As the sun rose, the villagers gathered to bid their farewell to Yuto, Evelynn.
Grateful smiles stretched across their faces, and there was an undeniable warmth in their words.
"Thank you, truly," the elder villager said.
"We will never forget what you've done for us"
Another villager, a mother with her young child in tow, nodded in agreement.
"Our families are safe because of you both. We owe you everything"
Evelynn stood proudly beside Yuto, her chest puffed out slightly.
"I'm glad we could help," she said, a soft but genuine smile gracing her lips.
"It was... the least I could do"
Yuto placed a hand on her shoulder.
"We should go. Any more time here and your old man will have to pay me more"
She looked at him with shock.
"Did you address my father as an old man? A duke?"
Yuto chuckled as he playfully pushed her.
"I sure as hell did"
The villagers continued to thank them, their voices blending into a chorus of appreciation.
As the final goodbyes were exchanged, the two of them made their way toward the waiting carriage.
Evelynn couldn't help but glance back at the village one last time, a sense of fulfillment settling within her.
She had helped in a way she hadn't before, and it felt... right.
They made their way out of the village, the path winding through the lush green forest.
The air was cool and fresh, and a gentle breeze rustled through the trees.
Evelynn rode beside Yuto, her posture still carrying the pride of a noble, but there was also a quiet sense of contemplation in her eyes.
Yuto glanced over at her, sensing her change in mood.
"You alright?" he asked casually.
Evelynn nodded, though her eyes were focused ahead.
"I'm just... thinking," she said softly.
"I never thought I'd be involved in something like this. I've always been sheltered, you know?"
"But... helping those people, being able to do something useful—it felt good"
"You did great. Not everyone dares to step up like you did"
"Thank you, Yuto," she said, her voice just above a whisper.
He gave a small nod, not one for too many words but always offering encouragement when it was needed.
As they continued their journey, the sound of the rider's horse trotting filled the silence.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, Yuto couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.
He felt a slight unease in the air, like something was out of place.
He knocked on the window, signaling for the rider to stop.
He stepped out of the carriage.
"Stay with the rider for a moment," Yuto said, his voice suddenly more serious.
"I'll check the path ahead"
Evelynn didn't question him, nodding obediently as he began walking forward.
As he walked a little farther down the path, the forest grew quieter.
The usual rustling of leaves and chirping of birds faded into an unsettling silence.
Yuto's brow furrowed as he kept moving, a deep sense of caution settling over him.
He paused, his boots crunching the gravel beneath him.
The ground seemed to shift unexpectedly beneath his feet, and before he could react, the earth gave way, and he fell, tumbling down into a deep pit that had opened up beneath him.
Evelynn's heart skipped a beat when she saw him disappear.
"Yuto!" she called, but he was already out of view.
She immediately turned to the rider, who had dismounted at her side.
"We need to find him!" she said, urgency lacing her voice.
Without another word, the rider nodded, and the two of them rushed forward toward the spot where Yuto had disappeared.
Meanwhile
Yuto landed with a heavy thud, his body hitting the rocky ground.
Groaning slightly, he pushed himself up, assessing the situation.
The pit was deep, and there was no immediate way to climb out.
He wasn't injured, but he was more concerned about the strange sensation he felt from the pit like it had been waiting for him.
Looking around, he noticed that the pit led into a narrow tunnel.
"Great," he muttered to himself, shaking his head.
"What's next?"
Without hesitation, he made his way down the tunnel, the walls closing in around him as he followed its path.
Eventually, the tunnel opened up into a large, cavernous space, and at its center stood an ancient temple.
Despite its crumbling appearance, there was an undeniable aura of power emanating from the structure.
As he stepped closer, a strange energy pulsed around him, and he felt drawn to something in the back of the room.
His eyes landed on a pedestal in the center, and upon it, resting within a protective circle of magic, was a glowing egg.
His heart skipped a beat.
There was something about the egg, its energy felt familiar, yet different.
His hand instinctively reached out, drawn to it in a way he couldn't explain.
As his fingers brushed the surface of the egg, he felt a sudden surge of connection.
The egg began to pulse with a gentle light, and he stepped back, uncertain of what would happen next.
CRACK!
CRACK!
CRACK!
After a while, the cracking finally stopped, and from within the egg, a figure began to emerge.
It was a woman with wolf ears and a tail, a mix of dark blue, black, and white fur.
Her delicate features were framed by her soft, wild hair, and her eyes… crimson, like his own, locked onto his with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine.
