The Hydra let out a deafening roar, its massive body retreating into the depths of the forest. Its heads swayed menacingly as it disappeared into the shadows, leaving behind a trail of destruction. One of its heads, freshly regenerated, snapped at the air as if mocking me before vanishing completely.

  "Hey! Get back here, you overgrown lizard!" I shouted, panting for breath. My clothes were drenched in sweat, clinging to my skin like a second yer, and my muscles screamed in protest as I took a step forward. But the Hydra was gone, leaving me standing there like an idiot.

  Great. Just great, I thought, running a hand through my disheveled hair. I had it right there, and it ran away like a coward. What kind of legendary monster chickens out mid-fight?

  My clones dissipated one by one, their forms flickering before vanishing into thin air. I cursed under my breath, kicking a nearby rock in frustration. It skidded across the ground, disappearing into the underbrush. This whole trip was a waste. I didn't even get a decent workout from those blood hounds earlier. And now this?

  I turned around, hoping to at least thank the woman for her help—or maybe tease her a little for being so cryptic earlier. But she was nowhere to be seen. The forest was eerily quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves.

  "Of course," I muttered, throwing my hands up in exasperation. "She disappears too. What is this, a magic trick? Poof, and she's gone. Real helpful."

  I sighed, my shoulders slumping as I started the long walk back to Rias and the others. The thought of returning empty-handed gnawed at me. The Hydra would've been the perfect familiar—or at least a powerful shadow soldier for my army. But no, it had to run away like a scared puppy.

  And what about all those other creatures I fought on the way here? I thought, shaking my head. They were all weaklings. Not a single one worth my time. This whole trip was a waste.

  When I finally stumbled back into the clearing, Rias and her peerage were waiting for me. The Familiar Master stood nearby, stroking his beard with that infuriatingly calm expression of his. They all turned to look at me, their eyes widening as they took in my disheveled state.

  "Kazuya!" Rias excimed, rushing over to me. Her crimson hair swayed as she moved, and her eyes were filled with concern. "What happened? You look like you've been through a war!"

  I waved her off, leaning against a tree for support. "Yeah, well, I kind of did. That Hydra's no joke. It's like fighting nine angry snakes with anger management issues."

  Akeno stepped forward, her fan hiding her smile. Her violet eyes sparkled with amusement as she tilted her head. "Did you make a contract with it?"

  I shook my head, my annoyance fring up again. "No. The damn thing ran away after I froze one of its heads. And that woman I fought earlier? She disappeared too. Poof. Gone. Like some kind of forest ghost."

  Kiba raised an eyebrow, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Woman? What woman?"

  "Some blonde with a blindfold," I said, gesturing vaguely. "She kept trying to stop me from fighting the Hydra, but then she helped me when things got rough. And now she's gone. Typical."

  Rias pced a hand on her hip, her expression a mix of concern and amusement. "Well, at least you're alive. That's something."

  "Yeah, lucky me," I muttered, crossing my arms. "I'll try to form a contract with the Hydra some other time. For now, let's just get out of here. This forest's starting to piss me off."

  As we turned to leave, a familiar voice called out from behind us. "Leaving so soon? And here I thought you'd at least say goodbye."

  I spun around, my eyes narrowing as I saw the woman standing there, her arms crossed and a pyful smile on her lips. Her blonde hair shimmered in the fading light, and her blindfold gave her an air of mystery.

  Oh, great. She's back, I thought, raising an eyebrow. What now?

  "You," I said, pointing at her. "Where the hell did you go?"

  She giggled, stepping closer. Her movements were smooth and deliberate, like a cat stalking its prey. "Oh, I was just watching. You're quite the fighter, you know. I'm impressed."

  "Yeah, well, I'm not impressed with you," I shot back, crossing my arms. "You missed all your spells on purpose, didn't you? What was that about?"

  She sweatdropped, her smile faltering for a moment. "I was trying to keep you away from the Hydra. It's too dangerous for someone like you."

  "Someone like me?" I repeated, raising an eyebrow. Oh, here we go. Another person underestimating me. "Lady, I froze one of its heads. I think I can handle myself."

  She sighed, shaking her head. Her blindfold shifted slightly, and I could almost feel her rolling her eyes beneath it. "You're impossible. But that's part of your charm, I suppose."

  Before I could respond, she stepped closer, her expression turning serious. "I want to form a familiar contract with you."

  I blinked, caught off guard. Wait, what? Her? "You?" I said, my voice dripping with skepticism. "Why would I want a familiar who can't even hit me with a spell?"

  She sweatdropped again, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I told you, I missed on purpose! I was trying to protect you!"

  "Sure you were," I said, rolling my eyes. Protect me, my ass. She was probably just pying games. "Anyway, what are you, some kind of cat? Fox? Bird?"

  The Familiar Master cleared his throat, stepping forward. His long beard swayed as he spoke, his voice deep and resonant. "Actually, she's a succubus."

  My eyes widened, and a grin spread across my face. A succubus, huh? Well, that changes things. "A succubus, you say? Well, why didn't you say so earlier? I accept."

  Rias and the others sweatdropped, their expressions a mix of disbelief and exasperation. Akeno sighed, shaking her head. "Of course he does."

  The succubus giggled, her smile turning mischievous. "I knew you'd see things my way."

  I shrugged, smirking. What can I say? I have a weakness for beautiful women. "What can I say? I have a weakness for beautiful women."

  Rias facepalmed, muttering under her breath. "And here I thought he was maturing."

  As the succubus stepped closer, her hand glowing with magical energy, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Sure, I didn't get the Hydra, but a succubus familiar? That wasn't a bad consotion prize.

  Maybe this trip wasn't a waste after all, I thought, grinning as the contract was sealed.

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