My Classmate Became a Familiar

Hmm, a stone golem? What's that again? A magical beast belonging to the lowest rank?

Looking around for the source of the voice, I spotted a female student with glossy black hair leaning against the wall, observing me.

It was my classmate, Chikage Fujiwara.

I wondered why she was here, but decided to ignore her for the time being and turned back to the exam invigilator.

A middle-aged male teacher dressed in the traditional formal attire of a magician, a black robe, gave me a small nod.

Very well. Sota Ashiya, you've passed the summoning test. You are approved to advance to the second year.

Hearing his words, I felt as if pressure was lifted off my shoulders.

A magician.

This is a general term for those who control magical power and cause supernatural phenomena.

Those who can control magical power are a minority worldwide. In the past, they had various conflicts with the general public.

In modern times, after a series of twists and turns, they've come to be seen as uncommon, but they do exist.

Well then.

I looked at the humanoid magical beast made of stone standing on the summoning circle drawn on the floor.

A stone golem. It is the very first familiar I had summoned from another world, just moments ago.

Acquiring a familiar meant that I had earned my provisional summoner's license. Simultaneously, it signified my advance into the second year of the Boundary Intervention Department at the International Magicians' Association Affiliated Academy.

In other words, I have taken my first step as a magician.

Right . . . As someone who dislikes hard work, the frustration of my leisure time steadily dwindling is much stronger than any joy.

You're not going anywhere.

Just as I was about to leave the examination room with my familiar, I was halted by Chikage.

Oh, she's still here.

Aren't you ashamed to have such a pathetic magical beast as your familiar?

Chikage was a skilled girl, the best in her grade, and she was strongly recommended as the next student council president.

However, for some reason, she always picked on me when she had the chance, making me look like a fool. Personally, she topped the list of people I would rather avoid getting involved with. This time, she even went as far as to watch my exam, just so she could criticize me.

Normally, does anyone nonchalantly invite themselves to watch someone else's exam?

Ah, were you addressing me by any chance?

Who else would I be talking to?

There are exam supervisors here. Three of them, in fact. You can take your pick.

Oh but isn't it the one hailed as the next great magician, Chikage Fujiwara herself? I never imagined you'd bother talking to a nobody like me. Are you bored or something? There's no point in messing around here. You should spend your time on something more worthwhile.

Aren't you embarrassed to have such a pathetic familiar?

It's disheartening that my self-deprecation just now went unnoticed.

What a pain. I bet she's about to start one of her lofty lectures.

Not at all. Ever heard of the phrase "to each their own," Chikage? This familiar is enough for me.

Chikage clicked her tongue, clenched her fists in annoyance, and swiftly approached me.

Yeah, this doesn't look good. I quickly raised both my hands in defense.

Wait, violence isn't the answer! Let's settle this through discussion! What's bugging you so much? Hehe, if necessary, I'm ready to grovel . . . Ahh!

Chikage grabbed me by the collar.

Why are you so lacking in ambition? Why don't you aim higher?

I admit my ambition isn't high, but physically lifting me up isn't going to help that!

I complained as she tugged my collar.

I can't breathe!

I am about to summon a demon, you know? I, a mere student, am attempting something even top-tier summoners struggle with. And yet, you're content goofing off with low-level beasts, with not an iota of pride?!

A demon refers to a humanoid magical beast able to wield powerful spells at will. Possessing not only magical power but also immense physical strength, it stands unrivaled at the summit of magical beasts that a magician can control.

Only a handful of magicians are known to possess the ability to control a demon.

I scoffed at the notion.

Is pride going to help anyone pass their tests? What if you push too hard and fail? You should take it easy, like me, Chikage.

Chikage's face twitched, and her grip on my collar loosened. She then glared at me with intensity.

I'm disgusted. Fine, just watch my exam from here! Even a dimwit like you will have a change of heart once you witness my success firsthand! Absolutely, I'm sure of it! You should consider yourself lucky to witness my glory from the best seat in the house! It's special, alright?!

She pointed her finger at me with force.

Finding her gesture irritating, I brushed her hand away.

Actually, I was planning to celebrate my promotion with my friends. Yippee!

You're only proving my point! Why can't you understand this without me having to spell it out?!