She looked around, her gaze falling upon him once again.
He knelt to her level, his voice low.
"Are you... Okay?"
She hesitated, blinking up at him.
"I... don't understand. Where am I?" she whispered, her voice soft yet tinged with confusion.
Yuto's heart skipped a beat as he took off his coat and wrapped it around her.
She clutched the fabric close, her ears twitching as she examined her surroundings.
Her gaze returned to Yuto, lingering on him with a strange familiarity.
"You," she murmured, tilting her head.
"You feel... like him"
Yuto raised a brow.
"Like who?"
She hesitated before speaking, her voice laced with uncertainty.
"The hero of old times"
A flicker of recognition crossed Yuto's face.
He wasn't surprised.
This wasn't the first time someone had mistaken him for the past hero.
Lilith had, and now this woman did, too.
But there was something deeper in her gaze, something that made his chest tighten.
She reached out hesitantly, her fingers brushing against his cheek as if confirming something.
"You are... the same," she whispered.
Yuto sighed, gently taking her hand in his and lowering it.
"I'm not him," he said firmly.
"But... if you need someone to follow, I won't turn you away"
Her ears perked up, and for the first time, a small smile graced her lips.
She leaned forward, her nose almost brushing his as she stared into his eyes.
"Then I shall follow you," she declared.
And before Yuto could react, she closed the gap, pressing her lips softly against his.
A surge of warmth shot through him as a faint glow enveloped her body.
A bond formed between them.
When she pulled away, a mark shimmered briefly on her collarbone before fading.
"A pact?" Yuto muttered, touching his chest, where a similar warmth settled.
She nodded.
"A bond between spirit and master"
Yuto exhaled, shaking his head with a small, amused smile.
"Didn't even ask first, huh?"
She tilted her head.
"Was I supposed to?"
He chuckled, pulling off his shirt and offering it to her.
"You can't walk around like that. Here"
She took the shirt, slipping it over herself before standing.
Though she still wobbled slightly, she held her head high.
Yuto crossed his arms.
"I guess you need a name"
She blinked.
"A name...?"
"Yeah. You got one?"
She shook her head.
"Then I'll give you one," he thought for a moment before nodding.
"Ayla. It suits you"
She whispered the name under her breath, as if tasting it.
Then, she smiled, genuinely, softly.
"Ayla," she repeated.
"Yes... I like it"
Yuto smirked.
"Good. Now let's get out of here before Evelynn loses her mind"
Ayla tilted her head.
"Who is Evelynn?"
Yuto sighed.
"You'll find out soon enough"
And with that, he took her hand, leading her out of the temple.
She walked beside him, adjusting to her newfound existence.
Her bare feet barely made a sound against the cold stone, her wolf ears twitching at every small noise.
She was taking everything in, yet her attention never strayed far from Yuto.
"Where are we going?" she finally asked.
"Up," he replied, scanning the cavern for a way out.
"I fell into this place, which means there's gotta be a way back to the surface"
She nodded, falling into step beside him as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
After several minutes of navigating through the dim tunnels, Yuto spotted faint light filtering in from above.
A steep incline of rocks led toward the surface.
"That's our exit," he muttered.
Ayla tilted her head, eyeing the climb.
"Are you strong enough to make it"
Yuto smirked.
"Of course, I am, and you?"
Ayla stepped closer, almost too close, and without hesitation, wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I'll hold on," she said simply.
Yuto blinked.
"You could've just said you wanted me to carry you"
She tilted her head, expression blank.
"Would you have refused?"
"...No"
"Then there was no need to ask"
He let out a small chuckle before securing his grip around her and beginning the climb.
Ayla barely weighed anything, and she remained perfectly still as he ascended.
It didn't take long before he reached the surface, pulling them both up onto solid ground.
"Evelynn's probably losing it by now," Yuto muttered, dusting himself off.
"Who is she to you?"
Ayla asked, still hanging onto him slightly.
Yuto sighed.
"A noble girl I'm escorting. Kind of a pain, but she means well"
Ayla hummed.
"And the others? I can feel them through you"
Yuto tensed slightly, but before he could answer, a voice echoed through the trees.
"YUTO!"
Evelynn came running, her dress slightly dirtied from kneeling near the pit's edge.
The rider was behind her, looking equally relieved.
"You absolute—! What the hell happened?" Evelynn demanded, her hands on her hips.
"You disappear, the ground caves in, and then you're just—"
She trailed off, eyes widening as she finally noticed Ayla.
