17:The First Spirit Bond
[Averis Ravenshade's POV]
The training grounds behind the estate were vast, stretching toward the snowy forests beyond. The morning air was crisp, and the ground beneath my feet was hard, packed from years of use.
Across from me stood Elowen Sylvaris, my new spirit instructor.
She was observing me carefully, her sapphire eyes too sharp for someone who claimed to be a simple guide.
"Today, we will form your first controlled spirit bond." Her voice was smooth, but there was an undeniable weight behind it. "You have already bonded with a spirit once, but that was an unconscious act. This time, you must reach out and forge the connection yourself."
I nodded. The Frost Raven bonded with me on its own, but this time, I have to do it intentionally.
Father stood at a distance, arms crossed. He wasn't interfering, but I could feel his gaze. He's watching carefully.
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[System Notification]
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[Quest Progress: The First Step to Mastery]
— Task: Form a bond with a spirit of your choosing.
— Status: Pending…
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---
Elowen knelt in front of me, pressing a hand against the frozen earth. Her golden hair shimmered in the pale light.
"Spirits do not choose based on strength alone, Averis." She spoke slowly, making sure I understood. "They seek those who reflect their nature. Their essence."
She lifted her hand, and the ground trembled.
From the earth beneath us, a faint golden light flickered to life.
A low hum filled the air as a form began to take shape—a creature rising from the ground like a sculpture being carved from stone.
It was…
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[System Notification]
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[A Spirit Has Answered Your Call!]
— Species: Teraval, the Stone Warden
— Rank: Mid-Low Rank Earth Spirit
— Nature: Steady, Loyal, Protective
— Status: Awaiting Bond Formation…
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---
The spirit before me was small, about the size of a wolf pup.
Its body was made of smooth, polished stone, but it moved fluidly, as though alive.
Its eyes glowed with a deep amber light, filled with patience—a stark contrast to the overwhelming presence of the Frost Raven.
I stared at it.
It stared back.
I swallowed. It feels… calm.
Very different from the Frost Raven's overwhelming power.
I took a step closer. "You're… Teraval?"
The spirit gave a slow nod.
Elowen watched me. "Now, reach out with your spirit energy. Let it recognize you."
I hesitated. Last time, the Frost Raven did all the work.
This time, I had to do it.
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[System Notification]
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[Spirit Bond Ritual Initiated]
— Matching compatibility…
— Spirit Energy Synchronization: 78%
— Establishing Link…
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---
A golden thread of spirit energy formed between me and Teraval.
I felt something settle inside me—like a weight pressing down, but not in a bad way.
It was… grounding. Stable.
My mana, which always felt like a chaotic storm, felt a little more centered.
The bond clicked into place.
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[System Notification]
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[Spirit Bond Successfully Formed!]
— Spirit Partner: Teraval, the Stone Warden
— Rank: Mid-Low
— Affinity: Earth
— Trait: Guardian of Stability
— Effect: Slightly stabilizes your unstable mana flow.
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---
I exhaled sharply.
It worked.
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[Aldric Ravenshade's POV]
I watched from the sidelines, arms folded.
Elowen had done well.
Averis's bond with Teraval was strong—not as overwhelming as the Frost Raven, but far more stable.
And that was what he needed.
My son…
He is walking the path of spirits faster than I expected.
Good.
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[Elowen Sylvaris' POV]
I observed the child.
Despite his young age, he was too calm, too composed for someone forming his first bond.
And yet…
The way the Frost Raven's presence lingered around him, even now, was unnatural.
That raven…
It was far more than just a simple spirit.
I would need to keep a close watch on him.
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[Averis Ravenshade's POV]
Teraval blinked up at me, its amber eyes warm.
I knelt down and touched its stone-like head.
For the first time in a while, my mana didn't feel like it was about to explode.
A small smile crept onto my lips.
"Welcome, Teraval."
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End of Chapter 17.