“I’m the savior, after all. I can’t just save myself when it’s dangerous. Since I’ve come this far, I think I should save many people.”

[……!!]

The black rabbit doll quickly expressed its startled feelings in the notebook.

The doll thought that if it had eyes, it would have been shedding tears.

How could such a human with such a touching heart exist!

It thanked its respected patron deity, the World Tree, for entrusting this great plan to itself.

[I feel ashamed that my thinking was short-sighted. I’ll revise it right away.]

The black rabbit doll, simply overwhelmed with emotion, didn’t notice the vile smile on Serena’s lips as it revised the document.

‘How naive.’

However, at the negotiation table, the person who gets fooled is the one at fault.

For her, it was easy to get what she wanted from a spirit that didn’t know the ways of the world.

Because, in fact, she was also tempted by the rabbit’s other abilities.

Cooking and cleaning? A subspace that can even preserve things?

How could she not take advantage of this?

“And how about adding one more clause, number 6, to this contract?”

[Do you have any additional conditions you’d like to request?]

The black rabbit doll, having finished the revisions, tilted its head.

“There’s nothing about your safety. We should write something for you too. How about I protect you during the contract period? What do you think?”

Serena suggested to the black rabbit doll with an extremely concerned expression.

The black rabbit doll now thought it was dazzled.

It had never seen such a kind human before.

A human who would protect a spirit!

How adorable and lovely, how excellent and beautiful a heart this was!

[Then I will protect you, the contractor and my master!]

The black rabbit doll, filled with enthusiasm, showed her the notebook where it had firmly written down its feelings.

“Really? Thank you.”

Serena smiled.

‘I knew it would be like this.’

That was precisely her aim.

This naive rabbit doll, sadly, didn’t know about evil humans.

Serena’s conscience, which would have pricked her when she did something immoral after being tossed about by the storms of life, had long since been worn away.

Her conscience was far rounder than the full moon in the night sky. It rolled well this way and that.

It rolled well towards both good and evil.

But the problem was that it rolled so well that it usually didn’t come out of the dark abyss.

6. During the duration of the contract, the contractor is responsible for the spirit of the World Tree’s food, clothing, shelter, and personal safety, and the spirit of the World Tree will do its best to protect the contractor from danger.

Thus, the sixth clause was created.

Serena nodded with satisfaction. The black rabbit doll also nodded with contentment.

[Then please write your name below.]

Serena took the black rabbit doll’s pencil and signed.

The black rabbit doll also signed below Serena’s signature on the contract.

Light leaked from the contract, then it split into two and seeped into Serena’s heart and the black rabbit’s body.

It was a satisfactory contract for both parties, each with their own intentions.

“And after contracting, I’d like you to call me Serena, not master or contractor. I’d like us to speak comfortably too.”

At Serena’s sudden suggestion, the black rabbit doll tilted its head.

If it had eyes, it would have opened them wide.

[But the contractor is the contractor, isn’t it?]

“But we’re going to save the world together, so-called partners, right? It’s better for partners to be friends rather than in a master-servant relationship.”

Serena said, crouching down to match the black rabbit doll’s height.

[……!]

The doll now went beyond being moved and briefly wondered if it was okay for such a gullible human to exist.

The sharp attitude when they first met must have been a thick defensive wall to protect herself.

Thinking that way, the black rabbit doll pondered whether it should give advice to this kind and naive prospective contractor.

“You… don’t like being friends?”

Serena asked the black rabbit doll again as there was no answer.

Because it would be troublesome if she was rejected.

‘It’s much easier to ask favors of a friend than when in a master-servant relationship.’

To use it frequently for various purposes, it was necessary to approach in a friendly and comfortable manner.

Fortunately, that was all Serena had seen and learned under the two professors.

“Let’s save this world together! You and I can do it.”

Serena said, extending her hand to the black rabbit.

“Not all teaching assistants have it hard, it depends on the professor. As you know, I highly value your passion. Won’t you do world-changing research with me? You can do it.”

“You will be my only disciple, a genius unparalleled in the world! Let’s work together!”

The faces of the two professors flashed across Serena’s seemingly innocent face one after another.

Unfortunately, the black rabbit doll didn’t notice.

[Okay!! I’ll work hard!]

The black rabbit doll answered excitedly.

“Yes, Professor! I’ll work hard!”

Seeing her own naive face overlapping with it, Serena gritted her teeth while maintaining her smile.

[The contract will be complete when you hold my hand, read this phrase, and then give me a name!]

Serena nodded.

“I, Serena Lavernia, wish to form a bond with the noble being born from the origin of the world. Verify the qualifications of the one who wishes to embrace your life.”

As written in the notebook, she held out her palm, and the black rabbit doll perked up its ears and placed its flat plush palm on Serena’s palm.

Then, a dark blue light flowed and surged from where their palms met.

“You, Serena Lavernia, have been confirmed to have sufficient qualifications to contract with the origin of the world.”

Serena was startled.

Several voices overlapped and hummed from somewhere, whether it was the empty space, the surroundings, the gaps in the air, or inside her head.

“We permit you to form a contract with the origin of the world.”

Is the rabbit speaking?

Serena looked around and then lowered her gaze to the rabbit doll.

Soon, words continued in her mind.

“Answer the final question. Power comes with a price, and power comes with duty. Therefore, those who wish to reach the origin must be resolute. For what do you desire power? You must show sincerity, not falsehood.”

Serena was a bit surprised.

For a moment, she thought the doll’s buttons were emitting a bright red light.

She pondered an appropriate answer.

“To protect and save.”

Her own life that she would live comfortably and the professors who would be ruined.

Serena skillfully spat out the answer, completely omitting the latter part.

“I have heard your sincerity well. I will be your strength and stay by your side as a friend who supports and helps your will. Complete the contract.”

At these solemn words, Serena lowered her gaze again to look at the rabbit’s notebook.

“I announce that the contract has been established here.”

The last part of the notebook said to call out the name.

‘Black rabbit… doll…..’

Serena pressed her lips tightly.

“Blackie?”

She didn’t really want to admit it, but Serena had no sense for naming.

“…Are you sure about that name?”

The solemn voice asked if that was really okay.

It was like seeing the phrase ‘Are you sure you want to use this nickname?’ when playing a game.

Serena nodded.

“…Once a name is chosen, it cannot be changed. I recommend being extremely careful. Are you really sure about that name?”

The voice sounded as if it was begging her to reconsider, which made Serena feel slightly hurt.

“Then… Black?”

“…Are you sure about that name?”

“……”

Serena was slightly intimidated.

In fact, the corrupt professors Serena served never entrusted her with naming anything.

“Then, something cooler, like King General Hawkeye Black Orpheus?”

“…Are you sure about that name?”

Despite attaching all the cool names she knew, the response was still unsatisfactory, and Serena rarely felt despair.

The contract, which she thought would be extremely quick and simple, showed no signs of ending even after 30 minutes had passed.

The battle of wits continued fiercely for over 3 hours.