“I was told you possess a special power, one that shouldn’t be provoked. That is why you have been allowed to wander freely in our home.” I thought myself mad for having a full-on conversation with an oversized cobra.

I found out that the ability to communicate telepathically pertained to a select few creatures that have developed their magic far enough. Elania, the name of the cobra monster was one of them. I found out that she knew of me from the Siberian tiger nicknamed Silver. His power nearing the next level and soon to enter the same stage as Elania. She called it the awakening. Once a beast reached this level their minds would alter vastly, changing the way they think altogether.

“I’m searching for the Aurisavem. Do you know where it is?” I figured now was as good a time as any to ask, though quickly changed that thought as the mole beside her bared its row of sharp teeth in response.

“May I ask why?” Elania’s tone felt serious and couldn't tell if she was holding back aggression based on her physical reactions.

I mulled over how to rephrase my choice of words to instead gather information on what made the Aurisavem so important, rather than its location. Now that I thought about it, they have no reason to trust a random stranger and I wouldn’t if I was in their position.

“I’m in a situation where I’m forced to capture and deliver it to someone. Though, now I want to know why it's so important to this person.” I still ended up speaking the truth about everything that went on in my mind. Almost as if I was trying to create an enemy out of myself.

“None of the inhabitants in this mountain range will allow that to happen. The Aurisavem has a rare lineage dating back to one of the eleven heavenly beasts.”

Things were starting to click. If Ethan managed to get his hands on the core of the Aurisavem, the amount of power obtained would be insane. Why didn’t I think this, when it was the main goal of hunting monsters other than making money. These cores were even implemented into daily life appliances for added conveniences.

“Why did you let me in this place, your home? When you know I’m dangerous.” This question bugged me since they were better off preventing entry unless they had their own agenda.

“Simple. The possessor of shadow magic has always been an ally of beastkin in the past.” I tilted my head, offering a perplexed gaze.

“You don’t have your memories yet. It’s understandable that you have been going on a killing spree against our kind.” Her words came across like a jab.

“Ah…, Sorry about that...” Finding out that monsters had intelligence changed things. They were a form of money and I felt bad about slaughtering them now.

“Each creature makes their own choice to do battle; most remain wild animals never reaching a state of awareness. It is the law of nature to hunt and be hunted, don’t feel the need to apologize.” It was weird having my thoughts and emotions read. It let Elania know exactly how to respond.

“I’ll make sure everyone knows to only target aggressive and wild monsters from here on.” It would slow down our income stream, but worked out anyway since I never wanted it to be our main source of money. Elania lowered her large head in appreciation.

I asked her questions regarding the military and how their situation with them fared. They were safe so far from any further attacks after their raid on the outpost. The raid managed to buy themselves a momentary reprieve but that was all. Only a matter of time until the military resumed their search for the Aurisavem.

She wasn’t very helpful when it came to anything related to my magic and how I could learn to control it. Maybe not the best idea to let her know I am a potential ticking time bomb but I’ve been straight with her so far, regardless if she could read my surface thoughts. It came down to that same clan that Balthazar mentioned before.

The so-called Raven clan. They seemed to be quite the little helpers of all beastkind. She mentioned how all of her kind know of their deeds and relationship throughout time.

‘Heavenly beasts?’ I couldn’t help recalling the term she casually threw out.

“They have existed since the beginning, though no longer remain active.” Elania at this point had rested her head on the grass, comfortable enough that she looked like she was getting ready to take a nap right next to us.

Her response caught me off guard and the part about not being active anymore sounded like they were either dormant or passed away. Her shrug-like exchange confirmed she really had no idea as well. I couldn’t help imagining, eleven supergiants roaming Eidolon and it made me wonder how strong a single one of them might be now.