Chapter 40: Bonds Forged in Shadows

The energy from the Evil Piece ceremony still lingered in the air as the group descended from the plateau. Koneko and Kael both moved with a renewed sense of purpose, their bodies radiating faint traces of the magic now tied to Mikhael's artifact. The bond between them wasn't something visible, but it was felt—a connection pulsing in the background like a steady heartbeat.

"Still getting used to this," Koneko said, flexing her claws as she walked beside Mikhael. "I feel... stronger. Faster."

Kael adjusted their glowing gauntlets, their expression thoughtful. "The mana flow is much smoother now. It's like I can control it without thinking too hard."

Mikhael glanced at them, his crimson eyes glinting faintly. "That's the power of the Evil Pieces. They don't just enhance what you already have—they push you to reach the next level."

Testing the Bond

They stopped at a quiet clearing near the base of the mountain, where the air was warmer, and the oppressive weight of the plateau was far behind them. Mikhael turned to his companions, his smirk faint.

"Let's see how much stronger you've gotten," he said, drawing his blade.

Koneko raised an eyebrow. "You're serious?"

Kael sighed, summoning a glowing orb of magic. "He's always serious."

Mikhael took a step forward, his stance relaxed but his aura crackling with energy. "Don't hold back. If you're going to fight alongside me, I need to know what you're capable of."

A Friendly Clash

Koneko moved first, darting forward with feline speed. Her claws glowed faintly as she struck, aiming for Mikhael's side. He sidestepped effortlessly, his blade deflecting her attack with a sharp clang.

"You're faster," Mikhael said, his smirk widening. "But you're still telegraphing your moves."

Koneko scowled, retreating a few steps before circling him. "Let's see how you handle this."

She leaped into the air, spinning as she aimed a powerful kick at his head. Mikhael blocked it with the flat of his blade, but the force of the strike sent him sliding back.

"Better," he admitted, his tone calm.

Kael joined the fray, their magic flaring as they hurled a barrage of glowing runes at Mikhael. He dodged the first few, then activated Shadow Step, vanishing from sight just as an explosion erupted where he had stood.

"Behind you," Kael said, spinning to meet him with a blast of energy.

Mikhael deflected the magic with his blade, closing the distance between them in an instant. Kael barely managed to summon a barrier before Mikhael's strike landed, the force of it cracking the shield.

"You've improved," Mikhael said, stepping back. "But your reactions need work."

A Lesson in Teamwork

The clash continued, with Koneko and Kael working together to press Mikhael. Koneko's speed and agility complemented Kael's ranged magic, forcing Mikhael to stay on the defensive.

"You're starting to get it," Mikhael said, deflecting another claw strike. "It's not just about individual strength—it's about how you work as a team."

Koneko smirked, her golden eyes gleaming. "Then let's see if this works."

She darted forward, feinting left before pivoting to the right. As Mikhael moved to counter, Kael's magic flared, creating a field of energy that slowed his movements just enough for Koneko to land a strike.

The blow sent Mikhael skidding back, his smirk widening. "Now that's more like it."

Reflections After the Fight

The sparring session ended with all three of them sitting in the clearing, catching their breath. The faint glow of the Evil Pieces was still visible, a reminder of the power they now shared.

"You're getting better," Mikhael said, his tone softer than usual. "But there's still a long way to go."

Koneko stretched her arms, her tail swishing lazily. "If this is just the start, I can't wait to see how much stronger we'll get."

Kael adjusted their gauntlets, their expression thoughtful. "It's strange. I never imagined myself being part of something like this. But... it feels right."

Mikhael glanced at them, his crimson eyes calm but focused. "You're part of my peerage now. That means we rise together—or we fall together."

Foreshadowing the Future

As they prepared to return to the guild, the artifact pulsed faintly against Mikhael's chest. The whispers were quiet but clear, a subtle reminder of the power still waiting to be unlocked.

"The path ahead is long... but the rewards will be worth it..."

Mikhael's smirk returned, his gaze distant. "Then let's keep moving."

The chapter ends with the group heading back toward the guild, their bond stronger and their resolve unshakable. The road ahead is uncertain, but they are ready to face it together.