"A c-contract…?" Kazuya's voice trembled, his heart pounding faster. A surge of excitement coursed down his spine, mingling with fear.
The dragon's silver eyes glowed faintly, reflecting the twilight sky. "Yes. A contract. A bond between souls."
Kazuya's breath caught. A bond between souls? He tried to imagine what that meant. Was it like a promise? A spell? A chain? His mind raced, tangled in confusion.
The dragon's voice resonated in his mind, deep and solemn. "A contract is more than words. It is a union. Two beings, bound together, sharing strength, sharing fate. Your soul and mine, intertwined."
Kazuya swallowed hard. "But… why? Why do you want to form a contract with me? And how would that even help you come to my world?"
The dragon lowered its massive head, its snout inches from him. Its breath was warm, carrying the scent of ancient stone and fire. "You will understand that very soon master."
Still, doubt gnawed at him. "But… why me? I'm just a student. I'm not strong. I'm not… special."
The dragon's gaze softened. "You are more than what you believe."
The dragon lowered its head further, bowing in a gesture of trust. "Place your hand upon me."
Kazuya hesitated. His fingers trembled. Touch a dragon's head? It felt unreal, terrifying. Yet something in the dragon's voice compelled him. Slowly, cautiously, he reached out.
His palm pressed against the smooth, warm scales. A ripple of energy surged through him, like touching the heartbeat of the world itself.
The dragon closed its eyes, hiding the joy that welled within. For centuries it had waited for this touch, for this bond. But it did not show its happiness. It remained solemn, dignified.
"Now," the dragon whispered in his mind, "speak the words master. Say: Tcartnoc mrof."
Kazuya blinked. "Tcartnoc… mrof?" The syllables felt strange, reversed, heavy with power.
He drew in a deep breath, his voice shaking. "Tcartnoc mrof!"
Instantly, the mark on his hand began to glow. The "S" and "X" shimmered, light bursting forth. Kazuya gasped, closing his eyes as the brilliance engulfed him.
The dragon's body glowed as well, silver light radiating from its scales. The clearing was bathed in brilliance, the air humming with ancient energy.
Moments passed. The light grew brighter, then slowly began to fade.
Kazuya opened his eyes. He looked down at his hand.
The "S" had changed. It now resembled a dragon, its wings spread, its body coiled. The "X" still cut through the middle, sharp and perfect, but it looked… off. As if something was incomplete.
His heart raced. What does this mean?
He lifted his head, searching for the dragon.
But the dragon was gone.
In its place stood a young girl.
She wore a white kimono, patterns woven into the fabric like rays of sunlight. Her silver hair shimmered, cascading down her back. Her eyes were blue, deep and clear as the sky.
Kazuya's breath caught. His heartbeat rose, thundering in his chest. She was beautiful—so beautiful it hurt to look at her. Her presence mesmerised him, stealing his words.
"Mr. Dragon!" Kazuya shouted, panic surging. "Where are you?!"
The girl giggled softly, her laughter like bells.
Kazuya froze, staring at her. Why is she giggling? Her smile was radiant, her face impossibly cute.
He gathered his courage, his voice trembling. "Miss… who are you?"
The girl tilted her head, her silver hair swaying. "Master, don't you recognise me?"
Kazuya's eyes widened. Master? His chest tightened. Why was she calling him that? Why didn't he recognise her?
He recalled the dragon's words. Master… it called me that too.
His voice shook. "Are you… are you that dragon?"
The girl giggled again, covering her mouth with delicate fingers. "Yes. I am."
Kazuya's jaw dropped. "But… I thought you were male!"
Her laughter grew, soft and melodic. "My master is so funny. You thought I was male?"
Kazuya blushed furiously, his face burning. "I… I didn't know…"
She smiled gently. "It was my fault, I suppose. I should have told you. I am a female dragon."
Silence lingered, heavy yet warm. Kazuya's heart raced, his mind spinning.
The girl stepped closer, her eyes shining. "Master… may I ask a favour?"
Kazuya nodded quickly. "Of course."
She smiled. "Give me a name."
Kazuya froze. A name? For her? His mind raced, searching. Names flickered through his thoughts, none fitting. She was radiant, graceful, powerful. What name could capture that?
He closed his eyes, thinking deeply. Then, suddenly, a name struck him. Beautiful, simple, perfect.
