The Caldera’s home was massive. It stretched far and deep beneath the Elemental Spires. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of Caldera filled the extensive training halls, supported by pillars clad in the same vein-like lava streams that ran through the rest of their home.

The lava veins carried warmth and light, yet there was more to them–they connected the complex structure that formed the Caldera’s home. The veins radiated fire-attuned ether, infused with properties found only in lava and magma.

Absorbing ambient ether wasn’t particularly difficult given the extremely high density within the Elemental Spires, but un-attuning it – or locating and absorbing neutral ether– was cumbersome.

After the youngest of the Caldera guided us through their home– showing us their training halls, gathering places, various arenas, one of many smithies established in the Elemental Spires, and several magnificent underground lakes– we were finally brought to our chambers.

“That’s…it?” one of the cadets who’d lost in the Katrak asked, brow furrowed. “You want us to sleep here?”

The chambers were basic. Very basic, actually. We were given small caves the size of our dorm rooms back in the Grand Camp, and they were empty. There wasn’t a single piece of furniture. No blanket, no mattress. Not even a door for privacy.

“Cozy, isn’t it?” Orieath asked, smiling brightly enough that I knew he was sincere.

“Cozy? That’s utter no– …” The Scions ignored the cadet and stepped into one of the six chambers prepared for us.

The Scion of Space retrieved several large pieces of modern furniture from her spatial ring, including a queen-sized mattress and a metal door. The door was odd. It was placed at the center of her cave’s entrance and expanded, the metal unfolding and stretching outward until the opening was covered.

Ruler Xadrak’s Scion hung a curtain, while Ruler Sera’s Scion threatened us with all the love he had left to spare. Side note: there wasn’t much love in the air.

“Enter my cave once, and I will rip your limbs off. Enter it twice, and I will be forced to write a casualty report explaining why you stupid fuckers had to be put to death.”

Sweet, wasn’t it? Anyway, I picked a chamber to share with Daniel and Scott, while the other cadets split up. The Caldera didn’t pay much attention to the two groups that had lost so miserably in the Katrak; instead, they followed us.

“I’m curious about something, but I’m quite sure the question is rude. Or that answering it will cause you problems,” I started once I found a relatively comfortable spot on an elevated position in our temporary room.

“Ask away, Pyaera,” Orieath said, waving dismissively, though his eyes flicked toward Zegrath’s hands.

“What is it you wish to know?” Zegrath sighed. “You are right to assume we have our secrets. But so does your kind. I am fairly sure your kin keep secrets among yourselves as well, so I hope you do not blame us for keeping our most valuable ones to ourselves.”

That was more than fair.

“I heard you talk about the Primal Spirit and the Spirit of Volca a lot. It feels like the Primal Spirit is at the center of everything in your life,” I began lightly, studying their reactions. “But the same can’t be said about the Spirit of Volca. You preach to the Spirit of Volca, and you honor his spirit, but the way you speak about him feels more…tangible, if that makes sense.” I paused, struggling to explain my confusion in Pyra–it turned out a lot harder than expected. “How exactly do the Spirit of Volca and all those other Spirits and their unique blessings fit into the big picture? They’re not like the Primal Spirit, are they?”

My question caused immediate discomfort. It spread across the Caldera’s faces and grew more intense as the seconds stretched seemingly infinite.

Orieath’s lips parted after a moment, but his mouth snapped closed a second later, his eyes seeking permission from Zegrath. Her gaze drifted from me to Scott and Daniel before returning to me with a resigned sigh.

“Your question does make sense. It isn’t considered a great secret either. You and your friends would have learned the truth soon enough.” Zegrath smiled, but it didn’t reach her eyes. Something bothered her…or maybe she was holding back information. It was hard to tell.

“The Spirit of Volca is a creature–sacred and mighty,” she said before shifting to archaic Pyra. She spoke words I couldn’t grasp and performed some kind of ritual. Then she returned to modern Pyra and shared a bit more information about the elemental planes, Volca’s appearance, and intellect–until Daniel blurted out loud,

“So Volca is a beast?”

The words earned him the Caldera’s ire.

“A sacred creature, chosen by Volca–granting superior intellect, powers beyond your wildest imagination, and the might to bless us by granting fragments of its power to nurture and wield,” Zegrath hissed.

Daniel nodded slowly as if he accepted her words, but I knew him better. To him, everything he’d heard still sounded like a beast–a powerful, highly intelligent beast with various unique traits, but a beast nonetheless.

