The original work had never said this dragon's name. It had only been mentioned in passing, so Layla felt lost about what to do.
But then she decided that it did not matter.
Having a dragon who listened to you was akin to having a god at your side. Once she names this dragon, it will hibernate until it is reborn as her companion.
Both its personality and temperament would change.
It was safe to say it would be reborn as a new creature. Until then, Layla will be responsible for it.
"Let's see, what would be a good name to give you that will be unique enough to be used in this world."
Dragons were possessive creatures who did not like to share.
So, giving the dragon a unique name was important. Layla wanted to use something that no one in this novel world would use as a name.
"Let's go with Falkor as your name for now. Since I read the original work, I know that the author did not like using such fancy names. Hey, calm down."
The black dragon seemed to like the name as it blinked and rubbed against Layla's side.
It had accepted the name, and it was now time for the contract to be formed.
[Dragon Falkor is extending a familiar contract with you. Would you like to proceed?]
The system asked, and Layla hesitated for the last time.
Even if having a dragon's power seemed like a big boost, it was accompanied by many nuances.
For example, you had to ensure the dragon would survive until its second hatching. You would also be responsible for its care and teaching it magic.
Moreover, you had to register it, and the royal family would bind you to them forever by using shady deals.
It was too much hassle.
But it all felt bearable compared to the warmth on Layla's shoulder. She was surprised to find herself calm and willing to do that much for the dragon.
"Did the dragon cast a spell on me or something? I think that I would be willing to take in trouble like this. I guess I am more of a risk-taker than I thought."
Layla reached out to sign the contract.
The dragon let out a last yelp of protest before its body shined and turned into an egg.
With this, the contract had been finalized, and Layla had another burden.
'It is good that I am too young to be a threat. Most people will not ask me questions if I carry this egg. They will just think that I am playing around.'
Sometimes, being young has its advantages, and Layla would ensure them all.
...
Since Layla had already achieved her objective, there was nothing else left for her to do but survive one more day.
She had a plan, but carrying the egg around made things difficult.
Layla ran into another small demon she burned away with ease.
The more time she spent here, the stronger her core became and the more mana she could use. But simultaneously, her body felt heavy and tired when not using mana.
The contradictory condition of Layla's body told her something was wrong, but she could not figure out why she was feeling so off.
It was not until she looked into the water that she saw how pale her face looked.
'Am I running a fever as well? Fuck! I knew it! I am sick right now. But it's only a matter of one more night. If I can get through it, then I-'
Layla's body sagged forward, and she almost drowned in the lake. Thankfully, she quickly pulled her upper body out and took a deep breath.
Her chest hurt, but Layla pulled her head up and forced her small and weak body to stand back up.
"I should head back to the camp now. I need to rest before moving again."
Layla forced her feet to move, and she collapsed in the camp.
No beast dared to approach her since she had the dragon scene all over her and in her camp. But Layla did not want to get caught by surprise, so she kept herself ready to move.
Time ticked slowly, and finally, the night arrived.
Only six hours left before this trail was over, and Layla was looking forward to it the most.
The more time that passed, the more Layla began to relax. And that was what made her too careless.
As soon as she laid down her next camp, someone ran toward her camp in a huffing voice.
She looked up, only to see the kid she had helped the day before running toward her with a terrified look on his face.
"H-Help me! Please! You have to help me out, or I will die. T-That monster-! It keeps chasing me. You need to do something."
The kid was shaking where he stood as he demanded Layla's help.
Looking at him made Layla feel sorry for him, but she was not running a charity there. The only thing that she wanted to keep safe was her life and her assets.
"I cannot help you. You need to run and survive the next few hours on your own. It is just six more hours. I am sure you can do it."
Layla assured the kid, but he looked terrified.
There was also an aura of magic around him that Layla had never felt before.
It seemed almost as if this kid was made up of magic, making her instincts even more terrified.
"N-No! I cannot wait that long! You need to let me into your safe zone. You don't understand what is happening here. It is terrifying."
The kid yelled, and Layla's eyes noticed something shining in the darkness of the night.
Threats connected the kid to the monster, so it was no wonder the kid was constantly being hunted down.
And because of this, the kid leads the monster directly to Layla's campsite.
Now, either both of them would live, or both of them would die. That was what this kid wanted.