CH 4

Note from Translator : In my previous translation, in Chapter 1, there was a character named Am. I mistakenly translated the character's name as Am instead of Amu and also referred to the character as "he" instead of "she". I deeply apologize for these mistakes and will make sure to be more careful in the future. Thank you.

.........

I decided to spend a little time with the malignant spirit type girl who introduced herself as Amu. She was blushing with embarrassment after being caught eavesdropping, as I led her to the bar attached to the guild.

Even in Raven City, where inorganic life forms are abundant, the bar seemed to be no different. The only thing that indicated the local culture was the numerous drinks on the menu for inorganic life forms.

After sitting down, Amu sat across from me. I then asked her, "So, what was it you were looking for...?"

"I heard that you were looking for a slave," she said, shrinking in on herself.

The treatment of malignant spirit type beings in human settlements is excessive. However, this is not necessarily just the problem of the surrounding people. I changed my attitude based on Amu's behavior. Crossing my legs and squinting arrogantly, I said, "That's right. I am a 'monster tamer', but unfortunately, I am unable to contact my slave. So I am looking for a strong one to help me break the current situation."

Amu's eyes widened slightly at my words. I continued, "I don't know how much you overheard, but I was searching for either a benevolent spirit type or an elemental spirit type. I don't mind whether it's an inorganic life form or an organic one, but I assumed that the conditions on the slave's side would not match up."

"So...there really was a slave with you who was a malignant spirit type?" Amu asked.

"It's not a lie. But she's jealous, and I think it will become troublesome later on if I form a contract with a race of the same kind as her," I replied.

"I see...," Amu blushed even deeper and shrank further. She looked like a helpless malignant spirit type who had fallen into a vicious cycle.

I waited for her to speak, but she only cast furtive glances my way as time passed.

I don't hate inefficiency, but it seems like this girl needs a little more help.

"Amu, first of all, make sure to look me in the eyes. explorer's who are always looking down cannot succeed, even if they are not malignant spirits. Look into my eyes."

"...."

"Yeah, you have very cloudy but wonderful eyes."

My words caused Amu to widen her eyes slightly. Praise is essential. If the eyes are not good, I would have praised another aspect.

Amu's eyes were transparent, but there were swirling emotions deep within the light gray iris.

Despair, envy, longing, regret. It's amazing that she can still walk around outside with such feelings. It seems that she's been through quite a bit.

"Now, Amu. Don't forget that nothing will be conveyed without words. Don't look away. Don't be afraid to speak, discuss, or be rejected."

Focus your mind. Malignant spirits reflect the mental state of the body, but it's not always a bad influence. A will of steel can turn them into monsters. Just a little "adjustment" and Amu will become stronger.

There is no good in malignant spirits, and therefore, they do not believe in the goodness of humans. And for that reason, it doesn't work well in human settlements.

Although those qualities shine as "monsters," I think it's too wasteful.

"Speak, discuss..."

Amu murmured in a hoarse voice, as if she were feverish. It's the final push. I always find this moment of changing people irresistible. I order Amu.

"Now, Amu. Speak your mind," I said, grinning.

"W-would you...make me a slave, please?" Amu replied.

"Well said. But no," I replied.

"....What?" Amu was bewildered.

Now that I had done what I needed to do, Amu would be fine. I stood up, planning to sell the ring and hire saya-san.

But Amu, who had been in a daze, suddenly cried out in a panic as I began to leave.

"What?! Why?!"

"Amu, were you listening to me? I explained why we can't make a malignant spirit species into a slave," I said.

"But, still, that's..." Amu trailed off.

"What, you can't even speak up properly?" I retorted.

But I didn't want her to misunderstand and think that her opinion would change my decision. I made my stance clear.

I had only volunteered to help her out of charity, understanding the reason why she had reached out to me.

With me, Amu could live a slightly more normal life than before.

"What's the problem?" Amu asked.

"I already stated the problem," I replied.

"Is it because I'm weak?" Amu asked.

"I don't recall mentioning strength as the issue," I said.

