*******Back at the entrance******
Ryker sat on the ground with his legs crossed. He seemed to be chanting some incantations. But, in reality, this is how most cultivators who have been able to awaken a soul bound beast summon their soul beasts.
Immediately, the tattoo on his forehead began to expand rapidly. He was calling on his soul beast! While he was initiating the summons, the elder who was standing guard mutters "This child is gifted. He was able to awaken the legendary soul bound beasts while being in the spirit realm. If I hadn't tempered with his mind and with his strong sense of justice, he would have definitely rebelled against the doctrines of the faction that I have put in place. That's why I never allow him into the temple to cultivate. I don't want him growing stronger than he already is. Even at such a young age!"
"Though I must say that his spirit beast is rather…unique"
After he -Ryker- was done with his summons a mist like substance appeared and out of it came a figure. If Vanya were to have been here, she would have recognized this creature as a Draugr.
The Draugr, according to an ancient text she had once chanced upon, is an Undead Viking warrior, often buried in a mound or barrow. It is described to be enormous in size and in strength. It sometimes has discolored, decaying, or grayish skin with glowing eyes (sometimes described as burning with an inner fire), sharp teeth and claws, and long hair, often described as dirty, matted, or bloody. It wears armor, often rusty or corroded, carries with it a massive sword or battle-axe and is adorned with golden armlets, rings, or other treasures.
The text mentions that the Draugr has the habit of guarding treasures and burial sites. It is Violent and aggressive towards living intruders, it of course possesses supernatural strength and endurance, can regenerate lost limbs and heal from wounds and in some rare cases, they are said to have magical powers and curses.
This creature, which has somehow found its way into the present day world, has inspired a lot of writers into writing "fantasies" about them and some games have even been developed due to its influence.
That same creature was now standing beside Ryker. As his soul bound beast. Though, he might not be aware of the powers the creature holds.
On seeing the creature, the elder once again felt awe and respect for it. With these feelings also included the feelings of jealousy and disdain for his grandson. 'If I had been the one with such a beast I would have definitely been better than he is. He doesn't even know anything about his own soul beast, humph' these were the thoughts of the elder.
"Has it grown stronger than before?" he pretends to ask in curiously although he was well aware that soul bound beasts, doesn't matter what species they are, they cannot get stronger than their masters. He doesn't understand the theory behind that but he had a feeling that it had to be linked with the speration of power between them. If the soul bound beast becomes stronger than the master without enough trust between the both of them(master and soul bound), the soul bound beast would most likely try to end it's master.
"You-" Ryker who now had a different demeanor compared to before was about to respond when the seal completely dispersed and out of the cave came the figure of an otherworldly beautiful male with a head full of green locks, greenish gold irises which glows brightly under the illumination of the sun. His height was almost towering over them(the elder and Ryker).
As the seal dissipated, Sernon's gaze locked onto Ryker and the elder guardian. A hint of amusement danced in his eyes, intrigued by the arrival of reinforcements.
Ryker's heart sank, recognizing the formidable aura emanating from Sernon. He knew he was no match for this being, and the elder's presence only added to the uncertainty. He was considering convincing the elder to reconsider his choice on reclaiming the mine. However, on seeing the scheming look in his elder's eyes, how the elder seemed to relish the encounter, his eyes gleaming with excitement, and his voice dripping with anticipation. "Ah, you are the intruder aren't you? How delightful to finally meet you."
Ryker resolves to help his elder get the mine. He has the power of his soul bound beast now unlike before.
Sernon's smirk widened as he stepped out of the mine, his gaze flicking between Ryker and the elder. "Do you have a Draugr as a soul bound? I sensed it when my mana invaded your body. Plus you have a special constitution. You are a diamond in the rough young lad. And you were even able to summon it at such a young age. I'm impressed. You have also brought a guardian to me. How...thoughtful."
The elder guardian took a step forward, his eyes locked onto Sernon. "You're the one who sealed the entrance. What business do you have here?"
Sernon chuckled, his aura radiating confidence. "You shouldn't concern yourself with that. I have my reasons"
Ryker's instincts screamed warning, and he positioned himself defensively, ready to protect himself and the elder.
The elder felt like it was now right to clear his curiosities a bit. "You must be from the main continent to be able to use such a complex spell such as a seal right?" He tries to feel him out.
Sernon knew where this was going but decided to play along " what if I am?"
"Then," the elder's voice turned cold, " you won't be able to leave this place without me knowing how you came here" he was trying to intimidate Sernon. He didn't know Sernon's realm because Sernon had hidden his realm.
All the elder said sounded like a joke to Sernon. 'Does this old man know who I am?'