Under the sky tinged blue by the early morning, a vast field stretched between the boy and the man, both silently preparing for the competition. The air carried the fresh scent of dew and earth, while a gentle breeze stirred the tall grass. There, amidst the vegetation, a small but wary hare sniffed the wind with suspicion. Eigan, with small yet agile hands, held a simple bow—the same one he had always used. His half-closed eyes were heavy with exhaustion, and a nearly irritating expression of laziness marked his young face as the rebellious wind played with his disheveled hair.
Next to him, Kaled held his bow with hands hardened by a life spent in the forests. The man, marked by numerous scars and wrinkles that told stories of past battles and hunts, watched the hare with the sharp gaze of a seasoned predator. His weathered face still displayed a youthful mischief, and his eyes, filled with fierce energy, gleamed as he glanced at the boy.
— Ready, brat? — Kaled challenged in a raspy, provoking tone, a half-curved smile on his lips.
Eigan simply raised an eyebrow, his eyes closing and opening slowly, clearly tired. He didn't need to respond; his silence spoke louder than any words, drawing a heavy sigh from the old hunter.
The field seemed to hold its breath with them as they both raised their bows simultaneously. The hare, sensing the imminent danger, darted across the field in a swift, agile leap. Its movements were as quick as lightning, zigzagging unpredictably, making it a difficult target.
Eigan was the first to release his arrow. It sliced through the air with a thin whistle but buried itself into the ground next to the hare, kicking up a small swirl of dust. A frustrated grunt escaped his lips, but before he could prepare for another shot, Kaled's arrow had already cut through the sky. The arrow flew straight and lethal, hitting the hare mid-leap, causing the small body to fall with a dull thud.
— I win! — Kaled exclaimed, a victorious laugh escaping his throat, full of pride.
— I only missed because I'm tired... — Eigan grumbled, slinging his bow over his shoulder. — And honestly, it's someone's fault.
Kaled let out a mocking laugh, hardly believing the boy's flimsy excuse.
— Tired? After sleeping like a rock all night? — he teased, a mischievous glint in his eyes. — If that's your excuse, you're in worse shape than I thought, kid!
Eigan sighed deeply, knowing the truth was far more complicated than Kaled could imagine. How could he explain that his exhaustion came from an entire night spent trying to shape his mana core, draining his strength to the limit? The young man decided to keep the comment to himself, limiting his response to joining Kaled's contagious laughter as they both walked toward the downed hare.
— Well, let's get this over with — Kaled said, crouching down to pick up the animal. — Rella deserves something decent for tonight. Who knows, maybe she'll reward me later... — he winked exaggeratedly, showing a crooked smile full of innuendo.
Eigan had to bite his lip to keep from laughing aloud, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
— Oh, yes, because nothing impresses a woman more than a dead rabbit... — he teased, adjusting the bag on his back and pretending to be less exhausted than he truly was.
— Boy, you don't know anything! — Kaled retorted with a guttural laugh, lightly tapping the boy on the shoulder. — Rella acts like she doesn't care, but when I show up with a good catch, she melts!
— Sure, sure... the great Kaled, master of the forests and conqueror of hearts — Eigan mocked, raising an eyebrow with a theatrically disbelieving expression.
Kaled laughed even louder, a laugh that echoed across the clearing, surely scaring off any other creatures nearby.
— And you talk too much for a brat who barely knows what it's like to satisfy a woman! — Kaled teased, his tone full of mischief. — Just wait until you grow older. Then you'll understand how the world works. And when you do, you'll remember me!
Eigan smiled to himself, hiding his real thoughts. If only the old man knew how much he had already seen, how much he had lived... But beside Kaled, he allowed himself to be just the "brat," laughing at the teasing and responding with the same lightheartedness.
— One day, perhaps. — he replied, with an exaggerated, mocking bow. — Maybe I'll learn your magical secrets of hunting rabbits and impressing women in bed.
Kaled laughed loudly again, satisfied with their exchange of banter. They were ready to move on to the next hunt, but as they walked through the clearing, Eigan realized that somehow, even in this simplicity, there was something magical in Kaled's company. A calm, a normalcy that he couldn't find anywhere else—not even in his memories of past lives.
