42 Grades

Ben returned to the city immediately and summoned Hal, chief of the Iron Mountain Clan. He told him that the cave was clear and mining for the Blue Meteor Iron ore could begin. The chief could hardly contain his excitement and ran off quickly to gather his clan.

Hal seemed eager to prove his clan's worth to Ben and wanted to do a good job to show it. In no time, the dwarves were marching through the city singing a cheerful song. The dwarves brought lots of stares and looks but they seemed impervious to them and continued on their way.

Ben asked Deke to keep a close watch on them for their safety. Though Ben accepted them into the city, that didn't mean that the general public would. Racism is something deeply rooted in human nature and accepting each other has never been an easy thing. This is a even bigger challenge when dwarves and humans are actually different races from different worlds.

Though there was a couple people grumbling in discontent,nothing major happened and the doors left the city for the mine. Ben sent Duke with them to guard them while they worked in case of an attack.

Ben looked into his soul realm and saw that Takon was asleep. White flames surrounded him and seemed to slowly be absorbed into his body. Confused, Ben asked Ava what was happening.

'To answer you question I must first tell you how special your class is.' Ava said after a couple minutes of thinking.

"My class?" Ben questioned.

'Having a soul beast isn't a rare thing. Lots of people have one. But when you get a soul beast you nurious it with your soul, helping it evolve and get stronger. Evolving gets more difficult as you progress but with your class, you are able to continue to evolve your soul beasts as long as they have enough potential. That flame that Takon uses, White Soul Frost Flame, isn't something he was born with. He found it and absorbed it. Though he had good control over it, he never fully absorbed it and fused with it. Becoming your soul beast is his blessing, the flame is slowly fusing with him completely.' though Ava looked down on Takon for having 'impure blood' as she called it, you could still hear the admiration she had for him.

"What about your Black Hell Flame?" Ben asked, interested in this information.

'I was born with Black Flames, a high grade flame, thanks to my Black Phoenix bloodline. My flames evolved thanks to the nourishment of your soul and became Black Hell Flames. For me as a beast to evolve will take no less than a miracle, even with your class. My bloodline is the pinnacle of the Phoenix Clan and no other bloodline in the clan can defeat it.' Ava spoke with a little arrogance in her voice. Her bloodline was something she was very proud of.

"How should I help Takon and Duke evolve?" Ben asked, thankful for Ava's vast knowledge.

'Life and death battles. They need to push their bodies and minds beyond their limits and your soul will do the rest. Some materials could also help but I don't believe you will be able to find them on earth.' Ava explained to him.

Ben thought over what Ava had told him and started to plan. He had been going soft on Duke lately, maybe it was because he didn't need to rely on his strength anymore or because Ava's strength overshadowed his but it was time for him to start fighting again.

'Also…' Ava hesitantly said.

"Yes?" Ben asked curiously.

'You need to use your Beast Imitation skill more. It is an incredible skill that lots would kill for.' Ava told Ben, trying not to lecture him.

Ben laughed at her words. He had been told this time and time again. It seems he needed to start listening when his own soul beast is telling him.

"I will I promise." Ben consoled her. "Tell me about these grades of flames you keep talking about."

'Common Grade Flame, High Grade Flame, Divine Grade Flame and God Grade Flame. This is for all elements, not just flames. Common is found everywhere in the universe. You cook your food on common flames and most people are born with a common grade element. High grade elements are stronger and have special properties to them. Takon's White Soul Frost Flame for example is an high grade ice flame, it not only attacks the body but also the soul, making it a very dangerous flame.'

Ben shivered, remembering the feeling of his soul freezing. "How do I defend from it?"

'Couple ways. Have an element of the same grade to defend or cultivate a soul strengthening technique. There are also relics that can defend you from soul attacks.' said Ava.

"What grade are my elements?" Ben asked nervously. He didn't have a soul strengthening technique nor a relic so his elements were his only option.

'Common.' Ava bluntly said.

"Damn." Ben said feeling defeated.

'You don't have to worry. You are able to use my flames.' Ava said as though it was the simplest thing.

Ben was stunned. 'Beast Imitation… of course.' He realised why everyone was harping in him to use this skill more. He could use his soul beasts elements and skills.

Ben laughed at himself for his stupidity.

'My elements are common… will this change once I gained my dragon bloodlines?' Ben thought, excited for the future and what they held.

…

Ben entered his mansion and saw Cloey and his mother cooking something. His mother wouldn't join Shenelle and her mages down south. His brother and father were already there and he didn't want anymore family members in danger.

Ben didn't see Lily anywhere, 'Thank god.' he thought.

Ben came up from behind Cloey and wrapped his arms around her waist. Knowing he was coming, she didn't react and continued to cook, basically ignoring him.

Ben frowned, he couldn't remember doing anything to piss her off lately. Sure he teased her but it was always harmless.

Ben looked at his mom confused. Cathy gave him a 'your girl your problem' look before leaving the kitchen.

Ben suddenly felt his feet because cold, looking down he saw that his feet completely entrapped in ice.

Cloey pulled away from his grasped and turned around. "Now that you can't run, let's have talk."

Ben felt a shiver run through his spine and a sweat broke out on his back. "What about?" he asked smiling lovingly at her.

"How many girls have you been with?" Cloey asked, he eyes were basically slits now as she glared at him.

'Fuck.' Arguably the worst question a girl can ask a guy.

Ben opened his mouth to answer but was stopped before he could begin. "Don't even think about lying because I will just ask your brother or mom."

'Shit, would Grayson sell me out? Mom would in a heartbeat.'

Sighing in defeat, Ben said, "What does it matter? I am with you."

Cloey let out a loud scoff, "For now. What if someone prettier comes along? Then what?"

Ben let out a light laugh, "I don't think that day will ever come. You are as close to perfect I could ever hope."

"You say that now but there are millions of species in the universe. One of them are bound to be more beautiful." Cloey said pouting.

"They could be angels. They still won't be you." Ben said lovingly.

Ben broke free from the ice holding him in place and wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into his chest.

"I love you Cloey. You and your damn ice." Ben said softly.

Cloey slowly wrapped her arms around Ben's waist and hugged him back.

In the hall, Cathy watched the entire thing.

Shaking her head, she whispered to herself, "Didn't answer the question and made her fall even deeper for him. Might be better than his father."