Kael returned to the shack that he had stayed in with Mara, it was empty, and even more hollowed than usual.
He couldn't stay here much longer.
Kael took a deep breath, the fox was huge, it couldn't fit in here, there was no space for it anywhere, what was he to do?
Kael stood still for a while, pondering. But his legs were aching, and he needed to seat, he would go in for now, the Fox could stay outside.
Kael started walking in, but something happened.
A bright smoke puffed behind him, followed by a loud sound.
Kael turned around and...he didn't see the Fox.
His heart skipped a beat as he wondered what could have happened.
However, before he had time to reason it, something jumped on him.
Kael stumbled backwards, startled.
It was the fox, somehow, it had managed to shrink. It was now very small, like a cute and harmless fox.
Kael couldn't help but smile at it.
"That's potential right there!"
The fox seemed to enjoy his hand on its fur, it coiled towards him, grinning happily.
Kael smiled as he walked into the Shack, the fox nestled in his Bossom.
Kael looked around it, it was arranged, every item placed carefully, just as Mara had always done.
She was one hell of a neat freak, he couldn't say the same about himself.
The room was small, and it was sort of a kitchen and room combined. He inhaled as he picked up a dried fruit, there were a few of them there.
He took the whole basket, seating down on the old bed that he shared with his sister.
He took a dried foot, throwing it into his mouth. It tasted sweet, just like...
...Mara.
Kael's eyes welled up again as he wiped them, struggling to maintain his cool.
A man shouldn't cry.
It looked like he couldn't adhere to that much longer.
He felt something beside him, a quiet nudging.
"Mm?"
Kael raised his head, only to see the fox staring at him, it's eyes wide.
Kael returned its stare, unsure of what to do. After a moment, he picked a fruit, raised it at the fox.
"Want some?" He said, a small smile on his face.
The fox'y eyes lit up and it quickly lunged at the fruit, gobbling it up immediately.
Kael was surprised at the speed with which it ate everything. The next moment staring at Kael again, it's mouth open.
"You are quite hungry, aren't you?"
The fox stuck out it's tongue, still staring at the fruit basket.
"Alright, alright."
Kael raised his hand in surrender, then he passed the basket towards the fox who gobbled it all up in an instant.
He stared at it, mouth gaping. That little thing…how did it eat so fast…
***
Kael held the fox close, his thoughts straying. The fox belched, bringing him back to the present.
He stared at it for a while, then he smiled. "You are quite full, aren't you?"
The fox smiled happily, sticking out it's tongue.
"Now, let's find a name for you?"
The fox sat up, as if understanding him.
Kael peered closely at it, suddenly noticing that it was a female. "You are a girl?"
Kael smiled brightly. "Alright then, let's call you...Mara!"
The fox sat upright, staring at him, a big smile was on its face, then it circled the bed, jumping up and down.
Kael smiled, you really love the name, don't you?
The fox kept jumping happily.
"Ding!"
Mission accomplished, bond sync +5%
Kael was surprised, he had totally forgotten about the system. "Oh yeah, the SSS stuff."
His mind wandered for a moment, thinking about the system. He didn't know what it was, it was weird.
He wasn't sure how to bring out the interface again, but he simply thought about it, and it appeared in front of him, large as life.
He saw a mission column and he clicked it.
****
System Interface: [Mission Log]
Host: Kael
Bonded Beast: Mara [Fox Spirit]
Current Sync Level: 5%
Available Missions:
1. Establish Trust [Ongoing]
Description: Deepen your bond with Mara.
Objective: Reach 15% Sync Level
Reward: Unlock Skill: Spiritual Sense (Gain minor empathic link with Mara.)
2. Name Etching [Completed]
Description: Name your bonded spirit beast
Status: ✔️ Completed
Reward: +5% Sync / Minor stat boost to Mara
LOCKED MISSION
1. First Fight Together
Description: Battle with Mara by your side
Objective: Defeat 1 enemy with Mara assisting
Reward: Unlock Tag Ability: Quick Dash (Mara distracts or dashes to confuse enemy)
Kael stared at the mission list, blinking.
Kael checked the skill tab next.
Skill Unlocked: Soul Bond
Type: Passive Core Skill
Level: 1
Linked Entity: Mara [Fox Spirit]
Sync Level Required: 5%
---
Description:
A fragile thread spun between two souls—woven by trust, strengthened through care, and glowing brighter with shared moments. The Soul Bond forms the foundation of all connection between Host and Spirit Beast. At Level 1, this bond allows Kael to sense Mara's emotions faintly, feel her presence even through barriers, and transmit simple thoughts or intentions.
--
Effects:
Emotional Link (Low-Range): Kael can feel basic emotional cues from Mara (fear, joy, anger, curiosity, etc.).
Proximity Awareness: Even if out of sight, Kael instinctively knows Mara's general direction and distance.
Shared Calm: When Kael is calm, Mara gains slight resistance to fear or confusion effects (and vice versa).
Bond Growth Trigger: Performing acts of trust, care, or shared struggle with Mara gradually increases Sync %.
Next Unlock at Sync Level 15%:
Unlocks Spiritual Sense – deeper empathic link and early warning detection of spiritual disturbances nearby.
--
Note:
The Soul Bond is alive. Betrayal, neglect, or harm can weaken or even sever it. But nurtured right—it can unlock potential far beyond the physical realm.
***
"Spiritual Sense? Home Blessing? This thing's more detailed than I thought."
He looked at the tiny fox curled beside him.
"Mara, huh... looks like we're in this together."
The Fox let out a small growl. It agreed with him, they were in it together.