Elias stirred in his seat uncomfortably, glancing about the café. The place was busier than usual, the air filled with the hum of conversation and the clatter of dishes. The aroma of freshly ground coffee beans was heavy, mingling with the faint scent of pastries and various short-eats from the counter.
Looking outside through the glassed front of the coffee shop, he sighed. Past few days, he didn't miss even one day visiting this coffee shop, hoping Celestia would appear like the last time. He even began to visit at different times than usual, observing the faces of the maids, with the hope of catching a clue of her familiar face. Alas, is he lovesick or something like that?
Today was also another such like day.
Suddenly, a soft shimmer lit up the entrance. But no one seemed to notice it. Celestia walked in, her ethereal presence drawing a few curious glances from the other patrons. She was dressed simply: a white blouse paired with dark trousers, which seemed almost out of place on someone who normally looked like she had stepped out of a myth. But there she was, blending into the mundane world-or at least attempting to.
Elias waved her over. "I almost thought you were dead, glad to see you alive!" he greeted as she approached, his heart pounding with happiness.
"Well, I had things to do, you know" Celestia said, her voice as calm and smooth as always. But he could catch a glimpse of tiredness in her tone.
" And what is this… new look?"
" Do I look good? This is the first time, I tried these type of clothes."
" Seems like you are adapting. You wore that type of clothes even, didn't you?" Elias pointed out one of the maids.
In response, she just smiled a little, taking the seat opposite him, and for just a second her eyes swept the café in a mix of curiosity and discomfort. Elias could tell that, despite her confident demeanour, places like this were far from her comfort zone.
"I ordered coffee for you," Elias said, pushing a steaming cup toward her. "Though you may have tried it earlier?"
Celestia leant forward, peering at the cup as if it was some poison. "Coffee?" she repeated, raising an eyebrow.
" Huh? Don't tell me you haven't try it even once?"
Celestia suddenly became interested in her shoes. " I… I didn't have enough time!"
Seeing how she behaved, being embarrassed by Elias's question, he couldn't help but smile.
Celestia slowly pressed her lips together after meticulously observing how Elias drank, bringing the cup cautiously to her mouth and taking a sip. Her eyes widened then, and she jerked the cup from her mouth, staring at it in apparent confusion.
"It's… bitter," she said with a look between confusion and distaste.
Elias couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, it takes some getting used to. Some people add sugar or cream to make it sweeter."
Celestia shook her head. "I do not understand how anyone could enjoy this. shit."
"You should have seen your face," Elias chuckled. "Priceless." He couldn't help but tease her a little.
She gave him a sideways glance, but there was almost a smile on her lips. "Enough about strange beverages," she said, setting the cup down finally. "I came here to discuss your training."
Elias leaned back, the amusement sifting from his face. "Right. I tried to get some handle on my powers, but it's… really… really hard. I think I was getting somewhere, but no more than grasping at smoke. I can't even remember how the hell I defeat that Wyrm!"
"That is because you are attempting to harness an energy that is foreign to your world," Celestia said. "You need to practise in a place where the flow of Beasteal Qi is attuned to your potential. That place. is my realm. And also as I previously said, at that time you let your emotions donthe work"
Elias blinked, startled. "I know about the emotion thing, but I don't really remember what my emotions were at that time! And what about that practising in your realm… thing?"
Celestia nodded slowly. "Right, the Astral realm that I am the master of is filled with the type of Beasteal Qi, which has the most affinity to the powers you have now, and it is an environment far more suitable for training than anything you will find here. If you want to make progress, then you are going to need to come with me.".
Elias said nothing for a moment, her words sinking into his psyche. It was true that he rejected to go there in the second chapter, but still to go to another world was an exhilarating thought, the idea in itself sending a thrill of fear coursing down his spine. A new life, in a different world! "Alright," he finally said. "But why is it that way? Why can't I just train here?"
Serious faced Celestia said in a low tone, "Elias, you have a special kind of energy in you that doesn't completely come from your world. Trying to control it here is like trying to make two energies of opposite forces coexist. You may achieve some progress, but it will be slow, unmarked, and painful. In my world, the Beasteal Qi in my realm, will rhyme with your skills, so you safely can practise your potential."
