Gavin's clone, as usual, set off a few hours after dawn, sprinting out of the valley. His four paws pounded against the snow as he ran. After some time, he reached his destination and spotted human soldiers stationed above the waterfall. With a powerful leap, he soared to the top, where the frozen cascade once flowed.
Ignoring the soldiers around him, he pressed forward. Soon, he launched himself over another cliff, landing on the frozen river below. Racing along its icy surface, he crossed to the other side of the mountain.
Pausing for a few seconds, he scanned his surroundings and picked up the humans' trail. The Wright family's camp had moved, following the tracks left behind. Now, the humans had settled where the Golden Sparrow Tribe once stood.
Eventually, he arrived at the base of a plateau. A sturdy wooden wall surrounded its perimeter, and directly ahead, a path led to the camp's entrance.
Standing there, he let out a howl, announcing his presence to the humans inside. A few minutes later, Elan emerged from the camp, accompanied by one of his knights. Gavin's clone immediately noticed the human mage—but Alice was nowhere to be seen.
Stopping a few feet away, Elan sighed. "I'm sorry you had to come all this way. If you had waited at our last location, I would have met you there." He hesitated, realizing that without Alice, communication would be difficult.
Still, he continued, "Alice and some of my men went to acquire the druid inheritance. They'll return in two days."
"But with them comes another force—the private army of the William family."
Elan's expression hardened. "That's why I've decided to sign the contract with you now. Don't worry, once Alice returns, I'll give you the druid inheritance."
"The urgency is because the William family has sent three Elite Professionals—two warriors and a knight."
"For my family to remain in control of this camp, I need to advance and become a 6th-rank Magic Hunter."
The clone responded, "The William family won't just attack the tribes. Their goal isn't just to destroy the totems—they intend to wipe out the tribe members as well."
Elan's eyes widened in shock. "You can talk?"
The clone replied flatly, "Is that important right now?"
Elan quickly shook off his surprise and addressed the previous concern. "Yes. We will able to help, you eliminate the totems of the other tribes in your region."
The clone's eyes narrowed. "Then give me a reason to sign this contract."
"Don't worry," Elan assured him. "We will compensate your tribe with valuable resources."
The clone remained unmoved. "That won't be enough. Along with the warrior and druid inheritances, we need six additional basic inheritances."
Elan hesitated, then nodded. "We'll need some time, but we'll fulfill your request."
The clone's gaze stayed firm. "Then show me the contract."
Elan retrieved the contract from his space ring. As he infused it with his magic power, words appeared on the parchment. The clone then formed a stone tablet in the air. The tablet floated toward Elan, who placed the contract upon it. In an instant, the tablet carried the contract back to the clone.
Carefully, the clone read through every detail of the agreement.
"I want to make a change," he finally said. "Regarding the clause where I help you suppress a Bronze-rank magic beast."
Elan's expression darkened. "What? Why?" That was the most critical part of the deal for him. Without increasing his strength, he would lose control of the camp.
The clone remained unfazed. "Instead, I will sign an equality contract with you and become your familiar."
Elan stiffened. "Why?"
"Double insurance," the clone explained. "It will also benefit your Wright family. Alice must have told you about the strength of the tribe's totem."
Elan nodded slowly. "Yes, and that's what confuses me. With a totem that powerful, why is your tribe still considered small?"
The clone's voice was calm but firm. "The totem is in seclusion, preparing to advance to the Golden Rank. Once it does, its power will make it much easier to elevate your noble title."
Elan thought for a few moments before exhaling. "Fine."
Stepping forward, he infused the contract with magic, altering the clause as requested before leaving his magical signature. The clone then took the contract, securing it with his magic energy.
"I will return in a few hours once the totem has signed the contract," the clone stated before turning and sprinting back toward the valley.
A few hours later, the clone returned—this time without the contract. His main body had placed its magical signature, and upon completion, the contract had ignited and burned into ashes, sealing the agreement.
Elan must have sensed the contract's completion, as he had not returned to the camp and was instead waiting for him.
The clone spoke first. "Let's proceed with the equally familiar contract."
Elan nodded and began murmuring in an unfamiliar language. A soft green light emerged from his body and flowed into the clone.
A voice echoed in the clone's mind: Do you agree to become an equal familiar of Elan Wright?
Without hesitation, the clone answered, Yes.
Immediately, a green light flared from both of them, connecting the space between them.
A surge of spiritual energy poured into their bodies. The clone received only a small fraction of it, while Elan took in a much greater amount, forcing him to sit down as the energy overwhelmed him. It did not strengthen his magic power or physical abilities but instead fortified his spirit.
As the energy settled, Elan's advancement began. The surge met the final requirement for him to ascend to the 6th rank of Magic Hunters. Hours passed as the transformation took place.
When the process was finally complete, Elan stood up—now stronger than before—and handed the clone a stack of books.
"These contain the warrior and knight inheritances," Elan said. "The knight inheritance is additional compensation."
Holding the books aloft with his magic energy, the clone turned and sprinted away. After covering some distance, he came to a halt.
From the shadows, a figure emerged—the shadow spirit.
Seeing it, the clone spoke. "The contract is signed. Now, when will you give me the practice method to advance to Bronze-rank Shaman?"
The shadow spirit regarded him carefully. "We will provide it. But first, why did the human advance to Bronze rank?"
"There have been some changes in the situation," the clone replied. "After I signed the contract, his worries disappeared. With a clear mind, he must have figured out how to advance on his own."
The shadow spirit's voice darkened. "What changes?"
"Another human force is approaching, led by three Bronze-rank warriors."
The shadow spirit narrowed its eyes. "Then you had no reason to sign the contract with the humans. That means there will be changes to our deal."
The clone remained unfazed. "I signed the contract for this." He lifted the books. "And we don't know how many more human forces will come. To stay ahead, we need a spy within their ranks, feeding us information."
He paused before adding, "Besides, in six months, the Wright family will leave, and when they do, we will help you destroy the human camp."
The shadow spirit considered this for a moment, then gave a slow nod. "Tomorrow, at the valley's entry point, I will bring the method." With that, it vanished into the darkness.
The clone turned and resumed running.
What neither of them realized was that their conversation had been overheard—two unseen figures lurked nearby. One was a spider elf. The other remained unknown.