The magic circle flared beneath our feet, crimson light swallowing the old school building. That familiar sensation of teleportation pulled at my gut before my boots hit solid ground.
"Welcome to the Familiar Forest, Asia."
Rias's voice carried warmth as the light faded, revealing our new surroundings. I took a breath—the air here was different. Thicker, saturated with raw magical energy that made my devil senses hyperaware. Dense humidity clung to my skin like a second layer, carrying scents of moss, wet earth, and something wildly ancient.
We stood in a clearing ringed by trees that defied logic—trunks wider than cars, bark covered in luminescent fungi that pulsed with ethereal blue-green light. Vines thick as my arm draped between branches, and the canopy overhead filtered perpetual twilight into scattered beams. Strange flowers bloomed in the undergrowth, petals shimmering with colors that didn't exist in the human world.
The sounds hit next—a constant symphony of rustles, distant calls, the occasional roar of something large and probably hungry.
This is basically a magical zoo without cages, I thought, scanning the treeline. Where the exhibits can eat the visitors.
"It's beautiful!" Asia clasped her hands together, green eyes wide with innocent wonder. The former nun looked ready to befriend every creature here.
Koneko stood beside Asia, her petite frame deceptively relaxed while those sharp golden eyes tracked every shadow.
"Thanks to Yuuto, we made it here without convincing Sona," Rias said, glancing at me with approval. "She also had plans on getting a familiar for her new Pawn."
The fruits of my labor are still paying off, I mused. Hopefully it'll keep paying off in the near future when it's needed.
"Ara ara~" Akeno's melodious voice carried that dangerous edge as she stepped closer, violet eyes gleaming. "Yuuto-kun deserves a reward for it, right?"
I gulped, very aware of Akeno's idea of 'rewards' ranging from innocent to borderline traumatic.
"He certainly deserves a reward for single-handedly defeating Sona's peerage," Rias added, tucking crimson hair behind her ear. "But not now. We're here for Asia, to get her a familiar."
"Of course, Buchou," I said, grateful for the reprieve.
A sudden rustling from the canopy made us tense.
THUD.
A figure dropped from the branches with practiced ease, landing in a crouch before rising. Short, stocky, wearing worn traditional clothing with wild gray hair and a face weathered by time and experience.
"WELCOME!" he bellowed, arms spread wide. "I am Zatouji, master of this forest! You seek familiars? THEN YOU'VE COME TO THE RIGHT PLACE!"
This is where Ash's dad has been all along. I bit my tongue hard to stop myself from asking if he had a son named Ash who collected creatures in small balls. Focus. Don't be an idiot.
"Master Zatouji," Rias greeted with practiced nobility, inclining her head respectfully. "I'm Rias Gremory. I've brought my Bishop, Asia Argento, to form a contract with a familiar."
"EXCELLENT!" Zatouji's eyes lit up like someone offered him a winning lottery ticket. He bounded over to Asia, who startled at the sudden attention. "New devil! Fresh blood! The creatures will be VERY interested!"
"Um, h-hello," Asia said softly, bowing politely. "Please take care of me."
"Such manners! WONDERFUL! We'll find you a PERFECT companion, young lady! One that matches your soul!"
He really commits to the enthusiasm, I thought, watching him gesture dramatically.
Then something clicked in my mind. An opportunity. Dangerous, potentially stupid, absolutely necessary.
"Buchou," I said.
Rias turned, eyebrows raising slightly. "Yes, Yuuto?"
"Is it possible for me to exchange my familiar?"
Silence. Even the forest seemed to pause.
Rias blinked, genuine surprise crossing her features. "Exchange? You want a different familiar?"
Akeno's expression shifted to intrigue, head tilting. "Ara, that's unexpected, Yuuto-kun."
"I appreciate mine," I said carefully. "But I've been thinking about my combat style—the breathing techniques, my sword work. I need a familiar that can match that, something that can help me create new Mist Breathing techniques."
Sorry for the lie, I thought. But I can't let this opportunity slip. Nine-Headed Hydra—one of the deadliest familiars in this forest, poison so dangerous even devils fear it. Having it in the Rating Game would significantly increase my chances.
This was it. The key to winning against Riser.
Rias studied me, that strategic mind processing. "I understand. Your growth has been remarkable, Yuuto." She turned to Zatouji. "Master, is such an exchange possible?"
"POSSIBLE?" Zatouji stroked his beard. "Yes! Not common, but POSSIBLE! The familiar must agree to release, proper contract dissolution!" He grinned. "But be CAREFUL! Deep forest holds GREAT power! Don't bite off more than you can chew!"
"I'll be careful," I promised.
Rias stepped closer, voice lowering. "Yuuto, are you certain?"
"I am, Buchou. Trust me."
She held my gaze, then nodded. "Very well. But don't take too long—and if you encounter anything you can't handle, retreat immediately"
"Understood." I turned to Asia, offering a smile. "Good luck finding a good familiar, Asia. I'll be back in a moment."
