Saelak, Donoma, and a rabbit-driven Aster entered the temple as inconspicuous as they could manage. Saelak explained to the greeter that his friend seemed to be having difficulty breathing and, as they were being led to the healer, he instructed Hitsuki to follow the Life Blessed mage’s orders while he and Donoma waited outside the room.

Saelak was pacing back and forth before Donoma grabbed his arm and pulled him to sit on a bench next to her across from the room Aster was getting checked out in. “Ye’ll wear a hole through da floorboards like that.” He grumped at her but complied. “Ya know, Aster’s not a lil weakling anymore.”

Saelak gave a bark of a laugh and shook his head almost wearily as he rested his eyes against his palms, his elbows propped upon his knees, “Ha, see that’s where you misunderstand. I never thought he was weak to begin with.”

Donoma raised an eyebrow, “But isn’t that why ya follow him? Ya feel like ya need ta protect him?”

“I don’t need to protect him. I want to. There’s a difference. Aster is actually one of the strongest people I know, he’s not usually the one in need of protection even if most would think he’s weak.” He leaned back against the bench and wall and stared at the stone ceiling, “He’s already saved my life plenty of times.”

“Ya mean from that wolf in da forest?” Donoma asked, recalling the story Aster had recounted for her.

“And from his insane step-uncle, and my overbearing parents… and even my own hand.” Donoma stared at him a bit surprised by that revelation but didn’t interrupt as he elaborated, “I feared my powers. I feared being used as a puppet. I feared my future. Aster helped me to be brave. He taught me to control the things I could and to see my Blessing as just that… a blessing.”

“Why are ya so worried ‘bout him now then?” She asked quietly, watching him intently.

“I’m worried that he’ll push himself further than he should for the sake of others. That he’ll give just a little too much of himself. That he’ll end up going where I can’t follow, where I can’t even try to protect him.”

“Ya know…” she hesitated for a moment before pressing him awkwardly, “That almost sounds like ya… ya know… feel more fer him… dan just friendship.”

He looked her dead in the eyes for a moment then said simply, “I do.”

Donoma felt her heart skip a beat for a moment and her cheeks get a bit flushed as she broke eye contact and asked, “And does Aster feel like that towards ya?”

Saelak also looked away and gave another heavy sigh, “I’m not sure, to be honest. He’s my Best Friend. He hasn’t said otherwise and he teases me like a little brother.”

“But doesn’t that hurt ya?” She interjected looking towards him again to try and read his emotions.

“Yes and no. It means I’m close enough to make him feel comfortable but not close enough to make him feel… desire? I guess.” He gave a helpless shrug. “For me it’s almost hard to breathe when he gets too close. It’s hard not to reach out and… show him how I feel. I’m not sure it’s the same thing that he feels.”

Donoma felt her heart ache a little for Saelak, it was so sad to be so near someone who felt so far from reach, “Why don’t ya ask him?”

He gave her a weak smile, “That’s my newest fear that Aster can’t help me overcome.”

The door opened just then and the healer gestured for them to come inside, which they did. Aster was lying on a simple bed, his clothing and mask in a basket on the floor next to him.

“He seems to be fine but the Air is behaving oddly around him. I noticed he’s a Trimagi with Spirit, Fire and Air.” The healer gestured to his forehead and the new Air mark above his right eye, “His magic just seems to be in flux, almost like he’s having a panic attack. There’s not much I can do except keep him here for observation. Why don’t you two wait for him to wake up here and come get me if there seems to be any issue.”

They bowed to the healer and thanked them as they left the room. As the door closed Hitsuki opened one of Aster’s eyes then sat up in the bed startling the two elves. “Did ya miss me?” she grinned at them.

Donoma laughed as Saelak shook his head and they sat down next to the bed to chat.

Acclimation to Air complete!

You gained an Elemental Affinity!

Your Air Affinity reached 10%.

Skill Acquired: Magic (Air) (Beginner 99, 99%)

You may not see it but it is a force to be reckoned with. The destructive gales and life giving breath can change the winds of fate.

Your Intelligence increased by 1.

Skill Acquired: Resistance (Air) (Beginner 99, 99%)

Nothing pushes you around, not even a tornado could knock you down. Well, unless it’s stronger than you, but you’ll get up again.

Your Constitution increased by 1.

New Abilities are unlocked.

New Spells are unlocked.

New Technique is unlocked.

New Party Ability is unlocked.

Your Dexterity increased by 1.

Your Karma increased by 1.

You gained 1272 experience.

Crimson Destiny gained 636 experience.

Aster groaned as he slowly awoke and looked around realizing he was in his Soul Space. There was a new room next to Hitsuki’s with just the symbol of Air adorning it. Aster seemed to be alone as he got up from his lying position on the mental couch and walked over to Hitsuki’s room and knocked before opening the door when there was no answer. The room was empty, toys and manga books strewn about, and Aster was confused about how he could be here and his Soul Bond not. Then he went to the new door wondering if the bunny girl was in there talking with their new companion when he knocked gently only to have the door crack open slightly, a single eye looking down on him through the slit before it slammed shut in his face.

