The people of Eldoria were both relieved and curious when Luca finally returned. Aiko was waiting near the forge for him and lit up at his approach.
"You're back! How was it?" she asked with an edge of true concern.
Luca settled into a pack and grinned. "Easier than I thought. There was a critter in there, but I took care of it. Full of ancient symbols and markings, too."
Aiko's eyes widened with interest. "Sounds amazing. Glad you are all right."
"Yeah, it definitely was not easy," Luca added, his mind glancing backward to that time. "I did learn much about myself and my bond with Psyros."
Aiko smiled in great encouragement. "It is good to hear that.
The two spoke until Demian came up to them, a look of interest on his face. "So you really had some kind of run-in with a creature in the cave?
Luca nodded. "Yeah, wasn't hard.
Demian raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like it; you handled that well.
Luca shrugged his shoulders in a modest fashion."Yeah, but that gave me a better understanding of what my symbiote and I do together."
Demian raised one eyebrow. "How's this bond thing going between you two?"
"It's had a little learning curve," Luca admitted. "But I'm starting to get the hang of it."
The more they spoke, the more Luca was in a mixture of pride and humility. He gave them details of the journey-from markings in the cave to the fight with those creatures. This was a lively conversation where Demian and Aiko were asking questions and sharing their views.
"You did great," Psyros said, his voice in the head sounding comforting.
Luca nodded to himself as relief sat in. "Thanks, Psyros.
As night had fallen upon Eldoria, the thoughts of Luca's path strayed unto his mind. He felt this path of trials set before him was only the beginning, but he was readier than ever for whatever else would be thrown his way.
Yet the night went further, the twinkling stars above him lighting the sky and village with a soft glow. The stars made Luca feel enlightened; he felt clear about his purpose.