A Spirit Master wielded power in two ways: through the abilities of their summoned spirits, and through the traits passed on from the spirits after the Spirit Pact.
Each spirit kept the same level of power it had before becoming a spirit, and the Spirit Master could command these powers in battle.
Today, Liam had gained weaker versions of Thal'Korr's natural abilities, granting him increased strength, regenerative abilities, and an intimidating presence.
In a quick post-battle self-assessment, he realized the value of these new traits. Unlike the Incubus, the Shadowfiend offered him potent attributes, given its warrior origin.
'Perfect. Now I have a way to defend myself and, more importantly, I can count on a spirit I can control and summon in times of need.'
Liam clenched his fists, a smile playing on his lips.
Mary watched him with interest, trying to imagine what thoughts were racing through his mind. Adding a new spirit to their arsenal felt as exhilarating as—or even better than—a level increase.
But how could it not be? A young man like Liam could significantly increase his strength by adding more spirits to his arsenal!
'I now have the strength of a gorilla. I could easily kill someone at Thal'Korr's level. The Aura of Fear I've gained can paralyze weaker enemies and hinder those at my level.
And even if I take a serious beating, I can endure the pain better and recover faster.
Tsk! Shadowfiends are truly impressive!'
Liam had noticed that his regeneration ability sped up in darkness and slowed down in bright light. This insight added a strategic layer to his newfound power.
'With the power Amplification, I can mimic the move Thal'Korr used to nearly kill me, boosting my abilities for a few moments... but at a price. Accessing a higher power level would leave me vulnerable.'
The ultimate benefit Thal'Korr brought was Shadow Projection—the ability to form a small army of dark minions. While Liam couldn't use this power on the same level as Thal'Korr, he could certainly manipulate it to his advantage.
"Looks like you have a lot on your mind, huh?" Mary asked with a smile, now calmer with the three dead enemies lying nearby.
"Sorry, I was just considering my new combat options," Liam replied, smiling as he wrapped an arm around her waist, feeling invigorated.
"No problem. I'm looking forward to advancing to the second realm and getting the chance to hunt a new spirit as well."
"Speaking of which, let's explore the cave where those three came from. This is the best place on the island, so there must be something interesting hidden here."
"Isn't it dangerous to stay here?" she asked, a note of worry in her voice.
"I don't think many demons will come here. I have the impression that my new spirit was the strongest in the area. It will take some time for its 'demonic cousins' to learn of its death."
He took her hand and led her toward the cave from which Thal'Korr had emerged. The entrance loomed dark and foreboding, but Liam felt a positive sensation emanating from within.
"Are you planning to hunt your next spirit on the island?" Liam asked, his curiosity piqued as they stepped into the shadowy interior.
"No. Even if I reach the Spirit Lord Realm, I think it's best to wait to hunt my next spirit until I've learned more about the world of the Spirit Masters," she replied sincerely, knowing he'd understand.
"I see... I would have done the same if it wasn't for my first spirit," Liam murmured with a bitter smile.
He didn't regret the opportunity he had been given. Because of the incubus, he had gained access to the world of Spirit Masters and was still alive. But Liam knew it wasn't the wisest move to conquer another spirit while he was still on the Island.
Sure, he had to do it. After all, he needed a spirit to rely on in future battles against Spirit Masters. But he knew he had risked a lot by hunting down his second spirit here.
"I don't know the classification Spirit Masters have developed to categorize the spirits after they became part of Spirit Masters. But there is definitely a classification based on the spirit's power, potential, type of ability, and so on. I imagine there is even such a thing as an ideal combination of spirits. So I'll wait to learn more about that."
Liam understood Mary's comment and agreed with her. He didn't know about these important details for Spirit Masters either, but in this magical world, everything had its classification.
'I will have to take this into consideration in the future when I go in search of the third realm... Sigh, I don't even know the name of the third realm of cultivation.'
Liam sighed as he reached the inner part of Thal'Korr's cave.
At the center of the dark area, a platform held a shiny purple crystal atop a stone shaped like an obelisk. The crystal pulsed with a faint, otherworldly glow.
"I think you'll have your chance to reach the second realm if we cultivate here," Liam said, pushing his thoughts aside to focus on his companion.
Mary clenched her fists as she scanned the surroundings. The dense mana in the air was palpable, and she felt an elemental affinity with the purple crystal.
Liam felt it too, though less intensely, given his current strength.
"Cultivate first. I'll monitor the area while you recover," he said, making way for her.
Mary thanked him and closed her eyes on the platform, taking the opportunity to replenish her mana pool.
As she began to cultivate, Liam turned his attention to their surroundings.
The internal structure of the cave was stark and utilitarian compared to the demon incubus's lair. It lacked the scholarly signs and objects, reflecting the warrior nature of Thal'Korr.
But unlike the incubus cave, there were several valuable artifacts and resources there. Among them was a metal spear with a bluish diamond in its structure, as well as two fruits and a plant, all surrounded by mana.
'This is the difference between power and intelligence. I still don't know what the incubus has done or what it wants, but it has reached a high level by its own means. Thal'Korr, on the other hand, became strong through its power and ability to take what it wanted... This must be how the society of Twin Lands works.'
He picked up the two fruits, one resembling an apple and the other resembling a pitahaya.
Feeling the affinity he had for these fruits, his senses told him how best to enjoy them.
Putting them aside for a moment, he looked at the spear, a weapon completely different from the ones the men from the Demon Gate had given them.
'This weapon is impressive. It must be the kind of artifact made for Spirit Lords.' He tested the spear by moving it towards an invisible enemy.
The thought crossed his mind that it would be difficult for him to keep this weapon off the island, but he didn't care. Better to have a valuable item for a short time than to never have anything of value.
As soon as he understood what he had inherited from Thal'Korr, he would position himself vigilantly and wait for Mary to finish her meditation.
...
Days would pass while Liam and Mary remained in Thal'Korr's cave.
Taking advantage of the peace and opportunity of the area, the two would remain in the cave to cultivate and consume the two previous fruits, using the last few weeks on the Island to strengthen themselves.
Already strong enough to be safe in this demon territory, the days would fly by, and when they least expected it, the last seven days before the end of their three months on the island would arrive!
On the 84th day on the island, Liam and Mary would leave Thal'Korr's cave, he stronger than before and she at the beginning of the second magical realm!