— Come on, master. One more hunt, one more lesson. — Eigan joked, winking as he adjusted the bow on his shoulders.
— Ah, kid, you'll understand it all soon enough. — Kaled smiled, casting him an affectionate glance before moving forward through the forest.
And as much as Eigan knew how far he was from innocence, he still allowed himself to smile. Perhaps, for now, that was enough.
***
Walking through the underbrush, Kaled moved with the grace of an experienced predator, each step studied and precise. The sound of leaves and branches under his feet was minimal, almost imperceptible. He knew that any slip would scare away the rabbits, ruining the banquet he had planned for his beloved. His eyes were attentive to the subtle movements around him, and his breathing was controlled.
Behind him, however, the sound was different. Eigan, with his usual careless demeanor, was dragging himself through the bushes as if there were no hurry or purpose. Every movement was lazy, almost mocking, as if the hunt was an insignificant pastime for him. Kaled felt irritation bubbling up but remained focused on his task, ignoring the weight of Eigan's clumsy presence.
Taking a few steps forward, Kaled, always in his meticulous routine, hummed softly, the words mingling with the rustling of the leaves. The melody, unintelligible to anyone who might hear it, seemed like a prayer to the forest, a silent tradition of one who knew the land well. However, absorbed in his song, he didn't notice that the sounds indicating Eigan's presence had disappeared.
It was only when he took a brief pause, his senses sharpening to the stillness behind him, that Kaled finally turned his face, his brow furrowed in suspicion. "Where did he go?" he thought, a hint of concern beginning to rise. His hand automatically scratched his head as his gaze scanned the path they had traveled.
Doubt assailed him: should he continue with his hunt or go back to look for his small and annoying companion? Between the hares and Eigan, the decision seemed difficult, but huffing in frustration, Kaled swayed his body back and forth before conceding. "If he messed up the hunt..." he murmured to himself, already thinking about how he would strangle the boy as soon as he found him. He turned abruptly and began retracing his steps, feeling his irritation grow with every moment without Eigan's trail.
It didn't take long for Kaled to find the boy. Eigan was crouched near some fallen trees, their intertwined trunks forming a sort of natural shelter, perfect for large animals. Kaled, feigning an irritation that was starting to become real, approached with firm and deliberate steps, making sure to step on the dry leaves and branches, creating loud crunching sounds that sliced through the silence of the forest.
— Look at you, not— he began, but his voice died in his throat as Eigan quickly turned to him, placing a finger to his lips, asking for silence. His eyes sparkled with a mix of excitement and something deeper that Kaled couldn't identify.
Kaled furrowed his brow, confused, but remained still. Eigan, still smiling enigmatically, returned to crouch carefully, peeking inside the den formed by the fallen trees. There was something there, something that made the boy smile in a way Kaled had never seen before. A smile that was almost mischievous, but also... affectionate?
— Wait... Be careful! — Kaled warned, suddenly anxious, extending a hand as if he could stop Eigan from getting too close, but it was already too late. The boy, with surprising boldness, thrust his hand inside the den.
Time seemed to freeze for a moment. Kaled held his breath, waiting for a threatening sound or movement. And then he heard it. A low, rumbling growl that reverberated through the heavy air of the forest. Eigan, however, showed no fear. With unsettling calmness, he pulled something from within the den. Kaled leaned forward, curious despite himself, trying to understand what the boy had found.
It was then that he saw it. In Eigan's arms, writhing gently, was a wolf pup. Its fur was dark as night, and its eyes, bright as rubies, sparkled with contained ferocity. The growling continued, but the small creature seemed more frightened than aggressive.
— A... A wolf! — Kaled instinctively stepped back, his hand going straight for the dagger at his waist. His eyes swept the area, adrenaline coursing through his veins as he waited for the pup's mother to emerge from some shadow, ready to defend her offspring. — The mother must be nearby...
