After doing all they can to alleviate Tommy’s condition, the group erected a temporal hut for him to rest in. There are little more they can do besides waiting.

On the other side, his partner, the white kitten had broken out from its restrains and continued fiercely attacking the fleeing wolf. The other tamers joined forces to stop the tiny beast. Vines sprouted across the arena, trying to entrap it, the wyvern and phoenix flew circles around it, attempting to stop their friend. But the quick cat easily dodged everything while still making its way towards the retreating Blue Wolf.

Even the turtle was making little snapping sounds and paddling after it; although most of the time it found itself rotating on the spot since before it moved a flipper forward, the cat had already run to another direction.

Seeing this stalemate, Relestia walked forward alone. Her guards that were concealed nearby appeared to stop her, but with a shake of her head they backed off with a bow.

The little princess went into the arena through its only entrance; a stone gate the students made. Then, she walked through the mess right into the midst of chaos.

The others stared through the portholes, worrying for their princess. Why would her guards allow her to go to such a dangerous place, unaided?

“Calm down, little cat,” She said with an oddly captivating voice despite still girlish with youth.

The white kitten immediately skidded to a stop and flattened its ears, as though it heard a soothing tune that could calm the wrath-driven blood in its veins.

Even the still whimpering wolf’s fear disappeared like the morning mist, and it stopped shaking and went into a peaceful trance.

With the kitten now still, the boys finally had the opportunity to catch it without harming it. Or more truthfully, without being hurt by the unnatural strength the divine beast had.

The incident finally ended in a heavy silence. The boys brought the cat to the hut where Tommy laid. Within that makeshift shelter, Kairos who was caring for his friend looked up, and get Relestia a knowing look.

His Soul Perception had not missed anything that happened, and he could tell that the princess had shown great favour in rendering her aid as swiftly as she could. Even to the point of costing herself.

He was honestly thankful to her. It was a heartfelt sentiment. The kitten would be caught eventually, and she didn’t have the act while revealing this mysterious ability.

However, the mess that the five should handle would be left to resolve on its own, and not only will it result in many people and their beasts getting wounded, but the little white furry perpetrator’s overwhelming ability would also be called into question.

Unfortunately, even after her aid, the worst already happened to their friend. Despite how much Relestia wanted to help, no one could expect such a thing to happen, not even Lalhal who should be the most experienced with beasts. And, before anyone could react, the damage had already been done.

After a while, the boys left for the fusion battle, leaving only Relestia and Kairos sitting side by side next to Tommy.

Lalhal wanted to cancel the rest of class, and quickly send the wounded student to the professional doctors, but Kairos vehemently rejected it.

If Tommy lands in their hands, there would be many things that are inconvenient for them to explain, besides, their healing methods are not comparable to his.

He tried to convince the instructor with a few quick words, and with the princess’ help, the class continued despite the previous mess.

The rest of class waited for the few that were wounded to recover. With the healing array and pills, it wouldn’t take long, and most of them are ready to start the match. Only the Wurm that was badly wounded by Tommy had to forfeit; Its tamer, the assassin clan’s girl waited outside of the arena watching her classmates quietly.

As the rest readied for their final combat event, Kairos turned and looked at the princess, in the privacy of the small hut. He does not doubt that despite there are only the two of them, her guards are carefully watching his every move.

All he could do is to send her a signal with his eyes, but when she saw his expression, she nodded.

“Mr Ralts, would you please come here?” The princess called. And at once, a man stepped out of the shadows in the tiny building, seemingly becoming flesh from the insubstantial air.

“Your Highness,” the one called Ralts acknowledged his liege with a bow.

“Please take your men and step away from this hut for a while.”

“As you wish princess,” it was an instant reply.

With the departure of Ralts, the rest of the guards disappeared without any objections. The princess cocked her head and frowned for a little while.

It wasn’t supposed to be this easy. The leader of the guards who has always been a stern man, would not compromise her safety for anything.

