-459- Something entirely different

Under the star-studded night sky, adorned with the moon's presence, the golden dragon frolicked as if it were swimming in water, joyously cavorting through the heavens. Its radiant scales gleamed softly, giving it an exceptionally noble and elegant appearance.

Hokuto behaved like a child who had been cooped up at home for too long. The moment it was summoned, it soared freely in the night sky, playing with boundless delight.

From its innocent eyes and lively antics, it was evident that this dragon had retained a childlike nature, just as Rozen had described, showing no signs of growing up.

Despite serving the Tsuchimikado family for over a thousand years and passing down through generations under the hands of successive family heads, Hokuto's disposition had always remained the same—curious, playful, and carefree. It seldom took things seriously.

After all, Hokuto was a true dragon, a legendary divine beast. Few could truly command it and harness its power.

Even if someone could indeed command Hokuto, the shikigami's strength was determined by the abilities of its user. Few could fully unleash Hokuto's power, and there had been no one who could make it stronger.

However, Hokuto didn't mind this fact.

It was generally easygoing and curious, not particularly eager for power. It would only become agitated when faced with individuals it didn't like, prompting it to exert all its effort to defeat them. But even if it couldn't succeed, Hokuto might feel regretful, but it wouldn't seek to become stronger. Its thoughts were simple, often along the lines of "I'll make sure to get them next time."

In light of this, Hokuto's nature was remarkably pure and uncomplicated. However, for a legendary spiritual beast, this might not be a bad thing.

Today, when summoned by Tsuchimikado Yasuzumi, Hokuto once again enjoyed soaring through the night sky, full of life.

Then, it suddenly realized something.

The spiritual energy connection it had with its previous master had been severed.

This made Hokuto stop its play and tilt its head in puzzlement.

The relationship between onmyoji and shikigami was akin to that of a master and servant. There was an unseen spiritual connection between them, an ethereal link that could transmit energy, assist each other, and even convey sensory information.

For an onmyoji to actively sever this spiritual connection was a challenging task unless the shikigami's power far exceeded that of the practitioner.

Now, the connection to Hokuto had been severed, indicating that it was no longer someone else's shikigami.

Naturally, this surprised Hokuto, and it came to a halt.

However, in the next moment, a new spiritual connection was established with Hokuto.

Sensing this fresh surge of energy, Hokuto finally understood.

This was the phenomenon of changing masters.

Having experienced this several times throughout its long existence, Hokuto didn't find it particularly surprising.

So, just like before, if the user can control me, I'll assist them. If not, I'll come out to play when summoned, and I might lend a hand when they're in danger.

That's how Hokuto has always operated—simple, pure, and without a trace of impurity.

This is Hokuto, a dragon that you probably won't find a second of in the modern world. It doesn't need to change a thing; it remains itself.

That's how Hokuto has always done things in the past. But unfortunately, this time is different. Because this time, its master is about to take it beyond all previous users, into an entirely new realm and a new world.

Perhaps Hokuto will never forget this moment. When the new spiritual connection was established, an astonishing power surged through the spiritual veins, causing Hokuto's spiritual energy to soar.

"---!"

Hokuto, who was about to resume playing, noticed this phenomenon and was amazed. Under the continuous influx of spiritual energy, Hokuto's already brilliantly colored scales seemed to shine even brighter, radiating rings of brilliance.

Naturally, Hokuto's power increased as well. At this moment, in its normal state, Hokuto could fully utilize all of its power with just the regular flow of spiritual energy between them.

Surprised, Hokuto finally lowered its head and looked down at the Tsuchimikado residence below.

In the courtyard of the residence, a young boy stood, looking up at Hokuto with eyes that sparkled with a radiance he had never seen in his previous masters.

It was the radiance of someone moved by what was before them, filled with joy, contentment, and delight.

Then, the boy spoke.

"Come down, Hokuto."

At his call, Hokuto's body moved involuntarily, slowly descending towards the boy below.

This left Hokuto even more astonished.

The reason for its surprise was quite simple. The fact that this boy could effortlessly control Hokuto was the root of its amazement.

At the same time, it made Hokuto understand something crucial. The young boy before it was its new master.

Never before had Hokuto encountered a master who was so young, powerful, and inexplicable. In this situation, Hokuto descended under the boy's control.

The boy seemed satisfied, nodded approvingly at Hokuto, and then approached.

He reached out his hand and gently patted Hokuto's head.

Given Hokuto's size, even a young boy would be able to touch only a tiny portion of its head.

However, what was truly incredible was that as the boy touched Hokuto, his palm seemed to release a faint spiritual energy that flowed into Hokuto's body, making Hokuto close its eyes in comfort.

Then, the boy spoke words that Hokuto didn't fully understand.

"Amazing, even in your usual state, you can exhibit the strength of a upper-level familiar. Once you're fully restored to your prime and with my command and support, disregarding the consumption, achieving the level of a top-tier familiar won't be an issue. You truly are a real dragon."

The boy praised the dragon with a smile.

"From today on, you're my familiar. Trust me; I'll make you experience something entirely different."

"Nice to meet you, Hokuto."

These were the words spoken by Hokuto's new master.

As Hokuto looked at the boy's smile, felt the comfortable spiritual energy, and sensed the surging power within, it understood something profound.

The person before it might genuinely change everything Hokuto had known until now. And it was ready to become his familiar, possibly forever.

Hokuto didn't resist this idea; instead, it felt joy. Its dragon instincts told it that following this person would be the right path. So, Hokuto continued to watch the young boy before it, as if determined to remember him forever.

In the boy's eyes, all that remained was his contented and satisfied smile.