He looked at Eigan, who appeared completely unconcerned, petting the pup with unexpected tenderness. Kaled gripped the dagger tighter, his heart racing, torn between caution and disbelief.
Eigan turned completely to Kaled, his eyes shining with an intensity that the old hunter had never seen before. There was a seriousness in his gaze that took him by surprise.
— The mother probably died... — Eigan said in a calm voice, almost indifferent, but carrying a strange melancholy. — I found some dead pups a few steps from here. This must be the last one that survived.
Kaled looked at the boy as if he had just heard the most absurd thing in his life. He opened his mouth, his eyes wide with disbelief, trying to digest what Eigan had just said. The boy lowered his gaze to the pup still wriggling in his arms, his face softening.
— I'm taking him with me.
Kaled exploded before he could contain the scream.
— NOOOOO! — his voice echoed through the forest, startling birds that took flight, alarmed by the hunter's shout. — Have you lost your mind?! This is a beast! It's going to grow up and see us as fresh meat!
Eigan, with an expression of someone who didn't take it seriously, laughed, his eyes sparkling with amusement. He raised the pup as if he were showcasing an innocent little puppy.
— This cute little thing? — he said, smiling as the pup licked his face with awkward tenderness. — I don't think so, just look... he's adorable.
Kaled huffed, frustrated, running a hand over his face in exasperation. For a moment, he considered insisting, trying to make Eigan understand the obvious danger of this. But then he saw the boy's smile. A genuine smile, free of the usual arrogant and forced attitude Eigan often displayed. There was a rare innocence in that expression, something he hadn't seen in a long time. It was as if, for the first time, Eigan was acting like a real child.
Kaled let out a heavy sigh, feeling his own resistance melting away. "Damn it. I can't believe I'm going to accept this," he thought, his hand still pressed against his face as if trying to push away his own frustration.
— Fine... — he murmured, reluctant but knowing he had already given in. — But I'll say this right away... At the slightest sign that he sees us as food, I'm done with both of you!
Despite the threatening tone, Eigan just laughed, shaking his head and holding the pup as if he had just received the most precious of gifts. Kaled, sheathing his dagger back at his waist, could only hope the boy knew what he was doing.
***
In a remote corner of the world, where winter seemed an unrelenting tyrant, its icy claws spared even the most experienced men, who were sometimes caught off guard by the brutal fury of storms. The snow fell in a thick, silent blanket, as if nature itself sought to suffocate the sounds of life. There, magic danced in the air, as ancient as the legends whispered in the depths of the forests, shrouded in mysteries that few dared to explore. In the vast forest, still untouched by snow, a boy stood out — smaller than the others his age — with hair as black as a starless night, framing a face marked by innocence and pain. He wore heavy clothes made of furs and thick fabrics, protecting him from the biting cold, but failing to warm his lonely spirit.
In his arms, he held a white wolf cub, a small and fragile creature with bright, innocent eyes that reflected the pure essence of the forest. The animal trembled slightly, seeking the warmth of the boy, as if its very life depended on the comfort of those protective arms.
— He's just like you, Snow — mocked a boy standing a little farther away, his clothes as heavy as the first boy's, but his demeanor exuded an air of superiority. His voice cut through the silence of the forest, laden with contempt and irony, reverberating like a sharp blade.
Beside him, another boy held tightly to a light-furred wolf cub, his eyes observing every movement around him with an almost instinctual vigilance. He wore similar attire, thick fabric of neutral color, adorned with the same symbol of a wolf embroidered on his chest. However, what stood out the most was his silence. He didn't need to utter a word to convey what he felt. His cold, penetrating gaze, almost like that of a wolf on alert, revealed his deep discontent at the other boy's taunts. The clenched jaws and the rigidity of his posture suggested that, despite his youth, he already knew how to handle discomfort without resorting to words — like a wolf that snarls in silence, waiting for the right moment to act.
***
— I know how to take care of wild animals! I'm going to turn my new friend into a warrior! You'll see!
