Mira sat cross-legged on a stone slab, facing the peaceful lake behind the Grandmaster's secluded residence. Mist rose from the water, swirling gently under the faint glow of floating spirit orbs. The air felt different—thicker, charged with something ancient but she was still had doubts, the eerie surrounding around her made her think about the new challenges was about to face with grandmaster.
Across from her, Fengrion curled up, his silver fur gleaming under the soft light. His golden eyes watched her, sharp and unreadable. He hadn't spoken much since their bond was formed, but Mira could feel him—somewhere deep inside, connected to her in a way she didn't fully understand yet.
The Grandmaster stood between them, his white robes flowing with the light morning breeze. His expression was calm but serious. "The ability to project your soul is not just a technique—it is an extension of who you are. If you fail, your soul may weaken. If you succeed, you will not only bond with Fengrion but also unlock a part of yourself you've yet to see."
Mira took a slow breath. "No pressure, huh?" she muttered under her breath.
She closed her eyes and focused. The energy within her felt warm, moving like fire in her veins. She steadied herself and whispered the incantation the Grandmaster had taught her.
"Exa Veris Luminaris."
The moment the words left her lips, something pulled at her chest. It was like being dragged in two directions at once. A dull ache spread through her head, and for a split second, she saw strange images—blurry figures, voices whispering things she couldn't understand.
And then—
She wasn't in her body anymore.
Mira gasped. Everything looked... different. The world around her was sharper, like she was seeing through a completely new lens. Colors were deeper, the air around her rippled with invisible energy. She tried to move her hand—only to realize she had none. She wasn't flesh right now. She was... something else.
Then she felt it—a pull toward Fengrion. And suddenly, she wasn't just seeing through her own eyes.
She was inside Fengrion's senses.
The world shifted. The air smelled different, crisp and layered with scents she'd never noticed before. She could hear everything—the rustling leaves, the faint ripple of water, even the softest movements from creatures far beyond the lake. It was overwhelming, but at the same time, it felt right.
Fengrion's emotions flowed into her like a tide—his curiosity, his amusement, and something deeper. Something guarded.
So this is what it feels like… to be connected.
For the first time since forming their bond, Mira truly felt him. His instincts, his past, his silent emotions—she could sense all of it. But before she could go deeper, something snapped.
Mira was yanked backward.
Her body jolted, and she gasped, feeling herself return in a rush. Her heartbeat pounded against her ribs as she clutched her chest, trying to steady her breath.
The Grandmaster studied her carefully. "You succeeded."
Mira wiped the sweat from her forehead. "That was... insane." she tried and succeeded in her first try but she still was feeling the lack of power inside her, it felt that this one technique used her most of her power.
Fengrion stretched, his tail flicking lazily. "Not bad for a first try. At least you didn't pass out."
Mira shot him a glare. "Oh, excuse me for not being a ten-thousand-year-old immortal beast." this is always being too much if he is this proud i am truly worried how his master would be, mira thought to herself.
The Grandmaster gave a faint smile. "You've taken the first step. But you have much more to learn. Rest for now."
But before she could even think about resting, the air suddenly changed.
A deep force rippled through the surroundings. The energy in the area shifted, as if something ancient had stirred. The peaceful mist around the lake grew restless. Even Fengrion's golden eyes narrowed, his fur bristling.
Then, the ground trembled.
Mira's body tensed as a powerful presence slammed against the protective barrier around the Grandmaster's secluded grounds. A low, guttural growl echoed through the valley—a sound that sent a shiver up her spine.
Someone—or something—was trying to break in.
The Grandmaster's face darkened. With a flick of his hand, golden energy surged outward, reinforcing the invisible shield. "Stay here," he commanded, his voice firm. And in the next instant, he vanished in a flash of golden light.
Fengrion's voice growled in her mind. That thing… it's strong.
Mira swallowed hard. She could feel the force pressing against the barrier. It wasn't just strong—it was old. Powerful. Her instincts screamed at her to stay back, to let the Grandmaster handle it.
But her fingers twitched. Her fire stirred.
Fengrion snapped at her, his voice sharp. Don't even think about it. You're not ready.
Mira clenched her fists. "I know." But her whole body burned with the need to act.
A crack split through the air, followed by another chilling snarl. The pressure against the barrier intensified, making the very air feel heavier.
Mira felt helpless. She hated it.
Her nails dug into her palm. She wasn't strong enough. Not yet.
But soon… she would be.
As the Grandmaster's energy flared in the distance, Mira felt something deep inside her stir. It was faint, like a whisper—something old that called to her.
She ignored it.
But she had a feeling she wouldn't be able to ignore it forever.