Having more space to keep serums, food, and other necessities to survive in the wilderness was crucial. Ruler Kazriel made that much clear when he prepared me for the Katrak and the weeks we’d spend in the Elemental Spires. Our final goal with the Caldera was still unclear to me, and Daniel and Scott weren’t too sure either. That Scott was oblivious struck me as odd, but he did not seem particularly worried. That was reassuring, because I did not want to have any trouble with the Caldera.

Honestly, they were quite likeable. Their view of honor, their lust for battle, and the way they carried themselves were commendable. I liked them quite a lot, their home included. It was simple and didn’t have much to offer, yet it was cozy.

Shaking my head, I returned to feed meat and serums to both Nox and Aureus. The Ferronox Mantis devoured his share of luxurious goods and went back to mend his exoskeleton and scythe. I half-expected Aureus to leave as well, but the Earthheart stayed by my side. He lay down beside me, his wings covering my body, his tail swishing around me, offering comfort. And… seeking comfort…?

Is something wrong, buddy?

Aureus was unusually quiet, my mind barred from his thoughts.

Yes… no. I–I don’t know.

I sat upright and shifted to meet the Earthheart’s bright golden eyes.

“What’s wrong?” I asked quietly. “You know you can talk to me if something bothers you.”

Aureus stared back at me but didn’t say anything. Traces of hesitation oozed through the bond, confirming that something was, indeed, more than a little wrong.

“Ignore what I just said. Even if nothing bothers you, you can always talk with me. Whether you’re happy, excited, sad, or anxious, I’m here for you.” Aureus blinked as I scooted closer to his head, cradling him gently. “You know, I always feel bad for relying so much on you. Let me be a pillar of support for you. Lean against me even if you think you’ll crush me.”

The last bit turned out to be a failed attempt at a joke. Then again, the Earthheart snorted.

You want me to crush you with my weight?

He lifted his head and pushed it against my chest. I stumbled and fell back onto the ground, my back firmly pressed against the hot stone. Aureus’s head landed on my chest with considerable strength, so much that I had to grit my teeth to suppress a groan. I could’ve pushed Aureus away, but I let him be, my arms coiling around his massive head, caressing him gently.

“Do you want to talk about it? If not, that’s fine too. There’s no pressure. I can back off and wait until you’re ready.”

That is not necessary. I can tell you. It’s not a secret anyway. I just… I don’t know.

Aureus let out a hot breath and deflated a little.

I know I’m not weak. I am strong. Stronger than I expected. Smarter than I deemed possible. My mind expanded greatly. So much I cannot imagine being muddle-headed like I was before. You finding me all those moon cycles ago, binding my egg to your World… it is a miracle. You made me evolve. Helped me gain strength and intellect I never knew I possessed, and I–I don’t want to lose any of it. But… I don’t want to hold you back either. I am no longer growing as fast as I used to.

So that was the problem.

Aureus’s potential was nearly used up. His growth hadn’t stagnated yet, but it had slowed since he reached the threshold of a Mid-Evolved-ranked beast. Since only two of the five possible 3-Star Ether Gates had formed through his connection with Earthheart, his natural potential as an Evolved beast was only two out of five. As great as that was, Aureus had fierce competition with the Ferronox Mantis. As long as Nox continued to digest high-ranked serums, he’d advance to the Unblemished Rank. It wasn’t a fast process by any means, but it was bound to happen. Aureus, on the other hand...

The serums Ruler Kazriel had provided for the last few months pushed Aureus’s potential further, but that wasn’t a permanent solution. I knew that, and so did the Earthheart.

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And that scared Aureus– it terrified him.

“What are you talking about?” I gasped, clutching my chest as a flood of suppressed emotions burst through the bond with Aureus. The Earthheart had tried to suppress it further, but it was to no avail. Our connection was closely intertwined, so much so that I couldn’t believe I hadn’t noticed Aureus’s concerns. He had concealed his unease almost perfectly.

“Are you stupid?” I blurted out, a gust of anger piercing through Aureus’s fears and doubts. My hands shot toward the Earthheart, and I forced his head upward, tilting it slightly so our eyes met – to make sure he saw the anger blazing within them.

