章節 24: A Second Bond [3]
The air stilled as the beasts parted, forming a path. From the back of the group, a small figure emerged, stepping forward with hesitant movements. It was no larger than a cat, its sleek, lizard-like body covered in shimmering sapphire scales that reflected the faint glow of the lake. A crest of soft, feathery plumes adorned its head and back, shifting colors subtly like a ripple of water under the moonlight. Its large, luminous eyes—wide and filled with uncertainty—locked onto Khalil.
The little beast let out a soft, high-pitched trill, the sound almost like a question, carrying both nervousness and hope.
Khalil's heart softened at the sight. He crouched down slightly, offering a kind smile. "Of course," he said, his voice warm and reassuring. "I would be happy to have you as my bond."
The creature's eyes sparkled, its nervous uncertainty replaced by excitement. With a delighted chirp, it launched itself toward him in an uncoordinated leap, its small body colliding with his chest like a feathered cushion. The force sent him stumbling back a step, but he laughed, amused by its enthusiasm.
"Easy there," Khalil chuckled, cradling the little beast in his arms. Its feathery crest fluffed up as it nestled against him, letting out a contented purr-like hum. He gently ran a hand over its smooth scales, marveling at its delicate yet vibrant form. "You're adorable," he murmured, patting its head. The little beast chirped again, nuzzling into his hand.
The other beasts watched the interaction in silence, their gazes intense and focused. After a moment, the tall, sleek figure from earlier stepped forward, its voice calm but resonant. "That is the one we have chosen for you," it said. "Though small and unassuming, this little one carries great potential."
Another beast chimed in, its tone almost proud. "It may only be common in rank, but it is a rare kind. Its strength will grow as yours does, evolving alongside you. But for now…" It paused meaningfully. "Your body and soul are not ready for a bond with another powerful beast. This one will ensure you have the foundation you need to thrive."
Khalil listened attentively, nodding in understanding as they explained. He glanced down at the little beast in his arms, which stared up at him with an innocent curiosity.
Despite its size, there was something about it—something that hinted at untapped potential waiting to be unleashed. "I understand," he said, his tone firm yet grateful. "Thank you for your guidance and for entrusting me with this little one. I won't let you down."
The beasts dipped their heads in silent acknowledgment, their expressions solemn. Meanwhile, the little creature in his arms let out a cheerful trill, completely oblivious to the heavy atmosphere. Khalil chuckled again, adjusting his hold on the little one. "Looks like we're in this together now," he said softly. "Let's make it count."
The beast chirped once more, a sound filled with pure joy. As Khalil turned to leave the ethereal realm, he could feel the weight of the beasts' gazes on his back.
____ __ _
As soon as he came out of the portal, the principal appeared in his vision, his sharp eyes locking onto Khalil with an unreadable expression.
The principal's gaze shifted from Khalil to the small blue creature perched comfortably in his arms. His expression morphed into one of incredulity, brows furrowing deeply as he let out an exaggerated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Khalil blinked, confused by the reaction. "Is… something wrong?" he asked cautiously, glancing at the little beast in his arms, which chirped happily, seemingly oblivious to the tension.
The principal didn't respond immediately. Instead, he stepped forward, placing a firm hand on Khalil's shoulder and shaking his head with a mixture of exasperation and reluctant acceptance. "No matter what you chose, I'll support you," he said, his voice heavy with resignation. "Just… ignore others and their words when the time comes."
"Ah, yes?" Khalil replied, his confusion deepening. He tilted his head slightly, unsure of what the principal was implying. The small beast in his arms let out a curious trill, as if sharing in his puzzlement.
The principal raised an eyebrow at Khalil's evident cluelessness. "Wait a second," he said, his tone shifting to mild disbelief. "Do you even know what creature you've bonded with?"
Khalil blinked again, glancing down at the little beast that now tilted its head up at him innocently. "No?" he answered hesitantly, though his voice carried a note of certainty that the beasts in the ethereal realm wouldn't have misled him. "They didn't tell me… much."
The principal let out another sigh, crossing his arms as he studied the creature in Khalil's arms. "It's a common rank beast," he said matter-of-factly. "Little potential. The lowest of the low, in terms of power or worth."
Khalil frowned, puzzled. Did the beasts lie to me? he wondered for a fleeting moment, but quickly dismissed the thought. No, they wouldn't. Their solemnity and words had carried a weight of truth that resonated deeply with him. Then, perhaps, the principal didn't know the full story.
"Lowest of the low?" he repeated softly, more to himself than anyone else. He looked down at the small creature, which now gazed up at him with trusting, gleaming eyes. "I don't think so," he murmured. 'They said you'd grow with me… evolve with me.'
The principal's gaze softened slightly as he noticed Khalil's resolve. "Well," he said, his tone less sharp, "if you've already bonded, there's no going back now. You've named it, I assume?"
Khalil nodded. "Yes," he said firmly, a small smile tugging at his lips. "This little one… I've decided to call him Ryn."
The principal's expression shifted briefly to something unreadable before he gave a curt nod. "Ryn, huh?" he muttered, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Well, Khalil, you should know your bond is at its most basic level right now. Nothing like the connection you share with the Guardian of Light."
"I figured as much," Khalil replied, his voice calm. He glanced at Ryn, who chirped softly and nuzzled against his chest. "We'll just have to work together until we reach that level, won't we?" His smile widened slightly as he gently patted Ryn's feathery crest.
The principal tilted his head slightly, regarding Khalil with a mix of curiosity and respect. "You're taking this better than I expected," he admitted. "I'll be honest—most would be crushed to bond with a beast of this rank, especially after forming a connection with something as grand as the Guardian of Light."
Khalil shrugged lightly, his confidence unwavering. "Rank doesn't matter," he said simply. "I trust the beasts' judgment. And besides…" He looked down at Ryn again, his eyes soft. "It's not about where you start. It's about how far you can go. Isn't that right, little guy?"
Ryn let out a happy chirp, his feathery plumes fluffing up in agreement. Khalil chuckled, his determination solidifying even further.
The principal smiled faintly, patting Khalil on the shoulder once more. "You're a strange one, boy," he said, his voice carrying a note of approval. "Let's see how far you and this little one can go. But," he added with a warning look, "brace yourself. Not everyone will be as… supportive."
"I'm ready for that," Khalil replied, his tone resolute. "I'll just prove them wrong if anything."
The principal's smile widened slightly, and with a nod, he turned to leave. Khalil stood in front of the portal for a moment longer, glancing down at Ryn, who had already made himself comfortable in his arms.
"Alright, Ryn," he said softly, his voice filled with warmth and purpose. "Let's get to work."
He then followed after the principal.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票