The early morning sun painted Whistlehollow in soft hues of orange and gold, bathing the peaceful glade in gentle warmth. Aleron knelt on the dew-damp grass, fingers tracing ancient runes from memories not his own—William's meticulous studies still clearly etched in his mind. The intricate magic circle gradually took shape, pulsing faintly as he poured steady streams of mana into it.
Corvin sat quietly at the center, legs crossed, eyes closed in deep meditation. Lunari lay calmly beside him, her silvery fur catching the early sun, radiating gentle waves of celestial energy. Standing slightly apart, Eira watched anxiously, gripping her new staff tightly.
"Are you sure about this, Aleron?" she asked softly, concern evident in her voice. "Corvin seems nervous."
Aleron paused, meeting her worried eyes. "It's a delicate process, but it's safe. His mana has potential—this will help him tap into it."
She nodded slowly, still wary but trusting him. "Alright."
Aleron turned to Corvin. "Ready?"
Corvin opened his eyes briefly, flashing a hesitant smile. "I trust you."
Aleron took a deep breath, pushing away a ripple of doubt. He placed his palm on the glowing runes, channeling a careful, controlled flow of mana. The runes flared brilliantly, encircling Corvin in a soft light.
Corvin's brow furrowed slightly, tension flickering across his face. His breathing quickened, becoming irregular as the runes' glow intensified.
"Corvin," Aleron instructed calmly, voice steady despite the rising worry in his chest. "Breathe. Focus your thoughts inward."
"I'm trying," Corvin whispered, frustration and anxiety weaving through his voice. "Something…feels stuck."
Aleron frowned slightly, increasing his concentration. "You're resisting. Let go."
"I…I can't." Corvin's voice trembled, vulnerability seeping through his carefully guarded composure.
Eira stepped forward anxiously. "What's wrong? Should we stop?"
Aleron hesitated, the runes wavering slightly under his hand. He felt his own heart tighten. "Corvin, talk to me. What's holding you back?"
Corvin exhaled shakily, eyes still closed tightly. "If I fail—if I'm not strong enough—maybe you and Eira will leave me behind. Like…" He trailed off, voice breaking. "Like others have."
Aleron's heart clenched painfully. He exchanged a glance with Eira, whose eyes softened in understanding.
"Corvin," Aleron said firmly but gently, leaning forward. "You'll never be alone. Eira and I—we're not going anywhere. Trust us, but more importantly, trust yourself."
Lunari's celestial aura grew brighter, enveloping Corvin softly. His breathing steadied slowly as he accepted the comfort of her calming presence. Gradually, he released his resistance, opening himself fully.
A rush of warm, radiant mana surged outward, sweeping through the circle in waves of brilliant silver and gold. The runes ignited brightly, illuminating the clearing. Corvin's mana shifted and expanded clearly, releasing the tension that had held it back.
Finally, Corvin opened his eyes, breathing deeply, visibly calmer and more settled. Lunari gently nudged him with her muzzle, a quiet reassurance.
"Well?" Eira asked softly, hesitant hope clear in her voice.
Aleron activated God's Whisper quickly, eyes scanning Corvin's new status:
Name: Corvin Hale
Age: 14
Path: Summoner (Celestial Beasts)
Blessing: Empathic Anchor (Goddess Elara) — Enhanced
Mana Pool: Exceptional → Transcendent (+30%)
Stats:
- Strength: 40 (Above Average)
- Agility: 47 (Above Average)
- Endurance: 44 (Above Average)
- Intelligence: 150 (Exceptional)
- Mana: 256 (Transcendent, Previously 189)
New Passive Skill Unlocked:
- Celestial Resonance (Rank D): Improved mana synchronization with bonded summons (+25% Efficiency)
Aleron smiled, relief flooding him. "It worked. Your mana expanded clearly—well done."
Corvin exhaled deeply, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, both of you. I'm sorry for doubting—"
"Don't apologize," Eira interjected warmly. "You faced your fear and pushed through it. That's what matters."
Corvin smiled quietly, clearly moved, and gently leaned against Lunari's side.
As they rested beneath the sunlit trees, Aleron moved closer, placing a reassuring hand on Corvin's shoulder. "This is just the first step. To stabilize this mana growth, you need steady practice. Repeat this ritual every few weeks, gradually. I'll help you each time."
Corvin nodded, determination slowly replacing the lingering worry. "I will."
Eira sighed dramatically, breaking the lingering tension with a teasing smile. "Good, because I don't want to have to save you two every time something goes wrong."
Corvin chuckled lightly, tension easing further. "I'll try not to let that happen."
Aleron smiled, feeling warmth spread through his chest. Watching his friends, he realized how deeply bonded they'd become—how essential they were to each other's strength. Yet he felt a quiet pang of unease. He still held secrets—truths about William, about his own reincarnation—that he'd not yet shared. Someday, he knew, those secrets would need revealing.
But not today.
Later that night, under a canopy of stars, the trio sat quietly by the lake's edge. Corvin stared thoughtfully at the rippling water, his voice soft and vulnerable. "Thank you both again—for everything."
"We're here, Corvin," Eira answered gently, sincerity clear in her voice. "We always will be."
Aleron glanced up at the endless expanse of stars, silently promising himself he would grow strong enough to always keep that vow. Whatever came their way, whatever shadows loomed ahead, they would face them together.
As friends. As family. Always.