Contract

It was a rather tense stand-off between the distracted Dragon and the 5 people hiding behind a stone wall. "How should we deal with this?" Jamil asked Aeron. In which he just narrowed his eyes. 

"I'm not the one here who has surprisingly extensive Knowledge about dragons." He shot a glance at Max. 

"Hey now... I thought there was no time for sarcasm?" He looked at the cold Blue-haired man with a whimper. 

The dark beast that was staring still at the ceiling suddenly moved, causing everyone to be on high alert. they readied their weapons as their senses heightened. 

_BOOOOM_

The ceiling cracked and fell, and dust and debris covered the chamber. At the same time, The Black Dragon roared with all of its might. Opening its mouth, it formed a concentrated magic orb. It was directed to the sudden opening that appeared. The group was confused and startled at the sudden shift, their sight focused on a figure standing by the edge of the gaping hole.

"Huh!? isn't that the host??" Josephine exclaimed with her eyes wide open. Her words were confirmed by the rest when they saw the masked man. 

"Now, Now... I'll be needing you somewhere secluded dear Abyss dragon" 

The masked man chuckled as he grinned widely, his teeth were razor-sharp. He took a step off the edge and then snapped his fingers. In an instant, a clouded domain surrounded the Dragon and the masked man. Separating the group from seeing what will happen.

"What the" Everyone was stunned and confused. Maximus was quick on the uptake and walked toward the cloudy dome.

"Whatever happened, that guy wasn't an ordinary host. It looked like he trapped the abyss dragon and intended to fight it without disturbing the outside," His eyes were serious as he examined the barrier, "Still- This is an amazing spell! it's my first time seeing someone making a domain without being able to see what's going on inside!!" His tone immediately shifts to a more ecstatic one. The rest of the team sighed at his usual playful personality.

"so.. we wait, huh" Noah let out a sigh of relief as he sat on the floor. the rest followed suit, falling on the floor and fatigued taking over their bodies.

----

"Woah there," The masked man took a step back and smiled as the abyss dragon was chained up by an ominous black chain that glowed a red hue. 

"This will be alright, right? Lady Dharmanath" 

"Yes..." her voice rang and her silhouette slowly appeared when the debris settled down. 

The masked man chuckled, "I do say, You have an interesting ability... I didn't know you were a Witch. One that uses Dark magic at that"

That feels so ingenuine... He doesn't even look surprised when I buffed his abilities without incantations.

She took a deep sigh, watching the Dragon roar and struggle from its shackles

"This Dragon... it must be the one supplying Count Bert vials right?"

So, he knows... "Yeah, it is... Though the group responsible for this is unknown."

That wasn't a lie, She didn't know who was behind most events in the Empire. She only knew that it was all ringed by a criminal organization. In her past life, she only took the chaos as an opportunity to wreak havoc even more. 

"Hm... You know so much, Is it possible you're the one who killed the Count?" He smiled eerily. 

...I dont know how to respond to that. He doesn't look serious but... He knows he's right.

"I'll take the silence as a yes," He chuckled "Well... Moving on. I'll escort your brother back so you can do whatever you want..."

he turned around about to leave, "Ah... Please do not forget the agreement"

"I won't. My goal has to deal with your problem with this unknown organization anyways" at least in this Abyss Dragon incident...

"Good," the masked man smiled and gave a small nod before melting into the ground.

Ainaira looked back to the Abyss Dragon as it flared its nose and glared at her with hatred. "You are nearing your end... isn't that right?" 

"That is why you desperately escaped to create enough chaos," It growled at her as she continued to speak. 

"I know very well why you try to do something reckless"

GRROOUGHHHH!!!

She was unfazed by the fearsome roar that the beast showed her. She remained in eye contact with it. Unimpressed, no, it was... pity.

"A mother protecting her child... I dont usually feel moved but... I understand enough the severity of a mother's sacrifice." She said, looking down at the ground as the image of her mother appeared. Her mother's sweet gentle smile and inquisitive eyes. 

"So, Let's make a deal. One that ensures your child's safety." As soon as she said that, the Abyss Dragon narrowed its eyes, skeptical. Yet, it had calmed down a bit. 

She crossed her arms, "I need your essence." 

"You're dying anyways so it'll be a waste... Plus, if I didn't get your essence I'll be using your child instead-" The dragon growled and let out a menacing glare at the mention of harming its child. 

"But, that wouldn't be the case if you were willing to give yours up and I'll even make sure your child is protected" She paused, Unmoved by the Dragon's sneer. "what do you say?"

It doesn't look like the dragon trusts her words. "I'm willing to do a death contract."

Its eyes widened, Looking at signs to see if she was lying. Even if she did, the creature knows if the death contract is pushed through it doesn't matter if she lied or not.