‘Well… that’s weird. Wonder if he’s not much of a talker…’ Aster thought then called out into the open space, “Hitsuki?”

“Master, you're awake!” the small girl popped into existence in front of him making him yelp and almost making him fall back in surprise, “See? I knew you’d be totally fine, that elf is such a worrywart, he did nothing but nag and fuss over me, well you, until I did exactly as he said and-”

Aster cut her off, covering her mouth with a finger and chuckling at her pout, “Nice to see you too and you know Saelak just cares about us.” Hitsuki rolled her eyes dramatically as Aster dropped his hand back to his side.

“OH, come on, you and I both know that that boy has it hard for you. Like, I don’t need to have your memories of him to know that he's totally head over heels in love with you.” She crossed her arms giving him a look.

He gave a nervous chuckle running his hand through his hair, “Yeah, could we not talk about that right now?”

“Does that mean we’re gonna talk about it later?” She retorted.

He grimaced slightly and muttered, “I’d rather not.”

She gave him a glare then sighed, “Whatever, just go calm him down. He’s probably totally freaking out with me not responding for you anymore.”

Aster opened his actual eyes now and Saelak visibly relaxed in front of him noticing his eyes return to their normal coloring. “You’re actually awake, now?” Saelak asked him with a smile.

Aster nodded, “Yeah… uh… sorry about that?” Donoma laughed and Saelak crossed his arms, smile now gone.

“What about ‘stay out of trouble’ didn’t you understand?!” He asked angrily, “I swear Aster, it’s like you’re trying to get us killed. What was your plan? Make the giant arse cat-bird vanish and just walk away?!”

Aster twirled the ring hanging around his neck searching for something not-stupid to reply with, “I’m sorry, Saelak. I wasn’t thinking. I just… I needed to-”

“Save them. Yeah I know.” He gave a dramatic sigh and said, “Well it looks like we were lucky and able to shelter here in the temple without any of the guards finding us.”

Aster’s brow furrowed, “Lucky? That doesn’t sound right…”

Just then the doors opened abruptly, “They’re in here. It was an actual Deviant Spirit Blessed! I saw the reversed mark myself. They must have done something to the creature-”

“That’s more like it!” Aster finished saying and quickly jumped from the bed, grabbing the basket with his gear, “Come on you two, time to go.”

Donoma lifted her hands up and a blinding light flashed towards the guards causing them to shield their eyes followed by a torrent of water bursting from Saelak’s outstretched palms, knocking them all back.

They ran for it. Fleeing the temple and trying to blend into the crowd. Saelak waved his hands towards the three of them and they felt an illusion fall into place like a second skin.

“I can’t hold this for long but it should help us get to the inn. We need to leave the city sooner rather than later.” He said and led them through the bustling streets of Ahtil.

Once they reached the inn Donoma joined them in Aster’s room to talk.

“Now I know that ya said only ta Ahtil, Saelak, but I don’t ‘ave a place ta be or a goal I’m headin’. I like ta think o’ ya both as friends now and I’d like ta stay with ya.” She said a bit nervously.

Aster didn’t speak right away and looked to his friend to decide. It was obvious that he wanted Donoma to join them but that he wouldn’t force Saelak to let her.

The pale elf looked at her for a long moment then said slowly, “I saw the lights you cast in the square. You tried to save Aster and you haven’t given us reason to doubt you. With Aster’s new power still not fully under his control I could use the extra help to protect him.”

“Why do you make me sound like some child in need of a chaperone?” Aster asked with mock indignation.

Saelak rolled his eyes and quipped, “Because after today, you obviously are!” Donoma chuckled at their back and forth. “I know we got off on the wrong foot but I’m glad you’re in our party and it’d be nice if you stayed in it.”

Donoma leaned forward and hugged both of them around the necks cheerfully, “Yay! So are we headin’ ta that Grand Library ya talked ‘bout?”

“Yes, but it’s in Arexia, the capital city at the heart of the Airelia Federation. It will be months on foot.” Aster said a bit hesitant, not sure Donoma would want to commit to such a long journey.

She shrugged and said, “I ‘ave no problem with da Airelians. Honestly, I’ve heard mostly good things ‘bout da country. Full o’ progressives and such, aimin’ fer world peace and da likes.”

Aster smiled at that and said, “That’s great to hear.” Aster gave a little regretful sigh, “Well I had hoped to get a bath in but we should probably head out now or should we wait for the morning?”

Saelak nodded, “Well, you did technically steal from a merchant and the guards are still on high alert.” He glanced at Donoma, “You were right when you said we should have laid low. We’ll stay here and hopefully sneak out right before dawn.”

Aster looked affronted, “I did not steal. Kanati isn’t a product to be bought and sold.”

Donoma leaned forward looking a bit excited, “Is that yer new Soul Bond’s name? We saw ya get da Air Blessin’ does that mean ya got da Air Bendin’ ability?”

Aster went and checked his information to see the updates.