He nodded, still trying to wrap his head around it. "Alright, say I agree. What exactly is this Beasteal Qi? You mentioned it earlier, but. I don't get it."
Celestia paused for a moment, as if considering how best to explain it. "Beasteal Qi is a form of energy that originates from the universe," she began. "It's the lifeblood of all beasts capable of wielding power and also in each realm Beastial Qi changes according to the nature of the realm. Since, I was the first one to awaken your power, I guess you have light related powers, which means my plane is the best for you right now. And further, by harnessing this energy, Beast Tamers can make bonds with the creatures possessing Astral energy."
Elias frowned, trying to keep up. "So, it's like. magic?
"Not exactly," Celestia corrected. "It is more like a primordial force, older than your universe. It is from astral energy that all other forms come into being. It is the purest and oldest power available in existence."
Elias nodded, his eyes slowly taking it all in. "And Beast Tamers…they make use of this Beasteal Qi to bond with beasts, right?"
"Yes," Celestia assured. "A Beast Tamer is made through the development of this Qi in oneself. The greater your affinity to Beasteal Qi, the stronger the beasts you can make pacts with."
He leaned closer, his eyes interested. "But you said there were levels to this?"
"Correct." Celestia's eyes sparkled as she continued her explanation, her voice even more animated. "Beast Tamers have several ranks they go through: Beast Owner, Beast Master, Beast King, Beast Emperor, and then comes the most powerful, Beast Sovereign. But there is one rank, one title only a few know, the last rank that exists—the Beast Lord."
"Beast Lord?" Elias's eyes had widened in surprise as he repeated after her. "I've never heard of that."
"You wouldn't have," Celestia said. "In your realm, knowledge of this rank has been lost. It is a power preserved for those who have reached the pinnacle of their abilities."
" Wait! Isn't that the name you were calling me?"
In response Celestia nodded her head with a smile on her face.
Elias felt his heart tingle with excitement. "So… it's possible to become something even greater than a Beast Sovereign?" He asked while thinking about Bartholomew Stark. Elias had heard that he was at the Beast King level.
Celestia nodded, her expression unreadable. "Yes. But the path is long and treacherous. Few ever reach such heights."
Elias couldn't help but grin. "Well, I like a challenge."
Celestia's lips arced into a faint smile. "I thought you might."
A moment of silence descended, before Elias leaned forward again, curiosity alight within his eyes. "And what about the beasts? Do they have ranks, too?"
"Yes," Celestia explained. "The beasts are divided into ranks from Level 1 to Level 6. A Level 6 beast would even pose a threat to the Beast Emperor. To tame such creatures, it would require not only strength but also… something more."
"What do you mean by 'something more'?" Elias inquired.
Soft eyes turned to her and Celestia said, "It is not strength that binds you to your beast. The emotions must be harmonious between Tamer and beast, or even if you have endless amount of power, you will not be able to make a pact with anyone!"
"It's not just a question of strength," Elias considered. "It's a question of. finding a bond with them.
"Exactly," Celestia said. "A bond that is forged from mutual respect and understanding will be far stronger than one coerced through strength alone. That's why so many fail, even with their vast might."
Elias sat back, his mind reeling to think it through. "So, in order for me to become stronger, I not only have to learn how to harness the Beasteal Qi, but also how to connect with them… emotionally?"
Celestia nodded. "Yes, which is why I really think training in my realm will be good for you. You'll have access to creatures that are attuned to Beasteal Qi, with the affinity to your powers. It is a place you can learn, not just about your powers, but also you may learn more about me… I mean, my true self as a beast."
Elias said nothing, the words sinking in. "Fine," he said finally. "I'll do it. After all we don't have any better choice, right" He noticed her blushing slightly, when she uttered the phrase, learning about her.
Celestia's eyes shone bright, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm glad to hear that. But let this be a warning to you, Elias-once you enter my realm, there will be no going back from my grasp. I will make you strong enough to face the next trials within just two weeks!"
Elias nodded heavily while noticing a strange glint in her silvery eyes."I am ready. Whatever is needed for me to get stronger, I will do it."
' Will I be okay? She is not going to kill me in training, right?' Inside his mind he was shivering from intense fear.
Celestia sat back, regarding him with almost pride and yet something else he could not quite place. "Very well. I will bring to my realm. We shall begin your training in the morning."