"Papa, buy me games!"
"The Underworld does not sell games."
"Uwaaaaah!"
The little dragon hatchling collapsed in utter defeat at her father's blunt answer. It was a predictable outcome, really. As far as I knew, there weren't any game development companies in the Underworld. When people here thought of "games," it almost always translated to the Rating Games—that one titan of industry dominated everything. Even their entertainment media was mostly limited to live-action videos. Devil culture felt incredibly lopsided; while they possessed cutting-edge technology that surpassed humanity, human culture was far more advanced in terms of variety and leisure.
I felt a bit bad for her. I considered giving her my console and my library of software. I didn't quite have a grasp on my net worth yet, but according to Mephisto, I had a fortune sitting in the bank, so replacing the hardware wouldn't be an issue. My "commoner's guilt" usually kept me from making big purchases, so my savings just kept growing. It felt economically irresponsible, but I hated buying things I didn't need. I really needed to think of a better way to use that money.
"Um, you can have my console and games," I offered. "I can always get more back in the human world."
"Kanata, you're so generous!" she chirped. "But I want to play the new games too! The ones that haven't come out yet!"
"Don't be selfish," her father scolded. "Traveling between the Underworld and the human world is an arduous task."
That was the cold truth. Normally, there are strict treaties governing travel between the two realms. It's not something you can just do on a whim. We were only able to sneak back and forth because of the cooperation of high-level powers. Unless you're a top-tier magician, opening a gate that crosses dimensions is an impossible feat.
The little one pouted with a frustrated "Muu," but she didn't argue further. Even at her age, she seemed to understand the weight of the situation. It was only thanks to Tannin that dragons—who were shunned by the original Satans and even the God of the Bible—could live in peace like this. She had likely been taught the dangers of the outside world. Still, seeing her give up on the hobby she'd just discovered felt a little tragic.
"…Hey, Kanata. Are there more fun games in the human world? And lots of sweets?"
"Well, yeah. Plenty."
"Is it really bad for a dragon to go there?"
I crouched down to meet her eyes, speaking slowly so she would understand. "Yes. It's... forbidden. If a dragon showed up in the human world, it would cause a massive panic. Here, this territory is protected for your kind, but the human world doesn't have those rules. There are many different races there, not just humans. If a dragon appeared, people would see it as a threat. In the worst-case scenario, you'd be hunted. For a dragon, the human world is a very dangerous place."
I didn't want to sugarcoat it just because she was a child. When it comes to real danger, honesty is better than a comforting lie. It might make her cry, but I'd rather she be sad than dead. I wasn't going to compromise on her safety.
The hatchling stared at me, her red tail twitching as she slumped her shoulders. Finally, she gave a small, resigned nod.
"Good girl," I said, gently patting her head. I flinched when she playfully nipped at my hand in response, but I could tell she had accepted it.
"…My King," her father said, turning to Tannin.
"Hm. If you and the child are willing, I shall not interfere," Tannin replied, crossing his massive arms.
"Tannin?" I blinked.
The purple and red dragons exchanged a look. As the hatchling and I watched in confusion, the Flame Dragon Chief beckoned his daughter over and began to whisper to her. She blinked rapidly, looking back and forth between me and her father, her little face scrunched in deep thought. What are they talking about?
A dragon appearing in the human world was considered an impossibility in this era. To ordinary humans, dragons were myths from the age of gods. If one appeared, the Church would never allow it to live, and dozens of organizations would scramble to capture such a high-value biological specimen. To those without access to the Underworld, a real dragon was a prize worth killing for.
Aside from the dragons protected by Tannin, most were either feral in the deep corners of the Underworld or had been hunted and sealed away long ago. Unless you were a Dragon King or a monster like Ophis, living a normal life as a dragon was a pipe dream. That was the level of fear they inspired in humans, non-humans, and gods alike.
The only "Evil Dragon" to survive without being hunted or sealed was Crom Cruach, and that was only because he could take a human form and blend in. He possessed a level of calm and objectivity that most of his kin lacked; he had "watched humans for too long," as the saying went. He knew how to navigate the world without triggering its defenses.
"Tannin, is there really a solution for this?" I asked.
"Simple," Tannin rumbled. "If a wild dragon in the human world is the problem, then we simply provide her with a legal identity and set a condition that her stay is only temporary."
"Wait, can you even do that?"
