Download App
73.33% Saving The World With A 0.00001% Success Rate / Chapter 22: A Second Bond [1]

Chapter 22: A Second Bond [1]

Khalil sat at the table, enjoying his breakfast in comfortable silence. The principal had returned late the previous night, visibly tired, but now he sat across from Khalil, refreshed and sharp-eyed. Despite the calm setting, Khalil couldn't ignore the curiosity simmering inside him.

"So, what happened last night, Principal?" Khalil asked, breaking the silence. But it was a bad idea to directly ask about the Black Door. "Was it something bad?"

The principal looked up from his cup of tea, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "Nothing particularly dramatic," he replied casually, stirring the liquid. "Just some documents that needed urgent attention. Bureaucracy doesn't wait, you know."

Khalil raised an eyebrow, unconvinced but unwilling to push further. He had learned quickly that when the principal didn't want to elaborate, there was no point in pressing.

Before Khalil could ask anything else, the principal set his cup down and leaned forward, a small smile playing on his lips. "Enough about me. Let's talk about you. The academy will officially start soon, and there's much to prepare for. Have you thought about what you need?"

Khalil hesitated, caught off guard by the question. "I… honestly have no idea," he admitted.

The principal chuckled softly, as if he'd expected that answer. "Then it's a good thing I've already made arrangements. We'll tour the city today and get everything you need for the academy—from your uniform to your dormitory."

Khalil's relief was short-lived as a pang of awkwardness crept in. His finances were… nonexistent. He had spent every coin just to get to Velstrad City and apply for the exam.

The principal's eyes twinkled knowingly, and a small, reassuring smile appeared. "Don't worry about the money. As a scholarship student, the academy will cover all necessary expenses. Just leave it to me."

Khalil exhaled in relief but frowned slightly. "I appreciate it, sir, but I feel bad about taking so much of your time. You've already done so much for me."

The principal waved a hand dismissively, a rare, easy grin spreading across his face. "Nonsense. It's my responsibility to ensure my students are properly prepared. Besides, a little break from administrative work is refreshing."

By midday, they had finished everything on the list. Khalil now had a crisp academy uniform, essential supplies, and even a modest dorm room ready for his stay. As they walked through the bustling city streets, Khalil felt an odd mix of gratitude and disbelief.

He hadn't expected his life to take such a drastic turn in just a day. Thankfully, his memories were somehow sorted out, no longer felt all over the place and disoriented. However, he still felt like a person who lived two lives which was absurd.

The principal suddenly stopped in front of a large, elegant building with intricate carvings adorning its facade. Khalil already recognized it from a distance - it was the Bonding Hall where he bonded with the Guardian of Light and saved the villainess Sira yesterday.

The principal turned to him, his face uncharacteristically serious. "There's one last thing we need to do today. Follow me."

Khalil followed him inside, the air cool and faintly humming with energy.

The principal stopped in the center of the room and turned to face Khalil, his expression solemn. "Listen carefully, Kalem."

Khalil straightened, sensing the shift in mood.

"The forces of evil are aware that the Guardian of Light has chosen its Tamer," the principal said, his tone measured but solemn. "They will do everything in their power to find you. Some will try to recruit you to their side, using manipulation or coercion. Others…" He paused, his gaze steady. "Will try to kill you."

A chill ran down Khalil's spine, and his mind raced. "Kill me? I'm just—"

"You're not 'just' anything, Kalem," the principal interrupted firmly. "The Guardian of Light represents balance and power. To the forces of darkness, you are a threat simply by existing. And we need to prevent them from finding you."

Khalil clenched his fists, his mind still reeling. How could he save the world when his life was already in danger by both the First Calamity and now this. "How do we do that?"

The principal's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained serious. "By ensuring your identity as the Guardian's Tamer is hidden. One way to do that is to bond with another beast—one that aligns with your secondary affinity, water. This will help disguise your unique connection with the Guardian of Light and provide you with additional protection."

Khalil hesitated, glancing at the familiar portal. "Another bond?" He looked down at his hand, where faint traces of the Guardian's light still lingered. "Can I even do that?"

"You can," the principal assured him. "The Guardian of Light's bond is unique—it doesn't restrict you from forming additional connections. Choosing a water-affinity beast will not only strengthen your abilities but also make it harder for anyone to connect you to the Guardian."

"That's true, but... what about those who witnessed everything yesterday?" Khalil asked curiously. Many people knew it was him who bonded with the Guardian of Light. 

The principal's gaze softened, though his voice carried a note of reassurance. "As for those who saw what happened yesterday, you don't need to worry about them, Khalil. They've sworn an oath of secrecy—a binding one, as protectors. Every person present is aligned with the forces of good, and they will do everything in their power to shield your identity. You're not alone in this fight."

Khalil swallowed, still feeling a mix of nervousness and disbelief. "So, they're all… protectors?"

The principal nodded. "Indeed. Their primary duty is to protect balance in this world. You are now part of that responsibility, Khalil. But let's focus on the next step." He reached into his robe and pulled out a small, silver fruit shaped like a spiraling drop of water. It gleamed faintly, as though imbued with magic.

"Huh? What's that?" Khalil asked, eyeing the fruit with curiosity and wariness.

"This? This is just an ordinary fruit."


Chapter 23: A Second Bond [2]

"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."


Load failed, please RETRY

Weekly Power Status

Batch unlock chapters

Table of Contents

Display Options

Background

Font

Size

Chapter comments

Write a review Reading Status: C22
Fail to post. Please try again
  • Writing Quality
  • Stability of Updates
  • Story Development
  • Character Design
  • World Background

The total score 0.0

Review posted successfully! Read more reviews
Vote with Power Stone
Rank 200+ Power Ranking
Stone 0 Power Stone
Report inappropriate content
error Tip

Report abuse

Paragraph comments

Login

tip Paragraph comment

Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.

Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.

GOT IT