Chapter 3

The creatures that are contracted are called magical beasts, and these magical beasts grant magic power to humans.

The stronger the magical beast, and the stronger the bond, or link, between them, the more of the magical beast's magic power will reside within the contractor.

The story of the dragon who bestowed the magic of the magical beast contract, made a contract with a human, and helped people who lived in fear of monsters to build a country is one that everyone has heard.

From this, the strength of the monster that becomes a magical beast is important, but the amount of magic power it can grant is also a criterion for strength and usefulness. In addition to the amount of magic power it possesses, the intelligence to build a relationship and a personality that is compatible with humans are also considered.

Silkbird is weak in power and does not have much magic power. Although it is a monster, it prefers to avoid combat rather than engage in it, which is why its combat power is not high. Considering this, it would be considered a dud.

However, Jike does not think so. While a good match generally means a magical beast that can grant a lot of magic power, in the slums, anything can change depending on how it is used.

Depending on what he wants to do, one job that comes to mind for a magical beast contract is that of an adventurer. It is a job that requires combat power, but if the magical beast can fly, it can contribute to reconnaissance even if it does not have the power to participate directly in extermination. Smaller magical beasts are even more suitable for this.

With enough effort and a strong link, it is possible to control a magical beast from a distance, so there are jobs that involve quickly delivering letters and documents. If the magical beast is smart enough, it might be able to deliver things even if the control is weak.

At the highest level of employment, there are cases where a wary noble hires a magical beast as a monitor. While it is unlikely that someone from the slums would be hired for such a position, it is not impossible.

If a noble were to contract such a magical beast, pride might prevent them from doing the job, but for those in the slums who have no work, any job is appreciated.

Finding a job is another matter, but at least Jike thinks that a child from the slums cannot be called a dud just because they are weak.

The magical beast contracts continue one after another, but the results are not impressive. Many of the magical beasts are small and weak, and the officials seem to be watching idly.

Even among nobles, not everyone can contract a strong magical beast, so it is probably even less likely for someone from the slums. While the contract should not be about status, it is true that nobles tend to get better magical beasts. This might be because many of the current nobles' ancestors were able to contract good magical beasts or had magic power to begin with.

"Hey, finally my turn, huh?"

Contracts are being made like an assembly line, and finally, it is Rau's turn. Rau, who has been eagerly waiting for the contract, steps forward on his own and, without hesitation, places his finger on the knife and lets the blood drip.

"I desire a bond of friendship, a bond of eternity, to live together. Answer my call."

A light so strong that one might instinctively cover their eyes, unlike any other child's, shines. The soldiers, whose role is to protect the surroundings from rare occurrences such as a rampage, all point their spears at a tiger.

With golden eyes, a lithe body, an orange back, and a white belly with black stripes, the tiger exudes a barely audible crackling of magic power, revealing its attribute.

It is a monster that exists in large numbers in the Delpha region, known as the Delpha Tiger, but most of them have a specific strong attribute and are also called Thunderlight Tigers. Yes, it is a magical beast with the attribute of lightning.

Undoubtedly a good match. The magical beast itself has high combat power and grants a large amount of magic power to the contractor. While it may be difficult to determine if its personality is compatible with humans, it is intelligent, and it makes sense for it to be the partner of a future centurion.

The Thunderlight Tiger gazes straight at Rau, and Rau gazes straight back at the Thunderlight Tiger. The soldiers tense up.

If it were to go out of control, there would be no one in the area capable of stopping the Thunderlight Tiger. The officials, who had been relaxed, now watch Rau intently.

Some of the children look at the Thunderlight Tiger with innocent, shining eyes, but if they knew what it was, they would not think so. Those who are afraid and keep their distance are wise.

Jike, who knows what will happen, does not think much of it. He did not see it well the first time due to the shock of the strong-looking magical beast, but upon closer inspection, the Thunderlight Tiger is indeed majestic and beautiful.

Among intelligent monsters, there is a hierarchy within their species. In fact, the Thunderlight Tiger that Rau contracted is a strong individual of a higher rank and an excellent magical beast with beauty.

After what feels like a long time, the Thunderlight Tiger approaches Rau and licks his face. Rau, whose neck is almost pulled by the rough tongue, looks surprised, and the Thunderlight Tiger seems satisfied and grins.

At least the magical beast has recognized its master, so there is no worry of a rampage. The soldiers heave a sigh of relief.

"Did you see that, Jike? I called something amazing!"

Rau, wiping the saliva from his face, runs to Jike. While it does not smell, the saliva is unpleasant, so he does not want Rau to get too close. The other children, seeing the Thunderlight Tiger following Rau calmly, scatter, leaving a large empty space.

It may look cool from a distance, but it is scary to get close. Jike, who cannot help but look, meets the Thunderlight Tiger's gaze.

Jike tenses, but the Thunderlight Tiger turns its gaze away indifferently.

"Next is your turn!"

Rau, in a good mood from getting a good magical beast, pats Jike's shoulder and laughs, unaware of what will happen. Since the Thunderlight Tiger is there, the soldiers are hesitant to come, so Jike goes to the magic circle on his own, and the soldier lets out a sigh of relief.

Not all excellent individuals become soldiers. In fact, most of the soldiers assigned to such tasks are those without strength or family background.

The soldier who was explaining to the children near the magic circle is now tense, having lost his composure. He had thought it was nothing, but the appearance of a powerful magical beast in front of him must have made him more cautious.

He must have realized again that if the magical beast were to go on a rampage, the people closest to the magic circle would be the first to suffer. He receives the magic stone and extends his left hand. The last time, he used his right hand, so he decides to use the opposite hand this time.

He has his finger lightly cut and lets the blood drip as he recites the spell.

"I desire a bond of friendship, a bond of eternity, to live together. Answer my call."

While other children might dream of a powerful monster they have heard of or start the contract without understanding, if it were allowed, Jike would want to meet again. Even if it were a dream, he would understand and share his heart to live together.

A light stronger than any memory is released from the magic circle. The soldiers tense up again.

The moment he thought he might never see it again, as his eyes adjust to the blinding light, the form of the magical beast becomes clear. A translucent, smooth form with a black core visible through it, a well-known monster, a slime, has been summoned.

He catches the slime that jumps toward him. It should be cool this time of year, but it is slightly warm.

Tears well up uncontrollably.

"Poor thing, that child will never escape the slums."

The official, who does not seem to feel sorry, mutters. Officials who do not want to give free magical beast contracts to slum children generally watch with cold eyes.

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