“How in the Rulers’ Names did you come to such a stupid conclusion? I would never abandon you!” I poked his cheeks, my eyes squinting in frustration. “You are not a burden. You are a member of my team, my family, and you are the best friend I ever had!”

A blade of guilt twisted in my gut when I thought about Daniel and how great of a friend he was, but this was different. Aureus and I were basically one. We were more than just family. Daniel was my best friend, and I was eternally grateful for him. However, my relationship with Aureus was something else.

“You are not a burden, and you will never be one. I promise you that much!” I told him straightforwardly, yet my words didn’t seem enough to convince Aureus. Months of doubts had coalesced into something more. Into a fear that feasted on him. It could not be dispelled that easily. Especially with Nox lingering in my World, as well as the words I’d said several months ago– that I would bring a lot more beasts into my World.

“We will figure something out. Another evolution maybe?” I offered the first idea, but the Earthheart was still hesitant. More ideas formed only to disappear after I expanded upon them. Until I was reminded of Ruler Kazriel’s promise. “How about I ask the Ruler for help?”

I didn’t like that. Not at all. But for Aureus’s sake, I would ask Ruler Kazriel.

Aureus perked up a little, his wings fluttering as fragments of ideas flowed through my mind and into the bond.

“He promised me a third Soulkin and to support its growth from a young age. I am sure Ruler Kazriel would be willing to change the deal and provide a bunch of rare resources for you instead,” I thought for a moment and recognized a few problems. “To improve our chances, we would have to crush the Caldera at the Katrak–using your powers. Demonstrate to everyone how valuable you are.”

Ruler Kazriel studied Aureus thoroughly, though his focus had always been more on Nox. Thus, only Daniel and Scott knew all about the Earthheart’s greatest powers–the combination of intellect and two powerful traits. That, combined with the nineteen massive Ether Gates I could drain to overcharge my traits, ought to stir some trouble. Or solve it, depending on the situation.

Honestly, Aureus’s situation was nothing new to me. I hadn’t known how worried he was about his potential and about being left behind, which was probably on me. After all, I was the one who’d been worried about his potential first. My research on Craglings and all the other known evolution paths for Soilbacks dated back months. It started only days after we arrived at the Grand Camp.

That being said, I was more than ready for experiments. Aureus had never been an average beast. He was a Soilback but had become something much greater. Yet, at heart, the genetics of a Soilback still rested within him. That was what I hoped–to a certain extent, at least. If not, the expensive experiments I had in mind would be all but wasted.

“No matter what happens, how expensive this is going to be, or how much time we’ll have to invest into your growth, I won’t leave you behind,” I smiled brightly at my Soulkin. “And you should know that. Our bond exists for a reason.”

Aureus remained silent, yet the bottled-up emotions dispersed. They faded slowly as the soulshare pulsed and expanded.

Clicking my tongue, I continued to cradle him. “I know that you knew how I felt about all of this. Why were you so worried? Why are you still worried?”

Actions carry more power than words, but that doesn’t mean words are powerless. Maybe I just wanted to hear you say it out loud. I…don’t know.

Aureus commented, but I could tell there was more to it.

“You little overthinker. Stop worrying so much,” I snickered, lifting his head to sit up. I turned around and rested my back against his side before Aureus forced his way back onto my lap.

Other Blessed would replace their Soulkins once their potential was used up, or once serums and other resources were too expensive and more efficiently used on other Soulkins. They’d bind new, stronger Soulkins–sometimes even neglecting their bonds with the older ones.

I did not want to end up like that. Not when my Soulkins desired power. Their reasoning did not matter. All I cared about was their wishes, and I would be a bad Blessed, a terrible friend, and an even worse family member if I didn’t give my utmost to help them achieve their dreams.

Of course, that also meant I wouldn’t push my Soulkins if they no longer wished to spend most of the day training. As long as they were content with themselves, I’d be happy.

But this? There was no way I’d stop providing Aureus with the best of the best–or the best I could afford.

As for the fools who mistreated their Soulkins, replacing them as easily as their clothes, they could fuck themselves. I wanted to have nothing to do with them. Ruler Kazriel included, if I could avoid it.