"...And who is that?"
Yuto glanced at Ayla, who was still clinging to him.
She stared at Evelynn with quiet curiosity, her tail flicking slightly.
Yuto sighed.
"Long story. I'll explain on the way back"
Evelynn narrowed her eyes but didn't push… yet.
She crossed her arms.
"You better"
Ayla, on the other hand, finally let go of Yuto and took a step toward Evelynn.
She tilted her head, eyes sharp yet unreadable.
"You're wary of me," Ayla observed.
Evelynn scoffed.
"No, I'm just used to Yuto attracting trouble. What are you, exactly?"
Ayla didn't answer immediately.
Instead, she turned to Yuto, as if waiting for his response.
Yuto ran a hand through his hair.
"She's a spirit. A strong one. And she's with me now"
Evelynn's expression twisted slightly, but she said nothing.
Instead, she exhaled, rubbing her temple.
"Fine. Whatever. Can we just go?"
Yuto smirked.
"Already tired of the adventure?"
"Yes," she deadpanned.
"Now move it"
He chuckled, motioning for Ayla to follow as they returned to the carriage.
As they rode back to the academy, Yuto could feel Evelynn eyeing Ayla now and then.
Ayla, however, remained unbothered.
She sat close to Yuto, head resting lightly against his shoulder, her tail swaying gently.
Evelynn, usually one to fill the silence with sharp remarks, sat across from Yuto with her arms crossed.
It was clear she had questions, many questions but for once, she seemed hesitant to ask.
Ayla, on the other hand, looked completely at ease, nestled comfortably against Yuto's side as if she belonged there.
Her wolf ears twitched occasionally at the sounds of the forest outside, but she remained still, content in his presence.
Yuto sighed, finally breaking the silence.
"Alright, Evelynn. Just ask whatever's on your mind"
Evelynn huffed, shifting her gaze out the window.
"I don't get it," she said.
"You said she just... hatched from an egg, and now she's acting like she knows you?"
Yuto glanced down at Ayla, who looked up at him with quiet adoration.
He wasn't entirely sure how to explain it himself.
"Yeah... Something like that"
Evelynn scoffed.
"That's not an answer"
Yuto ran a hand through his hair.
"Look, I don't get it either. I found the egg, it hatched, and now she's here. And apparently, she's been waiting for me"
Evelynn's eyes narrowed.
"Waiting for you specifically?"
Ayla nodded without hesitation.
"Yes"
Evelynn frowned.
"Why?"
Ayla's crimson eyes locked onto Yuto's, unwavering.
"Because he is him"
That answer did nothing to clarify things for Evelynn, who exhaled sharply.
"Right. That explains so much"
Yuto chuckled.
"Yeah, I don't think I understand it much better than you do"
Evelynn crossed her arms again, glancing at Ayla once more.
"So... what exactly is the deal? Clinging to him like that, it's kinda rude to cling to someone you just met even if you were waiting for him"
Ayla's ears twitched, and she answered before Yuto could.
"I am his!"
Evelynn blinked.
"His?"
Ayla nodded.
"Yes"
Evelynn turned to Yuto.
"And you're just... okay with this?"
He shrugged.
"Not like I had much of a choice. She made the pact before I even knew what was happening"
Evelynn leaned back, processing everything.
"So, just to summarize—you fell into an ancient pit, found a hidden temple, discovered a mysterious egg, and now you have a wolf-eared spirit girl clinging to you and calling you hers?"
"That about sums it up," Yuto said.
Evelynn sighed, rubbing her temples.
"Unbelievable. Absolutely unbelievable"
Before Yuto could respond, the carriage suddenly lurched as the rider called out from the front.
"We're approaching the academy!"
Evelynn exhaled in relief.
"Finally"
Ayla, however, remained unbothered, her gaze still fixed on Yuto, as if nothing else in the world mattered but him.
As the carriage slowed to a stop in front of the academy gates, Yuto stretched, cracking his neck before stepping out.
Ayla followed closely behind, moving with silent grace, her ears twitching as she took in her new surroundings.
Evelynn, still processing the absurdity of the entire situation, stepped out last.
Students passing by immediately took notice of them, well, more specifically, they took notice of Ayla.
Whispers spread quickly.
"Who is that girl?"
"She's gorgeous… but those ears and tail… is she a beast kin?"
"Wait, isn't that Yuto? Why is she sticking so close to him?"
"Feel like stabbing him"
"Nah, we should plan something first"
"Ugh, another girl following him around?"