"Be safe, Yuuto-san!" Asia called.
"Sure"
---
The forest changed as I went deeper.
The luminescent fungi faded, replaced by shadows that seemed alive. Trees here were ancient—black bark twisted into almost deliberate shapes. The ground was soft with decomposed leaves, muffling footsteps. Mist coiled around roots like serpents, thick enough to obscure vision beyond twenty feet.
*It's getting creepier, which means I'm on right path"
I kept walking until the sounds from Rias's group faded completely. When certain I was far enough, I stopped in a clearing where three massive trees formed a natural alcove.
Alright. Find the Nine-Headed Hydra.
I scanned the canopy. No crows anywhere.
Can't use crow manipulation. I frowned. So how do I track down that creature in this magical forest?
Then it hit me.
My current familiar had lived here before our contract. It might know the area.
I raised my hand, focusing on the familiar bond. A crimson magic circle materialized at my feet, glowing brighter as I channeled power.
WHMM—
The circle flared, and from it emerged—
A small black dog.
Roughly Shiba Inu-sized, sleek and compact, with fur so dark it absorbed light. But the striking features were the crackling yellow lightning wreathing its neck like a collar, dancing in its eyes. Tiny arcs sparked between pointed ears.
BARK!
It rushed over, tail wagging enthusiastically, circling my legs with obvious joy.
I crouched, scratching behind its ears. The lightning didn't shock me through the familiar bond, but I felt the raw electrical energy humming beneath its fur.
"Hey, buddy," I said softly.
It's a cool familiar. Loyal, powerful. But I need something stronger. Something that can poison an immortal bird.
The dog tilted its head, sensing my serious mood.
"Listen," I said, meeting those crackling eyes. "Have you seen a Nine-Headed Hydra? Big, scaly, lots of heads?"
The dog's head tilted further, confusion evident.
Right. Not the scientific name.
I sighed, crouching lower, using my finger to draw in soft dirt—a crude dragon head with a long neck. Then more necks branching from the same body.
"Like this. Have you seen something like—"
BARK! BARK!
The dog suddenly perked up, tail rigid, lightning intensifying as it barked urgently.
I paused. "You've seen it?"
BARK!
A grin spread across my face. I ruffled its fur. "Good boy. Lead the way."
The dog immediately bolted deeper into the forest, lightning trailing behind like a comet.
Luck is on my side, I thought, launching into a run. Soon enough, I'll have the Nine-Headed Hydra.
---
CRACK—
I vaulted over a fallen log, following my familiar's lightning trail through increasingly dense forest. Trees here were more twisted, branches forming archways that blocked most light. Roots jutted up like grasping fingers.
My familiar was fast—electricity magic enhancing speed—but my devil physiology and breathing techniques kept me close. Total Concentration: Constant maintained a pace that would kill a normal human.
Then my familiar skidded to a halt.
GRRROWL.
I stopped mid-step.
Red eyes materialized in the darkness ahead—multiple pairs arranged in a semicircle. Shapes emerged from the shadows, and I got a good look at what we were dealing with.
Wolves. Demonic wolves, specifically. Each one the size of a small bear, with matted black fur, fangs like fucking kitchen knives, and claws that scraped stone with every step. Seven of them, cutting off escape routes with the practiced coordination of pack hunters who'd done this dance a thousand times.
CRACK-CRACK-CRACK—
Lightning surged around my familiar's body, crackling aggressively as it crouched into a fighting stance.
"Let me take care of it, buddy," I said, blue flames flickering to life across my right arm.
DING.
A translucent blue screen popped up:
---
*Quest: Eliminate the Demonic Wolves*
*Reward: 1 Character Card*
---
Perfect timing I thought. System's generosity knows no bounds
The flames on my arm intensified, shifting from blue to almost white at the edges. Cremation felt natural now—none of Dabi's self-immolation bullshit. My devil physiology made these flames hotter, cleaner, actually controllable.
The lead wolf—scarred muzzle, probably the alpha—snarled, showing off teeth designed for ripping throats.
"I'm in a hurry," I said flatly, "so can you guys make this quick?"
The scarred wolf lunged.
WHOOSH—
I extended my arm lazily. The moment wolf met flames—
FWOOOM—
Blue fire exploded outward. The creature didn't burn so much as cease to exist—flash-vaporized into superheated air and a faint carbon trace. Its momentum carried it forward for half a second before there was simply nothing left.
Definitely hotter than Dabi's flames, I noted Devil Physiology for the win.
The remaining six wolves hesitated for exactly two seconds.
Then they all attacked at once.
Very Smart
I swept both arms wide, blue flames erupting in a circular wave.
FWOOOOOOSH—
The sea of fire met the charging wolves mid-leap. They hit the wall of flames and simply weren't anymore—bodies incinerated so fast they didn't have time to register pain. The heat turned the clearing into a miniature hell, scorching ground and charring nearby trees.