Hold on! I lied about the celebration! I'll watch, so please lower your fist!

As I pleaded in desperation, Chikage, whose hand has been clenched into a fist, dispelled her hostile intent.

Jeez. Real short temper she has, huh.

With a sigh, I led my stone golem and moved to stand by the wall, creating some distance between Chikage and me.

Make sure you watch, okay?! I won't forgive you if you try to leave!

I apathetically waved my hand in response to the yelling Chikage.

Chikage, giving me a suspicious look, picked up a brush soaked in fluorescent paint and started drawing on the floor.

She was creating a summoning circle. It was far more intricate than the one I used to summon the golem. They were nowhere close to the same level.

Just observing it is mentally exhausting. If I put in a significant amount of effort, I might be able to understand some of the structure, but I can't bring myself to care that much.

But, what's this?

As I was absentmindedly watching, Chikage completed the summoning circle and turned to me with a smug look.

Well? What do you think? It's an artistically brilliant summoning circle, wouldn't you say?

Yeah yeah, I'm impressed. By the way, are you using three auxiliary circuits outside the main magical circuit?

When I casually brought up something that piqued my curiosity like that, Chikage's eyes widened in surprise.

You noticed. You really do have a talent.

Chikage gave me a stern look.

Don't you think it's a waste? If you put in the effort to develop that talent, you could become a great magician.

I don't have any extraordinary talents. Besides, it's the will to do something that's the most important talent.

Looks like when people are rotten inside, they can't even accept good advice sincerely.

And you're the type who can't breathe unless you're belittling me regularly.

Ignoring my comment, Chikage bent down to pick up the grimoire she had placed on the floor.

The moment her palm touched the cover, the magic circle began to glow blue.

She has activated the summoning circle through the grimoire.

Grimoires serve as an auxiliary tool that allows magicians to shape the magical power they release into a specific form.

Even though we, magicians, can generate magical power within our bodies, we lack the ability to directly convert it into magic. As a result, when we wish to use magic, we either have to channel it through an auxiliary tool, or recite an incredibly lengthy spell for several minutes.

Currently, it is quite typical in modern magic to utilize such auxiliary tools.

Every form of technology, without exception, becomes refined and optimized as it develops over time.

However, each magician must craft their own grimoire and devise their own spells to trigger the magic. This is where the difference in abilities among magicians, particularly summoners, lies.

In other words, Chikage, who possessed an enormous amount of magical power and could design vast quantities of various magic structures, outshined any average professional.

She was the epitome of talent. It's no wonder she could be so arrogant.

Activate.

At Chikage's whisper, the magic circle illuminated with an exceptional brightness.

The figure that surfaced atop the magic circle was that of a woman who seemed like the embodiment of raging flames.

Her hair flowed down to her waist like a veil, her large eyes seemed to express a strong will, and her extravagant, radiant dress added to her allure.

Most aspects of her appearance were dyed in a deep crimson, contrasting starkly with her porcelain white skin which made the red elements even more prominent. Her features were more refined than those of any other woman I had ever seen.

The woman scanned the room before her gaze finally settled on Chikage.

Are you the one who summoned me to such a lowly world?

Yes. I want you to become my familiar.

The demon narrowed her eyes at Chikage's unflappable demeanor.

Oh? Are trying to joke, despite knowing that I am the third princess of the Eiram Empire?

Never heard of it. I just want to make a useful entity my familiar, I don't need to know that.

Heh . . . Amusing monkey. Quite entertaining. I'll reward you with death. Here.

The demon pointed her index finger at Chikage. The moment her fingertip gloweds red, she fired a light bullet.

It had to be offensive magic. To release it without any auxiliary tools or incantation was truly impressive and befitting of a demon.

However, the light bullet was blocked by a barrier spread over the summoning circle, and it dissipated before reaching Chikage.

Even so, the transparent barrier shuddered greatly. What an incredible power.

As the demon squinted in apparent displeasure, Chikage let out a small breath. Maintaining her calm, Chikage began to channel magical power back into her grimoire. The demon's expression quickly turned grim and she covered her face with one hand.

Ugh . . . You're getting ahead of yourself! But this is nothing!

