The Bonding [3]

"I will bond with him."

The voice was resonant and clear, carrying an authority that seemed to seep into the very mist around them. The beasts before him stopped in unison, exchanging glances that seemed filled with both reverence and resignation.

Then, without a word, each creature bowed their heads ever so slightly, acknowledging the presence behind Khalil, and one by one, faded back into the shadows, leaving the space eerily silent once more.

Confused and a little shaken, Khalil's heart hammered in his chest. He slowly turned around, his breath hitching as he took in the figure that had materialized behind him.

There, standing in a radiant aura, was a creature he couldn't have imagined even in his wildest dreams. It was a being of pure light, its form shifting and pulsing gently, neither solid nor entirely transparent.

Its shape was vaguely humanoid, yet with fluid, elegant lines, like streaks of light woven into the form of a creature. Twin wings of light spread behind it, translucent and ethereal, casting a warm glow that lit up the misty air.

The creature's face, though indistinct, held a pair of eyes that shimmered like starlight, ancient and wise, as though they held the memories of countless lifetimes. Its form shifted, and each movement sent waves of shimmering light, dancing like sunlight reflected off water.

"Greetings, young soul."

Khalil blinked, his awe making him hesitate for a split second. Then, gathering himself, he nodded respectfully. "Greetings… I'm honored to meet you."

The creature inclined its head, as if approving of his response, and began to approach him. Its light cast a gentle warmth around them, illuminating the mist. Its voice filled his mind once more, soft yet unmistakably powerful.

"Will you form a bond with me?" it asked, its voice gentle yet imbued with an almost otherworldly authority.

Khalil's heart skipped a beat, his mind spinning. He hadn't expected this—certainly not an invitation from such a rare, powerful creature. For a moment, he struggled to find his voice.

"I… um…" he stammered, trying to wrap his head around the situation. "Thank you, really, but… it might be better if we don't. I can't promise you anything. It's better if you choose another person."

The creature tilted its head slightly, as though it was trying to understand his hesitation. "You doubt your worthiness?" it asked softly, as if the idea had never occurred to it. "Or perhaps you feel uncertain about the commitment? I assure you, young one, there is no shame in forming this bond."

This creature—whatever it was—had misunderstood. He didn't doubt himself exactly; it was more that he wasn't sure he could keep the connection long-term. After all, he was still in a game, and logging out could sever their connection for good. He hasn't even decided whether he would continue playing the game after today.

"...No... it's just that I might not even be able to spend time with you. I don't even know if I'll continue to… well, to be here." He struggled to put into words what he thought was just a game. "It wouldn't be fair to you if I left."

The creature watched him in silence, the intensity in its gaze never wavering. Finally, it spoke again, its voice carrying a quiet understanding that unnerved him.

"You don't know the truth, do you?"

Khalil's heart skipped a beat. What truth?

He glanced back at the creature, searching its gaze for answers. But the creature said nothing more for a moment, instead shifting slightly to one side, as if to give him space to consider.

"Your soul… it is pure, not tainted at all," the Elemental continued, its voice as gentle as a whisper, yet resounding within him. "That is why the others were arguing earlier. Each of them wanted to become your first bond."

"My first bond?"

Khalil blinked, taken aback.

"That's right. First bond." The creature's voice softened, each word carrying a gentle but persuasive warmth. "The first bond is not like others. It is a sacred contract, a merging of two spirits. The Tamer and the bonded beast become linked in ways that transcend words or promises. It is a union, where each gains strength from the other. This is why they all sought to be your bond."

Khalil's breath caught as he processed the weight of its words. So this wasn't simply about finding a companion to aid him—it was about unlocking something profound, for both sides.

"The first bond allows us to evolve," the creature continued a hidden glimmer of excitement in its voice. "To push past our limits. Through this bond, we both become something greater than we were alone. A creature like me may never reach our full potential without such a union. And for you… it will become a source of strength, a foundation that shapes your path."

Khalil's thoughts swirled as he tried to grasp the concept.

So, the soul was what mattered in the bonding, right? And, he would get stronger if his first bond was strong, while the bonding creature would get a chance to evolve.

The ethereal creature's gaze held Khalil's, the shimmering light of its eyes reflecting an ancient wisdom. "You understand now, do you not?" it asked, its voice reverberating with a gentle, persuasive warmth. "The chances of evolving and unlocking true potential are far greater when the tamer's soul is pure and the bond is forged with the right partner."

Khalil felt his heart racing as the creature's words sank in.

"Souls like yours are rare," the creature continued, its form shifting ever so slightly. "Most young tamers have yet to fully cultivate the clarity and focus required for this sacred bond. While the older tamers... Never mind... But you..." A hint of what seemed like approval flashed across its indistinct features. "You have the potential."

Khalil's breath caught in his throat as he realized the gravity of the situation. The creature before him, this being of pure light, had chosen him. He couldn't keep refusing, right?

At least, he would play for an hour a day to keep it company.

Steeling his resolve, Khalil met the creature's gaze, a mixture of awe and determination in his eyes. "Then... will you become my first bond?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "My first companion?"