He should have argued with her like he usually would when asked to stay further than a step away from her.

Then, she would pout and tell the man that he is over worrying, and remind him that the Beast Sanctuary Mountain they are at is completely secured.

He would then huff and pretend to stay away, but monitor them right outside the hut.

Yet, none of that happened.

She still pouted a little but quickly turned her attention to her friend.

The two didn’t know that when Relestia joined Saint Cadets Academy, the Emperor, her father, had specifically permitted Kairos to be alone with her. He understands the boy has secrets and does not want to pry.

At the same time, the emperor had another reason: Sometimes, the fastest way to let a plant grow is to give it ample space, and the same could be said for relationships.

That, however, is not to be mistaken that the princess is defenceless.

Kairos closed his eyes a little while, confirming that the presences of the princess’ guard detail were really out of earshot, and more importantly, they did not leave any unwanted observation devices behind.

Only when he is certain they have privacy did he speak, “Relestia, did you stop Tommy’s white cat?”

“I did.”

“How?”

“It’s my secret! But… If you tell me yours, I’ll tell you mine.”

“My secret? What do you mean?” Kairos asked.

“You surely have lots of secrets, because you’re too amazing! Like when you seal the purple flames, I was sure you did not know sealing arts beforehand. Did you learn it on the spot, using those beautiful sparkling golden eyes?”

The princess waited eagerly, looking at Kairos with wide eyes and a great smile plastered on her face.

Kairos sighed. He was secretly stunned by her astuteness. He already thought of her as his friend and did not mind sharing some things with her. However, there are some risks that are simply too huge.

“I could tell you,” He started, grinning when the princess’s smile widened, “However, it is only for the members of Snowdrifts.”

“I’ll join!” She chirped without delay or hesitation. It was a speed that impressed Kairos.

He grinned and asked again, “Oh, but are you sure you can?”

“You’re concerned about my status? Then, can I be a secret member?”

“Hmmm, all members have to use a jade slip.”

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“Okay~ Hand me one?”

“Won’t the princess get in trouble for using that?”

Relestia frowned for a second but then gave Kairos an impish smile. It would probably get her in big trouble, but she would convince her father if she were found out.

She took out a jade slip to show her decision but surprisingly, Kairos also held one in his hands with a glitter in his eyes. As the leader of Snowdrifts, he never had to do this.

The two of them looked at each other with wide smiles, and spoke one after another, “By my blood, I give my word to not harm any righteous interest of Snowdrifts or those innocent within, in part or in full, by my will. Forever.”

They continued to stare into each other’s gaze, the smile on their lips had not faded. If not for their age, they would’ve looked like newlyweds that just exchanged their vows.

There was a beautiful silence in the space around the couple. If quietness could really become gold, then this would be the most splendours one that radiates with warmth.

The two children did not realise what a daring move they made. In a sense, Kairos now held the princess’ life in his hands. However, he never thought of things that way, in fact, he merely wanted to use the Soul Jade to prevent a slip of the tongue.

At the same time, Relestia completely understood his intentions.

Finally, with the careful conditions they had set, it is impossible to harm her unless she possesses malicious intentions.

Now that she is one of theirs, Kairos explained to her what he knew about his golden eyes, and in exchange Relestia lets him know her secret.

She wasn’t afraid to let him know those secrets, despite having been warned before of how dangerous it would be. Because, all the members of Snowdrifts had made a similar vow with the jade slips, although their conditions were set to be even more meticulous. It means that since she is one of the Snowdrifts, the others in the group are bounded by the same obligations to protect her. Or else, they will die before they could betray her.

“Kairos, have you heard of Soul Healers?”

A slight shake of his head replied her, and she continued, “I am born with the ability to soothe the Souls or spirits of anyone around me, no matter if it is a man a beast or even plants. It also gives me a bunch of very neat abilities. I can even heal a torn soul,” She beamed, as though awaiting praise.