"I told you, we are lucky. There happens to be someone right here who fits the requirements for such a deal."
Tannin looked at me and let out a sharp, toothy grin.
"Kanata Kuramoto. Do you know of the Devil's familiar system?"
"Yeah, of course. Devils use them for information gathering, tracking, or as assistants. Once they sign a contract, they can summon them whenever they want."
"Correct. But that contract system is not the exclusive privilege of Devils. Other races—and even humans—can perform similar feats, though the forms vary. The most common method involves paying a price to seal the pact."
I remembered Professor Azazel and Asia Argento had made pacts with the Dragon King Fafnir. Azazel had paid with gold and treasures, while Asia... well, her price involved underwear. I also recalled Georg from the Hero Faction summoning Samael, and the Hexen Nacht witches summoning Evil Dragons.
I see. If it was a summoning rather than a permanent stay, she could be brought over temporarily to play games and then sent back. Having a human "Master" acting as a legal guardian would significantly lower the risk of outside interference.
"So... you want to find her a contractor?" I asked.
"If a human is to contract with a high-class dragon, an average practitioner will not suffice," Tannin explained. "They must belong to an organization that understands the Under-world. They must possess enough power or backing that others would hesitate to strike them. They must live in a secure location. And, most importantly, they must be someone who can handle a free-spirited dragon child—someone the parents can trust to look after her."
"Wouldn't Lavinia be better, then?"
"No," Lavinia interjected. "Kanata is the better choice. Female dragons often feel more secure with a male presence nearby, just as males are drawn to females. Furthermore, in terms of backing, Kanata is the most 'stable' member of the Grau Zauberer. His connections with the Satans and the Emperor are incredibly deep."
I paused. Wait, what did she mean by that? Lavinia had been protected by Mephisto long before I arrived; she was his "hidden ace." Why was I more "stable" than her? I looked at her with a questioning gaze, and she offered a slightly awkward smile. She knew I had caught the discrepancy.
I wondered if I should pry. But I didn't know where the boundaries were. I knew Mephisto cherished her, but I didn't know the circumstances of her arrival at the Association. The answer to my confusion was likely buried in her past.
I'll put it aside for now, I decided. I'd think about it properly later. I turned back to Tannin.
"But I'm not that strong. And I don't know any summoning magic."
"Against a hatchling, the price of the contract will be manageable," Tannin said. "I will have you study summoning magic later, but for the pact itself, Lavinia and I will act as intermediaries. With Mephisto's assistance, you will be able to perform the summoning when needed."
So this was really happening. I was signing a contract with a dragon. She was a child now, but being the Master of a high-tier dragon was a monumental achievement for any magician. Once she grew and learned to fight, she'd be a top-class combat asset. Flame Dragons were known for their boldness and affinity for battle.
In the magician world, contracting with monsters or Devils was a mark of status. Dragons were considered the pinnacle of biological power, and because of their independent nature, even making a pact was considered a feat of legend. Though, I felt a little weird about the "I want to play video games" being the primary motivation.
"I have spoken with my daughter," the Flame Dragon Chief announced. "She wishes to make the contract."
"Are you sure about this, Chief? She only wants games and candy. Making a pact with me just for that seems... well..."
"Hmm? On the contrary, we find this quite beneficial," the Chief replied. "We have watched you for the last year. You are a human acknowledged by our King, and your backing is beyond reproach. Furthermore, we owe you a debt for the improvements you made to our food supply. …If I am to be pragmatic, I am honored that my daughter has the chance to secure a contract with you before your potential for growth is fully realized."
I was stunned by his positivity. Wait, what was that about the food supply? I looked at Tannin, who provided the explanation. It turned out that several of the requests I'd handled for the Association had actually come from him. He'd had me use my Erasure to remove toxins from dragon feed and refine the quality of certain seeds for cultivation.
Apparently, those refined crops had been a huge success among the dragons, making me something of a celebrity in their territory. I had no idea.
Also, while my real name wasn't public, rumors of a "Revolutionary" or "The Innovator" within the Grau Zaubererhad begun to spread. Wait... a nickname? Seriously?
"The Innovator? Isn't there a Longinus with a name like that?" I asked.
"Innovate Clear, the Garden of Blue Innovation," Tannin noted. "A Gear that allows the user to create their own world—a mimicry of the creation of heaven and earth. In that sense, your power is similar. It is the power to 'Change' the world by erasing existing laws. Between a 'Creator of Ideals' and a 'Reformer of Ideals,' the comparison is apt."
