“Let me know if you see a creature you'd like.” Myriam says as she leads the way through the forest.

Arias lets out a smirk. “Why are you so concerned with getting me a companion beast?” He asks.

“What? Are you making fun of your mom?” Myriam asks, amused. She pulls Arias close and ruffles his hair as was her habit.

Arias lets out a laugh. “Okay, okay.” He says as he runs a little further ahead.

“It's because I'm concerned for you, dingus.” Myriam says with a shake of her head. “Demons have invaded the continent, and no one’s sure what’s going to happen. I’d feel more comfortable if you had a companion beast to protect you.” She says as she leads the way once more.

“Yeah, yeah. Demons bad, I get it.” Arias says with a wave of his hand.

“Hey, you better take this seriously. This war will likely still be happening when you get older. Who knows? You might be fighting on the front lines.” Myriam says with furrowed brows.

“I’ll be fine. I’m at the top of my class.” Arias says proudly.

“Hmph! Top of your class. That’s nothing in the real world kid. But that’s why we're out here. To get some experience.” Myriam says.

Suddenly, something catches Arias’ attention. Climbing an outcrop of a mountain, was a goat looking down at him. Arias immediately points up. “I want that one.” He says.

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Myriam raises an eyebrow and looks up. “Stage one, Earthfoot Goat? No, don’t pick that one. You have to pick a stage four at least, if not a stage five or six. You shouldn’t worry too much, your mom will be able to handle it.” She says, persuading the boy.

Arias smiles. No, none of these beasts will do. But this goat dared to look down at me. That, much more than anything, is worth my care. He thinks. Besides, it would be easier to raise from the ground up. “Nope, I want that one. It’s cute.” He says, confirming his decision.

Myriam frowns. “Cute!? Will cute protect you from a demon!?” She says, slightly mad.

Arias lets out a sigh. She must really be worried. He thinks. He felt her anxiety from here, and it was making him uncomfortable. “When I’m stronger, I’ll contract a worthy beast myself.” He says, hoping to coax his mom.

Myriam continues to frown. Eventually she throws her hands in the air. “Fine!” She exclaims as she struts towards the goat. “You men are all the same! Your pride is SO important to you! Well, your health is important too! Hmph!” She grumbles as she walks away.

Arias lets out a smirk and hurries after her.

…

…

“Do you remember what I taught you?” Myriam asks with furrowed brows as she holds the Earthfoot Goat in place.

“Maaaa-a-a-ah!” The goat calls out, somewhat worried.

“I remember.” Arias says as he holds out his hand and begins to form a contract mark. If he was being honest, he already had his own method of contracting beasts, but it was a much more forceful method, and the power balance leaned towards master and servant. But Myriam’s method was based on the idea that they would be partners. Arias had to admit, if a relationship with the beast was fostered, this would be the stronger method. Before this, Arias wouldn’t care to spend his time on such a relationship, but lately, he’s been doing a lot of things he thought he would never do.

A blue circle forms before Arias’ hand and slowly, it became filled with various symbols, their contract. The Earthfoot Goat was able to perceive what they meant, and he would be able to choose whether to accept it or not.

“Baaaa-a-a-ah!” The goat calls out somewhat reluctantly. But as he considers what his life would be without this opportunity, his defiance slowly faded. Eventually, the goat bows his head.

The small, circular contract divides into two; one branding itself on Arias’ arms, and the other on the goat’s front leg.

Arias lets out a smile. “Good choice, goat.” He says.

“Hey, that’s your companion beast now. You have to give him a name.” Myriam says with some rebuke.

“I’ll name him… Darkside.” Arias says. A goat for the demon lord. It’s fitting. He thinks, satisfied.

Myriam lets out a smirk. “Are you sure? You know, one day, you won’t be an angsty teen any longer and this name will be pretty embarrassing.” She says, amused.

Arias smiles. “I’ll gladly embrace the embarrassment. It’s a fitting name.” He says, his decision steady.

Myriam lets out a chuckle. “Whatever you say, kid.” She says, accepting it.