Kairos, however, was in no condition to respond, as he stared at her with his mouth open. Aisa had woke up when she heard of the words 'soul healer' and had been praising the princess nonstop. If even the Primordial Dragon was impressed, how could Kairos remain calm?

Relestia only gave him an impish giggle and said, “I’ll take your googly eyes as a compliment!”

A few hours later, when the sun started rising, Tommy finally began to awaken.

The fusion battle had started and long finished. It was truly a ridiculous fight and the exact one that Lalhal had anticipated.

The students fused with their Contract Beasts for the first time. Though there were some that are more talented and had basic success, none were experienced.

Calculus failing to combine with his Kirin were marked with a large zero.

Alucard flung his arms around aimlessly, tangled immobile by his Life Vines.

George was grossed out by his Dew Spider beast when he tried to fuse with it and started growing extra pairs of eyes. He lay flat on his back with his face pale green.

Alan charged everyone with his head encased with a turtle shell helmet– the rest of his body, unarmoured. Though the visor could snap and bite at his targets, most of the time it slammed down on his face, flattening his nose, blocking his vision, and causing him to trip.

Jim that fused with his Zhu Que found himself turning into an uncontrollably large bonfire that caused the staffs to extinguish him with water Ki. After which he laid exhausted next to George; unable to move even a finger.

Only Edward found some success. He turned into a draconic warrior and fought off all challengers.

After finding most people wary of him, he met Von in battle, and the latter had turned into a unicorn man. Unfortunately, his transformation was incomplete; His upper body was a horse’s, and it seriously tested the balance of his tiny human legs.

Even before they clash, the roaring laughter from the others caused the young Steel Rose heir to blush shamefully and dispel his ability.

Lux roared and rushed out at this time, claiming he will avenge his cousin. He had overwhelming talent with beast taming and fused with the Snow Mountain Leopard to an advanced stage, but a thorn landed on his head out of nowhere, and he fainted immediately.

But he was only the first victim.

Afterwards, one by one the tamers fell.

Unexpectedly, Luciette was even more talented and had the most complete synchronisation with her hedgehog. She transformed into a pitch black armoured knight, full of glory and majesty, with a crown of spikes on her head.

She ran fearlessly to the middle of the battle, defeated every enemy in her path with only one move.

Then, like death incarnate, her aura rolled out and swept everyone’s breath away. The arena turned colder by several degrees and those that were fighting stopped.

They looked at her, rooted where they stood, as though destiny’s end has appeared in their midst.

They wanted to do something, mostly run away, but tiny black needles tunnelled through the air and struck them down.

No one escaped.

The only ones that had a chance were the Snowdrifts, but they were banned from using their Soul Perception.

Alucard was hit right in the middle of his forehead and fainted. George, who was already grossed out and laying down, was also mercilessly shot on his head.

Edward who was flying around underestimated her range and dropped from the sky. A single pin on his little toe.

Alan managed to block several needles by fanning his head in a circle until he tripped backwards and several glossy black thorns stuck his behind.

The spikes continued flying out from Luciette’s hands in a fierce torrent. It was an overwhelming technique that made her unmatched. All who were struck lost their energy faster than a bad case of flu. It was more potent than any poison.

Her Death Thorn’s ability to sap energy and vitality away was indeed formidable. The tamers finally knew she truly had the power to weaken Tommy who had the strength of an S ranker.

One could only dodge the spikes, or pull it out before they lost all mobility.

Unlike the paired battles, in this match, the tamers could only use the powers from their fusion. They could not block off her attack with artefacts and other treasures, and eventually, only she is left, becoming the winner of this brawl.

And the training session finally came to its ridiculous end.

After a few congratulations from Lalhal, those that know Tommy gathered urgently by the hut while the rest of the class were dismissed. The boy himself who just woke up, barely remembered what had happened and without knowing the truth, he told the others not to worry.

Seeing the graveness on Kairos’ face, the visitor could tell that they were invited to leave, and they gave him their well-wishes and returned to the academy.

