— When I let you go yesterday, I wanted you to see the difference between yourself and Great Red with your own eyes, — the evil dragon said tiredly, hearing Ophis's retelling. — I didn't expect you to have such a lack of self-preservation instinct. Or did you rely on Ouroboros's protection?
— No! — Sai objected furiously. The young man had not yet had time to recover, so he looked tired. — Initially, I didn't plan to do anything, but after his appearance and that look, my body acted on its own.
— Completely stupid and reckless, — Ophis added irritably, squeezing the boy's palm tighter. — It's good that my presence did not allow Red to act seriously. You could have been captured in such a state by the devils present or the Fallen One.
— Even though you're right, Ophis, you shouldn't blame Silence, — Crom stood up for his foolish student. — He's not entirely to blame for this.
— What do you mean?
— Puppy, I already told you about the dragon aura. In a pack, it is used to identify the strongest and attract females. Singles use it to mark their territory, like you did in your new home.
— We did it? — the girl asked doubtfully. — I don't remember us doing that.
— Ha-ha! Maybe unconsciously, but we did it, — Krom was amused that he had to tell the Dragon God about the habits of the Dragons themselves. — After you moved, your aura changed slightly. Having created their own lair, dragons will protect the territory around it, claiming it. This is the feeling you always exude when you come here.
— And how does this relate to Sai's stupidity?
— In addition to what has already been said, the aura also sharpens the senses and instincts, — the man looked at the beaten guy with a grin. — Silence is still young and cannot fully control his dragon urges. Sensing Red's aura and his disdain for the two of you, Sai rebelled.
— So this will happen all the time when I meet other dragons?
— Not really. It has more to do with your mood and the other dragon's goals. For the most part, you'll either like or dislike the presence of an outsider.
— I see. What about magic? — the boy looked at his teacher. — Can you teach me that?
— Unfortunately, no. I prefer to use my body rather than magic. — Crom pointedly tensed his hand. — There are a few tricks I know, but I've already taught you them, so you'll have to find your own teacher.
— Do you have anyone in mind who knows magic?
— No. There was an excellent magic user among the dragons. One of the best in the world, but he was killed, as far as I know.
— I have one mage in mind in my group, — Ophis interrupted their thoughts. — She's very talented.
— Just one of the bunch?
— The rest, — the girl's face twisted, — have a disgusting personality. I don't want to talk to them any more than necessary.
— You don't have to show up here until you've fully recovered.
— Got it, then let's go visit your mage, Ophis.
***
The pair appeared in an empty room. Sai's perception immediately caught something familiar.
— Are we at the "White" base? — The dragon's strong presence literally permeated the room.
— Yes, — Ophis released a part of her power, announcing her arrival. — Vali, the girl we need and her brother, as well as two more youkai, that's the entire team of the host of Albion, — they heard the sounds of approaching footsteps. — And here she is.
— Ophis-sama? — The little blonde was surprised by the sudden guests. — Why are you here, and who is next to You?
— What a strong dragon, nya! — The nekoshou who entered was confused. With the help of senjutsu, she felt the power of the unknown guy, not inferior to Vali. — Do you want to have kittens with me, nya?
Silence, surprised by such a strange offer, did not have time to answer before Ophis began to act. Instantly appearing behind Kuroka, she grabbed the collar of her kimono and threw the impudent cat flying. The nekomata, caught off guard, crashed into the wall, leaving cracks in it.
— There will be no second warning, Kuroka, — Ouroboros declared menacingly. — Silence is mine!
— Got it, nya, — the girl could only agree under the eerie gaze of the Dragon God. Pressing her cat ears to her head, she healed her injuries. — You could have just said it instead of throwing it into the wall, nya!
— But it's visual.
— Um, — the confused girl tried to distract Ouroboros from her friend. — So why did you come, Ophis-sama?
— Le Fay, we need your help.
— What? How can I help you?
— Le Fay, right? — Silence drew the sorceress's attention to himself. — Ophis said that you are a very talented mage, and I am currently looking for a magic teacher for myself.
— What exactly do you want to learn about magic?
— Everything, — his answer stunned the girl.
Seeing so many different magic used by demons yesterday, Silence used his magical gaze. The dragon could intuitively understand their magic circles and the properties of magic. He even believed that he himself was capable of performing such magic, but he was sorely lacking in knowledge and experience. His eyes are capable of many things, but Silence had neglected them before. The young man decided to correct his shortcoming.
— I need all the knowledge on magic that you can provide.
— Everything... — the guest's pressure confused Le Fay. Having quickly thought over the current situation and Kuroki's words earlier, the sorceress did not want to have a possible conflict between Vali and Ophis's boyfriend, so she bowed. — Please forgive me, but I don't think I can help you with that. My knowledge is limited to only a few specific areas of magic.
— Hmm, that's a pity, — Silence didn't insist, seeing the blonde's reluctance. — Can you advise me on who to contact?
— Yes! There are many magical organizations and schools where experienced mages teach and train magic. Perhaps you should contact one of these institutions, because they have extensive knowledge in many areas of magic.
