Chapter 28: Man’s Best Friend
Deo’s drowsy mind, momentarily alerted by the system messages, once again succumbed to the luring depths of sleep. The previous day's activities had drained him, and he welcomed the few more hours of rest.
However, Deo's plans for a lengthy sleep-in were foiled as dawn's first light began to filter through the gaps in his wooden abode. A series of thumping sounds echoed, gradually growing louder until the door burst open with a certain fiery-eyed hellhound making his dramatic entrance. Pyro, all typical morning manners set aside, leapt onto the bed with an agility that belied his size. The weight of his landing bounced Deo slightly into the air. Before he could react or gather his thoughts, a series of wet, enthusiastic licks plastered his face, accompanied by the wagging of a fiery tail.
Startled, Deo began to laugh, trying to shield himself from the barrage of affection. "Alright, alright! What's gotten into you?" he exclaimed, attempting to hold Pyro's excited head at bay.
But as he looked into Pyro's eyes, he felt a depth of understanding and emotion that went beyond their usual connection. There was an eagerness, a clear intent. Pyro wasn’t just happy; he was trying to convey something, an insistent nudge toward a deeper bond. The hellhound's thoughts seemed almost palpable, echoing a desire for them to unite their fates even more tightly.
With a playful growl, Pyro drew back and, for the first time, summoned flames around his paws. They danced and licked the air, radiant and mesmerizing, but not burning anything in their vicinity. Pyro's eyes twinkled with pride, showcasing his new-found ability.
Recalling the system message from earlier, Deo's face lit up in realization. "You've got some new tricks up your sleeve! And you want to become Magical Companions?"
Pyro responded with an emphatic bark, his body vibrating with anticipation.
Rubbing the sleep from his eyes and ruffling Pyro's mane, Deo smiled, his heart swelling with warmth. "Alright, big guy. Let's make it official. Let's see what being Magical Companions truly means for us."
Deo, intrigued by the proposition, opened up his system interface and selected a new 'Magical Companions' tab. As he tapped the holographic projection, it expanded into a more detailed pane, offering a wealth of information.
Magical Companionship: An Overview
Bonding with a Magical Companion is an ancient ritual that ties the fates of two beings irrevocably. Once initiated, the bond cannot be broken and extends through both life and magic, intertwining their destinies forever. An individual can only ever bond with a single Magical Companion. This bond is irreversible.
Benefits:
1. Shared Levels: The levels of both master and companion synchronize, ensuring parallel growth. However, the stat increase remains individual, allowing for unique development paths.
2. Shared Experience: Both the master and the companion will share Experience Points (XP). Activities undertaken together will yield bonus experience, amplifying growth for both parties.
3. Empathic Connection: Bonded companions can communicate through feelings, sensing each other's emotions and intentions even without words.
4. XP Boost on Bonding: Bonding with a companion of rare origin will grant a significant XP bonus.
5. Shared Affinities: The bonded pair will share magical alignments and inclinations, reflecting growth or changes in one another.
Warnings and Precautions:
1. Irreversible Process: Once the bond is formed, it cannot be undone. Consider your choice wisely, for it is a lifelong commitment.
2. Shared Fate: The most significant warning of this bond is that the fates of the companions are interlinked. If one perishes, so does the other.
3. Time Apart: Prolonged separation can pose increasing dangers to both entities. The bond requires closeness, both physical and emotional.
After reading through the detailed overview, Deo exhaled slowly, absorbing the weight of the decision. The possibility of sharing his growth with Pyro was indeed tempting. The empathic connection alone would allow them to operate in perfect tandem, feeling each other’s intentions and needs in the thick of any situation.
Yet, the warnings gave him pause. The irreversible nature of the bond and the fact that one’s death would mean the end for both of them were stark reminders of the gravity of the decision. For a long moment, he lost himself in thought, memories of their time together flooding his mind.
He remembered the first time he stumbled upon Pyro, the fierce loyalty they had developed for each other, and all the adventures they'd shared. Each memory reinforced their bond, the connection that had grown organically over time. It made him wonder if, in some ways, they were already bound — this ritual would just make it official.
Pyro's fiery eyes met Deo's, an undercurrent of hope and excitement apparent in them. The hellhound’s eager anticipation was palpable, making it clear where he stood on the matter.
With a final, determined nod, Deo whispered, "Alright, Pyro. Let’s do this."
The air around them seemed to charge with energy, the atmosphere dense with anticipation. Taking a deep breath, Deo initiated the bonding process, ready to intertwine their destinies forever. Almost immediately, the environment around them seemed to warp and shift, as if the very fabric of reality was being stretched and reshaped.
