Mother Wolf says "More than just a beast. A beast with a name can gain class levels."

"Wait, humans other than heroes can't gain class levels right?"

Mother Wolf says "Currently that is correct, but it wasn't always that way. In my youth when the great empire was still around, normal humans could gain class levels."

"So what happened? Why did it change?"

Mother Wolf says "I don't know, all I know is after the sky lizards burned the world the humans couldn't gain levels anymore."

"Okay, okay, sorry but I'm lost. What was the great empire? What are these sky lizards you speak of? How long ago was this?"

Mother Wolf says "Haha, the young are always so full of questions! Alright, I guess there is no harm in telling you."

Mother Wolf tells me all about the great empire and the war that ended it. The way she describes the sky lizards makes me think they were real live dragons. The most surprising thing is this all happened over a thousand years ago!

"You are over a thousand years old?!"

Mother Wolf says "Yes, child."

"Okay, you calling me a child doesn't hurt my feelings anymore! So are sacred beasts immortal then?"

Mother Wolf says "Yes, sacred beasts are immortal in the sense that we cannot die of old age. But I wasn't a sacred beast back then of course."

"You weren't? So, you weren't born a sacred beast?"

Mother Wolf says "No, I was born a normal mana beast. Until my daughter here I didn't think a sacred beast could be born."

"Okay, sorry, I'm lost again. Can you tell me what a sacred beast is?"

Mother Wolf says "Okay, I will try. A mana beast that lives long enough and becomes strong enough can become sentient. Those that survive long enough can then evolve into a sacred beast."

"Okay, I understand that much at least. But then why was your daughter born a sacred beast?"

Mother Wolf says "I don't know! All my previous children were normal mana beasts. Maybe a bit stronger than normal, but nowhere near a sacred beast."

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"Huh, are you sure it was okay for us to form a contract?"

Mother Wolf says "Of course, it was what she wanted! I am not like your human mothers who worry constantly and try to shield their child from everything. She won't grow without experiencing pain and hardships."

"Yeah, I wish my mom had been more like you! She'd kill me if she knew I had a tattoo now. Haha!"

Mother Wolf says "Anyway, back to the original topic, yes you should be able to name her. From what I sense from you after your class evolved you should have just enough mana to do it."

"Wait, why would I need mana to name her?"

Mother Wolf says "Because, as I said beasts are not supposed to have names. So you will be imposing your will onto the world to make that change. That will consume mana."

"Oh, so I'm going to use magic? Does that mean I need to do all the chanting and finger waving too?"

Mother Wolf says "Haha! No, you do not need all that to use magic. All of that is simply a tool to help focus the will."

"Uh, is my will strong enough for this?"

Mother Wolf says "It was strong enough to create the soul contract, why wouldn't it be strong enough for this?"

"Oh, I guess I didn't think of that."

Mother Wolf says "All you need is to focus on her and name her."

"Well, I have to think up a good name first!"

Mother Wolf suddenly whips her head around to stare at her daughter. They seem to communicate for a minute before she looks back at me. I'm no expert at reading a wolf's face, but to me she looks shocked and confused.

"What happened? What's wrong?"

Mother Wolf says "Well, it seems my daughter is even more unusual than I thought! She says she would like her name to be Silveria."

"Why is that so unusual?"

Mother Wolf says "Because she shouldn't understand names let alone be able to come up with her own!"

"Maybe she is different because she was born a sacred beast?"

Mother Wolf says "Maybe. Anyway it is fine, but you will still need to be the one to name her."

"Alright!"

I turn to look at her daughter, who comes over and sits right in front of me. She leans in until we are nose to nose and our eyes are only inches apart.

"I name you Silveria!"

MP: 10/600

There is a massive clap of thunder directly above us as I say her name, and at the same time as I am staring into her eyes I watch them change. They go from the blue of her mother to a pure shining silver like her fur. Then she breaks the mood by licking my nose!

Mother Wolf says "Well! That was unexpected!"

"What exactly just happened?"

Mother Wolf says "I have no idea! Hahaha! But I'm sure everything will be fine."

"Well, what should we do now?"

Mother Wolf says "Now you should return to your friends. I am sure they are worried about you despite your note."

"Does that mean you don't need to teach me anything else?"

Mother Wolf says "Everything about the bond you will learn over time as it grows. No need to worry about it for now."

"I know it has only been a few days, but I am really going to miss you Mother Wolf!"

Again I end up breaking down in tears and crying into Mother Wolf's fur. After I stop crying finally, I hug Mother Wolf as hard as I can before stepping away.

Mother Wolf says "Oh, let me tell you one last thing. I know of a place in the north that will help you and your friends grow stronger. But it is a very dangerous place."

"Oh, where is it?"