The girls were clearly losing patience.
Even now, Ryuichi still had the nerve to joke about it—watching them flail around in frustration while the slimes clung to them.
He honestly didn't know what to do.
If he ran to help, he'd see far more than he should.
If he didn't help, that seemed even worse.
Between being a gentleman and a total beast…
Ryuichi hesitated for half a second—then chose the gentleman.
"Hang in there! I'm coming!" he shouted, sounding braver than he felt, and dashed toward Rias.
The slimes had already paralyzed the girls' magic, chewing at their enchanted uniforms like hungry leeches.
Rias's arms were half-bound by translucent green goo, her crimson hair sticking to her shoulders.
"This is awful—so cold and slimy!" she cried, shivering.
Ryuichi blinked. Wow… these things are way too good at this.
He reached forward and tried to pull one off her arm—only to find the stuff unbelievably tough. Even with his strength, he couldn't rip it free.
"These little guys are sturdy," he muttered. "Honestly, they'd make fantastic support-type Familiars."
If only they didn't specifically target women's clothes, he added silently.
Rias shot him a glare while struggling to regain her magic.
"Stop day-dreaming! Slimes are common—and incredibly annoying. Familiars are supposed to be important partners, Ryuichi. Think carefully before choosing one!"
As if to emphasize her point, another blob of slime splashed onto her shoulder, making her yelp again.
Akeno sighed softly beside her. "Ara ara… this is becoming quite the mess."
Her outfit had fared no better, and even under the flickering light she somehow managed to smile with perfect composure.
Ryuichi couldn't help but laugh. "If nothing else, these slimes really understand what men find distracting."
His not-so-subtle gaze earned him an immediate response.
Koneko marched up, face calm but eyes dangerous. She grabbed his cheeks between her restrained hands and—crack!—twisted his head away.
"Do not look."
"Y-yes ma'am!" he yelped. For a second he was sure she'd snapped his neck.
When she finally released him, he turned back—and accidentally caught a glimpse of Koneko herself, half-freed from the slimes.
Despite her petite frame, she was undeniably adorable.
"…Don't feel bad, Koneko," he blurted before he could stop himself. "You might not have Rias's or Akeno's curves, but you're still super cute."
Koneko's golden eyes narrowed dangerously.
Ryuichi panicked and pulled out his Sword of Kings. "Wait! Let me just cut you loose, okay?"
With a precise slice, the blade severed the goo around her wrists.
Freed, Koneko tore off the rest of the slime with astonishing strength and slammed it onto the ground.
May your slime souls rest in peace, Ryuichi thought, wincing at the splat.
He hurried to help Rias next; once her hands were free, she unleashed a burst of crimson flame that reduced every slime on her body to ash.
Then came Akeno's turn—but the slimes weren't giving up easily.
One yanked her backward just as Ryuichi stepped in to help, sending both of them tumbling to the ground.
He ended up sprawled over her, faces inches apart.
"Ara ara…" Akeno's voice was soft, teasing. "Ryuichi, you've reached that age, haven't you?"
"Koneko's" deadpan voice cut in immediately. "Ryuichi is being indecent again."
Asia's worried whisper followed: "R-Ryuichi-san… if you really need help, I—I could—"
"Wh-what are you all even talking about!?" Ryuichi sputtered, pushing himself upright.
He gave Akeno an apologetic look. "…I swear that was an accident."
Akeno only smiled, warm and forgiving. "I know, I know. Now, would you please help me up, kind sir?"
He swung the Sword of Kings again, slicing away the slime that bound her.
The instant she was free, golden lightning crackled through the clearing.
In a single thunderclap, every remaining slime turned to smoking ash.
Koneko had already helped Asia escape, and soon the girls' magic shimmered back into place, restoring their normal appearances.
Ryuichi sighed wistfully. "Still think those slimes would've made great Familiars…"
Rias rolled her eyes. "Not happening."
"Yeah, yeah." He scratched his head, offering a tiny salute toward the puddles. Thanks for the show, little guys. Rest easy.
Then he walked on, the others following close behind.
A few quiet minutes later, the rustle of footsteps echoed from deeper in the woods.
Ryuichi halted, hand on his sword.
A familiar figure emerged from the shadows.
"Zatouji-san!" Asia exclaimed, eyes brightening—because perched beside him was the tiny blue dragon from before.
"Whew," Zatouji chuckled, "that one took some convincing, but we're on good terms now. So, who's going to make the contract?"
"For Asia," Ryuichi said immediately.
"Got it." Zatouji smiled. "And you, young man? Any idea what kind of Familiar you want?"
Ryuichi tilted his head, pretending to think while everyone watched him.
Finally he said, very seriously, "I still kind of want one."
The girls didn't even hesitate.
In perfect unison, they replied:
"No."
Ryuichi: "…"
Zatouji: "Eh?"
And the night in the Familiar Forest continued.