When they were finally alone, before anyone could speak, Tommy immediately grabbed Kairos’ hands and asked, “What happened to my Ki? I couldn’t… I couldn’t detect it anymore.”

Kairos made a difficult expression and shook his head. His eyes were telling Tommy to brace himself.

The boy chewed his lower lips, then pushed himself up. And only after a heavy moment of silence did he nodded for Kairos to continue.

“You had a bad backlash from overusing their Origin Infusion.”

“Have I lost my cultivation, forever?” Tommy asked, his heart visibly breaking when he spoke.

Without hearing an answer, he already knew. He could feel his Dantian had now turned dim and small, like a dried, pruned, fruit. But the next words from Kairos caused his eyes to glow.

“Not forever.

What happened to you was because of you using more power than your current cultivation allows. Your flesh that is only at Man Rank was unable to contain the strength of your Ki, and your meridian channels and Ki Centre were all burnt out by your own power.

Our Origin Infusion technique could only grant us a maximum improvement of five minor stages, and it is locked to our current cultivation. This is because, when we cultivate in the Origin methods, our life energy increases every level. Our vitality becomes greater, and we become more robust.

I could feel that the Origin Energy from our cultivation is the mightiest energy in the universe. It is pure and radiant, but at the same time, when you overload your body, the damage is also far more extensive.

When we reached you, you were already in pieces.

In the emergency to save your life, your body compromised and started healing itself, but it resulted in a patchwork job.

By normal means, you will never be able to cultivate again.

However, a chance came about when we used the Yggdrasil fruit on you.

There were signs of rebirth.

There is hope, Tommy.”

His words paused at this time. It is obvious that the hope he mentioned was a slight chance, but Tommy already lets out a breath of relief. It is enough, as long as he can continue to train.

Kairos scrunched up his eyebrows, and continued with much difficulty, “Unfortunately, you already ate a Yggdrasil fruit in the past, and its medicinal effects are no longer as potent for you. Normally, the healing energies of the fruit of life could restore you back to brand new, or even improve your body, but instead, it merely stopped you from dying while the rest of its power is now hidden in your Dantian.

To draw it out, you must tolerate harsh training. Your cultivation style has to change, completely.”

“Wait, in what way? Do I have to drop the Origin method?” Tommy asked, dreading what is to come. Changing of cultivation style is never good news, and only for those that could no longer be restored to the same as before.

It means to restart and take a different route, one that is less familiar and oftentimes, far less suitable for the person. In most cases, the practitioners that did that no longer have the same potential as before.

“No, it is still the Origin method, but a different version. To remove the patchwork, you need to strive for a higher physical rank to draw out the Yggdrasil fruit's power to correct the damages already done.

But, at the same time, you have to overcome a terrible side-effect of your wounds.

Your cultivation has now dropped to zero, but when you reach F rank, you will lose all your cultivation again.

It will shatter you from within as your strength dissipates, and you will face the same pain as what you felt today. Worse, you will have to stay conscious that time.

Then, you will need to train again, and the same thing will happen to you at E rank.

Then, retrain till your cultivation reaches D rank.

And again, at C rank.

And, for the last time, at B rank when you reach the same cultivation you had before today.

At that time, you will finally be cured and no longer need to retrain.”

“This… How do I cultivate this way? It’s…”

“It’s too cruel,” Kairos said with a sad nod.

The boys gripped their hands tightly in a fist until their knuckles turned white. The pain that Tommy has to go through cannot be lessened, but by all five of them shares its burden.

Seeing everyone’s grim faces, Kairos sighed and added, “However, knowing you, you won’t give up. But, there is one good news in all of these. When you complete your training, all the cultivation you had lost will return to you together.

Not only will your hidden injuries disappear, but you will also become much stronger than before."

"Much stronger?"

"It's really strong.

Aisa said that your body would attain the Dharma Constitution through this method. It is a post-latent physical form that has no upper limit.

Depending on how hard you work, it might even trump Jones' Divine Asura physique!”