In the spacious room, two pairs of Famulus sat facing each other, their eyes filled with tension. Helel ben Shachar, Gerude's Famulus, sat calmly, gazing out the window. On the other side, Ereshkigal, Ian's Famulus, sat with his arms crossed, his gaze sharp and calculating. The silence in the room added to the awkwardness that had settled between them.

Gerude glanced at Ian with uncertainty, trying to break the tension. "We will face more than just healing magic in these woods," she said. "The balance of the world will be tested. Be prepared."Ian nodded, though unease filled his heart. "We are ready."Yet Ereshkigal remained silent, his eyes fixed on Helel. The tension in the air was palpable."Are we just going to sit here?" Ereshkigal sneered, his tone dismissive. "Maybe it would be better if we moved faster."Helel turned toward him, a faint smile on his lips. "You can move on your own if that makes you comfortable," he replied, his voice carrying an underlying strength.Gerude looked at Helel anxiously. "We're here to learn together," she said, trying to calm the situation.Ereshkigal scoffed. "I don't need lessons from someone like him," he said, pointing at Helel.Thalindra, who had been observing in silence, broke the tension. "If you're done fighting, we'll leave," she said, her voice sharp but authoritative.Gerude tried to calm both of them, though the tension still lingered. "We need to focus on our goal, not keep fighting."Ereshkigal finally stood and moved toward the door. "Let's go," he said flatly, hiding his anger.Helel merely nodded, saying nothing. He knew the tension was far from over.

The Morning FogThe morning mist slowly lifted from the forest, leaving dew on the leaves. Sunlight pierced through the trees, creating a mesmerizing yet threatening scene. Ian and Gerude stood there, each bearing the heavy burden of responsibility. Behind them, their Famulus, Ereshkigal and Helel, followed in silence, as though they were caught in an inevitable rivalry.

Ereshkigal cast a cold glance at Helel, as if unwilling to cooperate. Helel, more composed, tried to avoid direct confrontation. Still, the tension remained between them.Thalindra broke the silence. "If you're done staring at each other, let's continue," she said, her authority unquestionable.Ereshkigal sighed, but kept moving. "I hope this tension doesn't hinder our journey," Gerude murmured quietly.Ian looked at Gerude, his voice uncertain. "I'm afraid it already has."

Thalindra stepped forward, leading them deeper into the forest. The tall trees towered above, their leaves glittering like crystal, creating a world that felt ancient and powerful. Each step brought them closer to the hidden secrets."What's ahead?" Ian asked, curiosity in his voice."There's much for you to learn here," Thalindra replied, her voice low with meaning. "About your strength and the balance of the world, which will determine the future."

Before them stood an ancient tree, its bark intricately carved and roots sprawling. Thalindra stopped and raised her hand. "This is Yvrethil, the healing tree. It gives its leaves to heal wounds, if you call it by its ancient name: Orithan Nahlithar."Ian and Gerude approached cautiously, awed by the tree's grandeur. Ian raised his hand and softly said, "Orithan Nahlithar."The tree's leaves began to stir, and one floated down, landing in Ian's hand. A soft green light shone from it.Gerude quickly followed, feeling the tree's power as the leaf fell into her hand and healed a small wound instantly. They felt as though they had found the key to their journey.

But Ereshkigal, standing behind, still mocked them. "That little light won't protect them," he sneered, pointing at the newly found leaf.Helel glanced at Ereshkigal, a faint smile on his lips. "The power of this tree is greater than you think, Ereshkigal. But if you prefer walking in the shadows, that's your choice."Ereshkigal merely snorted, his smile full of disdain. "It's the shadows that make me strong. Without shadows, this world would be a blinding light."

Ian and Gerude exchanged looks, realizing that the tension between their Famulus could ruin their mission. They had to find a way to overcome this conflict—or their journey would end before reaching its goal.

**

After a while, Thalindra stepped forward, realizing the tension behind them was hindering their progress.She led them to a small river with crystal-clear water that sparkled as if carrying life from the depths of the earth. Medicinal plants grew along its edges, with glowing white flowers and golden-edged green leaves greeting them.

"Here, we learn healing magic," Thalindra said resolutely. She pointed to the small, glowing flower. "This is Lunarieth. With the river's water and the ancient incantation Elarith Thaelinor, it can heal wounds from medium elemental magic."

Gerude and Ian nodded, intrigued. Gerude carefully picked the Lunarieth flower, while Helel stood beside her. "Be gentle, Gerude," Helel warned. "Healing magic requires calm."