"I swear this bloody bastard is trying to date the entire school"
"We should remove the problem"
Yuto groaned at the murmurs, stuffing his hands into his pockets.
He wasn't in the mood for this.
Evelynn rolled her eyes at the gossiping students before turning to Yuto.
"Well, this is where we part ways," she said, dusting off her dress.
"I need to report to my father about the mission"
"Yeah, yeah. Tell him I'm still waiting on that bonus," Yuto said with a smirk.
Evelynn scoffed but smirked back before heading toward the main building.
That left Yuto with Ayla.
She stood close, watching him with quiet expectation.
"So," he said, rubbing the back of his head, "guess I should find a place for you to stay, huh?"
Ayla tilted her head.
"I will stay with you"
Yuto blinked.
"Huh?"
"Where you go, I go," she said simply as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
He sighed.
"Yeah, I figured you'd say that"
He started walking toward the dorms, Ayla trailing a step behind him, completely ignoring the stares they were getting.
Yuto could already imagine the reaction from Alice, Lilith, and Reika when they found out about this.
And honestly?
He wasn't sure if he was ready for it.
Lilith would probably smirk, Alice might pout, and Reika… Well, she was a wildcard.
Ayla, on the other hand, walked beside him with a serene expression, as if completely oblivious to the tension building in his mind.
Her tail swayed slightly as she took in the academy's surroundings, her eyes flicking from student to student.
As they reached the entrance of the dorm, Yuto exhaled sharply.
"Alright, let's get this over with"
Pushing open the door, he stepped inside, only to immediately regret it.
Alice, Lilith, and Reika were all sitting in the common area.
Lilith was the first to notice him.
"Oh? Look who finally decided to show up," she said, resting her chin on her hand.
Her eyes gleamed with amusement.
Alice's face brightened at first, but then she blinked, her gaze shifting to the girl standing beside him.
Her smile faltered.
"Yuto? Who is that?"
Reika, usually the quietest, tilted her head slightly, her gaze analyzing the new arrival.
Ayla, completely unaffected by the sudden scrutiny, stepped forward.
"I am Ayla," she said simply.
Then, without hesitation, she turned to Yuto.
"They are yours as well?"
The room fell silent.
Yuto coughed.
"Uh… that's—"
Lilith suddenly grinned.
"Oho~? 'Yours,' she says"
Alice's eye twitched.
"Yuto," she said, her voice dangerously sweet, "would you like to explain?"
Reika just crossed her arms, waiting.
Yuto sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Alright, listen—"
Before he could even start, Ayla continued, looking at Alice.
"You are important to him," she stated, nodding.
Then, she turned to Lilith.
"And you… feel familiar"
Lilith's amusement faded slightly, her gaze sharpening.
"Oh?"
Yuto groaned.
"Can I get five minutes before you all start interrogating me?"
"No," all three girls said at once.
Ayla just tilted her head in confusion.
Yuto exhaled.
"Great. This is my life now"
Lilith leaned forward, her smirk returning.
"Alright, lover boy, start talking. Who is she, and why is she clinging to you like a lost puppy?"
Alice crossed her arms, her eyes narrowed.
"And what does she mean by 'yours'?"
Reika remained silent but kept her sharp gaze on Ayla, clearly analyzing the situation.
Yuto glanced at Ayla, who stood calmly beside him, her tail swaying slightly.
He ran a hand through his hair and sighed.
"Alright, long story short, while escorting Evelynn back, I fell into a pit, ended up in some ancient temple, and found an egg. The egg hatched, and out came Ayla"
Alice blinked.
"An… egg?"
Yuto nodded.
"Yeah. Turns out, she's a spirit. A wolf spirit, specifically"
Ayla, hearing her name, stepped forward.
"I was born from the essence of the old hero," she said, her voice soft yet certain.
"And when I awoke, I felt a strong connection to Yuto. He… is my master now"
The room fell into another tense silence.
Alice's face turned red.
"M-M-Master?!"
Lilith smirked, clearly amused.
"Oh, this just gets better and better!"
Reika finally spoke, her voice calm yet inquisitive.
"A spirit bond, then? Like the ancient contracts of old?"
Yuto nodded.
"Pretty much"
Ayla looked up at him.
"Yes. I belong to Yuto now. He named me, and our bond was sealed with a kiss"
Alice choked on air.
"You kissed her?!"
Lilith laughed.
"Oh, this is gold!"
Yuto groaned, rubbing his temples.