The death contract is just as one would think. A contract where, when the agreement is not met, the person in question will die. In this case, Ainaira was willing enough to put her life on the line for her to get the dragon's essence. 

<you will ensure my child's safety then?> Those words echoed her mind. At first, she had a buzz of dizziness when the unexpected telepathy came through. 

"Yes... Let's talk about the contract fine print then?" She said semi-formal, trying to reassure the Dragon that its child would be safe under her.

---

Ainaira eventually came out of the dome and as she did so, it disappeared slowly. She looked around the dungeon and it seemed like the masked man did exactly what he said.

She snuck out of the Forest, the same way she came in. While she was busy making a death contract the competition was canceled due to the increase of irregularity. It wasn't just Aeron and the others who were affected. The Imperial family decided to keep hushed about the Abyss Dragon though. 

"Oh my god, It seems like this year's hunting competition is canceled and they're closing the forest indefinitely!" Anna exclaimed with a wry expression. It was 3 days later after the Hunting competition and it was I.O. Class. 

Ainaira was quietly listening, as she doodled on her parchment. 

"Well... there still that right?"

"oh right, that!" 

Her attention is slightly divided as she hears Anna and Deric conversation. ah.. right... strat. and nav. final exam... She closes her eyes. 

"If I remember correctly, Ainaira, you are part of the strategy and navigation class right?" Amelia asked softly and sweetly.

She responded with a dismissive wave. 

"Ooo, We get to see you fight! I'm excited!" Deric chuckled as he rubbed his fist enthusiastically. "By the way did you pick what weaponry class you are?"

"it got to be swords, She has weaponry class and her house is known for swordsmanship." Anna chimed.

"I would thought it might be bow and arrow... considering she made that" Amelia tilts her head curiously

they must be talking about the gun... well I won't use it. it is still an unregistered weapon type so for now it's a secret... "It's Swordsmanship," she said calmly. "I doubt I'll get on the leader board but, my academic performance is well enough."

"I can't wait to see how you fight nonetheless!" Deric said with a bright smile and others nodded with him. 

"ah... Right, Amelia... You know a lot about animals right? what is the best optimal temperature for incubating an egg... uhh that is 3 feet in diameter" Ainaira eyes dart down on her paper, putting her hand on her chin to think.

"huh? What's up with that egg size?" Amelia's eyes shot in surprise.

"Just hypothetically speaking, if you have an egg 3 feet in diameter, as hard as concrete and heat travels around it similar to copper... what is the best temperature for it to live?"

"umm... well if you're going to incubate an egg like that..."

Amelia started explaining the temperature and needed materials for incubating the egg Ainaira had explained. She was pleased by the commoner knowledge, she was right to ask the girl. 

It was a little over a week ago when Ainaira noticed Amelia's talent in accurately coming up with an estimation based on just descriptions. As long as it is within logic and knowledge, the commer would be able to make practical and accurate answers based on a scenario.

That was useful information on her part, she could trust the commoner words. 

Now, It was Ainaira's last class. Subjugation class. around a week ago, the professor of this class finally healed from his injuries, although for the past few days, it had only been lessons going over the danger of dungeon and monster settlement. It was a boring chore but, necessary for every foundation in monster subjugation. 

Tonight was rather special. it is time to form a party for the practical lessons. The professor goes over each student's profile, looking over to make sure each party he assigned has perfect synergy...but...

"screw this, in the real world you dont get to be the chooser who's the person you are trusting your life with in danger." The man with dark blue hair and a poised posture threw the papers. He sat on the chair lazily and unbothered, a contrast to his soft and clean appearance. 

"..." Students were rather stunned in silence. It was at this moment that their suspicion has been confirmed.

This professor was impatient as hell. 

"uh... You, you, you. party A... " He points at students random students and this went on until everyone had their party.

Ainaira was not very pleased. She has her arms crossed and a frown on her face. I guess this is a somewhat balanced party... but, still...

"heheh~ It's nice to see you Lady Ainaira," Maximus has a very smug expression. 

"tch," She clicked her tongue. She always has to see this ego-centric sorcerer during the first three periods. Luckily, Strat and Nav class have multiple classes, and therefore, Even if both of them take the same class, Maximus would be in a different class. But, Now he has a reason to interact with her in the last period. 

"I'm getting tired of seeing your face," She said blankly with a slight annoyance in her eyes.

"Oh~ come on now... How can you get tired of this handsome face?" He grins, he takes a step closer to her. his face leaning close with a smug smile. 

In all honestly, Ainaira had nothing against the Sorcerer but, just like what was mentioned before, She feels uneasy around him. There is something ingenuine with the gray-haired man. 

God, he would be bearable if he isn't so annoying... She also seems to be bothered by his egocentricity. 

Their third, member, Ray just silently stood there. 

A Sorcerer, A Scout (Assassin in Secret), and A swordsman (Witch in secret). That is what Ainaira's party consist of.