Jessica Winters, like Levi, was a student at Arancia's Third Academy of Magic and Contracts. They were in the same year, but assigned to different classes.
Today, she had also undergone her own Talent Awakening.
Before the end of the school day, word of Levi's awakening had reached her ears.
At first, upon hearing that he had awakened Dragon Affinity, her joy had eclipsed everyone else's. That was the legendary supreme contract bloodline—one that could bind a master–servant pact with a dragon!
But when she learned of the dragons' rarity and proud, untamable nature, that joy was smothered by a heavy wave of unease.
So, the moment she arrived home, she had rushed to knock on Levi's door.
She was afraid he couldn't handle the blow—afraid that he might sink into despair.
…
Levi didn't push her away.
That familiar sense, carried over from inherited memories, kept him from feeling any aversion toward the girl next door.
He listened quietly to her urgent, heartfelt words—
"Levi, my Affinity isn't bad either—it's Herbivore Affinity."
"When I grow strong, I'll help you catch a dragon!
As long as you have one, your talent can truly shine."
"So… all you have to do is stay alive."
Her voice trembled, tinged with tears not yet shed.
In her mind, Levi must be drowning in disappointment—
To awaken such a heaven-defying talent, only to have reality render it useless… such a fall from the clouds would crush almost anyone.
Levi felt a faint stir in his heart.
A young girl, in an effort to comfort him, had made a vow that was nearly impossible to fulfill.
"Thank you."
His reply was calm, understated. He didn't tell her the truth—that he had no need of such help.
Ten seconds later, Jessica finally released him, and their eyes met.
For the first time, Levi truly saw her face clearly—
Pale, flawless skin. Delicate, well-defined features. Lips full and rosy. But above all, those eyes—clear as a mountain spring, as if they could reflect the very soul of anyone who met their gaze.
Levi chuckled, teasing lightly.
"What's wrong? Not planning to let go? Am I that comfortable to hold?"
Jessica's cheeks flushed crimson. She quickly stepped back, but a faint doubt stirred in her heart—
The Levi before her showed not a trace of gloom. Instead, his expression was calm… and beneath it, an almost imperceptible confidence.
"Levi… are you really okay? You seem… in a good mood."
Levi opened his mouth to answer—
BOOM!!!
From the side bedroom came a muffled roar, like thunder splitting the air.
The tightly shut wooden door shattered under a violent force, splintering into pieces. The thick floorboards groaned as cracks snaked outward, reaching all the way to the corner walls.
Both turned toward the room.
There, as the last of the golden light faded, a newborn dragon stood quietly.
Its body had already grown to two meters in length, covered in earthen-yellow scales etched with flame-like crimson patterns.
Each of its four claws blazed with roaring fire. Its twin horns were split in color—half crimson, half gold. The whiskers on its snout remained pure white, while its eyes still held that same clear, piercing gold.
[Ding— Congratulations, Host. Fusion successful!]
[Ding— First fusion success detected. Reward: "Beginner's Gift Pack" granted. May be opened at any time.]
Jessica froze.
Her eyes went wide, hand flying to cover her mouth, breath quickening until it nearly burst from her chest.
"A… a dragon!"
"Levi—there's a dragon in your room!"
"I… I'm not seeing things, am I?"
Her voice stammered uncontrollably, stripped of the quick wit she usually carried.
A dragon—standing tall and proud—in the middle of an ordinary stone house?
And not just any dragon… one this unique?
In that instant, Jessica finally understood why Levi had shown not a shred of worry earlier.
With a companion like this, what could he possibly fear?
Her mind flashed back to the mocking words she'd overheard at school, and she couldn't help but snap:
"Idiots! Calling your talent a wasted gift?
This is clearly—a dragon hidden in a stone house!"
…
Truth be told, Levi himself was a little stunned.
It wasn't just that the fusion had succeeded—it was the ruckus it had caused.
The side bedroom looked like it had just been through a minor earthquake.
"System, what was that? You didn't mention the fusion would cause this kind of… destruction."
[Host never asked…]
The system's tone was utterly innocent, leaving Levi completely speechless.