Ch.8787. Royal Ranch (6)

Griffin. Half eagle and half lion, or this creature that is a large feline predator… looks quite different from the common image people have.

It’s easy to be mistaken because it symbolizes the Holy Empire and valor, and its appearance is so impressive, but these creatures are ultimately wild animals that will use any underhanded method if necessary.

Unlike the impression that they hunt wild animals, they are actually obsessed with the meat of large livestock like horses and cattle, causing enormous damage to livestock across the western continent.

While in illustrations they are always depicted with the lower body of a lion, in reality they can have the lower body of any large feline predator, which is one such example…

“You’re that one from before, aren’t you?”

[Yes, prospective contractor!]

The small, cute animal friend candidate that appeared before my eyes was one that defied these stereotypes, particularly the last one.

The little one stood out with its lower body resembling a tiger, with black stripes against a yellow background. This small griffin, who had remained relatively calm while others were playing around rambunctiously, approached me with a bright greeting.

[Um, I’m Griffin Gretel. You’re the prospective contractor… Gregory, right?]

“Yes, that’s right. You’re the griffin who requested a contract, correct?”

[Yes! That’s me. I made the request.]

After exchanging a few words with Griffin Gretel, I found her demeanor quite fascinating.

Usually, even young griffins maintain a certain pride and dignity. But this one spoke without hesitation, humbling herself.

In short, this little one’s un-griffin-like reactions were curious, and even as I stared at her with interest, Gretel continued the conversation as if it were nothing unusual.

[Actually, I was amazed by your duel yesterday. You, Gregory, who can’t use aura, knocked down a human who could use aura in close combat?!]

“I… did, yes?”

[The moment I saw that, I knew. You are truly worthy of being with me, a genuinely brave person!]

“…Me?”

Gretel’s unexpectedly high opinion of me was enough to drive a nail of burden into my heart, but regardless, if someone approaches with courtesy, I should respond with appropriate manners.

“So… you’ve heard about what a contract entails?”

“Yes. It binds our souls together, making us share each other’s fate, right?”

…Actually, this is something passed down secretly among the druids of the Wild Gathering. Despite its gravity, the conditions for forming an animal friend contract aren’t particularly complex.

It simply means that as long as there’s mutual consent between a druid and a magical beast capable of forming a contract, it can be established.

[Ehehe…]

Of course, I’m not heartless enough to explain all that to this adorable creature who’s just giggling now.

“Then, are you certain about your willingness to form a contract?”

[Yes! I am completely ready to form a contract!]

“Good. …Would it be alright to form the contract here and now?”

Anyway, the situation progressed rapidly.

Griffin Gretel’s determination to form a contract was firm, so I, wanting to proceed with it, asked Druid Frida.

“There’s… no reason why not. It’s possible anytime.”

“In that case, I’ll start right here and now. Gretel, is that okay with you?”

[I don’t mind at all!]

And so, the contract process began.

※ ※ ※

This is the sixth time. Normally, even for someone with tremendous talent in the Wild School, this would be reaching a limit, but for me, it’s only half of what I can achieve.

And…

‘This time, it’s this…’

The moment the animal friend contract is formed, Griffin Gretel’s mystical energy flows into my body.

Our souls bind each other, her mystery enters me, and changes occur on both sides.

[W-Woaaaah!!]

The most noticeable change was happening to Gretel’s body. Her physical form, directly influenced by my wild magic capacity, was rapidly growing.

Gretel’s body, which until just now had been small and cute, roughly the size of a large cat, suddenly swelled up.

Her tiny wings grew larger, her hind legs thickened, her beak sharpened, and her feathers became more abundant.

Now Gretel is about the size of a large dog like a Golden Retriever. Still far from being a full adult, but at least developed enough to enter combat as a lower-rank creature.

[…So this is the result of the contract!]

And having experienced these changes firsthand, Gretel excitedly tried to speak to me, but… unfortunately, I wasn’t in a position to respond immediately.

That’s because…

‘Is this how it works?’

I was too busy observing the additional benefits I had gained from the contract with Gretel.

Until now, with each animal friend contract I formed, I gained power through mutual resonance with the animal’s soul.

From my contract with Corin, I gained enhancement in lightning-type magic.

From Astra, I acquired healing abilities that work on others, and through Robo, my magical control ability greatly improved.

From my contract with Jikjiki, I acquired a technique to contain the mystery of “defense penetration” and “a certain power,” and from the hydra, I gained slight regenerative abilities and the magic to recreate the hydra’s body.

And in the case of my contract with Griffin Gretel…

‘Isn’t this what dragons use?’

I acquired the ability commonly known as Dragon Fear.

Based on charisma, it could be summarized in one word as “intimidation”—a unique special ability called Fear.

This magical “fear-inducing” ability, typically possessed by powerful monsters of mid-tier or higher, especially those belonging to superior species, works by implanting the state of “fear” into the souls of living beings.

To put it bluntly, it’s similar to pa__c-inducing te__niques. By projecting one’s spirit, it intimidates and subdues other living beings, causing fear and even panic that can incapacitate opponents.

If they fail to resist through mental strength or magical power, they become consumed by fear and lose judgment. In cases where the gap between the opponent and oneself is too great, they may panic or faint, becoming unable to fight.

Even if they succeed in resisting, the power of intimidation can still make the target somewhat timid…

The true power of Fear lies in the fact that it’s a passive ability that doesn’t require any special resource consumption.

To be frank, anyone with decent mental resistance would be immune, so it probably won’t work in most cases, but on the other hand, since it doesn’t consume mana or anything when activated, there’s no harm in having it.

‘…I can’t use this recklessly.’

Of course, I can’t be stupid enough to walk around with an area-of-effect fear-inducing passive in areas full of civilians, so in the end, I’ll have to use it only in combat situations.

Anyway, after the contract was completed.

“I’m looking forward to working with you, Gretel.”

[Yes, me too!]

I returned Gretel, now one with me, to my soul, and intuitively realized.

The time had finally come for me to leave this place, the Imperial Pasture.

※ ※ ※

And so, the next day.

“Farewell, young kinsman!”

“Yes, teacher! Thank you for your hard work these past few days!”

After bidding a polite farewell, I left the Imperial Pasture and followed the now-familiar path to Tarasque.

[Where will I be staying from now on?]

“I have a mobile home called Tarasque.”

[A mobile home… I wonder what kind of place it is?]

As I held the excited griffin in my arms and spoke, a familiar voice flowed into my mind.

[Gregory? The prophet can sense you. Have you arrived?]

‘Yes, get ready to depart!’

After a brief conversation through the mental connection formed via Tarasque, the massive creature began to move its enormous body leisurely.

Having already deactivated stealth mode and standing ready to depart at any time, I instructed Robo, who was on board, to climb onto Tarasque’s back as it started to move.

And so, our journey, which had been paused, began again.