A radiant, shimmering light descended from above, bathing the two of them in its incandescent glow. The light was a kaleidoscope of colours, intense and breathtaking, so luminous that it seemed as if it held the essence of the universe itself.
Deo felt as if he were being pulled into an expansive realm, one that transcended time and space. Within this dazzling dimension, the past, present, and future coalesced, and Deo was once again privy to a montage of memories and emotions, but this time, they were intensified tenfold.
He witnessed Pyro's ancestral lineage, tracing back to ancient hellhounds who once roamed vast, fiery terrains. He felt the primal power of these creatures, their fierce loyalty, and their indomitable spirits. Deo saw Pyro's first steps, the playful innocence, the struggles, and the moments of joy. He witnessed Pyro's yearning for companionship, his connection to the elements, and his innate bond with the land.
But it wasn’t just Pyro's memories that unfolded before him. Deo saw reflections of his own life, his aspirations, his past defeats, and his victories. Pyro, in turn, experienced Deo's struggles, his dreams, and his deep desire to make a meaningful impact on this world. It was a bond of souls, a confluence of destinies.
The two beings' emotions intertwined, merging into a symphony of shared experiences. Joy, sorrow, fear, hope, every conceivable emotion was magnified, felt as if it were their own yet belonging to the other at the same time. The bond spoke of trust deeper than the oceans and commitment firmer than the mountains.
As this mesmerizing dance of souls and memories continued, a sudden jolt of power surged between them, sealing the bond. The power was raw and untamed, echoing the very essence of magic itself. They were now irrevocably linked, two halves of a whole.
When the light receded and the realm of intertwined memories dissipated, the world around them seemed sharper, more vibrant. Deo felt an unprecedented clarity and a profound sense of unity with Pyro. The hellhound, now emanating a soft, magical aura, gazed at Deo with eyes that held a depth of understanding and wisdom.
Together, they had embarked on a journey that transcended the boundaries of the physical and spiritual, and they emerged from it stronger, their bond unbreakable. The aftermath of the bond unveiled visible changes upon both Deo and Pyro. From the base of Pyro's neck to the tip of his tail, a vibrant green streak emerged amidst his fiery fur, its shimmer a testament to the mystical bond they had forged.
As Deo opened his eyes, a foreign yet familiar sensation washed over him. Catching his reflection in the nearby water, he found his once emerald irises now glowed a radiant orange, mirroring Pyro's fiery spirit. The colour wasn't just a mark of their new connection; it was a deep, intrinsic fusion of their essences. This transformation of his eyes symbolized the interlinking of their destinies and the shared magical affinities they now possessed.
[Magical Companion bond successfully formed between Deo and Pyro]
[Deo and Pyro are now irrevocably bound as magical companions. Their fates, strengths, and essences are intertwined. Tread this path with care and understanding. Magical Companion can access each other's status page.]
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[You have gained +7500 XP]
[Congratulations! You've levelled up! You are now level 16!]
[Congratulations! You've levelled up! You are now level 17!]
[Congratulations! You've earned a new title: "Legendary Synergy" for bonding with a legendary rarity creature. With this title, you gain a 25% boost to XP earned while adventuring with your Magical Companion.]
[Congratulations! You've earned a new title: "Hellhound’s Kin" for bonding with the legendary Hellhound. This title grants you vastly enhanced resistance to fire and infernal energies.]
Deo's eyes widened in amazement as he read the notifications. Not only did the bond solidify their connection, but it also granted him added benefits through the titles. The "Hellhound's Kin" title, in particular, would prove invaluable. With Pyro's innate affinity for fire, their combined adventures could now involve scenarios where Deo's previously limited resistance to fire could have been a hindrance. With this newfound resilience, the duo's potential for exploration and combat grew exponentially. With bated breath and a sense of anticipation, Deo navigated the system interface and opened up their status pages:
[Status Page]
Name: Deo Mitchell
Race: Human (Outworlder)
Class: Green Mage (Uncommon)
Level: 17
Experience: 29604/31790
Titles: Whisked by Fate's Winds, Cosmic Newcomer (Temporary), Ironbark’s Kin, Giant Slayer, Daring Pioneer, Settlement Shaper, Guardian’s Pact, Greenfield Guardian, Legendary Synergy, Hellhound’s Kin
Stats:
* Agility: 27
* Endurance: 33
* Intelligence: 62
* Strength: 26
* Vitality: 49
* Wisdom: 64
* HP: 245/245
* Mana: 310/310
Skills:
Botanical Knowledge (Level 13), Flora Communication (Level 6), Verdant Growth (Level 9), Nature’s Essence (Level 4), Ironbark Armour (Level 3), Leaf in the Wind (Level 9), Sylvanus' Grasp (Level 3), Fauna Communication (Level 3), Wildlife Insight (Level 8), Nature’s Symphony (Level 3), Inferno Pulse (Level 2)
Territories:
* Harmony’s Refuge
* System Points: 5095
Quests:
* Champion of the Wilds
* In the desolate wilds, life clings to existence, struggling to flourish amidst oppressive forces that hinder its expansion. As a guardian of growth, confront and neutralise these challenges to revitalise this troubled dominion.
