'Master is taking too long to return.'
Yumeha was sitting on Enrico's bed. It was already Sunday, and night was beginning to approach. To make matters worse, she still hadn't seen any sign of someone entering Astrong Academy through the window. From the room, it was possible to see both the gate and the path leading to the training field.
'I can't stop worrying. I don't even know if he's safe... I need to become stronger somehow.'
Yumeha assumed a meditation position and closed her eyes. Although her master had sacrificed his own circle, she felt that there had been a tremendous improvement in her power. She still didn't understand exactly what had changed, but the difference was obvious.
'My master told me a little about it and said he would explain it in more detail if I wanted, so I just need to talk to him as usual.'
Ever since she felt that improvement, Yumeha had realized that she was capable of creating another Yokai. Until then, she had postponed its creation because she was still deciding what kind of creature she wanted to form.
'This will depend on my feelings, so I'll let my own body decide.'
The feelings she carried were far too intense to be expressed in words. With every second her master put himself in danger, her desire to protect him grew stronger. She wanted to be his guardian, the one who would always place herself in front of him whenever he was threatened. She would also be the one to drive away the dangers surrounding him, protecting him like a true guardian.
Intense magical energy began to manifest before Yumeha. Two creatures took shape, one red and the other green. Both looked like lions and kept their heads lowered before her, as if paying tribute to their creator.
Yumeha opened her eyes and felt the powerful magic emanating from the two of them.
"Koma Inu. Those will be your names, and you will be my summons."
The two seemed satisfied with Yumeha's decision. However, when she prepared to approach them, they both raised their heads and looked excitedly toward the window. Their tails began to wag as they climbed onto the windowsill, as if they had sensed someone's presence.
"What are you doing?"
Yumeha approached the window and looked outside. Her eyes immediately lit up when she spotted Enrico returning with the others.
Judging by the behavior of the new Yokai, it seemed that they shared the same feeling she did: the desire to protect Enrico. This realization left her satisfied with herself.
"You can return for now. I'll greet my master at the bedroom door."
The two remained waiting until Enrico entered the dormitory before returning. They had ignored Yumeha's order because they wanted to make sure their master was safe.
An ordinary person might have worried about their summons' disobedience, but Yumeha seemed even more excited. After Enrico entered the dormitory, the two disappeared.
'This is amazing! Their protective feelings aren't as intense as mine. After all, I would keep watching my master until I was certain he was safe inside the room... I need to train them perfectly.'
Yumeha left the room and stood guard in front of the door, waiting for her master. Shortly afterward, the corridor door opened, and Enrico entered with a yawn.
He had managed to complete that part of the story involving Firki without any major difficulties. The only problem was that everything had taken longer than expected, almost causing him to miss that day's training. This was especially frustrating because he considered the previous day's battle part of his own training.
'Once I prepare the magic circle, I'll start training much more.'
[I want to see what kind of crazy training you're planning.]
"Master, welcome back."
Standing in front of him, Yumeha bowed with a happy smile on her face.
"It's good to be back, Yumeha."
Enrico nodded, accepting her bow. He was already used to the respectful and attentive way Yumeha welcomed him every day. He entered his room while listening to Yumeha continue speaking.
"Master, I obtained new Yokai today, and their behavior made me quite satisfied."
"If that's the case, then they must be amazing."
Yumeha summoned the two creatures so Enrico could meet them. After observing their characteristics and testing some of their abilities for a few minutes, he went into the bathroom to take a shower.
'System, after today, there's only one more arc left, right?'
[Yes. When you complete this arc, you'll be able to make two more pacts, and the same will apply to the next two arcs. If I remember correctly, the next one involves a fight between three characters.]
"You're right."
In the next part of the original story, Kai, Valença, and Camila would encounter three arrogant nobles from the best academy in Vesparello. The three were visiting the city because they were the top students at their institution, and they would eventually cross paths with the protagonists after beginning to bother some lower-ranked students.
'As always, Kai will interfere.'
[How do you intend to participate in this part of the story? Are you going to replace Camila? After all, she isn't that important.]
'And who said I'm going to participate in this part?'
[You're not? Why not?]
That part of the story would serve to test the three protagonists. In the original events, they all ended up being humiliated by the students from Vesparello, although Kai was the only one who stood out. The confrontation also served to introduce the rivals who would participate in the competition between the academies.
'I'll be by their side, but I'll only watch the battle.'
[But what about your pact?]
'First of all, I'll be by their side, so I'm participating in the arc. Second, you never said I had to participate directly in every story arc.'
[But... Damn it! I should have asked for that to be included in the rules from the beginning.]
Enrico had his reasons for not wanting to fight on that occasion. The battle belonged to the three of them, and he wouldn't receive any rewards for participating. This time, he wanted to observe how everything unfolded with the protagonist and his friends at their current power levels.
'They might not be able to defeat those three, but they can still surprise me. After all, if we compare their current versions with those in the original story, both Kai and Valença are stronger.'
Besides, everyone had followed the training instructions from their cards and improved their abilities. Kai, in particular, should have discovered something hidden in his own home.
'I still need to give the items to Kai and Valença.'
The only character Enrico had doubts about was Camila. Even though she was stronger than before, her chances of winning that battle remained low.
'Maybe she'll surprise me.'
After finishing his shower, Enrico left the bathroom and noticed that Yumeha was sitting on the bed, visibly nervous. As soon as she saw him, she shrank back and turned her face away, avoiding his gaze.
At first, Enrico was confused by her reaction, but he soon remembered the reward he had promised her if she waited for his return.
"Are you waiting for your reward, my beautiful Yumeha?"
Yumeha immediately blushed at her master's words.
"B-beautiful? M-master..."
Enrico was amused by her embarrassed expression and approached, sitting beside her. Then he leaned forward, bringing his face closer to hers.
"Are you ready?"
"Y-yes."
[I've got it! It's one of those scenes where the girl expects to receive a kiss, but something else happens. Please don't be an idiot...]
Enrico raised his right hand and gently held Yumeha's face. Then he brought his lips close to hers and kissed her.
Yumeha had closed her eyes, and as soon as she felt that contact, her body trembled. Her face turned completely red as the reality of what was happening finally sank into her mind.
'M-Master is k-kissing me!'
Her mind became a jumble of thoughts. The kiss continued, and the happiness she felt was so intense that she eventually lost consciousness.
'I won first.'
In Yumeha's mind, she was making a victory sign while all the other girls lay defeated on the ground. Enrico stopped the kiss and moved away slightly.
'That was quick... Quicker than I thought.'
When he realized that Yumeha had fainted, her face still completely red, Enrico carefully laid her down on the bed. Then he lay down beside her and stretched, taking care with his shoulder, which was still injured.
He had thought the wound would heal quickly, but the recovery was proving more difficult than he had imagined.
[You really did that... I can't believe it.]
'When I make a promise, I make sure I'll keep it. Besides, I don't know what Serenya will ask for. Since I promised to do everything with Yumeha first, I need to keep my word.'
[I don't know what to think of you.]
Enrico closed his eyes. For now, it was time to set those matters aside and focus on other things.
He needed to prepare a strategy to overcome the new fake dungeon and obtain his next progress percentages.