"It's time. Let your blood fall onto the circle, and it will activate," Mond reminded him.
In that moment, Noel understood. His master had gone to such lengths; he couldn't let him down now. He bit into his finger.
Blood slowly welled up, forming a bead before dropping onto the center of the magic circle. At once, the entire formation began to stir.
Ancient green patterns shimmered to life, and a faint altar began to appear within the glow, with Noel's single drop of blood floating above its center.
Suddenly, a crack split open at the altar's center, and a small figure began to emerge from within.
She had light green hair that danced like wind-blown leaves, actual leaves entwined within her strands, giving her a mystical, captivating beauty. Her bright eyes radiated vitality, impossible to look away from.
But what truly stunned the onlookers was the gentle curve of her figure—Mond was openly staring.
"Who is it that calls upon Sylph?" She glanced around, her eyes landing on Noel. "Was it you, little one? Not bad," Sylph said approvingly.
But then her gaze fell on Mond, and her expression twisted. "Ugh, why is that detestable man here too?"
Noel remained silent, but Mond quickly spoke up. "Sylph, it's been a long time."
"I wish it hadn't been," Sylph snapped.
"Don't be so cold! We've met a few times now, haven't we? Once you get past the first meeting, we're practically old friends," Mond replied with a sheepish grin.
Sylph's eyes flickered to Noel. "So, this child is your apprentice? Looks promising. Though I can't fathom what the heavens were thinking, letting a useless alchemist like you get a student this good."
"How about it? Just took him in recently. He's only been studying alchemy for—oh, let me be precise—eight days," Mond boasted.
"You idiot," Sylph huffed, "don't think I don't see what you're up to. Are you playing games with me? You're having a kid who's studied alchemy for barely a week form a spirit contract already? You're as insane as ever."
"Look, I'm just the middleman here," Mond said, raising his hands. "Whether he's worthy or not is up to you to decide. You have your standards, don't you?"
"Get away from me. I don't want your stench anywhere near me," Sylph snapped.
Mond wisely stepped back, understanding well that some spirits simply didn't get along with others—like the Wind Spirit and the Fire Spirit.
As for me, Mond mused, I could only ever manage a contract with the Fire Spirit. But Noel is different. That boy's a genius—if he wanted to, he could probably form contracts with multiple spirits without an issue. Talent really is everything…
"Um, let me introduce myself properly," Noel said, stepping forward. "My name is Noel. Judging by your appearance, you must be the Wind Spirit, Sylph. You are truly elegant and noble. I've never met a spirit before, but you are very beautiful."
"Oh, stop, you're making me blush! Though, of course, I am naturally beautiful," Sylph said, shyly twirling a lock of her hair, "but… are you being honest?"
"Of course. Truer than gold," Noel replied earnestly.
"You really are a sweet child. Unlike your master, Mond, who had the audacity to sign with that brute Salamander. Sure, that hothead has looks and power, but he's so uncouth! Don't you dare learn from him, okay?" Sylph scolded while circling around Noel.
"I promise, I won't," Noel said seriously.
"Good boy. Now, let's discuss the terms of our contract. It's mostly a formality, but we spirits take our pacts very seriously," Sylph explained.
"You know, we spirits value contracts above all else, and you alchemists do too. Once the contract is signed, you must not violate its terms. Understood?"
Between them, a magical parchment appeared, glowing softly. "We will discuss the terms aloud, and this parchment will record our agreement. Everything it records is binding, so don't try to cheat."
"I understand completely," Noel agreed readily.
"To be honest, I already like you, Noel. But thanks to Mond, you started with a negative score. Still, our contracts are flexible, so you may choose freely."
"There are three blessings you may choose from: Breath of the Wind, Swiftness of the Wind, and Will of the Wind."
Noel pondered. Breath of the Wind probably means sensing the flow of air. Swiftness of the Wind likely enhances speed. Will of the Wind sounds like a form of elemental manifestation…
"I choose Breath of the Wind," Noel decided.
"Breath of the Wind it is!" Sylph smiled.
The parchment glowed, displaying the first clause as complete.
"Now, it's time for your blessing. Normally, spirits choose what blessing to give, but you're so adorable, Noel, that I want to give you a good one. Let me think…" Sylph tapped her chin, cycling through countless options in her mind.
Reciting a blessing spell? No need. Wind's Blessing is too close to Breath of the Wind…
"I've decided!" she exclaimed. "I will grant you the Curse of the Storm. It's very powerful, but be careful—if you misuse it, I will get angry, okay?" Sylph said with a playful pout.
"I promise to use it wisely," Noel replied sincerely.
The parchment glowed again, recording the second clause as complete.
"The third clause concerns when I can fight alongside you," Sylph explained. "If you wish, I can stay with you daily—but you will need to pay me."
"Payment?" Noel blinked.
"Don't worry, I'm very fair," Sylph giggled. "All I ask is that after each battle, you buy me something called 'ice cream.' I've heard your human world has this delicious treat. One fight, one ice cream!"
"Ice cream? What's that?" Noel asked, tilting his head.
"What?! You've never had ice cream? Mond, you heartless brute!" Sylph cried, genuinely shocked. "Noel, you poor thing."
"Once you learn what ice cream is, we can talk more about it. For now, I'll make a concession: I'll fight for you three times for free. But remember, your summoning circle must be of high enough quality, or I won't show up."
"Really? Thank you so much!" Noel said gratefully.
The parchment glowed again, recording the third and fourth clauses.
> This contract is now complete. No alterations allowed. Any violation will result in penalties.
"Um, what's the fourth clause?" Noel asked.
Sylph blinked. "Oh, you don't even know? The fourth clause is the Equality Clause, ensuring that spirits and humans stand as equals within the contract. It protects both of us."
She shot a glare at Mond internally. How could he not explain this to such a smart kid? That man is going to ruin him…
"I see… So, what happens next?" Noel asked.
"Now, you should go back and rest," Sylph said, fluttering around him. "Forming a contract takes a lot out of both parties, so let's look forward to meeting again soon, okay?" She winked at him mischievously.
A black rift opened once more, and Sylph slowly floated back into it, leaving Noel standing alone, still processing everything that had just happened.
PS: Access advance chapters at
https://www.patreon.com/c/NanamiTL