Ereshkigal, standing next to Ian, smirked. "Calm? This world isn't that simple."

Ian took a deep breath, trying to focus. Gerude mixed the flower with the water, and as she spoke the incantation, a soft blue light appeared, bringing peace.

Ian was in awe. "Incredible."

However, when it was Ian's turn, Ereshkigal roughly moved his hand, dropping Ian's flower into the water.

"Sorry," Ereshkigal said, his voice flat.

Helel stepped forward, glaring at Ereshkigal. "Was that really an accident?"

Ereshkigal shot him a cynical look. "I was just making sure they didn't make any mistakes."

"Enough!" Gerude sighed in frustration. "We'll never get anywhere if we keep fighting."

Ian nodded in agreement. "We need to work together."

Calmly, Ian picked up the Lunarieth flower again, mixed it with the water, and cast the incantation without interruption. A brighter blue light appeared, and Ian felt the healing power flow through him.

Thalindra smiled. "You've learned the basics of healing magic. But this journey is just beginning. The key to success lies in harmony—between you and your Famulus."

Ian and Gerude exchanged glances. They knew this journey was about more than just magic—it was a test of cooperation, trust, and sacrifice. And they would need more than magic to face it.

**

Night had fallen by the time they returned to Thalindra's house after a long journey through the forest.A soft breeze slipped through the door's gap, carrying the calming scent of the forest. Inside, the warm atmosphere welcomed them. Ian and Gerude sat at the dining table, savoring the aroma of warm soup and freshly baked bread. Thalindra sat at the end of the table, with Elara beside her, smiling faintly as she observed her two tired new pupils.

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Meanwhile, behind them, Helel bin Shachar and Ereshkigal stood quietly. Though their postures were graceful, their sharp gazes and small gestures told another story.

Ian, who had just tasted his soup, glanced at Ereshkigal. "Aren't you hungry?" he asked, this time more seriously.

Ereshkigal turned slowly, his eyes showing his usual indifference. "I've told you, I don't need food like you do. We gain energy from contracts."

Ian frowned, trying to understand. "So... you feed off our energy? Like parasites?"

Ereshkigal rolled his eyes. "Parasites? That's an exaggeration. We just take what's necessary to survive."

Gerude, who had finished her toast, leaned back in her chair. "So, you and Helel are like energy vampires?"

Helel looked up, his expression one of wounded pride. "I'm a noble creature of light. Vampires are crude beings who have no sense of etiquette."

Ereshkigal smiled cynically, not missing the opportunity. "Noble, huh? Yet you still take energy from Gerude without permission. Sounds like a vampire to me."

"I didn't take without permission!" Helel retorted, the light around him dimming slightly in his irritation. "And I take far less compared to you, who seems to enjoy Ian's energy like appetizers, main courses, and dessert all at once."

Ereshkigal stood up straight. "What are you trying to say? I'm far more efficient. Not like you, who wastes energy just to look shiny."

"That shine is a manifestation of power!" Helel crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. "It's not something you'd understand, being a shadow who only knows how to hide."

"Hiding is smarter than announcing your presence to every enemy within a ten-kilometer radius," Ereshkigal shot back, his cold smile widening.

Ian raised his hand. "Hey, hey! Can you stop for a moment? I just found out you're feeding off our energy, and now you're making me feel like a roast."

Elara, who had been watching with gleaming eyes, decided to speak up. "Oh, Ian, don't worry so much. If you're a roast, Helel will probably glaze you with golden spices, and Ereshkigal will eat you in the dark where no one will know."

Ian choked on his soup, while Gerude nearly spilled her drink from laughing. "That... was very specific, Elara," she said, trying to catch her breath.

Elara just shrugged with a mischievous smile. "I'm just trying to liven up the mood."

Thalindra, usually serious, finally spoke up. "Enough. This is dinner, not a debate arena. If you keep arguing, I'll ask Ian and Gerude to seal your energy."

"Seal?" Helel asked, his voice full of shock.

"You're going to starve us??" Ereshkigal asked indignantly.

Ian glanced at Gerude, trying not to laugh. "No food punishment for Famulus. That's a good idea."

"In that case, make sure I get more eating time than him before you seal your power, Ian," Ereshkigal said firmly, glancing at Helel.

"I don't need more time," Helel responded with an elegant but cutting tone. "Because I know how to manage my energy perfectly."

"Oh, yeah? That's why you always look like a walking lantern?" Ereshkigal mocked, his faint smile barely visible but enough to offend Helel.

