The Strengthening Bonds

"'Who?' His shock sent him leaping forward, swiftly twisting his body into a defensive posture. As an intrepid adventurer, traversing treacherous realms, he possessed formidable fighting skills; some even considered him unrivaled in hand-to-hand combat on his earth.

Yet, in his startled state, he remained oblivious to the fact that his body had now reverted to its youthful form.

'Fear not, David, I am here to fulfill your desire,' a voice echoed.

'Hah!

'Indeed, I have granted your wish to embark on another adventure alongside your companions,' the deity confirmed.

'Wait, are you the entity known as God?'

'Yes.'

'So, this is how our prayers have been answered,' he muttered, his eyes teary and tinged with crimson hues. After a brief pause of gratitude for the fulfillment of their entreaties, he queried God,".

"So, have they been reincarnated?" he asked eagerly.

"Aye, they have indeed," the voice replied.

"How can I reunite with them?" he inquired anxiously.

"They shall find you in due time, for it is their fate. Although their present selves are veiled, their memories of the past remain etched within them.

These memories shall resurface when certain events transpire. Moreover, your own memories shall remain dormant after reincarnation for a period of time," the voice explained.

"I understand," he responded, his face lighting up with joy at the prospect of reuniting with his comrades.

"Well then, shall we begin now?" he asked, eager to commence his new journey.

"Aye, but first, a gift from me," the voice said.

"Gift?" he inquired curiously.

"Yes, a certain ability as you desire. However, do not request anything excessive, for the world can only handle so much," the voice cautioned.

"I see," he acknowledged with understanding.

"Very well, then let me contemplate," he said after a brief pause.

Moments passed in silence before David voiced his desires.

"The first thing I seek is an adaptive body, one that can adjust and evolve during combat and training," he declared.

"Hmm, a relatively simple request. However, remember that the efficacy of this ability will diminish if you fail to train and develop yourself," the voice warned.

"Of course, it would be futile if I don't put in the effort to enhance my skills," he affirmed.

"Hmm. And what is the second thing you wish for?" the voice inquired.

"I desire the power to control the elements of fire and lightning," he replied resolutely.

"Very well, it shall be as you wish. Yet, remember that this power will only display its full strength if nurtured through training," the voice reminded him.

"Of course, fire and lightning," he replied with excitement.

"Haha, very well. Your last wish is..." God chuckled, amused by the man's enthusiasm, though he couldn't help but be reminded that the man was an elderly individual approaching 80 years old, despite his currently youthful appearance.

"The final thing I desire is to be immune to all types of debuffs," he declared confidently.

"Very well," the voice replied. "I believe it is time."

"Wait, but where will I be reincarnated?" David asked eagerly.

"You will only discover your destination once you have arrived in that world. And there will be a surprise awaiting you in due time," God responded with a wide smile.

As David noticed the mischievous smirk on God's face, he sensed that something troublesome awaited him ahead.

When he was about to ask God what he meant, his body suddenly became radiant and disappeared from that place.

As David vanished, God pondered to himself, "That's truly amusing; they both asked for the same wish, even though I had only granted one of them the two elements. Ah, there was a moment that united their thoughts, during their first adventure together.

They had to constantly outrun active traps, dodge rolling stone balls and evade pursuing wild beasts. They had to steer clear of arrows tipped with deadly poison, as well as avoid venomous creatures.

Whenever they found a moment to rest, someone would always say, 'If only we had stronger bodies and were immune to poisons, this journey would be so much easier.'"

The others would merely nod in agreement at his words, their friendship deepening as they endured countless brushes with death.

"Alright, let's witness how your next adventure unfolds," God mused. "David Fernandez... ah, from now on, your name shall be xxxxx!"