My familiar had wisely retreated behind me.
When the flames died down, nothing remained. Not bones, not ash, not even a smell. Just scorched earth and heat shimmer.
DING.
---
*Quest: Eliminate the Demonic Wolves*
*Reward: 1 Character Card*
*COMPLETED*
---
I dismissed the notification without claiming the reward. Later. Hydra first, loot after.
BARK!
My familiar got my attention, already moving toward the far end of the clearing.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming," I muttered, following.
We continued deeper. The forest grew darker, more oppressive—roots that shifted when you weren't looking, flowers that hissed, distant sounds suggesting things with too many teeth. After twenty minutes of navigating increasingly hostile terrain, we stopped.
A cave entrance loomed ahead.
Colossal didn't do it justice. The opening was easily fifty feet high and twice as wide, darkness within so absolute it looked like someone had cut a hole in reality. The stone around the entrance was worn smooth from centuries of something massive passing through. Deep claw marks scored the rock—each gouge as long as my forearm.
Every horror movie ever made says 'don't go in the scary cave,' I thought. But here I am, about to walk into the scary cave. Because apparently I have a death wish.
"You sure this is where it lives?" I asked my familiar.
BARK!
Affirmative bark, enthusiastic tail wag.
"Alright. Good work, buddy." I crouched down, scratching behind its ears one more time "I'll take it from here."
A crimson magic circle materialized beneath the dog.
WHMM—
It vanished back to wherever familiars went when unsummoned, leaving me alone in front of the cave entrance.
Right, I thought, blue flames igniting in my right hand for light. *It better be at home, I hate waiting for someone's return"
I stepped inside.
Temperature dropped immediately—not cold exactly, just the complete absence of warmth. Like stepping into a tomb that hadn't seen sunlight in centuries. My flames cast dancing shadows on walls that stretched impossibly high. The tunnel descended at a steady angle, stone slick with moisture and covered in luminescent lichen that provided barely any light.
My footsteps echoed despite my attempts at stealth.
If something lives down here, it already knows I'm coming, I reasoned. Might as well commit to the stupid plan, and be prepared for it
I descended for what felt like ten minutes. The air grew thicker, more humid, carrying scents of lavender? Hydras who are potent poison users are living in a hygienic cave? That's rather surprising.
The tunnel finally opened into a cavern so massive my flames barely illuminated a fraction of it.
I stopped, taking it in. The ceiling soared hundreds of feet overhead, lost in shadow. Stalactites the size of buildings hung like frozen waterfalls. The floor was smooth stone, gleaming wetly in the dim light, stretching out farther than I could see.
This is definitely where something very large and very dangerous lives, I thought. Question is, where—
Then I felt it.
A presence. Massive. The magical energy in the cavern was distorted around it, creating pressure that made my devil senses scream warnings.
I raised my hand, flames flaring brighter, pushing back shadows—
And revealed a shape at the far end of the cavern.
A head. Single dragon head, easily the size of a house, resting on the ground with eyes closed. Pale blue scales caught the firelight, shimmering with colors that shifted like auroras.
I blinked.
There's one head, I thought slowly. But where are the other eight?
I took a step forward, flames burning brighter.
The head moved.
Slowly, deliberately, it lifted from the ground with a grinding sound like continental plates shifting. The massive skull rose higher, higher, neck extending like a serpent uncoiling.
And kept rising.
And rising.
Oh.
Oh, this is bad.
This wasn't the Nine-Headed Hydra.
The dragon's full form emerged from the shadows as it stood. A colossal pale blue Western dragon with celestial scales that looked like someone had trapped entire galaxies inside them. Each scale was shield-sized, overlapping in perfect geometric patterns. The body was serpentine but massive—easily two hundred feet from nose to tail—with four legs ending in claws that could crush buildings. Wings unfurled with a sound like thunder, stretching wide enough to blot out the cavern ceiling.
Then the eyes opened.
Vast. Ancient. The kind of eyes that had watched civilizations rise and fall, that had seen the birth and death of gods. They fixed on me with the lazy interest of an apex predator observing an insect that had wandered into its den.
Then she spoke, and the voice made every instinct I had scream to run.
"A devil?"
The words carried weight that made the air shimmer, feminine but ancient beyond measure.
A low rumble emanated from her chest—not quite a growl, more like distant thunder rolling through mountains.
"How annoying. Devils really have no manners"
Her head lowered slightly, bringing one massive eye level with me. The pupil contracted, focusing on me as if it stared into my soul.
"Do you know whose territory you entered? Tiamat. The Chaos Karma Dragon."
The name alone carried power that made my devil senses recoil, as I realised Right now, I was in the same situation as Muichiro when he stumbled upon Upper Rank 1.
"So, little devil—do you have any final words?"
So this is where I am going to die? In first season?!
Fuck!
. . .
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