Zane waved at his MiningMole, like a proud dad showing off an awkward science fair project. “What if this little guy could, you know, be stronger? How do we do that?”

Lyra leaned in, eyes sparkling like she was about to reveal the secret to the universe. “Oh, it’s real simple. Just experience, and, wait for it… The power of friendship.”

Zane rolled his eyes. “Friendship? Yeah, okay, sounds like something from a bedtime story.”

Lyra’s grin widened, all mischief and smugness. “Funny you say that. Seems to be working pretty well for me.”

Darius cleared his throat. “Perhaps we should test this theory. If Lyra’s bond helped her MagicBeast, we could do the same with ours.”

Lyra’s eyes lit up. “Ooh, I like this plan. Go on, Zane, show us those deep feelings!”

Zane groaned. “You guys are killing me here.”

With the excitement of someone about to take out the trash, he pulled out his CaptureCube and summoned his MiningMole. The little creature appeared with a flash, snorting and pawing at the dirt.

“Alright, buddy, we’ve been through a lot. Remember that time we… found bronze ore?” Zane said. His fake sincerity was worse than a soap opera.

Lyra, ever the instigator, whispered loudly enough for everyone to hear. “Tell it you love it, Zane!”

“I am NOT doing that,” Zane snapped, glaring at her.

“If emotional connection is the key, Zane, maybe you should,” Darius added.

Throwing his hands up, Zane turned back to the mole. He sighed like someone whose favorite snack just fell on the ground. “Alright, fine. I... love you, buddy. You’re the best ore-miner a guy could ask for.”

A long, awkward moment stretched out. MiningMole stared at him. Then, it raised a claw and pointed at the LoreKeeper tucked in Zane’s pocket.

“Uh, what’s it doing?” Zane asked, more confused than usual.

“Mole MiningMole! Mole!” the creature chanted.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

With growing suspicion, Zane handed over LoreKeeper.

MiningMole studied it like it was some kind of ancient artifact. Then, with zero warning, it wound up and threw the device straight at Zane’s forehead.

“Ow!” Zane yelped, rubbing his forehead. The relic hit the ground with a sad little thud.

Silence. Then Lyra lost it, laughing so hard she had to hold her sides. “That’s for kicking your CaptureCube at MiningMole last time!”

Darius allowed a small smirk. “It seems your MagicBeast holds a grudge.”

Zane groaned. “Great. My own creature has beef with me.”

MiningMole puffed out its chest, looking way too pleased with itself. “Mole Mole!”

Lyra, wiping away tears, turned to Darius. “Your turn, sunshine. Let’s see what you’ve got.”

Darius summoned his TimberTail. The creature appeared with the grace of a knight kneeling for duty.

Darius studied it. “TimberTail, we have faced many challenges together. You are my co-worker. Let us ascend, through our bond.”

TimberTail blinked, tilting its head like it was trying to understand something deep. Then it spoke. “TimberTail. Tail.”

The air was tense. TimberTail closed its eyes. Its body strained like it was about to go through an epic transformation...

But nothing. Not even a sparkle.

Lyra snorted. “Maybe try scratching behind its ears? Lighten the mood?”

Darius tried the ear scratching technique. TimberTail leaned in, making a soft sound of approval.

But still, no ascension.

Darius let out the tiniest sigh. “This method is not working. We need another way.”

A flash of white and green zipped toward them. BloomBounce2. It darted around like a hyper little fairy

MiningMole lit up, blue energy sparking. It rushed over. The two stared at each other, like they were in some kind of silly showdown.

TimberTail leaped in, tail flicking with excitement. The trio formed a circle, moving with rhythm.

Lyra clapped her hands, delighted. “Look at them! They’re like a little chaos squad!” She crouched down. “Alright, BloomBounce2, show them how it’s done!”

With a burst of flair, BloomBounce2 bounced high, showering them in green light. All three glowed, sparkling as they danced. MiningMole squeaked. TimberTail flipped in joy.

Zane chuckled. “Looks like they’ve got their own routine now.”

Darius nodded. “Indeed. Unity is their strength.”

Lyra grinned. “And that’s what it’s all about. Teamwork, magic, and fun!”

Suddenly, Darius’s expression went intense. “TimberTail, to ascend is not just to grow. It is about understanding. Rain falls not because it wants to, but because the clouds cannot hold it anymore.”

Zane blinked. “What... what does that even mean?”

“I think he’s saying… you gotta let go of something to, uh, get something?” Lyra guessed. “Or is this a weather forecast?”

Unfazed, Darius continued. “A seed cannot become a tree by just wishing. It needs to be buried in darkness first.” He stared at TimberTail, who blinked back, clearly confused.

Zane laughed. “Darius, you confused it. Maybe just say, ‘please ascend.’”

Lyra leaned over to Zane. “If he told me to embrace dirt, I’d stay a squirrel too.”

“Doubt is part of wisdom,” Darius said.

Suddenly, TimberTail’s eyes flickered. Energy buzzed in the air. It stiffened, then burst into a cocoon of light.

Lyra gasped. “No way! This is it!”

Zane shielded his eyes. “If Darius’s nonsense actually worked, I swear—”