"How unexpected, Vaan. You are truly full of surprises. Are you really a Soul Master?" Lord Narvim asked shortly after.

Besides a Soul Master, the dragon lord couldn't think of another answer for what he had just witnessed. Even so, he didn't just want to assume it. Thus, he sought Vaan's confirmation.

At the same time, Vaan had anticipated that there would be questions about his divine ability.

However, he was inwardly surprised that even the dragon lord didn't know about the divine ability that only the Great Devils could use.

No, the dragon lord definitely knew about such a divine ability.

Vaan guessed that it didn't cross the dragon lord's mind that someone besides Rank 6 beings could use a divine ability like Name Bestowal, or any divine abilities for that matter.

"Probably, Your Excellency. The truth is I've never heard about Soul Masters or what they can do, but I assume it's what you are suspecting, Your Excellency," Vaan decided to feign ignorance with a mixture of truth and lies to learn more about Soul Masters.

After all, the dragon lord seemed to have a way of knowing when people lie.

Thus, if he mixed the lies with the truth, it would obscure his answer, making the dragon believe that he truly didn't know about Soul Masters but didn't want to share his method to become one.

"It's the first time I've heard about Soul Masters as well," Astoria and Hester chimed in, not knowing their input helped Vaan hide the truth.

Although Vaan didn't mind sharing his secret, he preferred not to if given a choice.

After all, it would save the hassle of explaining.

As expected, after the dragon lord heard their answers, he only frowned for a moment before he didn't pay them further thoughts.

"Is that so? Well, it's not surprising that you humans don't know about Soul Masters. After all, Soul Masters are incredibly rare, even in Chaos," Lord Narvim proceeded to explain.

"Soul Masters, as their names implied, they are masters on the topic of souls. They have the ability to improve their souls and mend damaged or broken ones. However, not everyone can have this ability. It is determined at birth, and even if one is born with it, they wouldn't know until they awaken it."

"Thus, you can tell just how special and talented Vaan is for having this kind of ability," Lord Narvim mentioned.

Aeliana proudly smiled as if it was a matter of course, while Astoria and Hester stared at Vaan with amazement.

Hester also couldn't help but sigh. Some people were just born differently.

"You're probably aware of this, but let this Lord remind you, Vaan," Lord Narvim suddenly mentioned.

"You are shortening your lifespan every time you use your soul force to mend another being's soul. So, it would be best if you don't use this ability too often. That said, this Lord is grateful for your willingness to sacrifice yourself to save the Wood Spirit. It was a very noble thing to do."

"You will be Ninth Peak's most respected guest for as long as you stay here. This guarantee that no dragon will mistreat you while you are here," Lord Narvim promised shortly after.

"I see," Vaan uttered before cupping his fist for a respectful bow. "Thank you, Your Excellency. You are too kind."

"No, thank you, Vaan," Lord Narvim replied. A few moments later, he glanced at Emerald and communicated to it in the spirit language. "Do you remember everything that happened to you?"

Emerald gave a small nod as she continued to hide behind Vaan.

"What do you want to do now? If you stay here, this Lord guarantees that you will never have to go through such a terrible experience again," Lord Narvim promised before adding, "However, this land isn't exactly the best place for a Wood Spirit to stay."

Emerald listened to the dragon lord's promise before she clutched on Vaan's clothes and met his gaze.

Ding!

<Wood Spirit Emerald wishes to enter a Spirit Contract with you>

<Do you accept? Y / N>

'Yes!' Vaan willed.

Although he didn't know what the dragon lord said to Emerald, he wasn't going to refuse the Spirit Contract with her after paying such a hefty price.

Ding!

<The Spirit Contract has been established>

<You have acquired your second contracted spirit>

<The contracted spirit tab will be opened>

Contracted Spirit/s

First Spirit: Topaz (Named Spirit) (Earth Spirit)

Spirit Rank: Early-High rank (Low-level Rank 4 equivalent)

Contracted Magic 1: [Telepathy (You can commute with other earth spirits)]

Contracted Magic 2: [Earth Manipulation (Power Limit: Low-level Rank 3 (One rank lower than contracted spirit))]

Contracted Magic 3: [Earth Transmutation (Transmutation Limit: Low-level Rank 3 materials (One rank lower than contracted spirit))]

Mana Capacity: 607/623

...

Second Spirit: emerald (Named Spirit) (Wood Spirit)

Spirit Rank: Peak-Mid rank (Peak-level Rank 3 equivalent)

Contracted Magic 1: [Telepathy (You can commute with other earth spirits)]

Contracted Magic 2: [Wood Manipulation (Power Limit: Peak-level Rank 2 (One rank lower than contracted spirit))]

Contracted Magic 3: [Plant Compendium (Recreation Limit: Peak-level Rank 2 (One rank lower than contracted spirit))]

Mana Capacity: 62/539

[Wood Manipulation (Contract-dependant)]

Overview: The ability to manipulate all plant-based lifeforms, including general control and accelerated growth.

Restriction: Peak-level Rank 2 Magic or lower.

[Plant Compendium (Contract-dependant)]

Overview: The ability to devour any plant-based lifeform, gain a complete understanding of it, and recreate it through magic.

Restriction: Peak-level Rank 2 plant or lower.

Shortly after the Spirit Contract was completed, Emerald underwent another change. She shrunk to the same size as Topaz as if she had just entered power-saving mode due to her low mana.

"Myuu?" Emerald uttered with surprise.

Nevertheless, unlike Topaz, Emerald appeared to be able to change her size freely, albeit as long as she had enough mana.

"So you have made your choice," Lord Narvim calmly uttered, not finding the Wood Spirit's decision surprising in the least.

After all, she was given a new life thanks to Vaan.

It didn't matter if Vaan's wood affinity was low. High wood affinity was the quickest to win over a Wood Spirit, but it wasn't the only way.

Little did the dragon lord know, the Wood Spirit was completely loyal to Vaan after receiving her True Name.

Thus, only Vaan could have become her Spirit Contractor.