She appeared to be under the effect of submission magic. However, the demon resisted, staring with a fierce glare.

Her resistance to magic must be incredibly strong.

Chikage groaned in pain.

A-ah.

Or something . . .

H-haa.

She groaned.

I am certain a high-level battle is taking place between the two of them.

But if the level's too advanced, it's not really enjoyable to watch, right? Well, I'm bored.

Feeling out of place, I glanced over at the stone golem standing next to me. A low-grade magical beast with only a simple thinking pattern. But for me right now, its power was more than sufficient. I couldn't imagine needing any more power than this.

Power beyond one's control is like poison. People with excess power end up doing unnecessary things.

Then . . . as I was lost in thought, the grimoire that Chikage was holding suddenly burst into flames.

A-ahh?!

Chikage, acting on instinct, tossed the blazing grimoire away. It was swallowed by the flames in the blink of an eye, reducing to ash before it even touched the ground, and leaving no remnants behind.

Um . . . Why did that happen?

Chikage blurted out, clearly shocked herself.

Wait, what?!

She exclaimed in surprise.

It appeared to be an unforeseen accident. Either the grimoire couldn't bear the weight of Chikage's magical power, or there was an inherent defect within the grimoire. Whatever the reason, the binding spell had failed.

Well, looks like she's done for. There's no chance of advancing now.

I'll need to have her speak with respect to me from the next school year.

Regardless, the pressing matter at hand was the demon. The magic circle, deprived of its magical power supply the moment the grimoire was consumed by fire, lost its ability to act as a barrier. The now unrestrained demon would certainly start to cause chaos.

As expected, the demon looked down at Chikage with a defiant smirk.

Chikage, move back!

Amidst the crisis, the teachers began channeling their magical power into their grimoires, calling forth their respective familiars as they yelled out.

A werewolf, an ogre, and a fox spirit appeared. Although not as formidable as the demon, they were all high-ranking magical beasts.

Following the commands of their summoners, the three familiars launched an attack on the demon.

However, at that moment, the demon forcefully swung her right arm in a horizontal arc.

You insignificant creatures!

An arc of flames followed the path of her arm, engulfing the three magical beasts and . . .

They are utterly incinerated. Man, that's impressive. Those are no ordinary flames.

Hold on, does this mean all the teachers' familiars are gone?

How ridiculous . . . Do you consider yourselves mages with just that? Know your place.

The demon hurled a massive orb of light at the nearby teachers. It effortlessly broke through their barriers and sent all three of them flying.

I could hear them groaning, so they were still alive, but there was no movement.

You've gotta be kidding. She's too powerful.

Now then, little girl. Are you ready?

A-ah . . .

Chikage was on the ground, collapsed, her legs buckled beneath her.

You inferior beings dare to commit such insolence . . . Don't think your death will be swift for this transgression.

The demon focused solely on Chikage.

Wait, could it be . . . she's not targeting me at all?

Well . . . Alrighty then, time to get help!

Regardless of how powerful that demon is, if the school's staff unite, they surely can't lose. Probably.

Even though it's unclear whether Chikage can hold on while I get help, there's nothing else I can do. I'd be lying if I said I don't feel guilty, but I don't want to die pointlessly, either.

Sorry, girl.

I began to run toward the exit.

Wait, you're not escaping!

The demon snapped her fingers. In response, the entire room was enveloped in a mysterious magical film.

I grabbed the door too late, and now it won't move. Damn it, is this some sort of barrier?

As I turned around, I saw the demon looking at me with a faint smile.

Instinctively, I put my hand on my grimoire and yelled.

Golem, attack!

The golem, which has been rigidly standing against the wall until now, obediently charged at the demon.

However, it was shattered by a single blast of light.

I'm stupid. There's no way a mere clump of moving stone could win against such a creature.

A true man wouldn't abandon a woman and flee, would he?

I broke out in a cold sweat.

No . . . I'm not fleeing. I was about to call for help.

Help? Is that what you call it? A man's responsibility is to protect a woman, risking his life if needed. You're nothing but scum. Worthless. You might as well die, too.

Her words were harsh, but I understood her point.

I was well aware of my pathetic state at the moment.

But still.