* Progress: 1/?.
* From Hamlet to Village
* Upgrade your hamlet to the level of a village.
* Progress: 0/5.
Bonded Partner: Pyro
[Status Page]
Name: Pyro
Race: Hellhound
Class: Hellhound (Legendary)
Level: 17
Experience: 29604/31790
Stats:
* Agility: 142 (+8 per level)
* Endurance: 91 (+5 per level)
* Intelligence: 56 (+3 per level)
* Strength: 108 (+6 per level)
* Vitality: 91 (+5 per level)
* Wisdom: 56 (+3 per level)
* HP: 455/455
* Mana: 280/280
Skills:
Blazing Bite (Level 1), Night Vision (Level 1), Enhanced Senses (Level 1), Guardian’s Roar (Level 1), Pyroclastic Pounce (Level 1), Inferno Sprint (Level 1), Magma Heart (Level 1), Cinder Claw (Level 1)
Bonded Partner: Deo
Staring at the status pages displayed before him, Deo was momentarily struck dumb. The sheer difference between his stats and Pyro's was staggering. The only thing that could audibly escape from his lips was a whispered, "Incredible..."
His own highest stat growths were a mere +3 for both intelligence and wisdom, the latter of which he had been quite proud of. In contrast, that was Pyro's lowest growth rate. Deo quickly calculated in his mind, realizing that every level Pyro gained would result in a monumental increase in his capabilities.
His eyes lingered on Pyro's agility stat. A staggering 142, with a growth of +8 every level. "He was already so quick... just how fast will he be now?" Deo wondered aloud, a hint of awe in his voice. His own agility of 27 seemed laughably insignificant in comparison.
Deo's gaze then fell upon Pyro's class: Hellhound (Legendary). The realization hit him hard. "Of course... his insane growth must be due to his legendary rarity," he mused, drawing a comparison to his own 'uncommon' class. It was becoming increasingly clear just how rare and powerful Pyro truly was. The difference between 'uncommon' and 'legendary' wasn't just a few steps on a ladder; it was a vast chasm.
But it wasn't just the stats that caught his attention. The list of skills that Pyro now possessed was extensive. "Blazing Bite, Pyroclastic Pounce, Magma Heart...," he read aloud, the names promising immense power and capability. Each one sounded intriguing, and Deo found himself wondering about the potential behind each skill. "Just what can these skills do?" he pondered, looking forward to seeing them in action.
His heart swelled with pride and excitement as he looked over at Pyro, then back to the status pages in front of him. "We've got a lot to explore and learn together," he said with a grin. Before Pyro could even respond with his spirited bark and enthusiastic tail wag, a sudden rush of feelings cascaded through their newly-formed bond. It was Pyro, sending back waves of excitement and anticipation so palpable, Deo could almost taste them.
The sensation was surreal. Unlike a regular thought or emotion, this was shared, felt in tandem, and experienced by both simultaneously. It was like a gentle current flowing between them, seamlessly connecting their spirits. For Deo, it was an overwhelming mixture of exhilaration and joy, underscored by the incredible realization that he could genuinely feel what Pyro felt.
Pyro's feelings mirrored his own—a blend of thrill for the new powers he had gained, eagerness to test them out, and a deep-seated contentment for having bonded with Deo.
The sun was rising, painting the horizon with hues of gold and pink, as Deo and Pyro stepped outside. The crisp morning air was invigorating, perfect for trying out new skills and abilities. The vast wilderness outside of Harmony's Refuge, with its myriad of terrains and challenges, was the ideal playground.
"Alright, buddy, let's see how fast you've become," Deo said, rubbing his hands together in anticipation. Pointing towards a distant tree, he challenged, "Race you to that oak over there?"