Kaled just laughed, quickening his pace. He had already hunted a good amount today; now all that was left was to go home and prepare the meat. He couldn't help but let out a sarcastic chuckle at the boy's words. The confidence he placed in the wild wolf seemed almost comical, an innocence that defied the brutality of the world around them.
— So now you've become an animal tamer, huh? Are you going to turn that wolf into a damn hunting dog? — he crossed his arms, casting a look that mixed irritation and amusement, a smug smile on his lips.
— Huh, the Targaryens tamed dragons... — Eigan flashed an ironic smile, making Kaled roll his eyes, annoyed by the absurd comparison.
— You're comparing a wolf to a dragon now? Dragons are magical, mythical creatures. A wolf is just a wild animal.
The young boy smiled, shaking his head, a thought forming in his mind. "Oh, if only he knew..."
— I can't believe you're talking about magic when you don't even believe dragons existed...
Kaled let out a frustrated sigh, irritation growing with every word from the boy. He didn't believe it, not really, but after the time he had spent with the boy, something made him doubt that...
— We're not talking about dragons and fantasy here, kid. We're talking about a wild wolf. — he sighed, as if already exhausted from the conversation. — Even if I believed in dragons, it wouldn't be the same. Dragons are magical creatures. Wolves are... wolves.
— That's true, but Raath has a different opinion.
"What the hell is Raath?" Kaled questioned mentally, staring at the boy with a confused expression. Eigan noticed Kaled's perplexed look and pointed at the wolf.
— I just thought of the name. Do you like it?
Kaled put his hand on his head, as if a strong headache was coming on.
— Raath? You named the wolf that?
— Yes. — The boy's quick response only deepened Kaled's incredulity.
— You really named this wild animal? And the name is "Raath"?
— Oh, it's just that I'm terrible with names...
Kaled rolled his eyes again, unable to believe what he was hearing.
— That's obvious. "Raath" is a ridiculous name for a wolf.
— What name would you give it?
He bit the inside of his cheek, thinking of a better alternative than "Raath." Kaled paused, his mind wandering in search of a name that did justice to the animal's ferocity.
— Something strong. Something imposing. Something that represents the wild and fierce nature of wolves. — he fell silent for a moment, reflecting. — Maybe "Nightclaw," or "Shadow," or even "Ironfang."
Eigan's eyes sparkled with the excitement that Kaled showed when suggesting names. The boy pondered "Shadow"; something about that name seemed to resonate with the spirit of the wolf.
— I like it; it will be Shadow. Thank you, Old Man... It seems you've finally accepted our new companion and resident.
"Damn it, I've been fooled," Kaled thought, spitting on the ground in frustration.
— I don't know how you do this, kid... — he bit his cheek again, a little irritated at having been tricked. — Alright then, "Shadow." Let's hurry up and get him to the cabin. But if he tries anything, I'll hold you responsible.
With that, he and Eigan, with Shadow in his arms, quickened their steps. Eigan was back to being the same excited kid as before, just someone who was tired.
Some time later, after their arrival, Kaled crouched by the crackling campfire, the features of his face illuminated by the flickering flames. The aroma of fresh meat filled the air, mingling with the earthy scent of the forest surrounding his cabin. He pulled one of the dead rabbits closer to him, his rough, calloused fingers deftly working with a short-bladed knife to extract the good meat. He skinned it, separating the hide from the flesh, and tossed it into the fire.
The wolf pup, named Shadow, watched intently, his reddish eyes gleaming in the firelight. The little wolf's fur was as black as night, almost camouflaged in the darkness around him. He edged closer to Kaled, his anxious, ragged breathing betraying that each of the hunter's movements was a dance that fascinated him. With his gaze fixed on the meat, Shadow couldn't hide the hunger consuming him.
As Kaled worked, he couldn't help but notice the similarity between the pup's ravenous stare and that of Eigan, who slept peacefully on his straw cot, lost in his own dreams. A nostalgic smile crept onto Kaled's lips as he recalled the times Eigan, with the same hunger in his eyes, begged for a meal in the past.
