*Given your potential as a reincarnate, your powers will only expand with time in this world. So when you discover their true scope, perhaps you can help me with my problem.

  - It makes sense... The more I explore the potential of my powers, the more they will grow. But realistically, that could take more than a single year.

  *To, as I've already told you, years are like the blink of an eye for a dragon. Centuries make no difference to us. Take your time, and considering how persistent you seem to be, I believe you'll achieve your goals in well under a century.

  He overestimates me more than he should. It's not like learning how to edit a document on a computer or write a report. And, by the way, I don't even know if that's the limit of my power. Maybe I'm just a weakness in disguise. He definitely sees me that way and doesn't make a point of hiding it.

  - That's fine with me, but still... would you trust me for all this time?

  *You could have ended my life right then and there. You could have killed me right there, and yet you made a point of trying to heal me, even if it meant sacrificing your own life. If I didn't trust you after such a huge gesture, the biggest fool here would be me.

  - I don't think I can refute that...

  *Well, those were my demands. Now, I think you should have some too, since we're forming a contract. You can ask me for something in return, you don't have to be shy, after all, I'm extremely powerful. But tell me, what would you like in return? By making me an offer like that, you're even worse than my old work colleagues, who always wanted to compensate me when I took over their shifts in times of extreme need. Even though I denied it, I ended up getting a few treats and was forced to accept them. But in this case, he's dying... I really wouldn't feel comfortable accepting anything from him.

  - I don't think I'd like anything.

  *Don't be shy, human. Everyone of your race has a wish. What would you like?

  He really is insistent, as you'd expect from a bold and proud dragon... Even so, there's nothing I want right away. Even in my previous life, I never had any great desires. I always fought for what I wanted, without needing anything extravagant. It took a while, but since I achieved something simple, like my financial freedom, I was able to fulfill all my personal desires, however long it took. I wasn't a millionaire, but I earned enough to live well, so material desires were fulfilled. As far as worldly desires were concerned... I don't think anything... No...

  Perhaps, now, there is something I could wish for... A retionship with someone! Could he find me a boyfriend, a girlfriend, who knows? I'm not demanding, experience alone would be more than enough! No... That would be ridiculous. He'd probably ugh or despise me. But as I think about it, something occurs to me...

  - I don't think you could give me what I want.

  *Oh? Now you've got me curious. What is this unattainable desire?

  - Maybe a quiet life.

  *A quiet life?

  - Yes... In my past life, I knew I had that. And now, all I'd like is for things not to be so different in a new world.

  *Hm...

  - Come on, ugh, I know it's silly.

  *No... It just surprised me. Normally, individuals of your race would aim for priceless treasures, powers beyond comprehension, or even something absurd like the search for an unattainable love.

  - é... Who would ask for that kind of thing, right? nervous ughter

  *Although it seems like a simple wish, it shows a certain depth. Talking to you, I should have expected something like that. But you should know that in order to get that kind of thing, you'll have to fight for it on your own. Unfortunately, I can't give you something so abstract.

  - As I've already said, I'm aware that something like that won't be easy to achieve. Even more so in an unknown world. This may be a bigger challenge than a simple job interview, but it's something I'll inevitably have to face in the future.

  *Hm... I can't give you that, but I can offer you something that might help you achieve your goal.

  - Can you? What would that be?

  *My essence.

  - Your... essence?

  *That's right. It may sound strange, but the moment we form our soul contract, you inherit part of it. Listen carefully: if having a peaceful life is what you want, know that in order to achieve it, you'll need to become stronger. Even as a reincarnate with the skills of a [Healer], that still wouldn't be enough to achieve it.

  He's right. As much as I can protect myself from many things thanks to the benefits of this css, I'll still be vulnerable. That sentence alone made me realize that this world is indeed dangerous, and that I'll need more than healing power to get by in certain situations.

  - So I don't see a problem with that... Are you sure I can inherit your powers?

  *Hmph, I didn't say you'd inherit my essence completely. In fact, you'll receive some of my magical powers, but how you use and strengthen them will be up to you. The irony is that someone with the gift of a [Healer] possesses the destructive essence of an abyssal dragon. After our contract, you'll become a real walking contradiction.

  - I realized that too. Your power is destructive, and mine has the ability to preserve. How is it possible for the two to coexist in a single being?

  *So I can make it clear that by accepting me, you will completely give up your humanity and become a new species.

  - A new species... You mean I'm going to turn into a giant dragon like you?

  *Of course not, silly human! Unless that's the kind of form you want.

  - No, I think I'm happy with my current form.

  *Hmph, so you're mocking my majestic form... You wouldn't exactly be a full-blown dragon, but you would certainly have traits simir to mine.

  - Simir traits... Would I have scales, a tail and wings?

  *Most likely. I can't control that part, but you need to be aware of the conditions.

  - So I'd still be human, but with traits of a... dragon? Your haunting aesthetic has a certain style, but I wonder how it would look on me. Would I have a dragon's head? Or would I inherit the body and keep the human head? Just thinking about it, it seems completely bizarre.

  Vaku