>SHIIIIINNNNGGGG!!!<
Light enveloped both Edward and Anabelle as they called upon their Bond Souls.
'What incredible mana!' My thought sparked, watching as the beings materialized from the energy bustling from the two.
I hadn't expected the Familiars they would contract with to have a presence so strong, but I just kept on being surprised today. They manifested, and my eyes bulged in surprise and awe at the magnificent beings that appeared before me.
"T-these are—!!!"
Floating in front of Ana as her Familiar was a creature anyone would recognize, but the variant was so unique that I doubted any other student possessed one like it.
Having wings that glimmered like the ocean, and a tail serving as the replacement for legs, this strange cross-breed between a mermaid and a fairy, appeared majestically.
It wore silver and blue armor, and its sapphire hair floated, as though it was being submerged in water. The skin that showed was pale, but appeared moist. Having a flawless beauty that perfectly represented her, and sparkles of light floating around, this being was none other than a Naiad Fairy!
'Amazing!'
The rarer the type of being was before its death, the more powerful it was guaranteed to be. A Naiad Fairy was extremely rare! it was also classified as an Imperial Grade Magic Beast, thereby making the familiar also of the same Grade if nurtured well!
Generally speaking, creatures that took on the trait of multiple species had hidden characteristics and were guaranteed for evolution.
As I was still locked in my dazed state while staring at Anabelle's Familiar which was the first to appear, Edward finally manifested his. The aura of the Bond caused me to instantly turn my head and stare in Edward's direction.
What I saw was even more surprising than Anabelle's Familiar.
It had a horrifying dark aura, like a thick mantle in the night. Purple flashes sparked around the being, and I could sense the deep-seated malice emanating from it.
'This... why is such a being Edward's Bond? This is absurd!!!'
This Familiar took on the form of an armored warrior. He was clad in full dark plates, covering his body in strange metal and some fabric in loose ends. Purple linen made up the clothes that showed underneath his armor, and there were several inscriptions and designs on the raven-black gear of the same color. One would have thought this was a dark, yet noble warrior, except for one major flaw.
It had no head!
'A Dullahan!' My mind instantly rang.
The warrior's head was held by the side using one of his arms, and I could see the two crimson balls of light that served as his eyes.
The Dullahan floated, same as the fairy, but definitely had a more intimidating presence.
The Grade of this creature was way past the Imperial Grade. It was at least a Fable Grade. How did such a soul pick Edward?!
Dullahans were creatures of horror and nightmare, personifying death itself. A Dullahan dying and becoming a Bond Soul was absurd enough, but for it to choose Edward as its Host?
'How...?!'
I had to admit, though, the power level of the Dullahan wasn't as powerful as I expected from its Grade, most likely due to the fact that it must have lost most of its powers, but this was still incredible!
'It should have a mount, though... I wonder where it is...'
Perhaps that was the reason it didn't seem like the being lived up to its identity. Was it incomplete? So many questions rang in my head as I looked at both students and their Familiars.
'I thought I was lucky to have encountered Wisps, but these two have great luck too!'
"These Familiars are amazing, Anabelle, Edward! This has exceeded my expectations by far!"
Both of them broke into pleased grins the moment I said this, acting all smug about their achievements.
"Come on, Rhea. You should greet our friend. Go on." Anabelle suddenly spoke, referring to her Familiar whom she had already named.
What a smart girl.
"U-uh, I am... my name is... e-erm... Nice to meetcha!!!"
The fairy-mermaid squeaked in her melodious voice and seemed to be flushed with embarrassment.
'... E-ehhh?!'
The Familiar fidgeted in her puny form, dancing around as she struggled to form words. All the majesty she had before had now vanished. It was a bit painful to see.
"Haha, she's a little shy, but I guess we're working on it. I named her Rhea, though. She's so cute, isn't she?"
I nodded quickly, hoping it would mask the slight disappointment I felt.
Strong Familiars were often confident about their abilities, sometimes proud to a fault. If Anabelle's Bond was this timid, it made me worried for her future.
"Your turn, Perci. Introduce yourself." Edward's voice distracted me from the shameful display of Rhea.
"Greetings, young paladin. As a fallen knight, I am not worthy to abide by the chivalric code. However, I shall exchange greetings as my master desires."
It felt awkward talking to what was supposed to be a headless evil knight, but I maintained focus. It was still a knight at heart, making it extremely loyal to Edward.
"The name I have been granted is Percival, Perci for short. As you know, I am his Familiar, bonded with him till death do us part!"
His formal tone and reverent personality struck a chord within me, but I was still confused about something.
"May I ask a question?"
The Knight nodded its dismembered head from where it was lodged by the side.
'How is it able to do that?' I wanted to ask, but I concluded that anything was possible with Magic.
"Why did you pick Edward? You must know what kind of kind and pure soul he is... is he really the best fit for a corrupt knight as you?"
I had to inquire since it made no sense to me.
For a moment, there was silence... but it quickly ended.
"Hmm... it is because of my Master, Lord Edward's heart that I specifically approached him. While I may be like this, I possess lingering regrets as one who once trod the path of righteousness and chivalry. While I have no memories of my past, I am certain the longing to once again serve purity caused my soul to be transformed into a Bonded one."
From its king explanation, I began to understand. From the Familiar's explanation, it certainly made sense...
'I suppose it's true what they say. Opposites attract!'