Certainly, facing the monsters of this land as a spirit species would be troublesome, but it was the master's job to make that possible.

"Is it really impossible for you to form a contract with a malignant spiritual species like me!?"

Amu pleaded with teary eyes. She's such a sly girl.

All eyes were on me. But I can't let her think that a few tears can sway my decision.

"In the contract I made with Alice Nightwalker, a malevolent spiritual entity, there are restrictions on making contracts with the same kind. A contract is a sacred thing. Breaking it without reason would tarnish one's credibility. That's why I will never break the contract no matter what happens, and I won't lie. I've been contracted with Alice for four years, and I've never broken it. Don't worry, Amu will be fine. By the way, I'm looking for a female slave applicant who is an elemental spirit or a benevolent spiritual entity like me and is around the same age as me or a little younger, so if you know anyone, please let me know."

"That's terrible! Take responsibility for raising my expectations!"

Hahaha, that's funny. Take responsibility for raising your expectations?

If I had to take responsibility for all the expectations I've raised, I'd probably have around a hundred slaves by now.

"If you're that lively, it'll be fine. Use that emotion as a springboard and do your best. And maybe someday you'll be able to get back at me."

I wave my hand and leave the seat. After walking a few meters, a voice like a scream comes from behind me.

"Wasn't there a clause in that contract that said ‘you couldn't leave each other’s side?’!"

"Hmm...?"

I stopped in my tracks at the sharp remark.

As a Monster Tamer, I couldn't do my job without a slave. At least, that was the case for me.

Contracts are meant to be fair, to protect both the master and the slave. Naturally, there was a clause in my contract with Alice that stated 'always follow and obey my orders.' While there was no mention of physical distance, one could argue that Alice's forced teleportation was a clear violation of our contract, even if it was for my own safety.

"It's there, right? It has to be there! It's the basic rule of being a 'Monster Tamer'!" Amu's voice was desperate. It was true that just because the other party violated the contract doesn't mean we can do the same, but in this case, it could be argued that Alice bears some responsibility for our current situation.

The hole in our contract. I turned around, amused. It was unexpected that Amu knew the basics of being a 'Monster Tamer.'

I could see the relief on Amu's face as she let out a deep breath.

“I understand how you feel about being separated from Alice-san."

"You sure talk a lot."

"However, I believe that clause in your contract exists precisely for situations like this. What do you think?"

Amu's eyes are shining darkly. Whether due to the powerful expression of her emotions or not, a spine-tingling chill seems to pierce through the air.

The "Aura of Terror" that instills fear in opposing entities is a power that malignant spirits equally possess, and it is one of the reasons why this species is so avoided. It should be prohibited for use in town, but it seems that control over it is quite lax.

"I hope to have an Elemental or a Spirit as my slave, either of the benevolent spirit type or the elemental spirit type. The powerful attack magic of Elemental spirits is advantageous for magic machines, and benevolent spirits are popular, so they can be used to create connections. I am interested in contracting one since I don't have any experience."

In response to my blunt statement, Amu firmly asserts with a strong tone that just a moment ago seemed like a lie.

"There are none here. There are hardly any beings classified as Elemental or Benevolent spirits in this land. The probability of becoming Phil-san's slave is--almost zero!"

"Clear as day. That's right. But there may be a chance encounter."

"Here, there is a chance encounter! Certainly...certainly, there are no benevolent spirits or elemental spirits, but with me--I can improvise!"

...What an interesting girl. To think that she would try to sell herself by emphasizing that she can improvise.

"With me, I can work for days without eating or drinking! Also, my eyes are cloudy, which is fantastic! It's a bargain! A bargain!"

With that sales pitch...I am beginning to see the appeal.

I may have also had a narrow perspective in this new land. As a newly minted explorer, I may not be very smart, but she seems to have a lot more ability than me. Upon closer inspection, she also has a well-proportioned face.

Our ages aren't too far apart, and since she's of the opposite sex, there's no problem with age or gender. Above all, since the approach is from the slave side, the trust rapport seems to be well established at this stage, and it doesn't seem to be a burden.

