Rest came easy that night, but when morning came, I felt close to death's door. Whatever alcohol Dar had us drinking last night was strong. I remember most of the night, but after we started doing toasts to past Monarch's, my memory became a little fuzzy. I was going to take today to get my affairs in order, as we still had one thing left to do and stay one more night with Dar before setting off on our quest.
Yet before our group departed, I needed to talk to Dar, and preferably when he was sober. Luckily, as I made my way out of the guest room and into the dinning room, breakfast was already fully prepared.
"I didn't know what you liked, so I made a good variety." And he was not kidding, the assortment was breath taking, plenty even for each of my 4 companions. We sat down over the island and all dug in. It was a good 10 minutes and a full stomach later that I finally was able to ask Dar what was on my mind.
"Look, Dar, Ive only been in this kingdom a little over 2 weeks, and I'm just as new to magic. You say that I am special, but the truth is, I have no idea what I am doing, in both life, and magic. In a way, I know I am different, but I truly am a novice to all. What makes me so different?
"For one, 'Beast' is not an affinity. Sure, there are what we call Beast Tamers out there, these are people who use more than one magical beast in combat, but that's different than you. These people typically have a common affinity with a certain type of magical beast, and use this to create allies, either Earth, typically nature or a wind/sound/calm aura types. You, are more pure Beast affinity, and I can sense that is the truth. This is very uncommon, which makes you at the minimum unique. "
"I uhh,,, well I didn't know it wasn't a normal affinity, so no one will be able to walk me through my developing powers, or tell me what it means?"
"Not necessarily, each affinity works on a similar basis, you are keen to the mana from the that particular element. For you, Beast would mean that it is easy for you to develop a relationship with them, they are likely less to attack you unprovoked, more likely to aid you in your missions. If I had to guess your magic will take the shape of two forms, one will be physical, you will have spells or skills that will enhance your strength, speed, agility, and maybe even skin. The other form would be enhance your allies. Once you form a bond, you will probably be able to boost their power, mana, affinity, or maybe even do a combination spell between beasts. This is just what seems obvious at first consideration."
"So I am an enhancer class?" Saying this out loud made my magic skills almost slowly make sense. I knew that my only spell currently came from my second affinity, Nature, which I could never easily trained in, yet, my all I thought my beast affinity was good for was taming monsters. Yet know that I think about it, my skill Aggro must come from enhancing my physique to that of a magical beast.
'Not necessarily, but It will help visual what your affinity can potentially do. I knew an enhancer, and he was a hell of an asset to our party, yet he had no where near your potential. He needed a party to shine. Yet as of now, you are alone. Sure you have 4 fantastic companions, but the world will see their power as your own. So keep an eye out. You are going to need a few more allies, human and non human or you will surely be taken advantage of. Power attracts power, and yours will draw attention.'
With that, we finished the conversation on an eerie note. I was glad to learn more of about the depths of my magic, but after hearing his warnings, I was downtrodden. Everything had been easy up until now. No problems and really no worries, yet now it was becoming obvious that this wouldn't last forever.
Not much was spoken after this conversation, Dar got ready for work, while my party got our gear sorted for the day ahead. We made our way quickly out of Ravenaire Guild house and headed south into the Rainforest that I originally came from. We jogged a good hour until we were far off the road, and away from any prying eyes. I have been naive and maybe a little scared, taking the easy way out. Slowing gaining my strength though others, and my magical beasts rather than my own personal power. My dream will not waver, but my approach might. I need a platform, a way to gain fame, as well as gold. My passive approach had obvious flaws, like never gaining a human member, a method to earn money, clients, merchants, and a product with a need. To form the world's greatest clan, I needed to first build a following. A set of people loyal to me with the same mindset, and war was one way to get that. Yet, how can I join a war with no notion for why they are fighting? Where are my loyalties?
I dispelled the negative thoughts for a later time, and got back to the task at hand. I was finally going to finish my first quest! Create a permanent soul bond. Siya instructed me on how to properly design my first ever magic circle. Using the soil and ash we purchased from the Crystal shop I created a perfect circle. I, then, proceeded to place each of the 12 starlight blooms around the circle like numbers on a clock perfectly spaced. Following this, I then drew a Venn diagram in the center of the circle with the remaining Ash and Soil, large enough for my self and Ronin to fit in each. I carefully placed each of the crystals on the Ash and Soil that overlapped. Lastly, placing the Legendary Beast Core in the middle circle of the Venn diagram.
With all of this complete, Ronin joined one half of the ritual, while I joined the other half. Dropping a small amount of each of our blood onto the corresponding Crystal in front of us, Mine Nature, Ronin's Light to commence the bonding. Suddenly all of the starlight blooms light up the already sunny sky, and life energy slowly sapped from my body. The glow continued until each the largest circle was complete entrapping us. Yet, I suddenly fight a warm healing sensation course through my body. My mind was opening up and I could feel the connection with Ronin. It was as if I could hear his feelings. His squeaks that I remembered over the past few days became words rather than noises in my memory. It was as if we were finally on the same wavelength. But it was not just a mental connection, it was also magical, like our mana's slowly blended. We may not be able to use each others spells effectively, but we could easily share our power, meaning Ronin could use my power to heal our allies, making him instantly stronger. Slowly, the glow from the ritual died down, as the mana was completely consumed by Ronin and I.
As the power faded, and life came back to reality, I slowly adjusted to the new found connection. Immediately I found myself stronger, and mana slightly more pure, but I also felt an intimate knowledge to healing. Due to this I checked mine and ronin's stats, which saw a noticeable increase
Jason Demeter
Level: 15
Class: The True Beast Master (M)
Affinities: Beast & Nature
Skill: Beast tame, Aggro, Earth's Eden (Calming Aura)
Spells: Growth, Natural Heal
Ronin
Level: 15
Class: Veterinarian
Affinities: Light & Earth
Skill: Healing Aura
Spells: Natural Heal, Purification,
Each of us gained a level, a spell and a skill. It was a serious advancement, on top of the benefits that the permanent bond created.
Ronin spoke, which sounded as his normal squeaking, but with each sound, the meaning came to my mind, I could tell that the bond was magically translating his chattering.
'Thank you! I wouldn't let you down boss'
'Of course, Ronin you are invaluable to our team'
I explained the upgrades to the others quickly enough, and we set off quickly back to Dar's for the evening, we were all four going to take a carriage into the capital tomorrow, on his dime, and there we will set out looking for the whereabouts of Aiko. During the time, I plan to try and test out both of my spells, trying to learn all of their ins and outs, as well as anything Prya can teach me in those two days of easy travel.