“So, how can make him jump more than single step, actually make sure he jumps a step. I’ve seen his potential and as you said his future is looking bleak.”

“Well, you can use the fruit.”

I look to the fruit that’s been here for four years. It looks fresh now. But during my desert trek I almost died.

“You mean, if he eats this fruit, it will change his potential?”

“Yes, I told you. It is not useful to humans, but to beasts, it is an elixir of reincarnation.”

“Then, let’s just feed it to him.”

“Not now, you idiot. If you feed it to him now, it will just kill him.”

“Why?”

“This fruit is full of primordial energy that will wreak havoc in his young body if he eats it. His body is too immature to handle the tempering of the fruit. He needs to grow up to eat it.”

“In other words, his vessel is too small, huh?”

“Exactly, and you know what happens when you put too much in a too little vessel, right?”

“Yes, it explodes.”

While we are talking, I look at Fenrir and see him standing next to the fruit. Looking at it.

“Are you sure, little one?”

He looks up to me. And I see no fear or hesitation in his eyes.

“You might die.”

Still nothing.

“Then go ahead.”

As soon as I said that he starts to bite into the fruit and finishes it in a few bites. At first, he is fine. But after few seconds his body starts writhing from within.

His body temperature starts to increase. He falls to the ground. I can see him enduring the pain.

“At this rate he will die for sure. Aren’t you going to do something?”

“Just a little longer.”

I can see him in a tremendous pain, but I can see his will to get stronger. Even though he is in tremendous amount of pain, he still hasn’t let out a single whimper.

Look of determination in his eyes convey to me his resolve, his regret and his hopes. Resolve to get stronger. Regret for being too weak to protect his family. And his hope for better future.

“I witnessed your will. So, I will give the way.”

I look to my tree.

“You know what to do.”

After I said that, branch comes down and touches Fenrir’s body and starts pumping vitality to his body. As his body get vitality, it starts healing itself. His ruptured skin, patching itself back.

As his body gets teared and healed, I can feel a change in him both internally and externally. As time passes his fur color changes. It gets darker. I can feel his very essence changing. I can feel him evolving beyond what he was.

Still he refuses to let out a single whimper. He endures through destruction and reconstruction of his body with clenched teeth.

“It seems my fear was unfounded.”

“What did you fear?”

“That he couldn’t take it. Enough strain on a weak will can break it and its mind with it. I feared that if his will want powerful enough, he would break. Instead of him breaking, it would be better if he died.”

“I though you were sure of his will when you let him eat the fruit.”

“I knew he possessed a strong will, but I wasn’t sure it was strong enough. But now I know.”

“Indeed. I’m sure he will survive this. Far more stronger.”

“I hope so, too.”

While Fenrir goes through his tempering, I leave my Soul Palace and concentrate on whatever’s happening in the outside.

There is still six hours till I exit the forest. And I can still sense the salamanders chasing me.

“Do you have any idea how they are tracking me?”

“You have a blood of their mother on you. Of course, they can track you.”

“That was the mother. You mean, she gave birth to all these salamanders?”

“Yes, she did.”

“What about the father?”

“Dead.”

“How? Don’t tell me she ate his head during the deed.”

“What?! No, what’s the matter with you. He simply entered too deep into the forest. And became a dragon’s midnight snack.”

“There is a dragon in these woods?”

“Yes.”

“Cool.”

“What is it with you and dragons?”

“Don’t know. I just like them.”

“As good reason as any.”

“How long do you think it will take?”

“I don’t know exactly, but twelve hours at most, eight at least.”

“Got it. If something happens tell me.”

After running at my fastest for about five hours I finally see the edge of the forest. After exiting the forest, I immediately change my direction and start heading to the village.

I think it will take about an hour for me to make it there. And the salamanders are about five hours away.

After running for an hour, I see a small village in front of me. And I immediately enter it to find someone important.

I directly go to the center of the village and find the biggest house nearby. I see only two storied house and enter it.

First floor is a huge lobby and one man is sitting behind a table in the center. As soon as I enter, he looks up to me.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Alder. I’m an adventurer. Who are you? And by the way I’m here to warn you of impending wave of salamanders.”

I tell him while bringing out my license. He looks at it to confirm.

“I’m the chief of this village. Are you certain salamanders are really attacking?”

“Yes. I was in the edge of the Toren forest. And I saw hundreds of salamanders stampeding in this direction. They are about four hours away. You need to evacuate the village and warn the city immediately.”

“Okay. I got it. I will start the evacuation immediately. Milas!”

He shouts to the second floor. A young man comes down from the second floor.

“What is it, dad?”

“Son, I need you to go to the city and tell the guard’s captain that there is a salamander stampede heading to our village. Go as fast as you can. And take my medal.”

Chief hands his son a golden medal with who knows what engraved on it.

“Got it, dad.”

Chief looks to me.

“Thank you for your warning, Alder.”

“You’re welcome. Now get on with your evacuation. I will stall the salamanders as long as I can.”

After saying that, I get out of the chief’s house and exit the village.