Although it might be difficult to justify to Alice, negotiating with her is my problem to solve. It wouldn't be possible to form a permanent contract, but it wouldn't be a bad idea to make a limited time agreement. What's more, since it's the same malignant spiritual species as Alice, it would be a good application and a great bargain. We can also hire Saya-san at any time...

"Okay, I see your point. It's a good deal, so why not give it a try?"

"Yes, please do! I'm ready and eager!"

In response to my smile, Amu answered enthusiastically.

§ § § §

For now, it's about the contract. Even if it's just a trial run, we can't unleash the power of the "Demon User" on Amu without a contract.

Besides, it would be troublesome if the conditions were raised later. It's not discrimination, but you can't let your guard down when dealing with malignant spirit species.

We proceed with the contract in a corner of the bar as it is. Amu was fidgety and behaving suspiciously.

Perhaps she couldn't believe that the negotiation was successful. I like smart girls. After hearing the outline, Amu was amazed.

"Isn't the main contract okay?"

"The form is the same as the original contract. There are only two contract magic’s for "Demon Users"."

The contract magic that "Demon Users" can use is two types.

The ordinary contract magic "Engage Familia", which promises friendship, and the contract to form an Astral Link - "Oath of the Soul". We are using the former this time.

The contract is meant to create a connection between us. The magic - skills that "Demon Users" possess enhance their Slaves through that connection.

I stated my demands directly. The goal is to return. The duration is indefinite, but not permanent.

Upon hearing this, Amu once again expressed disappointment.

"Isn't it better to have a long-term contract?"

...I wonder what's going on, even though she haven't completed any requests yet.

"Well, the time frame can be flexible."

It's important to be adaptable in this situation.

The contract magic used by a Demon Tamer is different from the strong, coercive contract magic used by criminals. It's easy to form a bond with a demon, and it's also easy to release the contract by the will of either party.

That's why a bond, understanding, and trust are essential.

After stating the request, the next thing to decide is the price on Amu's side. Explain it clearly.

"The next thing to decide is the price. Since this is a trial run, we don't need to decide on a clear price, but we should at least give a rough estimate because if it goes well, we will continue the contract. Inorganic life forms are usually paid in currency, while other species are paid in magical power, but for malignant spirits, it can also be in the form of a soul. Also, some will come with conditions like the mandatory glory or slaying of a demon king class monster as a guideline."

"Price...?"

The contract process is important for both the master and the slave. If it's not done properly, the slave may become dissatisfied and start slacking off, or the master's love for the slave may fade, resulting in abuse. I'm fortunate to not have experienced this, but many Demon Tamers quit because of this. Especially when entering into multiple contracts, compatibility and negotiation become much more difficult.

"As for the price, it depends on the species, but it's often decided through discussion between both parties. Generally, the higher the rank of the species, the higher the price, but if the power level increases, it's common to negotiate a higher reward."

Amu looked thoughtful at my words and asked, "By the way, my species is called Night Demon Nightmare. What's the usual price range?"

"...Night Demon, huh..."

...This is bad. This girl's racial rank is unexpectedly high.

Night demons are a type of malignant spirit with a B-rank. Among well-known examples, they are on the same level as vampires. While vampires have higher combat strength due to their ability to only move at night, night demons have longer active hours since they can move without any hindrance during the day.

Amu seems to be an explorer with an F-rank, but it's a typical case where having a low explorer rank doesn't necessarily mean a low racial rank.

I thought at most Amu would be a "Ghost" of F-rank, but it seems I struck gold.

It might be a fluke, though...

There is a profession called "Necromancer," who specializes in contracting with malignant spirits. If dealing with a night demon, a renowned Necromancer might charge over 200 million per month, which is not uncommon. It's like a pipe dream for a typical magician. Only an extremely talented magician can make a contract with a B-rank.

In fact, when it comes to B-ranks, they are already strong enough on their own that there are hardly any slave candidates available.

However, cheating in a contract is not allowed.