He opened his eyes, his voice steady. "Saira."
The girl's eyes widened, shimmering with emotion. She whispered softly, tasting the word. "Saira…"
Her smile blossomed, radiant as the sun. "Thank you, Master. From now on, I am Saira."
Saira's silver hair shimmered in the twilight, her blue eyes glowing softly as she stepped closer. Her voice was gentle, yet carried a weight of expectation.
"Master… you have given me a name. But now, may I know yours? Bestow upon me the name of the one I serve."
Kazuya blinked, startled. He hadn't thought about it before. In this strange world, he had been called "Master" by a dragon, transformed into a girl of breathtaking beauty. But he was still himself. He straightened, his voice steady.
"I am Betsuyaku Kazuya."
The syllables hung in the air, resonating with quiet strength.
Saira's eyes widened, her lips parting in a radiant smile. "Betsuyaku Kazuya… my master." Her voice trembled with joy, as if the name itself was a gift.
Kazuya felt warmth spread through his chest. For the first time, he understood why she had wanted the contract. It wasn't just about crossing worlds—it was about connection. About belonging.
Yet confusion lingered. He glanced at her, silver hair swaying in the breeze. How did a dragon become human? The thought gnawed at him, unanswered.
Before he could ask, movement caught his eye. A shadow flickered near the trees. Someone was watching.
"Hey!" Kazuya shouted, his voice sharp. "Come here!"
Silence. The leaves rustled, but no one moved.
Moments passed. Then, slowly, a small figure stepped out from behind the tree.
It was a girl.
Her hair was pink, shimmering like cherry blossoms under the fading light. Her eyes matched, pink and luminous, wide with hesitation.
Kazuya's breath caught. Pink hair… pink eyes… I've never seen that before. Maybe in this world, it's common.
"Who are you?" he asked gently.
The girl hesitated, her voice soft. "I… I'm Aisha."
Kazuya tilted his head. "What were you doing there?"
Aisha fidgeted, her fingers twisting together. "I was just… playing. Then I saw you talking to that girl. I stood there… watching."
Her voice was timid, fragile.
Kazuya glanced at the sky. The sun had already set, shadows stretching across the forest. "Isn't it getting late?" he asked.
Aisha's eyes lowered. "I… lost my way. I can't go back home."
Kazuya's chest tightened. She's just a child… alone in the forest. He felt tension rise. He wanted to help her.
"Where's your house?" he asked.
Aisha pointed vaguely. "Nearby… somewhere from here."
Kazuya frowned, thinking. How can I help her?
Before he could decide, Saira's voice echoed in his mind, resonating through their bond. Master… when we were flying, I saw a village nearby.
Kazuya's eyes lit up. A village… that might be her home.
He turned to Aisha. "We saw a village nearby. Let's go there. Maybe it's yours. Can I accompany you?"
Aisha's face brightened. "Yes!"
Saira stepped forward, her presence calm and guiding. "I will lead the way."
The three began walking, the forest path winding beneath their feet. The air was cool, filled with the chirping of crickets. Shadows danced among the trees, the moonlight filtering through the leaves.
Kazuya walked beside Aisha, his eyes scanning the surroundings. Saira led ahead, her steps graceful, her silver hair glowing faintly in the dark.
Minutes passed. The path opened.
Lights flickered in the distance. Lanterns glowed, casting warm hues against wooden houses. The sound of voices carried faintly, laughter and chatter.
Aisha gasped, her eyes wide. "That's… my village!"
She ran forward, joy radiating from her small frame. She turned back, her voice ringing. "Thank you, mister!"
Kazuya smiled, relief washing over him. "I'm glad we could help."
Aisha waved, then disappeared into the village, her figure swallowed by the glow.
Kazuya and Saira turned back, ready to leave. The forest loomed, shadows stretching.
Suddenly, Kazuya froze. His chest tightened. Wait… I don't know the way back.
He turned to Saira. "Did you see a black circle in the forest? That's… the portal I came through."
Saira giggled, her laughter soft. "My master is very bad at directions." Her smile was radiant. "Yes… I saw something similar."
They walked, leaving the village behind. The forest grew darker, quieter.
Then, Saira stopped. Her body shimmered, glowing softly. Light enveloped her, her form shifting.
