Leaving the cafeteria around eight or nine in the morning, the temperature and sunshine were just right—warm, comfortable, and inviting. Sora wandered aimlessly, enjoying the gentle light.
He soon noticed students in Louise's grade gathered in one of the squares, each holding strange creatures and talking to them. Snakes, frogs, owls, moles, even a creature with a giant single eye… It wasn't much of a joke to realize that he, Sora, was now counted among these "familiars."
"Good morning, Sora." Chuluk clapped him on the back.
Sora turned to see Chuluk still in her half-unbuttoned uniform, the small reveal of her chest catching the sunlight. At her feet was a massive, fiery-red lizard, almost the size of a human.
"This is the first time you're meeting him. This kid's name is Fram, and he's very capable," Chuluk said proudly, crouching to hug the salamander.
Fram chirped happily, opening its mouth to spit out flames as big as a human head, while the fire on its tail danced and leapt. Sora could feel the heat even from a short distance.
"How much magic power does Fram have?" Sora asked, impressed.
Chuluk pondered. "Since his magic isn't measurable by normal techniques, I estimate about four or five points of magic power."
Sora's eyes widened. "Then the one who summoned him must be even stronger."
Chuluk lifted her chin proudly. "I'm a genius of the Zerupst family."
Sora pondered for a moment. If I have no magic power now… could I summon my Louise?
Chuluk bent down with a teasing smile. "Zero—Louise is Louise Zero. She has no magic power, no talent, and has never successfully cast a spell in her life."
"Who's Louise Zero?!" a voice shouted defensively, and Louise herself ran over.
"I just… haven't had a chance to shine yet!" she said weakly, trying to justify herself.
Hehe, Chuluk smiled, clearly enjoying her advantage.
Louise glared at her but didn't have the energy to argue further.
"Hmph, one day I'll prove I'm not Louise Zero," she muttered, then turned to Sora. "That—familiar? Come with me."
Sora raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter, Louise? And I'm not a familiar—I'm Sora, my name is Sora."
"Hah? So… Sora?" Louise stammered awkwardly. He corrected her several times before she could say it correctly.
"Haotian, come with me. Yesterday's contract hasn't been completed," Louise added.
"Contract?" Sora frowned, confused.
Chuluk suddenly perked up. "Oh! That… the contract with a familiar is concluded through a kiss. Although Sora almost went too far yesterday, he didn't recite the spell."
Louise blushed. "Anyway, it's just a familiar."
Sora touched his lips, remembering the warmth and softness of hers. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"Just follow me," Louise said, blushing, and took Sora's hand, leading him out. Chuluk trailed behind, curious to watch the scene unfold.
They arrived at the empty square next door. Louise let go of his hand and took several deep breaths until her blush faded.
"Let's be clear first," she said, staring at him. "This is just to complete the contract—you, don't think about anything else."
Sora chuckled. Louise clenched her fists tightly, trying not to strike the mischievous familiar in front of her.
"Then, let's begin."
"Pentagram in charge of the five powers, please give him blessings and make him my familiar."
"Gelly Finn Sak Priestine." [Familiar Contract]
Louise closed her eyes, stood on her tiptoes, placed her hands on Sora's shoulders, and kissed him slowly.
Sora closed his eyes. Warm, soft, and slightly moist… Unsatisfied, he instinctively stuck out his tongue, curling it around hers, entangling her repeatedly.
Louise's eyes flew open, disbelief and slight dizziness overtaking her. Being violated by Sora, she felt faint.
"Ah, it's hot… it's hot!" Sora suddenly felt a searing pain in his left hand, as if pressed by molten iron. A line of unknown symbols appeared across the back of his hand. His entire body burned red and hot. He threw Louise away and collapsed to the ground, screaming in pain, rolling from side to side.
"What's wrong, Sora?" Chuluk ran over.
"I… I don't know! It happened the moment the contract was completed!" Louise panicked.
"Let him calm down first," Chuluk said, pointing her wand at Sora.
"Yah Faile Albrick." [Fireball]
An orange fireball the size of two or three heads condensed at the tip of the wand and blasted toward Sora.
"Bang!" The explosion hit his head, and Sora fell unconscious, motionless on the ground.
"What are you doing? That's dangerous!" Louise shouted angrily at Chuluk.
"Unlike you, of course I can control my magic, Louise Zero," Chuluk said, glancing at Sora. "Let's transport him back first."
"Ibaru Wendy Wo." [Floating]
Chuluk levitated the unconscious Sora four or five meters into the air with her wand and carried him back toward the dormitory. Louise followed, worry written across her face.