Well, you make a valid point. But if I risk my life to protect her and die in vain, won't Chikage ultimately be killed, as well? Wouldn't it be more sensible to find help, improving our chances of survival?

Hmpf. From a logical perspective, I suppose that makes sense.

So, then . . . the rationale for me to protect Chikage would be—

There doesn't need to be a reason. As a man, you should do it, even if it seems pointless. Do you comprehend? Are you ready?

Damn, she's completely missing the point.

It seems certain that no matter what I say, I am going to be killed.

Well, so be it.

I can't stand the thought of dying without resisting, so I'll annoy her as much as I can before my death.

So, it's time for you to d—

Hey, woman . . . are you stupid?

The demon's cheek twitched.

What . . . did you just say to me?

Oh man, I can't stop sweating.

Hm? I just questioned if your head is filled with whipped cream instead of a brain, that's all.

I can't stop bad-mouthing her either.

Blue veins bulged prominently on the demon's face.

I'm terrified. Seriously scared out of my mind. But I can't stop.

H-Huh, really? Whipped cream, did you say? Do you even realize whom you're disrespecting? Being unaware of your place could easily lead to a gruesome death, you know?

Something inside my head snapped at the demon's ongoing arrogance.

Oh just SHUT UP, STUPID!!!

I found myself shouting before I even realized it.

Do you think someone who's about to die is going to be afraid of every little threat?! Or are you implying if I grovel and lick your toes, you might spare me?!

W-well, no, I will kill you, but . . .

See?! Then why should anyone respect you?! Idiot! I am prepared to die which makes me invincible! I'll ridicule you to my heart's content until the very end! In this era of gender equality, there's no reason to show respect to someone like you, who's so out of touch and old-fashioned! And what's with that attire of yours, trying too hard for validation? You remind me of a desperate underground idol! Your chest is too revealing, you perverted woman!

W-what . . . ?!

The demon growled and her face turned as red as a beet. She gasped for air, seemingly unable to find the right words to express the turmoil of emotions swirling within her. This was going well.

Go me!

To begin with, I'm ten times weaker than Chikage over there! The idea of me helping her is laughable! I might end up dead here, but I haven't lost in spirit! I swear, I'll make fun of you so hard you'll die of anger! Do you understand, Ms. Meathead? Be reborn as a civilized person capable of constructive discussion in your next life!!!

You . . . imbecile . . . ! Die!

She then aimed her palm at me and released a sphere of light.

My body was launched as if a boulder had struck me, and I rolled across the floor with great momentum.

Everything in front of my vision spinned and I couldn't comprehend what was happening.

Ugh . . . Just because you can't retort, you resort to violence, you savage woman! Is your mouth just for show?! Use your brain, you barbarian! Go ahead, kill me now! It's the victory of intellect! Come on!

The endless slander! Enough! I'll crush that annoying head of yours!

The demon stomped toward me, her shoulders rigid with anger. Her arms were glowing as though they were on fire, perhaps due to the concentration of magical power. The magical power lingering in the air shimmered in response.

The sight was so breathtaking that it bordered on terrifying. Who could have imagined that magical power in the air could become visible?

Well, I guess this is it for me. Game over. Hopefully in my next life, I'll be reborn as a giant tree in the mountains.

The demon in front of me lifted her arm.

I'll keep my eyes wide open until the moment she takes me out.

Our gazes locked, and the grinning demon was abruptly flung aside.

Not me. The demon. It was the demon who was getting tossed aside.

She was hurled to the fringe of the examination room, smashing into the wall. The wall crumbled, and half of her body was lodged into it.

Run away while you have the chance! We'll buy you time!

As I sat there, stunned, one of the teachers who seemed to have regained their composure yelled out. The remaining two also rose up and started bombarding the demon with a flurry of offensive spells, all while pouring magical power into their grimoires.

However, the demon didn't appear to be significantly harmed and began to retaliate, seemingly annoyed.

This thing is incredibly tough. What's it made of, tungsten?

I . . . appreciate the thought, but where exactly should I run to?

A potent barrier was cast all around us.

Perhaps it would be wise to retreat to a corner of the room to avoid being ensnared in the conflict.