Name: Aster

Surname: Seppen

Title: Artifact of the Age

Age: 20

Gender: Man

Race: Half Winter Elf Half Airelian Human

Level: 20 (104,758/118,000)

Class: Soul Tamer [ Artifact ] [ Unique ]

Attributes

Strength: 50

(+6 from Soul Bonds)

Dexterity: 46

[+16 from Equipment]

(+7 from Soul Bonds)

Constitution: 51

(+5 from Soul Bonds)

Intelligence: 51

(+3 from Soul Bonds)

Wisdom: 50

(+3 from Soul Bonds)

Charisma: 45

(+4 from Soul Bonds)

Luck: 13

(+13 from Soul Bonds)

Willpower: 15

(+4 from Soul Bonds)

Karma: 14

Resources

Health: 560/510

(+50)

Regen: 5.0/minute (+0.6)

Stamina: 690/460

[+160] (+70)

Regen: 5.1/minute (+0.5)

Mana: 540/510

(+30)

Regen: 5.0/minute (+0.3)

Qi: 396/500 (+30)

Inspiration: 150/500 (+60)

Favor: 75/450 (+40)

Affinities

Air: 10%

Earth: 0%

Fire: 10%

Water: 0%

Ice: 0%

Lightning: 0%

Metal: 0%

Wood: 0%

Dark: 0%

Death: 0%

Life: 0%

Light: 0%

Blood: 0%

Illusion: 0%

Song: 0%

Covenant: 0%

Gravity: 0%

Spacial: 0%

Spirit: 100%

Time: Unknown

He had a bunch of stat boosts, ‘What level is Kanati to give me such bonuses?’ Aster thought, doing some mental math to try and approximate his new Soul Bond’s attributes.

He had one new ability:

Air Bending

Effect: Manipulate air with mana cost being dynamically based on the amount, duration and complexity of the desired task.

Duration: ∞

Cooldown: None

Cost: X mana per minute

Requires: Air Blessing

One new technique, which Aster thought was extremely similar to his fire one, then just assumed all the base ones were probably similar to one another.

Empowering Winds

Effect: Imbue wind into your unarmed strikes and kicks for additional air damage and a chance on hit to knockback.

Duration: ∞

Cooldown: None

Cost: 5 qi per minute

Requires: Air Blessing

And two new spells:

Wind Slash

Effect: Summon and launch a blade of wind.

Duration: ∞

Cooldown: None

Cost: 10 mana

Requires: Beginner Magic (Wind)

Slow Fall

Effect: Slow the descent of creatures and objects through the air.

Duration: 2 minutes

Cooldown: None

Cost: 20 mana

Requires: Beginner Magic (Air)

He raised his hand up and a tiny tornado appeared in his palm as he grinned. “I’ve been getting the hang of Fire Bending and this feels similar but I think my skill level is also making it a bit easier, I jumped all the way to Beginner 99 with it.” He told his friends.

“That’s great, Aster!” Saelak said, happy for his friend. “We should probably head to bed now, hopefully word of you doesn’t spread too much.”

Donoma nodded, “Well, that’s me queue ta leave. Dream well and see ya in da mornin’,” she said before heading back to her room Saelak had booked earlier. This inn had a bunch of cheap very small single bed rooms and Saelak had gotten one for each of them.

Saelak was about to head to his own room when he paused, then pulled a small box from his belt pouch, handing it to Aster. “Congratulations on your Age Up.”

Aster smiled softly and opened the small box to find an intricate metal pendant depicting the 20 elemental symbols on a silver chain. It reminded him of the emblem emblazoned on the temple back home in Seppen. It was beautiful work and each of the symbols seemed to glow slightly.

You acquired: Protection of the Elements

We are stronger united than alone. This amulet is imbued with a bit of each element to protect the wearer from harm.

Quality: [ Exquisite ]

Availability: [ Unusual ]

Type: Jewelry - Necklace

Effects:

+5 Constitution.

+20% Magic Resistance.

“I saw this in the market earlier. I thought it could help remind you of where you came from and where you are heading. As well as keep you safe even if I’m not by your side.” Saelak said softly, refusing to make eye contact with Aster, his complexion becoming tinged with pink.

“Thank you, Saelak. Your presence is gift enough, but I will cherish this.” Aster lifted his current necklace over his head and put on the gift in its stead. He slipped the ring off the chain he now held and placed it on his left middle finger, his hand was finally large enough that it wouldn’t easily slip off. Then he hugged Saelak, catching the elf off guard. “This really does mean a lot to me. You’ve always been the best of friend, staying by my side. I know I can always rely on you. Thanks for everything.”

Saelak’s face was bright red now as he awkwardly hugged Aster back, “Same to you, Aster. Now, uh, dream well.” he withdrew from the embrace and made his retreat to his room a moment later.

Aster smiled after him then admired his new necklace some more when he heard Hitsuki’s voice in his mind, “Soooo we gonna have that talk now?”

Aster blushed and replied hastily, ‘Absolutely not!’ trying to escape the topic.