Knox's thoughts raced as he examined his newly acquired skills and title, contemplating the implications of his transformation.

"So the being did tell me the truth. He didn't tell me about the part about skills being unlocked by level, though," Knox mused silently to himself.

"Why would I lie to you?" The Being's voice echoed in Knox's mind, causing him to jump in surprise.

"I thought you'd disappear once claimed. Does this mean you'll be with me the whole time?" Knox asked, his voice tinged with curiosity and a hint of apprehension.

"Yes, I'm here to guide you through your new skills," the Being replied calmly.

Knox nodded, a sense of reassurance washing over him. "I see." Knox felt a newfound confidence in his abilities with the Ethereal Being by his side. “Mind if I give you a name besides ‘Being’?”

“I don't mind. Call me whatever you wish.”

Knox pondered momentarily, considering what to name the Ethereal Being that now resided within him. After a brief reflection, he decided on a name that embodied the essence of his newfound companion and the journey ahead.

"I shall call you Ethos," Knox declared, his voice firm and resolute.

"Ethos," the Being echoed, its tone tinged with approval. "A fitting name indeed."

With the naming complete, Knox felt a deeper connection to Ethos, a sense of partnership and camaraderie that would accompany him on his quest to become the strongest.

Knox listened intently as Ethos explained the intricacies of the Eternal Flame technique, absorbing every word with keen interest. He noted the similarities to his previous acid technique and nodded in understanding as Ethos elaborated on the manipulation and mana requirements of the flame.

With a sense of determination, Knox decided to put his newfound knowledge to the test. Focusing his concentration, he summoned a small burning flame onto his palm, watching in awe as it flickered to life with a brilliance that surpassed any flame he had ever seen. The white flame danced and swirled with an ethereal glow, emitting a soothing warmth that enveloped his hand.

As Knox examined the flame closely, he noticed something remarkable—the minor scratches and muscle aches that had plagued his palm seemed to vanish, healed by the gentle touch of the Eternal Flame. A sense of wonder filled him as he realized the true potential of this remarkable technique.

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

"Remarkable," Knox murmured, his voice filled with awe and gratitude. Knox's determination burned brightly as he decided to push the limits of his newfound ability. With a focused mind and steady hand, he attempted to shape the Eternal Flame into a more intricate form—a half-moon—intent on testing its capabilities further.

However, as he exerted himself to maintain the shape, the strain on his mana reserves proved overwhelming. The flame flickered and faltered, its form dissolving into nothingness before he could unleash it. A wave of exhaustion washed over Knox, leaving him gasping for breath as he collapsed to the ground, drained both physically and mentally.

Regret and frustration gnawed at him as he struggled to realize his limitations. But amidst the disappointment, there was a glimmer of determination—a resolve to train harder and push himself further to master the formidable power of the Eternal Flame.

Knox's breaths came in ragged gasps as he struggled to push himself up from the ground. Every movement felt like a monumental effort, his muscles protesting against the strain he had put them through.

"We... should head... back to my camp," Knox managed to utter between labored breaths, his voice strained with exhaustion.

Ethos nodded silently in agreement, a sense of concern emanating from his ethereal presence. With a gentle nudge of encouragement, he urged Knox to gather his strength and begin the journey back to safety. Slowly, Knox pushed himself upright, determination flickering in his eyes despite the weariness that weighed heavily upon him.

As they returned to camp, Knox couldn't shake the perplexing realization that Ethos had returned in physical form. He couldn't help but voice his confusion.

"I thought I, like... swallowed you up, I guess. How are you back in your physical form?" Knox questioned, his brow furrowing in bewilderment.

"Technically, you did swallow me up, but I'm no longer a physical manifestation. You can see me now because your will 'willed' me to return to a physical form," Ethos explained calmly.

Knox paused, processing the information. "I don't follow," he admitted, his confusion deepening.

Ethos chuckled softly. "It's like I'm a figment of your imagination."

The revelation gave Knox pause, his mind grappling with the implications. "What?"

"Well, you see, I don't physically exist anymore. You can only see me because you claimed the Ether Master Scroll," Ethos clarified.

"Uh-huh. So, in other words, you are still in my mind, but because subconsciously, I wanted you to have a physical form, you just became one?" Knox summarized, struggling to understand the concept.

"Exactly," Ethos confirmed.

Knox shook his head in disbelief. "Pft, way too confusing for me."

The remainder of the journey passed in silence, save for the occasional rustle of leaves underfoot and the soft whispers of the wind. Guided by Ethos's watchful presence, Knox navigated the familiar path back to his camp with a sense of relief washing over him as the comforting glow of his makeshift shelter came into view.

As they finally reached the safety of the camp, Knox's exhaustion caught up with him in full force. With a weary sigh, he collapsed onto his bedroll, his eyelids heavy with fatigue. Without a word, he succumbed to the embrace of sleep, breathing steady and deep as the day's events faded into oblivion.

Ethos stood guard over Knox, a silent sentinel in the darkness, his ethereal form a reassuring presence in the stillness of the night. With the quiet hum of nature surrounding them, they drifted into a peaceful slumber, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them when the dawn broke anew.

The next day dawned with a soft glow, casting gentle rays of sunlight across the campsite where Knox lay sleeping. As the morning light filtered through the trees, Ethos stood watchfully over his slumbering companion, his ethereal presence shimmering faintly in the dawn's embrace.

As Knox stirred from his deep sleep, he blinked groggily, his mind slowly awakening to the new day. Stretching out his limbs, he yawned widely, feeling the lingering remnants of exhaustion dissipate with each passing moment. He headed out of the ravine, ready for another day of slaughter.