I seized the arm of the fallen Chikage and dragged her toward the wall in panic.

What in the world have you done? If the teachers get defeated, we're gonna be next on the hit list.

I-I didn't make any mistakes!

Chikage's voice wavered as she shrieked.

I never intended to summon such a formidable demon . . . Something is drastically off here!

At first, I suspected she was making excuses, but her desperate look didn't seem deceptive.

Welp. It doesn't matter who's to blame now. We're doomed anyway. Look, the teachers can't subdue it, even three against one. That demon is just too mighty. Hey, do you think it will distract the teachers if I taunt that demon now?

Ignoring me, Chikage frantically scanned her surroundings, her gaze finally landing on the grimoire in my hands.

Muttering under her breath with a tense expression, she seemed deep in thought.

If we can't defeat her . . . Oh, I know. We should make that demon our familiar.

That's the failure that precisely led to the current situation in the first place. And also, didn't your grimoire get reduced to ashes?

Ignoring my comment, Chikage grabbed my grimoire and fervently flipped through the pages until she landed on a specific one.

The page had detailed instructions for a spell used for subduing summoned creatures.

After scrutinizing the page for a few seconds, Chikage unexpectedly began to undress.

Hey, whoa there, what are you up to? Are you so terrified that you're losing your mind?

Don't be ridiculous! I have a plan! You are going to turn that demon into your familiar!

What does you undressing have to do with that?

It's not gonna work. Stop trying to deny reality. Can't you just accept your fate? I suppose I'll die cursing my bad luck . . . Wait, what are you doing?

Chikage removed her blouse, revealing her bra. She still had her skirt on, but my eyes were drawn to her slender waist and armpits, which were usually concealed.

Well, well. Hmm . . . Despite not being so well-endowed, this isn't . . .

As I gazed at Chikage, accepting that this was the end, she fetched a bucket that was left in the corner of the room. It contained a brush, a pen, and fluorescent paint. In other words, it had everything one needed to draw a magic circle.

Chikage dipped the thin brush into the liquid and began to draw something on her belly with steady strokes.

Hey, have you really lost it? Why the body paint? Even if your sexual inclinations are going haywire in your confusion, body paint is a bit . . . On second thought, why not take off your bra while you're at it?

That's not it . . . I'm drawing a magic circle that matches your magical system! How can you joke around at a time like this?! Anyway, shut up, you're distracting me!

I didn't understand what she was on about, but since she told me to shut up, I remained quiet.

Chikage moved her hands with a fierce expression, drawing a magic circle on her stomach.

Apparently, she had read my grimoire and constructed a corresponding image of a magic circle in her mind.

She's smart for sure. It's usually impossible to immediately understand and apply someone else's magic system.

That should do.

Chikage completed the magic circle right at the same time one of the teacher's got defeated.

The precarious balance that had been maintained collapsed, and the demon intensified her attack all at once.

It seems like the remaining two teachers are about to be defeated any moment now. It's soon gonna be over.

Ah, it's surprisingly difficult to think of a farewell poem in one's final moments. The great writers of the past were truly talented, huh.

As I was on the brink of surrender, Chikage seized my arm.

Sota, I need your help! You're my only hope now!

She stared at me, her eyes brimming with unwavering resolve.

You can do it! I know you can if you put your mind to it! So please, don't give up!

Is she still going on about that?

Why does she keep expecting so much from me? She's seriously overestimating me.

But it seems like Chikage has a plan this time . . .

Well . . . If there's something I can do, I'll do it. It's not like I want to die. What do you need me to do?

For a brief moment, Chikage seemed to smile.

Ordinarily, to imprint a Seal of Submission on a magical beast, it has to be within a magic circle, correct? But, luring that demon into a magic circle would be tricky. So, I'll serve as the magic circle and attach myself to her.

Chikage said this while pointing at her stomach, where she had drawn a small magic circle.

Once I've attached myself to her, Sota, I need you to cast the submission spell. The line of magical power should connect.

I see. But is that safe? Using your body as a stand-in for a magic circle seems quite risky.

Yes, it's uncharted territory and may be risky. But if it's the only way, I can't step back. I'm to blame for the current situation. If I just stand idly by and get killed . . . then I'm merely a fool! If I'm destined to die anyway, I'll do whatever it takes! Otherwise, how can I face you, too?!