As he removed the meat from the rabbits, Kaled thought of the parts he would usually discard. Not this time. In a burst of generosity, he decided to set aside some smaller pieces—those that, while not the juiciest, could still fill an empty stomach. He cast a firm glance at Shadow, who immediately felt encouraged to approach, his tail wagging with excitement.
With a gentle gesture, Kaled tossed the scraps in the direction of the pup, who pounced on the meat with a joy akin to that of a predator. The sound of chewing was accompanied by small grunts of satisfaction, echoing in the afternoon's tranquility.
As Shadow devoured his prize, Kaled couldn't help but wonder about the future. He turned his gaze back to the fire, feeling grateful for this new life of his. With the flickering light of the campfire dancing around him, Kaled continued his work, now driven by a newfound determination.
"I hope Rella doesn't take long to come today... Or maybe I should just go to her," he murmured to himself. His mind danced with a promise kept. "I have to talk to her."
...
Watching Kaled's broad back, Eigan felt his consciousness slipping away like sand between his fingers, each grain a reminder of the exhaustion consuming him. The fatigue weighed heavier than a suit of steel armor on his shoulders, dragging him into an abyss of drowsiness. The hunt dragged on like a reluctant snail leaving its cocoon, and he couldn't help but wonder if some mischievous god had decided to turn him into a sleepy creature, doomed to wander the endless forests. His steps, so careless and wavering, could be mistaken for a shadow dancing in the wind, barely noticed by the very light of day.
When a new wave of drowsiness nearly made him succumb to the ground covered in dry leaves, Eigan stopped, his eyes half-closed, trying to focus on the opposite side of the path where Kaled was going. A faint glimmer, a wink of magic or perhaps just a mere daydream, caught his attention like a clever fisherman snagging an unsuspecting fish. After all, what could capture the attention of a mage if not something magical? As if playing a game of hide-and-seek with fate itself, Eigan let Kaled's figure fade away, veering off the path.
His steps took on a life of their own, and suddenly, a surge of curiosity awakened him. Walking with renewed determination, he sensed that the atmosphere around him pulsed with vibrant magical energy, as if each step pushed him toward an unknown and alluring place. The fatigue, like a timid spirit, hid behind a tree, ignoring Eigan's pleas to return to his weary mind.
After a few strides, Eigan encountered a disturbing scene that made him halt: small pups, some mutilated, lay on the ground covered in dry leaves and shadows. The sight made his heart tighten in a knot of pain, but an invisible thread of stronger magic wrapped around him, pulling him forward as if nature itself were whispering secrets of a hidden world. Without hesitation, he moved toward the den that, among the fallen trees, seemed to guard mysteries waiting to be unveiled.
Crouching down, Eigan approached silently, his breath almost inaudible, like a stealthy thief breaking into a palace of dreams. There, amidst dancing shadows and dry leaves, he was sure the magical creature he had been seeking was hidden. A wolf, perhaps? His instincts guided him, and the anticipation grew in his chest like a spell about to be cast, the energy pulsing like a taut string ready to snap.
~Hmmph
Opening his eyes, feeling the familiar weight on his eyelids, Eigan brought his hands to his face, rubbing his eyes in an effort to shake off the sleep. He nearly tossed the sheets aside, but something made him stop. The weight between his legs, a sleeping furry ball, stirred, and the ears perked up before the creature opened its eyes, revealing a pair of incandescent rubies.
— Shadow, you again... I've told you that you should sleep in your bed. — Eigan smiled, extending his hand to the little wolf in his grasp, admiring the pup whose soft fur contrasted with the rumpled sheets he had left strewn across the floor.
Rising from the straw bed, Eigan placed the wolf on the ground, stretching his tired arms and legs. It had been days and nights since Shadow had been with him, a constant presence on his magical journey. Kaled might think that Eigan wanted a dog, but for Eigan, a mage seeking power and wisdom, the wolf represented above-average potential. The creature drew his attention, for it was the closest he had to a kindred spirit, a reflection of his own magical essence, and in its company, Eigan felt he had found a deep, almost supernatural bond.