"If it's a night demon, the minimum would be around 100 million per month in magical power... Depending on their abilities, I think they could go even higher... It also depends on the master's occupation, but for an excellent Necromancer, it wouldn't be strange to pay double or triple that amount."

"Um... then how about 90 million...?"

Amu timidly brings it up. They lower the amount from the minimum of 100 million. It's a great deal. I want to make the guild's Light Whisper, who's registered with such modesty, learn from this.

Well, even with such a great deal, I can't afford it.

"I can't even offer one-fifth of that amount."

"What!?... T-then, how much can you offer?"

I don't have any surplus magical power. Or more accurately, I have very little magical power to begin with. Even using enhancement skills on myself is a stretch. I explained this because I have a responsibility to do so, but it was completely pointless. If I had enough magical power to begin with...I would have become a normal magician.

Amu remained silent for a while after my response, but for some reason, she seemed a little happy.

"Well, there's nothing to be done...I don't need magical power. I have enough," she said.

"I'll do my best to meet your expectations based on the treatment you give me," I replied.

"Well, it can't be helped. It's a good deal, after all," she said.

I was completely at fault for this matter. And it seemed that Amu...Really wanted to become a slave.

She was a cheap girl. I was worried she might get deceived.

But for now, everything was fine.

There was little enforcement at this point. But things would be a little different from here on out.

"The final decision should be on the prohibited items - the rules that cannot be broken," I said.

"Prohibited items...?" she repeated.

"It's about how far you're willing to comply," I explained.

What to do and what not to do. Are there any things she didn't want to do? For example, in the case of contracting with a vampire, daytime activities are often prohibited, while in the case of benevolent spirit types, attacking the same kind is often prohibited.

This item is important not only for the master but also for the slave, as it's necessary to set rules to avoid stress for the slave by receiving orders that they don't want to do.

Knowing the preferences of the slave can also be important for the master in this regard.

"As a general rule, we prohibit orders that lead directly to death and impose restrictions on sexual activity. Is there anything else?"

Of course, as a "Monster Tamer", I have my pride. I don't intend to do anything outrageous, but being bound by a contract also gives me a sense of security.

Amu looked up slightly to the right, lost in thought, but quickly turned back to me and said, "There are no prohibited acts."

"Huh...none?" I replied, surprised.

"Yes. It's okay without any," she said with a sincere smile.

I stared deeply into the girl's eyes. There was no shadow in Amu's smile, and no hint of joking around.

Having no prohibited acts was a very rare occurrence, one that only occurred when trust had deepened with a slave. Normally, it was an option chosen by a slave who had spent over ten years with their master as a way to show their trust. To put it simply, it was the same as what she was saying to me.

"I offer myself entirely to you."

This was almost the same as the "Contract of the Soul". That holy contract had no restrictions. It was proof of offering one's soul, and the slave who made the contract would do anything. It was called "Last Trust" or "Last Engagement" in the jargon of "Monster Tamers" and was considered the ultimate expression of trust.

"Amu, it's better to not do that. You'll definitely regret it. Forbidden rules are not just decorations,"

"Huh...? Is that so?"

"Yeah. For example, if there were no forbidden rules, you wouldn't be able to resist my command to 'die.'"

"I see..."

Whether or not Amu understood was a very important factor magically.

Compared to compelling actions against one's will, the enforcement of something that has been agreed upon drops in difficulty. The contract magic of the "Monster Tamer" is not particularly strong, but it can still accomplish most things.

Disregarding the contract is something that often happens to first-time slaves. That's why the master has an obligation to teach the slave everything about the contract.

It's all for the sake of establishing an equal relationship. Because one's mind cannot be bound by the contract.

"Even between the 'Monster Tamer' and the slave who have shared joy and sorrow together for decades, it's rare for all restrictions to be completely lifted. That's considered the ultimate trust between us."

Those who can remain calm even when a blade is held to their throat are extremely rare. Amu blinked at my words.

"The ultimate trust... Is that so... Were there any restrictions in the contract with Alice-san - Phil-san's previous slave?"

