The speed at which Khora travelled was beyond my comprehension. All that I could see around me was a blur. From what I knew a large part of this area was covered in forest. It was incredible that someone could be this fast in a place with so many obstacles like trees, rocks and dangerous animals. And what was more impressive was I couldn't feel the impact of her speed.
Even if she took a turn somewhere along the way I didn't feel it. It was as if inertia itself didn't exist for her. Even the air did not affect us as I couldn't feel the wind and neither could I see any effect on her. Even her hair remained perfectly still as if she wasn't running at an incomprehensible speed. The only indication that we were moving to me, was the changing scenario and the movement of her legs.
While being carried in this way was comfortable I was filled with shame and embarrassment. It was the first time I was in such a vulnerable position. I could feel the heat from her hands by which she carried me making it impossible for me to ignore my predicament. Also I wasn't light by any means but she carried me effortlessly without any shaking of her slender hands. She even kept me a little far away from her torso which from what I believed complete arm strength compared to carrying some close to your body.
Her body carried a strange fragrance of nature, a mix of earthen scent of soil and fresh scent of the leaves. Even though I wasn't panicking by this supernatural feat I was still confused about this new world that I was witnessing, where all my previous teachings of physics were contradicted in front of my eyes. There were so many questions and so many uncertainties about the future running through my mind but her nature-like fragrance calmed me down.
It felt like an eternity to me but we reached our unknown destination in a few minutes. As soon as we stopped I found myself back in a standing position. Khora somehow placed me back to a standing position without me feeling anything.
I was finally free from the embarrassment but there was a small part of me which felt empty.
When we stopped, what was in front of me looked akin to a luxurious reception hall. The place was supported by massive pillars with intricate carving of beasts unknown to me. There were intricate looking objects placed aesthetically around the place, most likely as decorations. At the end of the hall was a plain desk behind which someone was reading a book with their head down.
We moved to the front of the desk and Khora bowed towards the person sitting behind it. He looked up with annoyance on his face but when he saw Khora his annoyance disappeared into a calm apathetic look.
The person behind the desk looked like a man in his mid thirties. He had pale skin, golden eyes and gray hair with red robes worn over his body. His overall appearance made him look quite eerie.
"You have completed your task?"
"Yes."
"Your merit points are added to your account. You may leave"
The 'elder' had a straightforward attitude. He asked his question and directly told us to leave after getting his answered.
"I have also come here to register my pet." said Khora.
"Pet?"
Then Khora pointed towards me. It was only then that his eyes moved towards me. He was looking as if scrutinizing every inch of me.
"Why do you want him as a pet? He is just a normal mortal" the elder asked this question.
"Master said that I will be required to find a mortal human to assist me in my future cultivation. As the sect does not allow unqualified beings to join, I decided to bring him in as my pet because there are no restrictions on what pets to bring in."
"..."
"..."
Me and the elder, both turned silent after listening that. The logic was not wrong but I definitely think it was unethical to degrade a human being to the level of a pet, even in this foreign world. I was originally going to bargain with Khora about my status of a 'pet' but her logic of what seemed to be a 'pet' was completely skewed.
Although her explanation did confirm my suspicion that this is a world of immortal cultivation like in those books.
The elder suddenly gave a very long sigh and then began explaining to Khora.
"This is the result of you not growing in the sect. I had warned your master regarding this. The status of a 'pet' is only given to non sapient creatures. The term you are looking for is 'companion'."
"Companion?"
"Any living being which is required as one's own personal cultivation resource is categorized as a 'companion' in the sect as well as throughout the world. This 'companion' maybe used in battles or used as a support for your cultivation, it doesn't matter. As long as this being cultivates alongside you, it can be considered as a 'companion'."
Thankfully it wasn't the worst case scenario where they treated every mortal being as a pet or a slave. But before I could put down my worries the elder started to speak again.
"Although there exists the concept of 'slaves'. Unlike 'companions' which you grow along with like a sibling, 'slaves' are completely disposable resources which you can use however you like. So, what is the status of this mortal to be?"
I rejoiced too quickly. Still, I wasn't too disheartened as I had come here with Khora with the decision to become her pet. My initial plan was to use her as my stepping stone to explore the wider world which was my main goal. If it could be achieved without giving away my freedom then that would be the best but if fate doesn't allow it to happen then that is also alright.
"..."
I looked towards Khora who seemed to be in some kind of contemplation. After a moment she gave the elder her answer.
"Register him as my companion. Master specifically used the term 'companion' so that is what he will be."
The elder replied with a nod. He then removed what seemed to be a grey cube and gave it to Khora.
"Here is the sect equipment for him. Now you may leave."
To his demand Khora replied with a bow and then again took me in a princess carry. I found myself more embarrassed than before as this happened in front of a third party. For a brief second I could see some amusement in his eyes but before I could confirm it everything went into a blur.