As time went by, the little Umbramouse, which had initially been fearful and unfamiliar with affection, began to grow more comfortable around Renji. By the eighth day, when Renji placed the rabbit down and stepped back, the Umbramouse quickly came over to eat and even made happy noises at Renji. On the tenth day, Renji decided it was time to offer the Umbramouse some cooked meat. He covered a wild chicken with a cloth and happily made his way to the ancient courtyard at the back of the manor. Kaiya Tanaka accompanied Renji, though he was invisible to everyone except Renji. His broad smile showed how pleased he was.
"Renji, over the past nine days, the little Umbramouse has grown quite comfortable with you. Today's treat of cooked meat will make him even more affectionate," Kaiya Tanaka said with a smile.
Renji couldn't help but grin at the prospect. As he entered the courtyard, the Umbramouse immediately came bounding toward him, hopping excitedly and squeaking. "He's already so excited even before I've taken out the food," Renji observed with pleasure.
Kaiya Tanaka, still smiling, noted, "He's definitely grown attached to you."
The Umbramouse looked at Renji with eager eyes, making impatient squeaking sounds as if urging him to hurry with the food. "Don't rush," Renji said as he pulled the roasted chicken from the cloth.
The Umbramouse's eyes lit up at the sight of the chicken, and he gave Renji a pitiful look. Renji laughed heartily, finding the resemblance to little Kenji's hungry expressions endearing. "Here you go!" Renji said, handing over the chicken.
The Umbramouse eagerly grabbed the chicken and began devouring it with gusto. Despite the roast chicken being nearly as large as the Umbramouse itself, he finished it quickly. "How does he eat so much?" Renji wondered aloud.
The Umbramouse, looking thoroughly satisfied, hopped around Renji in joy and even hugged his leg with its front paws. Renji felt a surge of happiness seeing the Umbramouse's affection, which was new and intimate.
"Try petting him," Kaiya Tanaka suggested. "Magical beasts often enjoy being groomed by their companions."
Renji gently stroked the Umbramouse's head, who responded by closing its eyes in contentment and even started to snore. "He's so adorable," Renji remarked, growing more fond of the little creature.
Curious about magical beasts, Renji pondered aloud, "Why is there such a difference in appearance between the Dragon King and the Umbramouse, even though they'll both become seventh-rank magical beasts?"
Kaiya Tanaka laughed, "You can't judge them by their size or appearance. You never know what hidden strengths someone—or something—might have."
Renji mulled over the idea, imagining the vast potential and power he could one day wield. "I wonder when the Umbramouse will form a 'bond of equals' with me," he said, feeling both anticipation and excitement.
Kaiya Tanaka reassured him, "It's progressing well. Patience is key."
Days flew by, and after twenty days of feeding and bonding, the Umbramouse had grown very close to Renji. However, despite their bond, the magical beast had not yet initiated the 'bond of equals'. One evening, as Renji enjoyed supper with his family, Kazuki brought up a new topic.
"I've heard you've been bringing roasted hares to the courtyard often. What's that about?" Kazuki asked.
Renji, caught off guard, decided it was time to explain. "Father, I've found a very cute animal in the back courtyard and have been feeding it."
Kazuki's interest was piqued. "A cute animal? Well, in about a week, there will be another magical aptitude test and magus recruitment event in Solara Kingdom City. Do you want to participate?"
Renji recalled this event and turned to Kaiya Tanaka for guidance. "Grandpa Kaiya, with you teaching me, do I really need to attend the academy?"
Kaiya Tanaka replied earnestly, "There's a lot of new knowledge and spells developed over the last five thousand years that you won't find here. Plus, the broader world offers opportunities that Dragonspire Village cannot."
Realizing the importance of broader exposure, Renji's excitement grew. The prospect of standing at the pinnacle of power motivated him deeply.
"Father, I truly want to become a magus. Please arrange for me to participate in the upcoming event," Renji said resolutely.
Kazuki smiled warmly, relieved to hear Renji's enthusiasm. "There are many prestigious academies. The Stormcrest Academy is the top warrior academy in the Stormcrest Empire, and for magus studies, the best academy is in our Sacred Alliance, named after the legendary Regal Saint of the Light Church: the 'Keito Institute'."