Eigan walked around the cabin, his gaze lost in the void, as if he were trying to decipher the riddle of life on a wooden wall. He raised an eyebrow, questioning where his friend's "grumpy" had gone. He walked to the door, holding the doorknob with a thoughtful touch, and, upon opening it, was almost blinded by the sunlight. A quick movement of his arm made him hide from the brightness like a vampire fleeing from garlic.
A familiar voice broke through the air, as if it had arrived before him:
— You're awake, little one! — Kaled exclaimed, sitting on a piece of log that served as a makeshift rustic throne. His face slowly turned, revealing a smile that could very well compete with the sun's brightness, as if his happiness illuminated even the dense shadows of the surrounding forest.
Eigan let out a low sigh, pulling his hand away from his face. His eyes focused on the features of his friend, who seemed to radiate youthful energy, as if time had left no marks on him. — What smile is that on your face? — he remarked playfully, watching Kaled's feline expression, which resembled a satisfied cat, freshly awarded with a ball of yarn.
Kaled shrugged, but there was a glimmer in his eyes, something beyond the ordinary. When he stood up, it was with an almost artistic fluidity, as if he were dancing on the earthen floor. He turned with a lightness of movement that could remind one of a dancer about to take command of an improvised stage.
— I'm going out today. — he announced, his voice carrying a contained joy, but with an underlying seriousness that couldn't be ignored. — I'm heading to Rella's camp and her group... It seems like there's going to be a party.
There was something grand about his words, as if the entire fate of the world was encapsulated in that simple declaration. The smile still lingered, but now his eyes shone with pure excitement, and the anticipation overflowed with every step he took towards Eigan. It was as if he were about to achieve something monumental.
— I'll be there all day, so don't worry about me.
— Worry about you? — Eigan raised an eyebrow, his tone light and playful, but his crossed arms and cheeky wink did not disguise his affection. — You're already a grown man, old chap. Just don't let her relatives turn you into some trophy to be displayed!
Kaled let out a hearty laugh, echoing like thunder in the calm of the morning, before giving Eigan a firm pat on the back. Then, he exited the cabin with an air of carefree confidence, but not without grabbing his dagger. After all, a hunter like him never left without his survival tools, even on a day of celebration.
Eigan remained at the threshold, watching Kaled's back as he slowly disappeared into the growing darkness of the forest. The daylight filtering through the tree canopies mingled with the shadows, but the brightness of his friend still seemed to linger in the air. There were no real concerns — if something happened to Kaled, he would know. For there was a thread of magic woven into him, and Eigan trusted that. Although a pang of apprehension about the distance bothered him, he quickly brushed that thought aside. The old hunter knew how to take care of himself.
With one last look at the green horizon, he closed the door, a soft smile forming on his lips. — Looks like it's just us today. — he said, staring at the straw mattress, his voice playful as he contemplated the next steps in his progress. He could already imagine how to pass the time and continue his training.
Curled up in the corner, a furry ball on the mattress, Shadow, Eigan's faithful companion, lifted his neck, curious. His ruby eyes stared back, sparkling with anticipation. Eigan laughed, feeling that the day would bring more than it seemed.
He took a deep breath; relief was a rare sensation, but he was finally alone. Kaled's absence brought him an unexpected calm, a rare moment of tranquility. Days had passed since he had a moment of peace, and Eigan couldn't help but smile at the thought of the serenity he held in his hands, even if only for a short time.
The small wolf pup, Shadow, rested on the straw mattress, his bright, curious eyes following Eigan's every move. The young wanderer walked over to him, bending down to stroke the soft, dense fur of the wolf. There was something almost comforting in that simple act, but his heart was heavy. He knew what he had to do, and despite how straightforward it seemed, he felt the pressure building on his shoulders.
— Forming a bond with you, huh, Shadow? — he whispered, his voice barely audible. The wolf shivered at the sound of the words, his eyes shining brightly. — It can't be more exhausting than creating my mana core... I've survived worse things.