There was a sense of determination in Chikage's eyes as she shouted those words at me.

Fine. If you're set on doing this, I won't stop you. Just don't hold a grudge if it ends up costing your life.

I won't hold a grudge. If I fail, you'll meet the same fate.

Well, I can't disagree with that.

Chikage maneuvered herself behind the demon.

Then, the moment the last two teachers were subdued, Chikage launched herself at the demon.

She wrappred her arms around the demon's shoulders and waist, entwined her legs, and clung to her tightly, leaving no room for escape.

W-what is this?!

Startled, the demon, who was utterly confident about her victory, lost her composure.

Sota!

Got it!

As I channeled magical power into the grimoire, Chikage's body began to glow blue.

The demon's eyes widened as she fell to her knees.

The radiance that Chikage was emanating intensified, eventually transforming her into a human-shaped mass of light.

The brightness was overwhelmingly blinding, but I was unable to look away.

The demon screamed, finally grasping what was happening to her.

Stop! Release . . . Release me! I said let go! Stop it . . . Can't you hear me, you monkey? Aaaaahhhhhhh!

The demon was panicking as she was consumed by the ever-expanding light.

Finally, I couldn't bear to watch any longer and turned my face away. Still, I continued to pour magical power into the grimoire.

Eventually, the dazzling light faded and vanished.

The demon has laid there in defeat.

A small symbol was etched onto her forehead. There was no doubt about it. It was the Seal of Submission.

Did we really succeed . . . ? I was convinced we were going to fail.

But where is Chikage?

The only one here was the demon. Chikage has vanished like a puff of smoke.

Did she die? She did do something reckless, so that might be the result . . . Oh man, this leaves a bitter taste. Seriously? I suppose the least I can do is pray for her peaceful rest.

She was pretty annoying, but she wasn't a bad person.

R.I.P. . .I just hope she doesn't come back to haunt me.

Ugh . . . Uh . . .

As I passed my prayer, the fallen demon groaned and slightly opened her eyelids.

The demon blinked, as if squinting against the light.

Hmm . . . Sota? Ah . . . Hey, what happened? The demon is . . .

She muttered in confusion.

Huh?

There's something off about her tone.

No way . . . But, such an absurd result . . .

The demon pushed herself up and looked around.

Sota, are you listening? Did it work? That demon is . . . Why are you looking at me like that? Why does my voice sound strange? Huh . . . ?

I pulled out my smartphone from my uniform pocket and snapped a photo of the demon(?).

Then I showed the puzzled demon the photo I had taken of her.

The demon—Chikage—flinched at her own face.

Wha . . . what is this, why am I a demon . . . ? H-Huuh . . . ?

That's what I wanted to know.

The examination results indicate that Ms. Fujiwara and the demon have fused at a soul level.

We were inside a specific research laboratory.

A man in a white lab coat spoke in an assertive tone.

You've truly taken a reckless course of action. It's a miracle you're still alive.

I know, right? So, teacher, is there any way to separate Chikage and the demon?

The man in the lab coat, the teacher, nodded in response to my query.

Well, with the current state of magical engineering, it's challenging to undo this. It's humiliating for me as a researcher to admit this, but we have no choice but to concede. After all, there's no prior case of fusion between a human and a demon. We do not have any theories or technology that could address that. That's what makes it worth researching, but considering Ms. Fujiwara's position, it's not ideal.

Huh.

Ultimately, she is associated with the big shots in the East Japan Branch. It would be troublesome to conduct an intense investigation on someone of her stature. So, from now on, adapt to your new life as a summoner and her as your familiar.

Beside me, Chikage, who now looked like a demon, quietly listened to the teacher's words and grunted.

Unbelievable. Is this truly irreversible?

Sadly, yes. It's akin to trying to separate two colors of paint once they've been mixed. That's your current predicament. But isn't it an unexpected turn of luck? You've obtained the body of a demon, together with its unrivaled talent and potential, likely the greatest in human history. What's there to be upset about?

How can I not be upset when I'm no longer myself?!

Observing Chikage's passionate objection, the teacher tilted his head.

