Chapter 6

In the end, it took me a full hour to be able to get up.

As I scolded my sluggish body and tried to stand up, Am asked me with a worried look.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, it's just a lack of magic. It's a common thing."

Jyun is a species with inherently low magic power. Since he successfully made a contract with an incubus, he should have accepted this much. However, there was something else that was bothering him more.

The fact that Am didn't reach out to help him when he was lying down. She was probably afraid of touching me. I can imagine the reasons, but being afraid of physical contact is a serious issue. Considering Am's future, it needs to be improved.

While making mental notes about the training of this troublesome yet adorable slave candidate, I said to Am,

"Well, since we've made the contract—can I see your strength?"

"…E…? A… Yes."

"? What's with that reaction?"

"N-no, it's nothing…"

Am averted her gaze. From that gesture, I had a slight bad feeling.

No, no, that's ridiculous… Logically, there's no way an incubus would be weak.

Indeed, she was in a sorry state, her weapon was weak, and her explorer rank was low, but the species rank generally aligns with strength. For example, it would be quite difficult for a rank B like her to lose to a rank F monster.

"…Are you lacking confidence?"

"!? No, that's not it at all!"

Suspicious...

G-rank explorers have a quota. If they don't complete at least one request per week, their qualification is revoked, and they can't re-register for three months. I don't have time to waste.

"Let's start with the easiest one to see how it goes..."

"Please, relax, Fil. I'll show you my cool side. I won't let you regret it!"

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself..."

She was full of determination, but her eyes were darting around. When I glanced at the copper sword on her waist, Am shuddered.

Incubuses are generally more suited to being mages rather than swordsmen. Is she really going to be okay?

"Relax. Let's take a request."

"…Alright."

Well… we'll see how it goes.

I don't intend to take on a difficult request at first. Since we've made the contract, Am and I are in this together.

Am will fight for me, and I will do my best for her. I will trust Am, and Am will trust me. That's what a monster tamer is all about.

As we headed to the counter, a shadow crossed Am's face, but I pretended not to notice. It seems Am has a lot of traumas. However, you can't overcome them without facing them.

The counter was crowded, but I deliberately lined up at Saya's counter. It's good to have familiar faces in the guild.

Saya looked slightly exasperated when she saw me and Am. I said confidently,

"By fate, I've decided to make a contract with her."

"That's… quick."

Saya gave Am a scrutinizing look. I exposed Am, who tried to hide behind me.

Her ruby eyes seemed to be evaluating Am. She might be comparing her to the guild's information. Although the combat automaton's information processing ability isn't supposed to be high, it's possible she's been modified.

Saya blinked and said clearly,

"Fil, she is a malignant spirit species."

Am lowered her eyes. However, Saya wasn't saying this out of malice.

Generally, humans are prey to Am. Therefore, Saya's warning could even be considered a thoughtful gesture.

"I'm fully aware."

"…It doesn't seem like she's been possessed or mentally contaminated."

Saya's eyes blinked.

'Possession' is a skill possessed by spirit species, where they give a fragment of their soul to create an invisible connection.

The possessor can influence the target's mind through this connection. If possessed by an unknown malignant spirit species, the possessed person might constantly feel the presence of another entity, leading to mental exhaustion, or be subjected to a 'fear aura' through the connection, or have their body controlled unconsciously, leading to exhaustion. Overall, they would be exhausted.

And they would unconsciously desire to harm others.

The powers of spirit species often act on the mind and are dangerous. While they can be useful if controlled, it's clear that Am hasn't mastered her own power.

"I-I'm not that kind of person!"

"Fil, however, Am doesn't meet any of the conditions you set."

Ignoring Am's protest, Saya continued to advise.

Am, this is… a gesture of concern. If you get flustered by this, you probably won't do well in this guild. The words of an inorganic life form with a programmed thought process are free from malice.

"Saya, for the second time, I'm fully aware. Any further warnings would be disrespectful to the innocent Am."

"You're right. I apologize, Am."

Saya conceded, and Am's eyes widened at the change in her attitude. I quickly moved the conversation forward.

"So… I want to take a trial request. Can you find a suitable one?"

"Understood. I'll check. For reference, can you tell me your previous explorer rank?"

"That's not necessary. My rank was based on my previous slave."

"…Understood. I'll recommend a request based on Am's history. …Here it is."

Saya quickly presented a list of requests. That was fast…

I checked it. The list was almost the same as the one Saya showed me when we first met. It seems Am—Am Nightmare's guild evaluation is quite low.

After a quick review, I chose the easiest request as promised.

