14 Spirit (1)

I got dejected when the voluptuous woman called me a dwarf, I am still young and growing. I am only 5 years old so she shouldn't hold my height against me. I looked down at my shoes while fiddling my fingers. I then asked something to Lumi since I was a bit suspicious, "Lumi did you do something earlier? I felt the circulation of my mana was easier. Did you help me?" I asked her softly while looking down so that the people will not notice me.

Lumi nodded while smiling, she then hugged my cheeks with her 2 arms as her face touched the side of my cheeks. Lumi has changed a lot after 2 years. Her form which was like a firefly before was now bigger. She has now an appearance and a material body. Before you can only feel her warmth but there are no body parts, but now she looked cute while looking at me as if trying to comfort me. She looks like a fairy with her long blonde her, her big amber eyes that look innocent and honest. Although she is small her appearance seems to be that of a teenager if we compare to human appearance. I was glad that she was a she, having a female companion that is always beside you is much better than a man.

The changes happened once I was practicing mana control and meditation. The more I practice the more her form had materialized. Although she still can't speak, she can communicate her thoughts with me telepathically. It seems my fast improvement has been caused by her, affecting the mana in the environment and serving as a catalyst to control mana easily and efficiently.

As I was talking with Lumi, it seems one person was looking at me with eyes full of wonder and excitement. Her eyebrows are arched up high and she was looking at me and Lumi like she has found a treasure.

While everyone was lost in their own thoughts my grandmother said, "Ruby get a hold of yourself, you are acting disgracefully for your age and stature." Once this sentence was said by Grandmother, Ruby had finally calmed down, she then said, "I apologize since this was the first time I have seen something like this. Even you, Milana, does not have the same mana level as your grandson, so how can I easily accept this." She said this while grunting.

My grandmother, however, only laughed as if what she said made her happier as it confirmed the results of the tests. "I think you 3 should understand why I want to keep this a secret from people who might want to use Max. This has already happened in the past, children who are still young and are talented suddenly disappears, used against their will or die a horrible death. I would like to avoid that until Max is able to protect himself." My grandmother looked grim while saying this.

"I understand Milana, like what we have discussed beforehand, everything shall be kept a secret and we will help you till the end." The elderly said with a kind smile.

"Thank you, Leonis." My grandmother said to the elderly man.

"Of course we will keep our promise Milana, I was just surprised, that was all. No matter what I have always kept my word." Ruby said.

The only person who was yet to reply suddenly asked a question as she looked at me. "Child, you do not have to be scared. I just want to ask you a question." Her smile was simply amazing, I got lost in her smile and eyes and I did not even understand what she said. She then giggled and asked again while pointing at Lumi who was sitting on my shoulders. "Is she your spirit partner?" she asked curiously.

I could hear gasps from the people around us. The only person who did not react was grandmother. I had felt that she knew when she took me out of my consciousness when I was 3.

I looked straight into her eyes, trying to confirm if this lady was serious and sincere with her words. Does she have an ulterior motive for asking this question? I do not know so I hesitated.

"Child, I do not have any ulterior motive. We elves are trustworthy people, our words are our lives. We exist with the truth behind our words, so I promise you that I will not use the information you will say to hurt you in this lifetime." Another round of gasps could be heard. The room turned quiet all of sudden. It's as if something was said that which is of utmost importance. I looked at my grandmother and she gave me a nod as a sign.

"Yes, she is my partner, Lumi." When I replied this, her laughter rang out as if bells chiming like melody. She then stepped forward and reached for my hand. As I was a lot shorter than her she had to bend her body to reach the same eye level as me. She looked extremely serious while holding my hand, she then said. "Child, you shall be forever a friend to the elves. I Verdi, make this promise to the spirits that surround me, may the goddess of light bless this promise." While she said those words, the wind suddenly twirled around us, a white light descended as if it was the blessing of the goddess. The pin drop silence was making me high strung as I was unaware of what was happening. Please, someone, explain. I wanted to look around and look away but her emerald eyes seem to be shining more intently compared to earlier. As if it was sending light signals to my brain.

The light faded at the same time she has finished her sentence. She then kissed my cheek, stood up and walked away while giggling. I who was standing there like a thousand year frozen ice, I could not move as my mind was still trying to figure out what was happening. Lumi was pouting beside me, she seemed dissatisfied with the whole situation, while the people around us were also shocked. It seems like time stood still for the people in the room aside from the beautiful Verdi who walked away like nothing happened.