I'm having trouble understanding. It could be a matter of personal preference, but haven't you become even more beautiful? You were already attractive, but now you're at an entirely different level. You're practically a work of art. There's really no reason to reverse it, is there? If anything, it's a lucky development.

His argument was completely logical and seemed devoid of empathy.

Regrettably, this is often the case with magicians. Particularly those known as magical engineers like him. They tend to disregard ethics and common sense in pursuit of magical advancement.

I have much to complain about, but the main issue is that I've become Sota's familiar! I can't return to school like this! It's mortifying! Can't you at least remove the mark of being a familiar?!

Chikage's voice trembled as she pleaded.

The doctor casually flipped through the medical chart.

I can't do much even if you make such a case. The way the contract was formed was irregular. That's why a regular method of dispelling the curse isn't possible. Trying to end the contract that binds you as a familiar forcefully could be fatal. I realize it's not ideal for a girl your age to be seen as subservient to a boy of the same age. However, shouldn't you be grateful for the miracle that you survived such a reckless act?

Chikage was at a loss for words.

U-uhh . . .

She stifled a sob.

The teacher nodded. His gaze shifted over to me.

Do you have any other questions?

Well, it's not exactly a question . . . but Chikage consumes too much of my energy, and it's hard on me. Can anything be done about it?

After the unfortunate event the other day, Chikage has become my familiar. It's a fact I can't change. It's not ideal, but there's nothing I can do about it now. I have to accept it.

What I can't overlook, however, is the lack of energy efficiency of this familiar.

A familiar operates using the magical power supplied by the summoner. Yet, given that this demon has increadible powers, it also consumes an excessive amount of magical power just by existing.

This is too much for me to handle.

I have never been a particularly gifted magician to begin with. My magical power is below average, I don't have a powerful bloodline, and my knowledge is limited due to my lack of study. To be in control of a high-ranking demon is an overwhelming task for someone like me.

At this moment, I feel like a freelancer who overstretched his budget to buy a sports car and now can't afford its annual maintenance. In other words, a complete idiot.

The best solution would be for you to train so you can increase your maximum magical power limit. Alternatively, you could use magical devices, like a magical power tank.

Thought so. What about reinforcing the supply circuit or extending the bypass of the magic power?

Nope. If you tamper with it from the outside and cause your soul to collapse, then we are going to be in an even worse situation.

I sighed at the teacher's harsh denial.

The magic supply circuit established between Chikage and me has turned out to be incredibly fragile compared to a standard one.

Given the haphazard way the contract had been formed, it was no surprise.

First of all, the distance over which the magic circuit was effective was extremely short. Through experimentation, we confirmed that if Chikage was more than ten meters away from me, she was unable to receive magical power. Additionally, there was a significant loss when transmitting it. For instance, if I sent one hundred units of magical power, she would only receive around twenty.

The demon's terrible energy efficiency is like adding insult to injury. It feels like I'm cursed.

The main issue is how short the distance has to be for the magic circuit to work. Due to that, we have to be together constantly. It can be a bit . . . awkward . . . for a young man and woman of our age to always eat and sleep together. It's not that I see Chikage in that light, but . . . there are various complications, right?

But it seems like there's no way around it.

However, while it's impossible to modify the circuit, it is possible to eliminate the loss of magical power that's supplied.

The teacher said.

What?

That is, simply exchange magical power directly, through physical contact, without relying on the circuit.

Um, could you clarify what you mean by that?

Despite being gripped by a sense of dread, I still had to ask, albeit hesitantly.

The teacher studied us both, as if evaluating experimental subjects.

In the past, when there were few methods of transmitting magical power, magicians and their familiars would physically touch or exchange bodily fluids to transmit magical power. Learn from their example. If you say your circuit is weak and ineffective, this method will resolve the circuit issue for the time being.

Oh my.

No, we're not even dating. It's not typical for men and women to do such things.

If you have objections against copulation, then a kiss, or even just skin-to-skin hugging would work better for the circuit than not touching at all. However, it goes without saying that the transmission rate of magical power is higher through mucous membranes than just skin. The larger the contact area, the better, you understand? Body fluids also serve excellently as a medium. But ultimately, it's your problem. You can do as you please.

