Granting a Name

According to the wolf, there are indeed many different races in this world. And each race lives in its own country. But it doesn't mean they don't trade with each other and their relationship with each other is quite good.

Except for one. Yes, the humans.

Mysteriously, they are born with a superior magic affinity and their strength is so powerful that all the different races such as the elves, dwarves, orcs and lizardmen had to gather their power and create a global alliance.

Due to this, humans believe that the gods have bothered them with their power to exterminate evils and thus consider other races inferior.

Monsters, however, are neutral in the conflict. They don't defend anyone nor do they attack anyone. The reason behind this is quite simple. It's not because monsters are more powerful than anyone quite contrary to be exact. They are the weakest of all the races.

So why are they the only ones who have been spared by humans?

It's due to a massive protective dome around their country as only monsters can go in. Meaning that as long as they are in their territory, they are safe.

Why go out and help other races and lose your men when you're protected in your country?

That's right. There is nothing to gain.

In my opinion, it's only a matter of time before humans find a way to disable the dome and attack us when they're finished with the other races considering how arrogant they are.

"Are we in the monster's territory?" I asked.

"That's right, my lord. And this forest is called the Jura forest."

By the way, I've been talking to him for a while but I still don't know how he is called.

"What is your name?"

"Low monsters like me don't have a name."

"It would be troublesome if I don't know how to call you. Let's see… A good name for a fire magic user… What do you think of… Afi?"

I didn't even need to ask his opinion seeing how fast he was wagging his tail.

"Thank you, master. It is an amazing name!"

<<Confirm to give a name? Warning: 10% of your power is going to be deducted permanently.>>

10%…

Why do I have to spend that much power just to give a name to a monster?

This amount is much more than what I got from the spider so I would become weaker than I was originally…

What should I do?

Is this wolf worthy of my power?

Earlier, he showed sign of courage by facing an opponent much stronger and didn't fear death. Maybe, he deserves a chance.

And If he betrays me, I can still kill him and absorb back 10% of his power with [Devour] and make up for the rest with others prey.

For other people without [Devour], if they were to give a name to a monsters, how do they get back their lost strength without [Devour]?

"Are monsters with name rare?"

"Extremely rare. Only those who are at least S-Class or stronger are eligible to grant a name to a monster. At this rank, fews would afford to lose as much as 10% of their power permanently for a servant. Thus, monsters with name are respected wherever they go.

With this in mind, I took my decision.

Whatever… I need a powerful ally by my side and I can still get stronger with [Devour].

Besides, it would be boring to travel around the world without at least companion…

'Confirm'

Immediately, his body became so bright with balls of light that I had to squint my eyes. And slowly, his shape became unrecognisable.

<<10% of your power has been successfully deduced. Power transfer completed.>>

Holy sh*t! It hurts!

There was a tingling sensation in my head but the pain of someone tearing my flesh apart in the inside overshadowed it.

"I think… I am… going to take a nap..." With no strength to stay standing, I fell on the ground watching the world spinning.

Is this an effect for losing that much power all of sudden? I kind of get why there are so few monsters with names.

What kind of masochist would endure this just to grant a name to a monster?

Even if the world was ending, I don't care. I just want to lay here and… doing nothing.

And even if I wanted to get up, I feel like my back is attached to the ground with the glue of the gods so much I couldn't move.

Then, I don't know since when, but a girl I've never seen before was straddling me. When our eyes met, she smiled back without saying anything. Her short black dress contrasting with her long silver hair gave her a devilish look and her scent was powerful, but at the same time sweet and soft just like the sensation above my nether regions.

Who is this girl? Perhaps is she the reason I am in this weakened state? Maybe she was waiting for me to grant a name to the wolf before attacking me at the best moment.

Is this how I am going to end? So early…?

Me, who wanted to explore this world, and see if it was worth living in. My end is going to be as miserable as my previous world. How pathetic I am…

Slowly, as her head came closer and closer to mine until reaching my neck, my eyes shut down by themselves against my will.

Before completely losing consciousness, a pleasant voice rang in my mind as if the person saying this was using [Telepathy]. "I, Afi, pledge my undying loyalty and swear to protect you from any harm. I won't let anyone hurt you ever again, master."

Shortly after, something sharp and warm enveloped my neck and I felt my blood being absorbed by it.