Moments later, the dragon stood before him once more. Silver scales gleamed, wings unfurled, eyes radiant.
Kazuya's heart leapt. "You're back… in dragon form!" His voice was filled with awe.
Saira lowered her massive body, her voice rumbling. "Ride me, Master. I will take you to the portal."
Kazuya's eyes sparkled. "Three times in one day… I get to ride a dragon!"
He climbed onto her back, gripping the ridges.
With a powerful beat of her wings, they soared into the sky. The forest shrank below, rivers glimmering like silver threads. The wind roared, carrying them forward.
Kazuya laughed, exhilarated. "This is amazing!"
Minutes passed. Then, ahead, a black circle shimmered faintly against the trees.
Saira descended, landing firmly. Her wings folded, her body lowering to let him off.
Kazuya slid down, his feet touching the ground.
Light shimmered again. Saira's form shifted, scales fading, silver hair returning. She stood before him once more, human again.
Kazuya stared at the black circle. It pulsed softly, its edges rippling like liquid shadow. His chest tightened. This world… its powers… it's wonderful.
He turned to Saira, his voice steady. "Let's go, Saira."
She smiled, her blue eyes glowing. "Yes, Master."
Kazuya took a deep breath, his heart pounding. The black circle shimmered before him, its edges rippling like liquid shadow. He clenched his fists, steeling himself.
"Here goes nothing," he whispered.
Then he jumped.
Darkness swallowed him instantly. The world dissolved into a void, cold and suffocating. He felt weightless, drifting through endless black. His heartbeat echoed in his ears, louder than the silence around him.
Moments stretched like eternity. Then, suddenly, light pierced the void.
Kazuya opened his eyes.
He was standing beside the portal, back in his own world. The familiar scent of earth and concrete filled his lungs. Relief washed over him.
He glanced at his wristwatch. The digital numbers glowed: 20:00.
His gaze shifted. His school bag lay nearby, untouched, exactly where he had left it. A smile tugged at his lips. "Good thing I didn't drag this into the isekai," he muttered.
A faint noise stirred behind him. He turned, expecting emptiness.
But Saira was there.
She stood frozen, her silver hair shimmering under the moonlight, her blue eyes wide. Her body was rigid, as if struck by an invisible force.
Kazuya's breath caught. She's… shocked. Of course. My world must feel like an isekai to her.
He grinned, trying to lighten the mood. "Let's go to my house."
Saira blinked, her lips parting slightly. She nodded, though her movements were stiff, hesitant.
Kazuya led the way, his steps quick. The streets were quiet, the hum of distant traffic blending with the chirping of crickets. Streetlights cast pools of golden light, shadows stretching across the pavement.
Saira followed, her gaze darting everywhere. She stared at the glowing signs, the parked cars, the rows of houses. Her eyes sparkled with wonder, each sight a marvel.
Kazuya glanced back occasionally, his chest tightening. She's amazed… everything here is new to her.
Minutes passed. Finally, they reached the Betsuyaku household.
Kazuya paused at the door, his hand hovering over the knob. His heart raced. I've never had a girl over before…
He swallowed hard, nerves prickling. Then he opened the door.
The familiar scent of home greeted him—wood, warmth, faint traces of dinner. He stepped inside, his shoes clicking softly against the floor.
Saira followed, her movements graceful, her kimono swaying. She looked around, her eyes wide, absorbing every detail.
Kazuya's chest tightened further. This is… surreal.
A voice called from the kitchen, warm yet tinged with concern.
"Kazuya… why are you late today?"
Kazuya froze. His blood ran cold. I forgot… Sis is home.
Footsteps hurried. His sister appeared, worry etched on her face.
Then she saw Saira.
Her eyes widened. She froze, her hand clutching the doorway. Tears welled instantly. She pulled out a handkerchief, wiping her eyes.
"My little brother has grown up," she whispered, her voice trembling with joy.
Kazuya's face burned red. His heart pounded like a drum. "It's not what it looks like…" he stammered, his voice cracking.
Saira tilted her head, confusion flickering in her blue eyes. She stepped closer, her voice soft but puzzled.
"Master… who is this woman?"
Kazuya's chest tightened painfully. His mind raced. This… this is bad.
He swallowed hard, sweat trickling down his forehead. "Let me explain myself…"