*Still, do you accept the conditions for the soul contract? Know that by doing so, you will become a monster like me. Some of us are not well received by humanity, but you don't look like a threat.

  - Well... I'm happy with that compliment... But I'll take it. If it's to save you, I'm willing to accept a tail... or maybe even two.

  *So it's decided...

  - Right, so what do we do now? You're going to teach me that origin trick for us...

  *First, we need to give ourselves a name.

  - More rules? What do you mean, we need to give ourselves a name?

  *In order for the ritual to take pce more accurately, we need to establish a direct link, something like what you humans call a “family name”. This name will give us a [Celestial Protection] to ensure that the ritual is successful.

  - I see, but isn't your protection alone enough?

  *Names, blessings and baptisms are absolute forms of bonding for a superior monster with its inferiors. By creating a bond of trust with a name or bestowing a blessing on someone, extraordinary things can happen, depending on the degree of power. It's a resource widely used by Majins to get powerful subordinates and have total control over them. But in our case, it's just for mutual protection.

  That said, words do have power. A name is, in fact, a concept, an idea, an identity that defines the individual from birth. It's usually given by parents or a legal figure, and in this case, I believe it will also mark my rebirth into a new world.

  - Right, I agree with that idea.

  *Perfect. You don't have a name in our world yet. When you are named, you will be able to create bonds with other named beings.

  - Interesting.

  *Indeed. Melycia has a rge family thanks to the blessing of a name, because of that. But, as you said yourself, it will be something of a bond between the two of us. So make an effort to choose a worthy name.

  - You too.

  We'll need a common name. In that case, I'll take on the role.

  A name should reflect the characteristics of an individual, and as he will be named now... Let me think...

  He has a peculiar personality. He seems to care a little about those he trusts, but disdains others regardless...

  Shadow... No, too cliché... Bck... Neither. If you look closely, he has purple features. His dark tone is due to this cave...

  Darkness, after meeting him, doesn't seem to be such a suitable name for him. He's bolder than that.

  - Daring... I've got it! What do you think of Harkness?

  *Harkness... Harkness...

  - What? You don't like it?

  *HARKNESS!

  - WOW! Did you have to shout?

  *I was just doing a test. Indeed, Harkness is an imposing name! You have good taste, human.

  - Thank you...

  *So... AS OF TODAY, I'M SYPHUS HARKNESS!

  It seems he really liked it... but was the shouting part really necessary? It's okay that only I can hear him, because of the mental communication, but still, my head hurts...

  *Now it's your turn.

  - Please give me a proper name.

  *Before that, know that your previous identity will be cast aside and will remain registered only in your essence... Human... You are worthy of recognition. Can you tell me your name?

  - Sato Maylene.

  *Sato Maylene... Indeed, a unique name for a reincarnated woman...

  Maybe because I'm Japanese, a name like mine would be hard to find around here.

  *I see, I see... From now on, with Syphus' blessing, you will be recognized as Satouma!

  - Satouma? What kind of name is that?

  *Don't you dare question my creativity! Many beings would kill to be named after a primordial!

  He just combined my surname with the first two letters of my name and came up with this! Is that creativity? But that's okay, at least it's a name from this world, so I assume it won't arouse so much suspicion.

  Satouma... It's not so bad. You just added two kanji to my surname...

  *Your turn, human.

  - Hm?

  *Decre your name to the world right now.

  - Is that really necessary? You're not forcing me to do this just because you're embarrassed by your st name...

  *Decre it!

  - Okay, okay... WORLD, AS OF TODAY I'M SATOUMA HARKNESS.

  But what?!

  Suddenly, I felt a shiver run down my spine, as if something had happened... It wasn't just a feeling...

  That name... Satouma Harkness... It stuck in my mind, as if I'd heard it a long time ago, even though I'd been named today. So this is the feeling of rebirth...

  As strange as it was, something inside me told me that there was a connection with Syphus. It was as if we had known each other for a long time, even though our first exchange of gnces happened today. As I watched him, I realized that he felt something simir. Or maybe it was just my impression.

  - Syphus Harkness...

  *Hmm... Satouma.

  - I think... no, I'm sure. I'm ready for the contract.

  *So be it...

  He stood up again, fully, and showed me his origin once more. His body exuded the same glow as before. Now his origin was in my hands, but no longer to destroy it. I was going to form a soul contract with him.

  *It's up to you now, Satouma...

  I assumed I needed to say a few words...

  - I... From now on, being Satouma Harkness, I form a soul contract with Syphus Harkness.

  *I, Syphus, henceforth known as Syphus Harkness, Third Generation of the Abyssal Dragons, agree to form a contract with Satouma Harkness.

  The moment we both accepted the contract; I could see Syphus slowly disappearing in front of me. But there was no reason to panic. Its origin, which had previously rested in my hands, was gone, but the feeling of it was still as close as if it were still with me.

  Gradually, its physical form fell apart, and with a final sigh of relief, it disappeared altogether. Its origin was now linked to mine, and I could feel it very close, along with a growing sensation of warmth taking over my body. It was as if I was being enveloped by an intense fme...

  What is it...? I'm getting dizzy... My body... I can feel numbness in some parts, but also intense pain...

  - Syphus... San...

  Gaarrrghhh!

  He doesn't answer me... The connection is gone. I've lost my connection with him...

  A sharp pain seizes my chest, a burning sensation runs through my skin. It's horrible. The contract... didn't work out? I'm... dying again?!

  I feel my senses fading, my mind fading... My body feels strange... And, like an old friend, fatigue consumes me again.

  Vaku