I see. So that was the power of that Longinus. In my previous life, I only knew the name and a few vague details. I can't believe he's comparing my 'Delete' button to a reality-warping artifact. And 'The Innovator'? That's way too cool a name for me. The pressure is already giving me a stomachache.
"I'm just erasing things," I muttered.
"Your specific abilities are a secret," Tannin rumbled. "Therefore, the public name must represent the results, even if it is far from the truth. It also helps that you are known as the disciple of Ajuka Beelzebub—the original 'Innovator' of the Underworld."
"Wait... people know about that?"
"Only the high command, for now. It was part of the backroom deal between Mephisto and the Satan after the Kuoh incident. They can't hide it entirely; the Satan travels to the human world periodically to teach someone. It was only a matter of time before they connected the dots to the new talent appearing in the Association."
Fortunately, they didn't think I was learning the Kankara Formula. That was his unique, inimitable skill. The Underworld higher-ups assumed Ajuka was providing technical guidance to the magicians. They couldn't pry because the deal involved Mephisto, and it was a direct consequence of their own failure in Kuoh.
Looking back, I had wondered how Ajuka could spare so much "regular" time for me. When I'd asked him if his work as a Satan was okay, he'd just said, "The urgent matters are settled. Besides, this is my official business." Now I understood. Mephisto had literally billed the Underworld for the Satan's time.
"…I see. So when he stayed to play games after our training, he was technically on the clock."
"Tell him to get back to his real work once your training is over," Tannin grunted.
I am NOT telling a Satan to get back to work.
"Anyway, we have strayed from the point," Tannin said. "Kanata Kuramoto, do you accept the contract?"
"Let me check one last time. …Hey. Are you really okay with this? There are much better magicians out there than me. And you might get into dangerous situations."
The little dragon looked up at me. "Kanata is more fun than any magician I haven't met. And looking at different things in the human world sounds way better than sitting around here!"
"…Her personality is much like my own," the Chief added with a proud smile. "She would rather see the wider world, even if it means becoming a servant or a Devil, than live in the narrow confines of this village."
I realized then that the Chief had been looking for someone to entrust his daughter to. If a dragon left Tannin's protection, they were considered "wild" and had zero guarantees for their safety. With Fallen Angels, monsters, and Devils hunting for dragon materials, her life would be forfeit. The Chief saw in me a safe path for her to fulfill her curiosity.
"I understand. Let's do it."
"Very well. We shall prepare the circle. Lavinia, I will teach you the formula for a dragon contract. Can I count on you?"
"Yes, My King."
Tannin beckoned Lavinia over, gathering mana at his fingertips to show her the procedure. I was left with nothing to do but play with my future dragon. We played a dragon-version of rock-paper-scissors to pass the time.
"By the way, Kanata," Tannin called out. "Will this be a 'Familiar Contract' or an 'Ally Contract'?"
"An Ally Contract?" I asked.
"In short, a Familiar Contract is one without a required price, where the summoner holds absolute authority. An Ally Contract is a give-and-take relationship that requires a formal exchange."
"A price, huh... Is there anything you want?" I asked the little one.
"Sweets!"
"Well, I have the money for that. But if I give you sweets every time I summon you, you'll get unhealthy... and fat."
I whispered the last part, but I still got a sharp dragon-punch for my trouble. She seemed to realize that an "all-you-can-eat" contract might be a bad idea for her figure, though.
"Then... play with me?"
"Does that count as a price? I'll play with you anyway if you want."
"Ehh? Ugh... I don't know!"
"…Let's stick with a Familiar Contract for now," Tannin sighed. "You can upgrade it to an Ally Contract when she's older."
"Fine by us!" we both shouted in unison.
Tannin let out a weary sigh at our "carefree" attitude. Wait, am I being treated on the same level as a dragon hatchling? I wondered. The Chief mentioned that in a Familiar Contract, the Master's authority is absolute, so the familiar is often seen as a servant. I'd have to be the responsible one.
"And make sure you think of a name for her," Tannin added as a parting gift.
"…A name? For the little one?"
"Of course."
I froze. Tannin led Lavinia away to finalize the ritual, leaving me with the most difficult task of the day. I looked down at the hatchling, who was staring at me with wide, sparkling eyes. "You're giving me a name?" she chirped.
