Chapter 42 - Black Wings
Lucas stood, his black eyes glowing, his wild hair falling around his face. His wide wings, resembling obsidian, stretched from his back, their tips shimmering with the raw, untapped power of the golden rank. He could feel it—this deep and primal connection with the beast whose soul he now shared.
"Valion," Lucas said, his voice heavy with admiration. Yet, his words carried undeniable confidence. "Incredible! A golden-ranked beast, and you've merged with it immediately. But..." he paused, watching his wings moving effortlessly. "The only advantage of this beast is its terrifying speed in flight and the flexibility of its wings. It seems to lack any other abilities."
"Yes, the beast you've merged with is fast, but that is its power. However, there is more than you realize. Your bond with the creature will grow stronger over time," Valion explained.
Lucas couldn't hide his excitement and responded without thinking, "Hah, what happened? Do I... have a beast now?"
Valion's gaze softened slightly, and he nodded with a slight motion of his head. "Yes, you've merged with it. You won't be able to release it now; this is a permanent bond. But now, you carry the wings of a golden-ranked beast. It's a great achievement."
Lucas felt a surge of excitement. But instead of that, there was a rush of power.
He turned to face the air and, with a swift motion, stretched his wings. He felt a shiver run through his body as the strong winds hit his wings. Without hesitation, Lucas flapped his wings hard, and with a surge of air, he shot upward into the sky.
"Wow! I'm flying!" Lucas shouted in astonishment. His laughter echoed in the open space, a sound of pure freedom and exhilaration. The wind passed around him as he flew higher, rising into the sky like a bird freed from its cage. The sensation was unlike anything he had ever felt.
For several minutes, he circled above the village, testing out his new abilities. He twisted, turned, and dove, amazed at the agility and control he now had over his flight.
"This is amazing!" he shouted again, his heart racing in his chest as he gently landed back on the ground. He turned to Valion, his eyes wide with excitement. "Thank you! I can fly now!" The words barely escaped his lips as adrenaline still pumped through his veins.
Valion gave a slight smile, though it was hard to tell if he was impressed or simply enjoying the moment. "Flying is the first of many abilities you'll discover," he said calmly.
Lucas's mind raced with possibilities, but he turned to Andre and Darlene, who were watching from the sidelines. "Well, what about them?" he asked eagerly. "Can they get beasts too?"
Valion's expression changed slightly, as if pondering the question. "I don't know. Tell them to think deeply and feel for their creatures. The connection may reveal itself if they truly wish for it."
Lucas nodded, then turned. "Do it, you guys," he said, his voice filled with anticipation.
Andre and Darlene closed their eyes, concentrating hard. Moments of silence passed, their faces twisted in focus. But when they opened their eyes, there was no sign of any supernatural beings. No beasts.
Nothing.
Lucas frowned, a wave of confusion crossing his face. "Huh," he muttered to himself. "It seems like nothing's happening because they followed me by the system." He had an uneasy feeling that there was something more to it than just their intentions or desires...
Valion watched the exchange carefully, his hands raised behind his back as he stood in silence. Then, after clearing his throat, he spoke again. "Can you stay here in the village? You are strong now, and your beast is of the golden rank. The villagers... will be reassured by your presence." His voice was cautious.
Lucas thought about the offer. He didn't fully understand why Valion wanted him to stay, but he knew one thing for certain: he couldn't just stand still. His thoughts raced about his next step, his world, and what lay ahead. But, in the present moment, he knew he had to stay to learn more about the powers that were here.
"Yes, I can stay for a while," Lucas said after a long silence. "But I want to return to my world. I don't know how to go back."
Valion's expression changed, his face covering in confusion. "World?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. The word seemed strange to him, as if it was incomprehensible.
Before Lucas could answer, the atmosphere around them seemed to change. There was a deep vibration in the ground beneath their feet, a low hum echoing through their bones. Lucas's neck hairs stood on end as the air seemed to bend and twist.
A black magical gate tore open before them, a swirling vortex of shadows and energy. The winds intensified, storming through the trees as the gate grew larger.