“Don’t say anything stupid.” I pulled Daniel back, but my eyes drifted toward a movement in the distance. On the opposite side of our chamber, I could see Wesley standing in the entrance to theirs, his face drained of all color. I didn’t even have to stand close to him to hear him cursing.

Something’s wrong with him. Like, really, really wrong, I told myself.

The Caldera excused themselves after a few more words of pleasantries and departed.

“Why did it feel like they told me to fuck off?” Daniel asked wryly. Scott appeared beside him and patted his shoulder.

“Probably because they did. I expected you to be a little more diplomatic, Mr. Zerog Junior,” Scott chuckled.

Daniel grunted and shoved him gently aside. “I have to prepare for tomorrow. After all, unlike you two lucky bastards, I have to fight some mad veterans who, bless my stupid luck, are masterful combatants with decades of experience.”

Scott and I shared a look and broke into laughter. We were indeed a little luckier than Daniel. Then again, he and the others were born with silver spoons in their mouths and received resources far beyond our imagination from the day they were born. Complaining about that was only something a spoiled brat could do.

“Brat.” Scott snickered as he retreated into the corner of his room, where he and Destiny chatted, their eyes shimmering in an all-too-familiar light.

“Did he just call me a brat?” Daniel pointed a finger, lightning crackling at his fingertip.

“No idea,” I deadpanned, before adding, half-mockingly, “And just so you know, I’m sorry for living such a privileged life.”

Daniel waved me off. “Don’t worry about me.” Then he froze and stared back at me. “Wait a moment. Are you mocking me?!”

I spun around without an answer and summoned both Aureus and Nox. Even if I was in another race’s territory, I couldn’t neglect training. Aureus and Nox couldn’t neglect it either, even if the Earthheart wanted nothing more than to sleep in one of the lava lakes I’d seen earlier.

“Training first. Then a little sleep, maybe some scratches, and food before that,” I offered my Soulkins, who agreed readily.

What about the lake, though? Do you think they’d mind if I moved around a little?

I was pretty sure they’d mind a seven-meter-long Earthheart roaming through their home. Aureus did not look like the most dangerous creature. He was rather cute and loving, but that might well be my distorted perception. After all, even Nox was cute now that he no longer tried to rip me apart.

Deadly!

Yes, of course, you’re deadly. Not cute at all, I responded with a smile, unsheathing my sword. Nullblade triggered, which was all Nox needed to slash his scythe at me, his version of Nullblade active too.

***

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Wesley’s antics resurfaced in my mind several times as the battle ended. However, my former roommate’s troubles were not something I could solve right now. Maybe later, though I was not quite sure about that either.

Nox collapsed beside me, his scythes dulled and cracked from Nullblade’s pressure, his exoskeleton cut a hundred times. Not even the consumption of several potions could stop his bleeding entirely, yet the Ferronox Mantis was happy. He returned to the inner world to recover swiftly, digesting and adapting to the powers of his body and traits.

I was unscathed. My refined silvernit sword not so much. It was chipped and had to be replaced. Thankfully, I’d prepared for this day, spending a good number of my coins on a bunch of Thekor swords. Forged from Unblemished-ranked ores, Thekor swords were the best for the job at hand. Combined with Nullblade, I didn’t even have to infuse ether into the sword blade to carve through Unblemished-ranked steel–or Nox’s exoskeleton.

“You broke it?” Daniel looked up from his desk and the Beaster tools. Coco and Filps slept around him, lightning crackling across their bodies. “That was about damn time. It went through so much, I was sure it’d break several months ago.”

Smiling back at my friend, I stored the chipped blade. It was a gift from Daniel’s father, and it would be rude to throw it away. Then again, I doubted Peter Zerog would mind. I, however, minded. I valued the weapon a lot. It had sentimental value, representing all the help I’d received from the Zerogs and all those around me.

Putting the refined silvernit sword away, I retrieved some of the serums I’d stored in the storage belt. Precisely, I retrieved them from the spatial expansion add-on I’d received from Ruler Kazriel. The serums were precious and not something I could afford. Even Daniel could tell their rank, and he was confident the serums affected my Soulkins’ potential and dormant powers. He’d worded the last bit a little differently when I gave him some of the serums to analyze back in the Grand Camp, but that was the gist of it.

I pulled a few slabs of meat from the spatial extension as well and summoned Nox. The Ferronox Mantis complained for a moment and cursed me, then leaped toward the serum and meat once he recognized them.

(31.2

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.

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.