"It's not like that! It's how the bond works. It was the first thing she did after hatching!"
Alice pouted, looking away.
"Still…"
Reika, though quiet, seemed to be carefully thinking everything over.
"Ayla," she finally said, "what exactly do you feel toward Yuto?"
Ayla blinked at her, then turned to Yuto with a soft expression.
"I… I do not know how to describe it. I only know that I must stay by his side. It is as if I have known him before, even though I have just awakened"
Lilith's smile faded slightly at that.
"…That's interesting"
Yuto sighed, crossing his arms.
"So, are we done with the interrogation?"
Lilith stretched.
"Fine, fine. But just so you know, Yuto, if you keep collecting women like this, you might as well start a guild"
Ayla looked at Yuto and then nodded.
"If Master wishes to start a guild, I shall help him"
Lilith cackled.
Alice threw a pillow at him.
And Yuto?
He stretched his arms.
"Alright, if we're done with the interrogation, I'd like to get some rest. It's been a long day"
Alice frowned, her arms still crossed.
"Where is she staying?"
Yuto opened his mouth, then paused.
That… was a good question.
Ayla had nowhere to go.
She legitimately spawned into his life.
She wasn't a student; was it even possible to register her as one?
Ayla blinked up at him.
"Wherever you are, of course"
Alice twitched.
"That's—!"
"Hold on," Yuto interrupted before things could spiral again.
"I'll figure something out. There's got to be a spare room somewhere"
Lilith raised a brow.
"Are you sure about that? Most of the dorms are filled, and I doubt the faculty is going to let a spirit girl just wander around without supervision"
Yuto sighed.
"I'll talk to Professor Hideo tomorrow. Maybe he can set something up"
Reika, ever the logical one, finally nodded.
"That would be best. Spirits are rare, and without proper registration, they could cause issues"
Ayla tilted her head.
"I do not understand why this is an issue. I am bound to Yuto. That should be enough"
Alice looked like she wanted to protest, but instead, she just let out a defeated sigh.
"Just… do what you need to do. But no funny business, got it?"
Lilith grinned.
"Oh, someone's worried~"
"Shut up, Lilith!" Alice snapped, her face red.
Yuto ignored them, rubbing his temples.
"Let's just call it a night"
Ayla nodded.
"Then I shall remain with you, Master"
Alice twitched again.
Lilith barely held back laughter.
Reika just sighed.
And once again, Yuto found himself accepting his fate.
He exhaled as he walked down the hall, his mind still processing the chaotic series of events from earlier.
Lilith strolled beside him, an amused smirk on her lips, while Ayla followed quietly, her gaze flickering around the academy halls with mild curiosity.
"You attract all kinds of trouble, huh?" Lilith teased, nudging his side.
"First me, now a spirit girl who imprints on you at first sight? I'm starting to think you have some kind of secret talent for this"
He groaned.
"I'd rather not have that kind of talent"
Lilith laughed, clearly enjoying his misery.
Ayla, meanwhile, glanced between the two of them, tilting her head.
"Am I in trouble, Master?"
Yuto sighed, glancing back at her.
"No, Ayla. I'll take care of it, so don't worry"
She gave a small nod, seemingly satisfied with his answer.
Reaching his dorm room, he opened the door and stepped inside.
Lilith walked in right after, throwing herself onto her usual spot, the couch near the window (Yuto had put the couch after she kicked him to the wall).
She stretched out, looking as comfortable as ever.
Ayla, however, remained standing, her eyes scanning the room.
She took in every detail before finally focusing on Yuto.
"Where shall I rest?"
Yuto scratched his head.
"Uh… well, I guess the bed's free"
Lilith, lounging on the couch, raised an eyebrow at that.
"Oh? You're letting the new girl sleep in your bed? I don't remember you ever offering me that when I was first summoned by you"
He shot her an unamused look.
"That's because you essentially broke into my room and claimed a spot without asking"
Lilith grinned.
"Fair point"
Unfazed by the conversation, Ayla stepped closer to the bed and touched the blanket's fabric.
"This is acceptable," she said simply before sitting down.
Yuto ran a hand through his hair.
"Yeah, well, get some sleep. We'll figure out everything else tomorrow"
Ayla nodded, obedient as ever.
Meanwhile, Lilith smirked from her place on the couch, clearly waiting for something entertaining to happen.
Yuto, ignoring her, sighed and sat at the edge of the bed, already bracing himself for whatever chaos tomorrow would bring.