❛❛ Bond of Man and Beast
A bond of man and beast was a deep connection that united a human to a specific magical animal, weaving a link that transcended mere coexistence. In Eigan's world, it was common for those with limited magical talents to seek this alternative form of compensating for the lack of power and mana. Although it might seem like a simple trick at first glance, this bond was of unparalleled strength. Through it, one could feel, see, and hear through their partner's bond. The two beings, intertwined by this connection, shared an intuitive understanding, instinctively knowing when one was in danger or facing difficulties, reflecting emotions and feelings in a visceral way.
This magical bond was divided into three distinct phases:
Phase 1 - Sharing
Phase 2 - Enhancement
Phase 3 - Fusion
It was a magical connection reminiscent of a blood bond, but while the latter was easy to establish, the bond of man and beast offered a more complicated alternative, as both beings had to want the same thing. Eigan, being a reincarnate who knew the secrets of bonds, observed his new companion, Shadow, a wolf pup who, with his bright eyes, stared at him from the mattress. The little wolf, however, seemed trapped in the limitations of the first phase, and Eigan knew that his nature would not allow for more than that. What worried him even more was the lack of a mana core in the pup; the energy pulsing within him was dark, a remnant of his mother's tragic history, possibly marked by dark sorceries. After all, he was in the forest of Qohor, a territory shrouded in mysteries and dangers that emerged from the black lands.
In his world, beasts and creatures, even the simplest animals, possessed their own mana cores, fruits of the connection with the nature that surrounded them. This inheritance gave them an extraordinary advantage, even over elves. Eigan sighed, lost in thoughts about how he could help his little friend develop a mana core. However, he himself could barely manage his own magic and mana, and the idea of assisting such a vulnerable being in a world scarce in pure energy seemed like a monumental challenge. ❜❜
But Eigan didn't believe for a second what he said. He was well-acquainted with magic, but forging a bond between man and beast was something far beyond any spell or mana manipulation he had ever attempted. This wasn't simply a matter of brute power or control—it was a primal bond, a fusion of essences, a connection that transcended the limits of flesh and spirit.
— This is going to drain me to the bones, isn't it? — he murmured, with a tired, ironic smile. The little wolf responded with a soft howl, as if sharing the same apprehension. Perhaps Shadow already knew that the path they would tread together would be arduous.
In the center of the room, Eigan sat on the cold floor, surrounded by a soft twilight filtering through the cracks in the walls. The environment, imbued with a mystical aura, seemed to pulse in anticipation. Shadow, the wolf pup, snuggled beside him, his bright eyes reflecting the uncertainty of the moment. Eigan took a deep breath, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
Focusing, he initiated the magical process of the bond between man and beast. The ancestral words resonated in his mind, but the connection felt hesitant. He extended his hand, palm open before the pup, as he invoked the energy hidden within himself. At first, nothing happened. Shadow looked at him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, the energy pulsing between them almost inaudible.
Eigan closed his eyes, diving into his own essence. He could feel the magic inside him, but his ability was still fragile, like a thread of silk about to snap. With every word spoken, the bond between them faltered, and suddenly, Eigan sensed the growing resistance emanating from the little wolf. The black energy residing within Shadow seemed to stir, as if the wildest part of the pup was fighting against the union he was trying to forge.
— Hey, relax... — Eigan let out a soft laugh, trying to ease the tension. — Don't fight me. Just accept it.
In response, the pup gave a small growl, as if challenging the proposal. Eigan felt the tension rise, each pulse of dark energy clashing against the flow of his own magic. The struggle between Shadow's innate ferocity and the desire for connection was palpable, and the pup twisted, each movement revealing its resistance.
As the magic began to flow, Eigan felt a growing warmth, fatigue seeping into his muscles, as if each particle of energy he tried to share was being drained. Exhaustion became a shadow, enveloping them as the pup trembled beside him, the fight against the connection causing its strength to wane.
— Come on, little one! — Eigan said, trying to keep the mood light. — It's not like I'm a monster! Just trust me. —
The pup looked at him, its expression somewhat confused, and even amidst the struggle, a thread of understanding began to emerge. The dark energy still pulsed within Shadow, trying to pull them apart, but Eigan could feel that slowly, they were coming together.
