**Episode 022: Became a Monster**

“What in the world happened…?”
“It’s like the appearance has changed…”

The two stare in astonishment at Enjyu, who is approaching me.

The fluffy fur is ticklish.

“Nyaa?”

Perhaps realizing the curious gazes directed at itself, Enjyu, now slightly larger, tilts its head in mid-air.

Doesn’t Enjyu question flying in the sky, growing wings, or becoming bigger? Maybe the cuteness of a kitten and the cuteness of a cat combined make everything fine.

“No, it’s nothing. Come here.”

“Nyaa!!”

Enjyu, being an incredibly small kitten, might not understand anything.

Thinking so, I call Enjyu over, and it happily jumps into my chest. I lift Enjyu, petting it, and it closes its eyes blissfully. It reminds me of Kana being petted.

Maybe they’ll get along well once they meet.

By the way, recalling the announcement, the words “Familiar Contract” were mentioned. Familiars are related to Tamers. It seems quite relevant.

“Maybe, but I feel like my being a Master Tamer has something to do with it. The announcement mentioned something about a Familiar Contract.”

“That makes sense. It’s quite plausible.”

“Indeed.”

Both of them nod in agreement with my speculation. As a precaution, I decide to appraise Enjyu.

―――――――――――――――――――
■ Name: Enjyu
■ Species: Angel Cat
■ Gender: Female
■ Level: 1
■ Skill: Luck
―――――――――――――――――――

It seems Enjyu has become an entity with stats similar to ours. Its skill is “Luck,” seemingly making it a species that brings happiness to us. By the way, it seems to be female.

I’m relieved; Enjyu being a girl suits the name. It could have been awkward if it weren’t. I sigh alone.

I explain the change in Enjyu’s species to the two.

“Enjyu seems to be our lucky beckoning cat. Take care of us, Enjyu.”

“W-well, I won’t deny it completely. Counting on you, Enjyu.”

“Nyaa!!”

After hearing the explanation, the two pet Enjyu, and it happily meows.

“Kuu. So cute…”
“Just embrace it…”

Unable to resist Enjyu’s cuteness, Sato’s face involuntarily breaks into a smile.He pat Enjyu while using one arm to place his hand on Shuji’s shoulder, signaling him to give in.

“My image…”

“Don’t worry about that.”

Shuji’s image seems to be that of a delinquent character with three blank eyes and a menacing look, but at least among us, such an image doesn’t exist.

“I see… Well then, I’ll be more straightforward in front of you guys.”
“That’s good.”

Having given up on trying to sound cool, Shuji decides to openly cherish Enjyu.

However, the sight might be a bit difficult to describe, so let’s pretend we didn’t see anything. Enjyu doesn’t seem to mind, so it should be fine.

While doing various things with Enjyu, like playing and making up for the missed lunch, I realize that the outside has gradually turned dusk.

“Oh no. I should head out again soon.”
“Alright, got it.”
“Take care.”

I hurriedly head towards the procurement of supplies for the Azusagawa Academy, where Yuna and Kana are.

“What about Enjyu?”

Enjyu seems to be in high spirits now, and it has become more than just an ordinary kitten; it has become my familiar. So, if it wants to come along, I don’t mind taking it with me.

“Nyaa!!”

Enjyu, who was being affectionate with Shuji, flies towards me, lifting its front paws and appealing to me.

It seems it wants to come along. I’m thrilled.

“Oh! Are you coming with me? Then be sure not to leave my side, okay?”
“Nyaa!!”

When I tell it not to stray far, Enjyu raises its front paws as if saluting and places them on its head.

Seems like it understood.

Its intelligence has significantly increased. It seems to fully comprehend my words. This is very positive because communication is crucial.

“Hey hey, is it okay to take it with you?”

However, Shuji, who is fond of Enjyu, asks me worriedly.

“It’s fine. I won’t let a scratch happen. Besides, it won’t lose to any ordinary Shadows around here, so don’t worry.”

“I see.”

As I reassure Shuji, he recalls the events during the daytime and seems satisfied.

“Hey, can I come along the second time too?”
“Huh? Sure, but is something the matter?”

About to set off again, this time Shuji wants to join. Ideally, it would be better for him to come alone, as it’s faster, and I worry about him going alone. However, if there’s a reason, it’s better to let him accompany us.

“No, I just thought of wanting to level up.”
“Satoshi has a point. Is it okay for Shuji to go alone?”

Understanding Satoshi’s words, I turn to Shuji for confirmation.

“I’m already at level three. As long as they’re ordinary Shadows, I won’t lose unless there are a lot of them. So, it should be fine during the supply procurement. In the worst case, I’ll run, so you guys reclaim the base.”

“Got it. Let’s go together.”
“Thank you.”

Since Shuji seems fine, Satoshi and I head together for the procurement of supplies.