I looked at her father for help. "Is... 'Flame Child' not sufficient?" he stammered, looking panicked. I was on my own. I have zero naming sense.
"…Okay. Do you want a cool name or a cute name?"
"Cool and cute!"
Of course she does. I wasn't surprised she wanted both. I thought about red scales and dragons. In the world of High School DxD, the most iconic red dragon was the Welsh Dragon, Ddraig.
Welsh mythology... I remembered that there was a legendary figure central to both Arthurian myth and the origin of magicians who dealt with the Red Dragon.
The First Magician. I was nowhere near that level, and this hatchling wasn't Ddraig, but a contract between a Red Dragon and a Magician felt right. I decided to take a piece of that legend's name and give it a Draconic twist.
***
"In the name of Kanata Kuramoto, I command! Thou shalt answer my call and serve as my familiar!"
A crimson magic circle erupted on the ground, with the Flame Dragon hatchling at its center. I recited the words Tannin had taught me, funneled my magic into the array while Lavinia provided the anchor. It required a significant amount of energy, but the ritual took hold.
As the circle collapsed, channeling the dragon's aura and my magic into a single point of resonance, I felt a strange, solid connection form in my heart. The little dragon let out a happy cry and tackled me. I caught her, stumbling back as she laughed.
"Kanata! The name! What's my name?!"
"Okay, okay! Listen. The coolest red dragon is the Welsh Dragon. And the man who helped that dragon was the first and greatest magician—Ambrose Merlin. He was a genius who analyzed demonic power to create the system of magic we use today."
I took a piece of that name—the phonetics of "Merlin"—and adapted it into a name that meant something precious in my own heritage.
"Your name is Rin. It means 'Beautiful Jewel.' Dragons protect their treasures, and to me, you're the first treasure I've ever been entrusted with. It sounds cute, but it carries a lot of weight. Do you like it?"
The hatchling repeated the name "Rin" several times, her tail beginning to wag furiously. After a year together, I knew that tail-wag meant she loved it.
"Yes! I am Rin now!"
"Glad to hear it. And remember, when I summon you to the human world, stay in this 'plushie size.' If you appear at full size in my room, you'll fall through the floor and cause a disaster."
"Got it!"
Her first goal was apparently to "eat every sweet in the human world." I'd have to ask Cleria to help me make some dragon-safe treats once we got back. Cleria and Luciana had been obsessed with cooking lately, trying to recreate Japanese flavors with local ingredients.
I thanked Lavinia and Tannin for the help and bowed to the Chief. He seemed to approve of the name. For the rest of our stay in the Underworld, Rin would be undergoing a "crash course" on the human world and other races with her father to prepare for her first summoning. She looked a bit depressed about the studying, but I told her to hang in there.
I hadn't expected to gain a dragon familiar, but I was happy to have such a lively companion. Lavinia smiled, telling me she was looking forward to playing with "Little Rin."
"Hm. It seems he's finally arrived..." Tannin muttered, looking toward the entrance of the ruins.
"Tannin?"
"Kanata Kuramoto. Deepen your bond with your dragon today. Lavinia, rest well so you are ready to support your Longinus tomorrow. Your training begins in earnest then—an experience unique to the Underworld."
Tannin gave a wicked, draconic grin. Lavinia and I shared a look of pure dread. Here we go again.
As Tannin walked away, a scream echoed through the ruins.
"WAIT! STOP! TANNIN! WHY ARE YOU IN 'BERSERKER MODE' ALREADY!?"
It was Professor Azazel. A split second later, a massive surge of dragon aura erupted outside, followed by the sound of a monumental explosion.
The hatchlings woke up from their naps, looking around in a panic. The Chief just sighed and began to soothe them. That man has nerves of steel, I thought.
The landscape was probably going to be unrecognizable by tomorrow. While the Dragon King and the Governor General engaged in what I could only describe as a "Mini-Ragnarok"—or maybe "Armageddon" since it was a Devil and a Fallen Angel—I decided to stay inside.
I'm sorry, Professor, I thought as I fired up my handheld console with Lavinia and Rin. I'm the one who pulled the trigger, but you're the one who built the gun. Consider this your penance.
With a sound-dampening barrier from Lavinia protecting us from the screams and explosions outside, we settled in for some quality bonding time.
***
10 Advanced Chapters Available on my Patreon!
https://patreon.com/Well_being