"Oh, of course it existed. Well, Alice's contract is a bit different from the usual one though."

Not before, but now. If I said "before", it would be like Alice... disappeared. I should avoid nodding to these statement’s.

Amu looked down, confused, at my explanation for a while, but when she raised her face, she said with a determined expression, "As for forbidden matters... it's better not to have them."

This girl really isn't listening to me, is she?

It's hopeless. I let out a small sigh.

"It seems like you still doesn't understand the weight of that contract... Alright, let's leave that out for now and discuss it later."

"Yes!"

If you don't make someone feel it once, they might repeat the same mistake over and over again.

The lifespan of a demon is long, and there may be opportunities to become a slave several times. If you experience the pain of it once, you shouldn't make the same mistake again the second time.

"...OK. Let's make the contract. Put your hand out."

Without any question, I took Amu's right hand, and turned her palm up.

The contract magic is simple, it doesn't require any special rituals, and its consumption of magic power isn't that high.

As expected, Amu's face stiffened, perhaps because she was nervous.

And then, as I narrowed my eyes, I chanted the spell.

"Vitris, Vitris. Thou art the soul. Become one with eternity. Reason. O one who bears the name of the highest. Be my sword and fill paradise."

"Uh..."

Ignoring Amu, who seemed ticklish, I slowly traced her palm with my fingertips.

I can feel my own magical power rapidly draining away. Despite the fatigue, I continue the spell.

The contract magic of the "Monster Tamer" is simple. However, it has the characteristic that the amount of magical power used varies depending on the status of the contracted target. It's a fifty-fifty chance whether I can form a contract with a demon with my magical power level.

Amu seemed to feel some pain and made a small grimace. I whispered to reassure her.

"Don't worry, Am. Relax your body and focus on feeling what's flowing into you from me."

"Yes..."

Amu took a deep breath and slowly relaxed her body.

Living creatures generally have resistance to magical power. If it affects their soul, it's even stronger.

The contract magic of the "Monster Tamer," which pours most of the constraints into the spell, is a spell that can be resisted as much as you want if you think about it.

The cooperation of the person who becomes the slave is absolutely essential to make the spell work.

Therefore, the most important skill for a "monster user" is communication ability.

Although it wasn't very big, I definitely felt Amu's resistance disappear.

My whole body felt heavy. I was on the verge of losing consciousness. In a hazy vision, I chanted the name of the spell in a hoarse voice.

"Friendship Pact, Engage Familia."

The traced marks faintly glowed. The light converged without a sound, and engraved a crest on the back of Amu's hand.

"Huff...huff...did I manage to...succeed?"

"Success...is this the...contract?"

In contrast to me, who was panting heavily, Amu looked as if nothing had happened as she held her hand up to the light.

As soon as I confirmed the crest on the back of her hand in the shape of a wing, all of my strength left my body as I collapsed onto the table.

With a loud thud, my chin hits the table, but I don't have the luxury to care. My throat feels parched as if I had just sprinted at full speed. Dizziness, similar to anemia, washes over me.

My magical power is nearly depleted. It was a close call. Although I feel terrible, seeing Amu checking the crest with a pleased expression makes me feel that my efforts were worthwhile.

However... the difference in our existence is apparent. Contract magic, in general, imposes a significant burden on the slave side. Despite this, Amu, a B-rank Night Demon, is calmly present, while I, a G-rank Pure Human Primary, feel like I am about to collapse.

If Amu had resisted even a little, we wouldn't have been able to form the contract, and I would have collapsed from depleted magical power.

"It's amazing... I can feel Mr. Phil-san's presence nearby..."

"Because we have formed a contract."

Right now, Amu and I are connected by an invisible bond. It would be clear to anyone sensitive to magical power.

Perhaps noticing my inability to get up from the table, Amu finally speaks up, sounding concerned.

"Phil-san, are you okay?"

"...Not really. I used a bit too much power during the contract. Can you wait a bit for the test run?"

"Yes!"

The newly-contracted slave responded with a smile to her pathetic master.