— Thank you, Le Fay, — Ophis thanked the girl, taking Sai's hand again. — We'll go.
— Goodbye, Ophis-sama.
***
Silence decided to follow the advice of the sorceress and seek knowledge at a magic school. The guy himself and his circle knew little about these institutions, so he turned to someone who understood all this. The "Son of God" received a message asking him to find the best place for his education in exchange for a favor from the "Dragon of Silence". The Fallen assured that he would do everything in the best possible way. He has a good friend who holds the post of director of such a school. He said that he will contact them as soon as they agree. Putting aside questions related to the supernatural world, the couple decided to visit their new friend. As they planned, the following week after the concert, the dragons went to that club to meet the pink-haired girl. Having caught her at the counter with drinks, they talked for a long time with the socially awkward schoolgirl, trying to get to know her better. Eventually, they managed to get Hitori Goto's number, and over the next two weeks, they actively corresponded with the girl, establishing a good relationship. Now that Silence had an unplanned day off, the couple decided to take Hitori with them for a walk around the city.
Having reached the right address, Ophis rang the intercom. The door of a small two-story house was opened by a still young woman.
— Yes, yes, did you want something? — she looked curiously at the boy and girl near the entrance.
— Good afternoon. You are probably Hitori's mother? — as usual, the young man was leading the conversation. — We are her new friends. Perhaps she mentioned us. I am Silence, and this is Ophis.
— Ah! So you are the couple who attended her concert, — the woman simply lit up with understanding. — My girl hasn't been so happy for a long time, constantly smiling, holding her phone in her hands. I'm glad she has made good friends.
— Thank you. We also have fun talking to her.
— Oh, why am I keeping you at the door? — she bustled about, opening the gate for them. — Come inside. I'll pour you a drink.
— Thank you again. We're going to go for a walk around the mall today and decided to invite Hitori along if she's not busy.
— She's absolutely free. Don't worry, — the woman assured them, smiling happily. — My daughter likes to sit at home too much. It's good for her to go out more often. — After pouring them a glass of cold tea, the woman walked up to the stairs leading to the second floor and shouted, — Hitori! Honey, your friends have come to visit you. Come down!
A knock was heard from the second floor, followed by quick, fussy footsteps. Running down the stairs, the teenager went into the kitchen in search of guests.
— Ophis! Silence!" — Goto was surprised to see them there. She expected her friends from the band to come, but not this couple. — Why are you here?
— Don't be so impolite, Hitori, — the girl's mother scolded her. — Say hello to your friends first.
— Um. Sorry, — the guitarist's face quickly changed into a kaleidoscope of emotions. — Good afternoon.
— Ha-ha! It's okay, we don't mind. It's even more fun this way. It's rare to see Hitori so emotional.
— We're going to the mall, — Ophis spoke up, turning to the girl, — Would you like to join us? We were planning to stop by the music store, and your opinion would be useful.
— F-fine. I'll just change.
— Don't hurt her, please, — As soon as the agitated guitarist disappeared, her mother spoke up. — She's a very sensitive and clumsy girl.
— You don't have to worry, — Ouroboros smiled. — We like Hitori very much, and we will protect her from any danger.
— I'm r-ready! — the aforementioned person appeared in her signature pink tracksuit. — We can go.
— Goodbye, — Sai said goodbye. — We'll definitely take her home.
The trio headed to the largest shopping mall in the area, which occupied an entire multi-story building. Everyone would be able to find what they needed. Their first stop was a clothing store.
— With your figure, it's simply a crime to constantly wear something like that, — Ophis said, dragging the weakly resisting girl inside.
The young man watched the quiet girl's suffering with evil amusement as the store managers brought her new sets of clothes. Having put the old suit in a bag, Hitori was left in a white hoodie, a knee-length skirt, and stockings. Having paid for five new outfits in addition to the one they were already wearing, they headed further through the shopping center.
— You shouldn't have bought all this. You spent so much money on me, — the girl complained in a quiet whisper, pulling the hood over her head. She was very unusual to walk around like this. — I was fine in my suit. Can I wear it again?
— No, — Ophis refused furiously. She became very alive next to Hitori. — I didn't choose the best clothes for you to put them on again. It's better to wear a tracksuit at home, and dress accordingly when you go outside. You are so beautiful, and you hide it all behind a nondescript outfit.
— Okay, stop terrorizing her, Ophis, — Sai intervened, saving the quiet girl from another attack. — Hitori is just very embarrassed about changing her image. She is not used to all the attention that others pay her, seeing her attractiveness.
— Okay, — Goto didn't have time to breathe a sigh of relief before Ophis made her tense up once again. — But she'll have to get used to dressing well, because in the future we'll often be hanging out together.
They reached the musical equipment department while they were talking. A large store with a huge selection of various professional instruments. Having refused the polite consultant, the three headed to the guitar stands.
— Which one do you think is the best? You know that price doesn't matter to us, — the young man asked, looking at the sparkle in the pink-haired girl's eyes. — Try them and choose the one that suits you best.
Hitori excitedly checked out one guitar after another, because she often dreamed of trying to play branded instruments. The girl tried out the entire assortment and settled on a dark lacquered guitar, which sounded the best in her hands.