The wave of exhaustion enveloped them, and both fell into a deep state of fatigue, the boundaries between them starting to dissolve. Eigan felt the wolf's weariness as if it were his own; each heartbeat of the little one echoed within him. It was as if they were fused into one being, sharing not only energy but exhaustion, a clear reflection of the difficulty they faced.
As the warmth dissipated and the connection solidified, Eigan knew this was just the beginning of the first phase of the bond. The road ahead would be long and filled with challenges.
— Well… we did it! — Eigan said with a weary half-smile, his lips cracked from the cold and fatigue evident in his eyes. He reached out to stroke Shadow's soft fur, pulling the wolf gently into his lap. Both were exhausted, their heavy breaths echoing in the silent surroundings. —Now, if you don't mind... a nice little nap.
He settled against the wooden wall, the hard surface pressing against his back, but sleep quickly overtook him, deep and heavy, like a man who finally finds peace after a battle.
Hours passed, the sun slowly disappearing on the horizon, painting the sky orange and purple before yielding completely to the darkness of night. The moon rose high, silver and distant, illuminating the forest with a pale, ghostly glow. The sound of crickets and the rustling of trees were the only music in that moment.
Suddenly, Eigan woke up abruptly, a jolt that seemed to pull him from the depths of a nightmare. His body was drenched in cold sweat, muscles tense, as if the air around him was charged with an invisible electricity. He gasped, his wide eyes fixed on the dark ceiling of the cabin, where shadows danced like restless spirits. A strange pressure weighed on his chest, an overwhelming sensation that something was deeply wrong, as if fate itself had shifted course.
An invisible connection, almost imperceptible, crackled within him, and Eigan instantly knew what it meant.
— Kaled... — Eigan murmured, his voice low and hoarse, laden with concern. Each syllable felt like a prayer, a desperate plea to the universe.
He stood up quickly, the sound of his movement echoing in the oppressive silence of the cabin. The little wolf, Shadow, also woke up shaking his head while sniffing the air, as if he felt the same malaise that consumed Eigan. The sparkle in his eyes glowed in the dim light, alert and wild, like a flame that refuses to be extinguished.
— Stay here, Shadow. — Eigan crouched to grab the dagger from a wooden shelf, his fingers gliding firmly along the blade, feeling the familiar weight of the cold steel. He kept his eyes fixed on the door, his expression grave, a command that allowed no questions. — You're too young... you can't follow me.
The wolf let out a low growl of protest, his tail wagging restlessly, but he obeyed. Shadow nudged against Eigan's leg once more, a gesture of concern that went beyond the understanding of a pup. Even at such a young age, he already shared a deep bond with his owner, sensing the anxiety that now engulfed Eigan. Reluctantly, however, he settled back down, his bright eyes locked onto the young man.
Eigan had no more time. The dark premonition gnawed at his essence, and the air felt thick, as if each breath had become a titanic effort. The fearful silence surrounding the forest was becoming increasingly unbearable, and the certainty that something had happened to Kaled tightened around his mind like a nightmare on the verge of materializing.
With one last glance at Shadow, who seemed to be in a state of palpable unease, Eigan opened the wooden door. It creaked softly, breaking the night's silence, as he dashed into the darkness of the forest.
The twisted, dry branches of the trees scratched against his skin, each movement a battle against the untamed nature. The sound of his boots crushing the dry leaves mingled with the whisper of the treetops, dancing in the chilly breeze. The shadows around him stretched and twisted like specters under the moonlight, a sinister shroud enveloping his body. The world around him seemed to breathe erratically, the cold air filling his lungs as he ran faster, ignoring the pain that began to seep into his muscles and the cuts that appeared on his arms.
The forest, once so familiar, had now transformed into a living entity, as if the very branches were trying to stop him in his desperate run. Each beat of his heart was a countdown, and the overwhelming feeling that he was running out of time made it hard to breathe. — Kaled... — Eigan repeated, gritting his teeth, his chest burning with tension. He couldn't waste any more time; urgency pulsed in his veins, and he was determined to find his friend, no matter the cost.