Without waiting, Pyro's paws were enveloped in flames. They danced and swirled around him, eerily beautiful and radiant. Just like in the cabin, they didn't scorch the grass; they hovered just above, illuminating the path with every step. It was like watching a celestial creature run, leaving trails of stardust in its wake.
Deo watched, mouth agape. Before he could even consider chasing, Pyro was already at the designated oak, looking back with playful eyes that seemed to tease, "Too slow!"
Laughing in wonder, Deo said, "That must be the... Inferno Sprint? The speed is astounding!"
Now, it was time for combat trials. A few makeshift wooden targets were set up, and Pyro was ready. Deo gave the cue, and Pyro lunged at the first target with Blazing Bite. His jaws ignited mid-air, flames encasing his teeth. When he bit down, the wood didn't just crack—it caught fire from where his jaws had made contact. The fire spread quickly, and within moments, the wooden target was reduced to ashes. The bite was so powerful it could have easily felled a tree or melted through some metals.
Deo could only watch in astonishment, "That bite... the power of fire combined with his natural strength! Incredible!"
Next was the Cinder Claw. Pyro paced towards another wooden target, his claws momentarily shimmering with a fiery essence. With a swift motion, he slashed. The swipe itself was powerful, but what followed was even more mesmerizing. A shower of burning cinders sprayed out upon impact, scorching the surrounding area and turning the target into a blazing spectacle.
Deo approached the charred remnants, "It's like... a meteor shower. Each cinder carrying intense heat.”
The trials provided a glimpse into Pyro's potential. They took a break near a stream, Deo reflecting on the awe-inspiring display. He felt a profound appreciation for the hellhound's capabilities and the bond they shared. It wasn't just about raw power; it was the symbiotic harmony of their partnership.
Resting by the water, Pyro by his side, Deo felt a deep sense of gratitude. They had grown, evolved, and with these newfound abilities, they were ready for the many adventures awaiting them.
Over the course of the next day or so, Deo and Pyro dedicated their time to exploring the limits of Pyro's enhanced stats and abilities. From racing across vast meadows to test Pyro's heightened agility to watching the hellhound lift massive boulders showcasing his formidable strength, they left no stone unturned. They engaged in mock battles, seeing how Pyro's endurance fared under consistent exertion and were thrilled to discover his improved resistance to fatigue. Night-time exercises allowed Deo to marvel at the brilliance of Pyro's Night Vision, observing how the once dark forest turned into a well-lit terrain in the eyes of the hellhound. Each discovery solidified their bond further, preparing them for any challenge. By the time Thalen, Lena, and Caelum returned from Willowdale, Deo had an even deeper appreciation for his bonded companion's capabilities.
Whilst Deo was attending his herb garden, marvelling in the fresh smell of his Marbled Mint, the sound of approaching footsteps heralded the return of Thalen, Lena and Caelum. Thalen, with his stern, grumpy demeanour, bore the appearance of someone who'd tackled life's tumultuous tides and emerged wiser. Young Caelum, a shy ten-year-old with wide eyes that always seemed to be observing and absorbing everything around him, lingered a step behind his uncle. Lena walked with a grace that belied her age, her long chestnut hair, now streaked with hints of silver, gracefully pulled back into a tight ponytail, adding an air of maturity and wisdom to her otherwise youthful face.
Welcome back!" Deo greeted, rushing forward to meet them.
Lena chuckled softly, brushing some road dust off her clothes. "It's good to be back, Deo. And my, has Pyro grown?"
Deo grinned in agreement, nodding towards Pyro, but his concern for their well-being took precedence. "How is your family? Were they okay?" he directed at Thalen.
Thalen, in his gruff voice, replied, "They're holding up, thanks to your help. A bit worried with everything going on, but safe."
Caelum added in a soft, almost hesitant voice, "Gran says thank you, Deo."
Deo's smile widened, touched by the gesture. He then glanced at the bags they'd brought with them. "How did the crops sell? And did you manage to find everything from the shopping list?"
Lena, looking pleased, shared, "The crops sold exceedingly well! We fetched a good price for them. As for your list, we secured most items. A few proved elusive, but we found decent alternatives."
"That's wonderful to hear," Deo responded, his relief palpable.
Thalen, clearing his throat, shared an important update, "There's more. The expedition is heading this way and will be here within the week. They expect you to be with them."
Deo nodded, determination evident in his gaze. "I'll begin making arrangements over the next few days. While I’m sure the journey ahead will be challenging, now more than ever, Pyro I will be ready to face whatever awaits."