— This! You can take it, — the Vritra bearer confidently declared. — It is very reliable and will serve you for a long time.
— Then give us two such guitars, tools for their maintenance and cases, — he voiced the list to the seller, — By the way, you do have delivery, right? You can send one set here, and the second one to this address...
— This is my address, — Hitori muttered in shock.
— That's right, this is a gift from Sai and me, — the guitarist found herself in a tight embrace. — Your previous guitar is very worn out and can break down at any moment. Years of active and diligent practice are immediately evident, so you will receive a higher-quality replacement, so that you can continue to delight us with your playing.
— Thank you, — the girl could no longer restrain her emotions and hugged Ophis back, hiding her face. — Thank you both very much.
— It's okay, baby, — Ouroboros gently stroked Hitori's hair, calming her down. — You are very dear to us and we will take care of you, but just in case I will tell you right away — do not fall in love with Sai. He will not reciprocate your feelings, and I will not let him go under any circumstances.
— O-okay, — Goto answered embarrassed and awkwardly. — I did not think about it.
— That's a good girl.
Leaving the music department, they went to walk around various stores, browsing the goods and sometimes buying trinkets for the home. In one of the departments, they ran into an acquaintance of the guitarist. Walking between the shelves, the pink-haired girl accidentally ran into a teenager choosing accessories on a shelf.
— Goto-san? — the boy with eyes like the eyes of a dead fish exclaimed in surprise.
— H-hikigaya-san?! — the girl said with slight panic, recognizing her classmate.
— Is something wrong, Hitori? — Silence quickly approached the pink-haired girl, looking menacingly at the cowering boy. — Is he bothering you? Should I help him?
— As soon as I left you for a second, you were already causing trouble, Hikigaya-kun, — his acquaintance approached the teenager.
— And I didn't do anything, — Hikigaya objected, looking at his companion with irritation. — I was just surprised to meet a classmate here. Besides, I didn't immediately recognize her in this form. Goto-san is very different from his usual appearance at school.
— Is he telling the truth, Hitori? — the dragon looked at his friend carefully to see her reaction. — Is that how it was?
— Y-yes. I accidentally bumped into a person, and when I wanted to apologize, I recognized someone I knew.
— Okay, — Silence nodded his head in satisfaction, not noticing the lie in the guitarist's words. — Then everything is fine. Is he your friend?
— No, we are not friends, — Hikigaya felt very uncomfortable under the gaze of this guy. As if he was a frog, and a big scary snake was looking at him. — We are just sitting next to each other in class.
— Sorry for interrupting your date, — the dragon apologized, wanting to end the conversation.
— This is not a date, — the brunette objected. — We are looking for a gift for our friend. And since you are classmates, then maybe you know Yui Yuigahama?
— Yuigahama-san? Yes, I know her, but we are not very close to her.
— I see. Too bad then.
— Maybe we should help you? — Ophis spoke from behind her, startling a couple of students. — As an apology for the collision between Hitori and your companion.
— Who are you?
— I am Ophis Ouroboros, — the girl introduced herself with a smile. — The woman of Saya Ouroboros, — she pointed at her lover, and then at their favorite. — And also a friend of Hitori Goto.
— Foreigners, — the brunette whispered, frowning. However, catching herself, she introduced herself, — I am Yukino Yukinoshita, the president of the volunteer club. This is my comrade, Hikigaya Hachiman. He and I are choosing a gift for another member of our club.
— So how about my offer to help? The five of us have a better chance of choosing the best gift.
— Okay. I'm having some trouble choosing, — Yukino admitted under Ouroboros's pressure. — I don't quite understand what a bright person like my friend could want.
Explaining the problem, the girls went further into the store, leaving the boys alone. Such company made Hachiman very nervous.
— Have you already thought about what you'll give your friend? — Silence asked.
— Not a friend, just a classmate and club mate. Do I really look like a person with a lot of friends? — the nervous teenager blurted out without thinking. However, realizing what he said to this dangerous-looking guy, he decided to continue talking nonsense in order to chat him up. — A loner like me doesn't need friends. I'm not like all those popular people who have entered their rosy school years. Reality is not as fabulous as many people want to believe. There are many people like me who prefer not to tie their lives to groups and to be alone. Just like Goto-san.
— Hm. You're funny, — the dragon grinned. — But you're wrong about one thing. Hitori is in the same group with us. Just like you are in Yukinoshita's company.
— I didn't join that ice queen's club of my own free will, — the teenager frowned. — I was forced to do so under the threat of a 'demonic fist.'
— Ha-ha-ha! — Silence laughed at the comparison. — You can't even imagine what a real demonic fist means.
Deciding to play a joke on the teenager, the young man concentrated the aura on his fist so that it was visible to the naked eye.
— That's about it, — he watched Hikigaya's eyes widen in shock with a teasing smile. Dissipating the energy, he looked at the boy with a grin. — Let's go to the girls, Ophis has already taken them somewhere. And... — he turned to the still silent teenager, — no one will believe you anyway. Ha-ha-ha!