"This is just a simple fruit," the principal said with a smile, "This is something you'll need to eat before entering the portal. It's a special fruit that enhances your connection to water affinities. Consider it a little boost before you bond with your next beast."
Khalil hesitated. The fruit looked harmless enough, but he couldn't help but feel there was more to it. "Are you sure this is safe?"
The principal chuckled, waving off his concerns. "Of course. Trust me, Kalem. Just eat it. The taste might be… unusual, but you'll be fine."
With a deep breath, Khalil took the fruit and bit into it. The taste was unlike anything he'd ever experienced—a strange mix of bitter, sweet, and a peculiar tang that made his tongue tingle. It wasn't unpleasant, but it wasn't exactly enjoyable either.
As he swallowed the last bite, a strange sensation spread through his body. It started as warmth in his chest, spreading outward until his entire being felt like it was buzzing with familiar yet strange energy. His vision blurred for a moment, and then suddenly, the familiar game-like prompt appeared in his vision:
_________
[System Alert!]
You have consumed a legendary-rank treasure: Silver Drop of Resonance.
Effect: You have unlocked an additional beast slot.
Effect: Your water affinity has increased by one star.
Effect: Your Primal Essence has greatly increased.
_________
Khalil blinked, stunned. The words floated in front of him, glowing faintly before fading away. His heart raced as he processed the implications. A legendary treasure? An extra beast slot? And his water affinity and primal essence had increased?
He flexed his hand instinctively, feeling an almost imperceptible difference in his body—like he was more attuned to the flow of energy hidden inside him.
He glanced at the principal, who was watching him with an innocently neutral expression. "That fruit was… more than just for water affinity, wasn't it?" Khalil said, narrowing his eyes.
The principal raised an eyebrow, feigning ignorance. "Oh? What makes you say that? It's just a fruit to help with your bonding process."
Khalil wasn't convinced, but the principal's grin gave away his good intentions. He decided to let it slide. It was for his own good anyway. "Right… just a fruit."
Then he slightly bowed his head. "Thank you for your generosity once again. I will repay them one day. I promise."
"Hey, why are you thanking me? It's just a fruit, didn't I tell you?"
"Anyway," the principal said, clapping his hands. "Now that you've had the fruit, it's time. Step into the portal and choose your second beast. Remember, aim for one with a water affinity."
Khalil nodded and strode toward the portal.
As he entered the portal, the world around him shifted and swirled, colors blending together like a moving watercolor painting. Moments later, he found himself in the same ethereal realm where he had bonded with the Guardian of Light. Once again, he stood on the glistening surface of an endless lake, its waters reflecting a serene, starry sky above.
Beasts of all shapes and sizes encircled him, their forms shimmering faintly as though they were made of liquid starlight. He could hear their hushed whispers, soft and melodic, yet tinged with curiosity.
"He's back?"
"Why has he returned? Was one bond not enough for him?"
"Is he going to take another of us?"
And so on.
Khalil cleared his throat, and the beasts quieted, their many eyes and glowing auras now fixed on him. He bowed low, his tone humble yet firm. "Thank you all for thinking so highly of me and for allowing me to bond with the Guardian of Light. I cannot express my gratitude enough for that honor."
The beasts stilled, stunned by his words. Then came a ripple of shocked murmurs.
"Is he… talking to us?"
"Wait, he understands us? Or is he just thanking?"
Khalil straightened, meeting their surprised gazes. "Yes, I can understand what you're saying. It's a talent of mine," he admitted with a small smile. "And I've returned with the same purpose as last time—to bond with one of you."
The beasts exchanged glances, their whispering picking up again in confusion and awe.
"A human who understands us… Could he really be as special as we thought?"
"It makes sense—he's the Guardian's Tamer. But to come back so soon?"
Khalil raised a hand, silencing the murmurs once more. "Let me explain my reason for returning and why I need a second bond this quickly," he began, his voice steady but resolute.
He briefly explained the forces of the dark and his life being in danger.
"And this time," Khalil concluded, his voice carrying an almost regal weight, "I would like to bond with one with the water affinity."
The beasts grew silent, their forms glowing brighter as they contemplated his request. Their eyes met, a quiet understanding passing among them. The whispers resumed, low but urgent, as they discussed his words.
"He needs protection… a bond to disguise the Guardian's light."
"The corrupted ones will hunt him relentlessly."
"A second bond is risky, but necessary. He bears the mark of balance—if he falls, we all fall."
A tall, sleek figure stepped forward, its body shimmering like waves under moonlight. Its voice was calm but commanding as it spoke to the others. "We cannot deny his request. The forces of darkness will come for him, and if he fails, the Guardian of Light may never reach its full potential."
Another beast, smaller but radiant, chimed in, its tone contemplative. "Then the question is, who among us would be the best fit for him? He needs strength, intelligence, and unwavering loyalty."
They turned toward Khalil, their collective gaze heavy but not unkind. Khalil met their eyes, his heart steady despite the weight of their decision.
"Let us decide quickly," murmured one. "The boy's journey is just beginning, but time is not on his side."
All of them nodded and started discussing. After about 5 minutes, they finally stopped their discussion and turned toward him.
"We have selected the one suitable for you."