[Place your hand over her chest.]
Haruto stiffened for a fraction of a second.
"…You're serious?" he muttered under his breath.
[Confirmed.]
The bandits' laughter echoed in the background.
There was no time.
No other option.
His hand trembled slightly—but this time, it wasn't from doubt.
It was the weight of the decision.
"I'm sorry, Miyuki," he said quietly.
Before he could hesitate again, he stepped forward and placed his hand against her chest.
Miyuki's body reacted instantly.
Her ears shot upright, her tail stiffening behind her as her face flushed red. A slight tremor ran through her, but she didn't move away.
She endured it.
Because she trusted him.
Haruto's expression tightened, guilt flickering in his eyes.
"I won't do anything to hurt you," he said softly. "After this… I'll accept whatever you decide."
At that moment, a faint blue light began to glow from his hand.
The air around them shifted.
Sophia's voice echoed once more.
[Contract initiation in progress.]
Not far away, the bandits stared for a moment in confusion—then burst into loud laughter.
"Boss, look at them!" one of them shouted.
The leader smirked, crossing his arms. "Pathetic," he sneered. "Couldn't even wait until night."
More laughter followed.
"Guess he wanted to enjoy himself before dying!"
They mocked without restraint, completely unaware of what was actually happening.
Meanwhile, the light grew stronger.
A glowing mark slowly formed beneath Haruto's hand, spreading across Miyuki's chest in intricate patterns. The symbol pulsed faintly, reacting to their connection.
Sophia's voice continued, steady and calm.
[Consent protocol available.]
[Proceed with or without confirmation.]
Haruto looked into Miyuki's eyes again.
"You're sure about this?" he asked quietly.
Miyuki didn't hesitate this time.
"I trust you," she whispered.
That was enough.
Haruto closed his eyes briefly.
"…Then proceed."
The light surged.
The mark completed itself, glowing brightly before settling into place. At the same time, an identical symbol appeared on Haruto's right hand, burning briefly before fading into his skin.
[Contract established.]
[Demi-human successfully tamed.]
A sudden surge of power rushed through Haruto's body.
His breathing steadied. The weakness that had weighed him down began to fade, replaced by a growing sense of strength.
Then
[Level Up]
[Level Up]
[Level Up] x3
Warmth spread through his entire body, flowing through his veins like fire.
It wasn't just physical strength.
His senses sharpened.
His awareness expanded.
The world felt clearer.
Alive.
Sophia's voice echoed once more.
[New skills acquired:]
[Taming Bond]
[Demi-Human Detection]
[Shared Vitality]
[Summon Ally]
Haruto slowly opened his eyes.
For the first time
He didn't feel weak.