He stated this with a sense of disinterest. This man didn't seem to care much about the nuances between men and women.

No, this can't be true . . . This must be a dream, I mean, a nightmare . . .

Chikage looked up at the ceiling, her face as pale as if she was on the brink of fainting. She looked as if she has seen a ghost.

I suppose I must have a similar expression right now.

While this might not be the primary concern at the moment, your appearance . . .

The teacher's gaze shifted to Chikage.

Her beauty was not simply that of a non-Japanese person, it was beyond human. It was breathtaking, so magnificent that no amount of praise would suffice. She looked like a queen from a fairy tale.

Or rather, her beauty was so extraordinary that it seemed otherworldly. As they say, too much of a good thing can be bad. She was so beautiful that it was frankly unsettling. I wouldn't want to walk next to her.

You should be able to restore your appearance with magic.

Really?

Chikage, who appeared to be lost in thought, seemed to have found a glimmer of hope, as she asked the question with renewed energy.

The teacher nodded while studying the medical record.

Firstly, it's clear that there are two consciousnesses currently residing in your body. I'm stating the obvious, but one is your's, Ms. Fujiwara, and one is that of the demon. Can you sense that yourself?

In response to the question, Chikage nodded ambiguously.

I can definitely feel a consciousness other than my own inside me. I'm sure that's the demon's, and sometimes, I can hear her voice.

Really? What kind of voice is it? Can you understand the words? Or is it just nonsense?

I'm not entirely sure. But what I am sure of is that she doesn't harbor any good feelings toward me.

I see. So, it recognizes you.

He scribbled something onto the medical record.

In other words, even though it might seem like only Ms. Fujiwara's consciousness is present, the demon's consciousness is also there. It's the same with her physical form. Even though she appears as the demon, Ms. Fujiwara's physical body is still firmly intact.

I questioned whether it is right to consider the aspects of the physical body and non-physical consciousness in the same way, but I figured our far wiser teacher must be correct.

The teacher directed the tip of his pen towards the center of Chikage's chest.

So what I'm suggesting is that if you suppress the demon's elements, you might manage to switch forms. The same goes for consciousness. It wouldn't be surprising if the demon took over your consciousness at some point. Be cautious. And being as adept in controlling magical power as you are, you should be able to switch physical bodies without a hitch.

I see.

Chikage seems to get it . . . but wait a minute!

You made it sound simple, but doesn't that need an extraordinary amount of magical power?

The doctor nodded at my anxious remark.

Yes, indeed.

However, once the form is changed, it can be maintained with a reasonable amount of magical power. But the act of changing requires a vast amount of magic. There's no way around that.

If it requires a massive amount of magic, this feeble supply line probably won't be enough. I'll inevitably have to supply magical power through physical contact . . . but I really don't want to do that.

Do you really want to return to your original form, Chikage?

Although I asked this question hoping for denial, Chikage promptly replied.

Of course, I do.

She immediately answered.

I detest this absurd, flirtatious form. My shoulders ache from these ridiculously large breasts. It's completely exasperating.

Ah, so you're uncomfortable with the drastic change.

Quiet. These lumps of fat are just a nuisance. They're nothing more than a design flaw. I can't understand why men are so fascinated by them. Are you guys dumb?

We're dumb and proud. If men weren't dumb as you say, the human race would've perished long ago. Don't you underestimate the instincts of living beings.

Whatever. The doctor mentioned that we need to suppress the demon's elements, but is it really possible with your feeble magical power source?

Essentially, familiars can't generate magical power on their own. This is because summoners, fearing revolt from their familiars, place restrictions during the summoning process.

As beings from another world, magical beasts need magical power to sustain their life functions. Familiars, in particular, heavily rely on the magical power provided by their magicians. By controlling the rights of life and death through magical power, and further tying it to the Seal of Submission, they are able to dominate both the familiar's physical and mental aspects.

In essence, the immense amount of magical power that Chikage and the demon once possessed has become useless.

What a waste.

Dunno. We won't know until we try. If it doesn't work out, will you give up?

Absolutely not . . . Oh, this is the worst . . .

Chikage's expression darkened, but there was no denying those should have been my words.