"A lantern?" Helel repeated, his expression one of disbelief. "The light I emit is a symbol of purity and power."

Elara, nearly falling off her chair from holding back laughter, interrupted again. "But, Helel, you have to admit, you're a little too conspicuous. I'm sure some of our enemies will think we're carrying a walking lantern."

Ian and Gerude couldn't hold their laughter any longer. Their laughter filled the room, easing the tension and turning the atmosphere more warm and relaxed.

Ereshkigal slowly approached Ian, tilting his head slightly. "If I were as conspicuous as him, I'm sure you'd faint from energy depletion."

"So you're saying you're better than me?" Helel stepped toward Ereshkigal, his gaze full of challenge.

"Clearly," Ereshkigal replied, crossing his arms.

"Enough!" Thalindra knocked the table softly, but her voice was firm enough to make everyone stop. "You two are like children. This dinner was meant to be a time to rest, not a place for arguments."

Helel and Ereshkigal exchanged glances, half-holding back smiles, though neither would admit it.

"I think they need group therapy," Elara said with a grin. "Maybe we can make them play a cooperation game."

"Cooperation game?" Ian repeated, eyeing Elara suspiciously.

"Yeah, like... who can talk less for an entire day," Elara said, her gaze implying mischief.

"Challenge accepted," Helel said firmly.

"Everyone knows I'll win," Ereshkigal replied, stepping back confidently.

The mood of the night lightened, and despite the challenges of their journey through the forest and their healing magic training, this dinner provided a much-needed moment of levity.

**

After dinner, a peaceful atmosphere enveloped the table.Thalindra leaned back and looked at Ian, Gerude, and their Famulus with a thoughtful expression.

"Tomorrow," she said firmly, "we will finalize your contracts with your Famulus."

Ian, who had just sipped his water, nearly choked. "Finalize the contract? Didn't we already finish it?"

Thalindra nodded. "The contract made at summoning is only the foundation. It's enough to start the relationship, but it's not enough to protect you."

Gerude immediately sat up straighter. "Protect us? What danger are you talking about?"

Elara, who had been silent until then, smiled widely. "An incomplete contract leaves gaps. If you're not careful, your Famulus could betray or attack you."

Ian looked at Ereshkigal nervously. "You... you won't attack me, right?"

Ereshkigal snorted. "If I wanted to attack, you wouldn't have the chance to ask."

Helel, standing behind Gerude, laughed quietly. "That sounds like a threat, Ereshkigal."

Ereshkigal glared at Helel. "And you seem to prefer teaching etiquette rather than acting."

Elara chuckled. "I'll miss this debate if this contract ends up making you two more harmonious."

Ereshkigal responded firmly. "Nothing will change."

"Agreed," Helel replied.

Thalindra refocused their attention. "A perfect contract will ensure a safer relationship and maximize your Famulus's power. Without it, you'll be limited."

"So, we can be stronger?" Gerude asked.

"Correct," Thalindra nodded. "You and your Famulus will be more connected, and their strength will be more palpable."

Ian looked at Ereshkigal uncertainly. "And that means we'll have to fully trust each other?"

Ereshkigal stared coldly at him. "I'm only loyal as long as you don't bore me."

Ian sighed. "Bore you?"

Helel smiled faintly. "Famulus like us aren't easily flattered. But Gerude... not bad."

Ereshkigal chuckled softly. "You sound like you're praising a pet dog."

Helel simply smiled. "I have higher standards."

Elara smiled at the interaction. "You two are fun. But if this contract makes you calmer, I'll be disappointed."

Ereshkigal reaffirmed, "Nothing will change."

"Agreed," Helel responded.

Thalindra stood, ending the conversation. "Rest tonight. Tomorrow will be a long day. Your contract—Gerude and Helel, Ian and Ereshkigal—will be finalized."

Ian and Gerude exchanged glances, a new tension and excitement in the air.

As they stood from the table, Ereshkigal approached Ian. "Remember, Ian. This contract means I'll know every foolish decision you make."

Helel added from the other side, "And I'll make sure Gerude doesn't make any foolish decisions."

Ian glanced at Gerude tiredly. "We'll never be at peace, will we?"

Gerude laughed softly. "I guess we'll get used to it. They like to tease, but at least they're on our side."

That night ended with lighthearted teasing, as Ian and Gerude thought about what their relationship with their Famulus would be like once the contract was finalized. One thing was certain—their days would never be boring.