"F-rank Model Dog extermination… How about this one?"

It might be too easy for Am's rank, but I'm also curious about Saya's reaction, and it's better to have some leeway.

However, upon hearing my suggestion, Am looked dissatisfied.

"Wait a moment. Fil, F-rank Model Dogs are no challenge."

"Huh?"

"Since this is a chance to show my strength, I think a request two ranks higher—D-rank extermination—would be better."

What do you think? Am looked at me, but her eyes showed strong anxiety.

Considering Am's species, it's not an impossible request, but the species rank is just a guideline. Some of the weakest species can become top explorers through effort, while others born with great power can't utilize it.

Perhaps sensing something from my expression, Am clung to me and said,

"Please, give me a chance to show my strength."

"…This is just a trial. There will be other opportunities to show your strength. Besides, my ability is specialized in being a monster tamer. To be honest, my combat skills are almost zero. I want to stay safe."

"It's okay, I'm used to it. Please, Fil."

She looked desperate. Her eyes were not only on me but also on Saya.

…This girl seems to have a rather sensitive personality. She might have some issues with guild staff.

The key to being an explorer for a long time is to prioritize safety. I intended to gradually test her abilities this time.

Even though I said it was a trial, I don't intend to abandon my connection with Am unless there's a significant reason. However, it would be futile to say that.

This is… a matter of Am's pride. Sometimes, pride is more important than reason.

I just need to make up for her shortcomings. We are master and slave now.

The trial is not only an opportunity for me to understand Am's strength but also for her to understand me.

Trust is not a one-way street. Am has made up her mind. I need to do the same.

"Alright, let's do it your way. Show me your strength, Am."

"Fil!"

"Are you sure about this?"

I am. I'm an explorer, and I'm not new to risking my life.

"However, I'll choose the request. We need to discuss the details, so Am, please go and replenish supplies. You know this town better, right? Get recovery potions and food. We'll finish this before nightfall."

"Got it! Leave it to me!"

Am gave a seemingly enthusiastic response and left the counter.

After she was out of sight, Saya said,

"Fil, I don't recommend a D-rank request. Am's success rate is below thirty percent."

I remained calm, narrowed my eyes, and smiled.

"I understand. As her master, I'm applying for the disclosure of Am Nightmare's evaluation and combat history."

§ § §

I did it. I really did it.

Am couldn't keep up with the changing situation. However, she understood that this was her last chance to break the current deadlock. She couldn't afford to disappoint.

I can do this. I can do this. I kept telling myself this while replenishing the supplies as instructed.

A monster tamer is one of the few who don't dislike malignant spirit species. Their skills may not be useful in combat, but they can significantly enhance the strength of their contracted slave. Am knew this.

The palm of her hand bore a winged emblem. It was different from the one she had before, but she had heard that the shape of the emblem varies depending on the master, so it must be because of that.

The young man was very kind. Even though anyone could get the supplies, he gave them to her without being asked. When she overheard him looking for a slave, she thought it was fate. He was convinced by Am. He explained things patiently and didn't seem to fear her.

He was amazing. He wasn't like the usual people, and he didn't flinch even when the mean staff said nasty things.

She couldn't let him down. She didn't want to be alone anymore.

She knew her species rank. Succubi are strong. They have the power to crush minor disadvantages. This would be her first D-rank request, but it should be easy to handle.

Am realized she might have been a bit reckless, partly because of the guild staff's presence, but it was also a show of determination.

She had no money. She received a small amount for supplies, but she couldn't buy weapons on her own.

Her heart was pounding. When she looked down, her hands were shaking more than before she met Fil.

She was nervous. She was afraid. Being ignored by everyone was one thing, but disappointing someone's expectations was far more terrifying.

Her breathing became heavy. Am couldn't use magic.

Could she hold a sword with these trembling hands? Could she fight?

But now, it was too late to take back what she had said.

As she waited in front of the guild, Fil—her new master—arrived.

He was a young man with black hair, which was rare in this area. His face was… nice, she thought. A bit unusual, but he would definitely save her. However, it was clear that this monster tamer had almost no combat ability. The eyes of a spirit species can see the strength of a soul, which is invisible to the naked eye.

He seemed to have gone shopping, as a belt with strange tools was now around his waist.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Then, as Am said—let's see your strength."

"Yes… I'll do my best."

Until now, she couldn't even defeat F-rank monsters properly.

Could she win? No, she had to win. If she didn't, there would be no future for Am.

Pressing her chest to calm her heart, Am followed Fil like a prisoner walking to the gallows.