Days passed since the mission at Sargento. Though Kael remained calm and composed, something stirred deep within him—like a whisper calling from beyond the veil of wind and stone.
One night, the system pulsed louder than ever before.
> [System Alert: Hidden Quest Unlocked]
Quest: Spirit Cave – Trial of Resonance
Location: Sealed cavern beneath Drowse Peak, Eastern Forest
Requirement: Enter alone. Prove your worth to the unseen.
Reward: ???
Kael's crimson eyes flickered. He didn't hesitate.
---
Dawn Departure
Without waking the others, Kael left the Black Bulls' hideout and moved swiftly across the fields. The wind followed him like an old friend, parting the grass as he traveled east.
He knew where the Spirit Cave was.
Because in his past life… he'd read about it. A hidden dungeon never fully explored in the story. A place where elemental spirits once gathered before vanishing from the world's knowledge.
Now it was real. Now it was calling him.
---
At Drowse Peak
The mountain was quiet—too quiet. Even the birds avoided its slope.
Kael arrived at the moss-covered cliffside and placed his hand on the old stone, letting his magic pulse through it.
Symbols ignited.
A small entrance emerged from nothingness, spiraling into the earth.
> [Checkpoint Reached: Spirit Cave – Outer Chamber]
"Let's see what you've buried, fate," he muttered as he stepped inside.
---
Inside the Cave
The air grew dense with magic the deeper Kael went. Unlike the structured feel of the Clover Kingdom's battlefields, this cave was alive—pulsing with ancient power and watching him.
He passed walls lined with glowing runes, pools of quiet water, and roots that whispered memories from eras past.
Eventually, he reached a wide chamber bathed in soft blue light. Floating above a pedestal was a crystalline orb spinning slowly, humming like a lullaby.
Then a voice echoed—feminine, ageless, sorrowful.
"Why do you seek us, child of another world?"
Kael stood tall. "To protect. To grow. To earn the right to stand with those I care about."
The orb pulsed.
"Then face the trial. Alone. No system. No aid."
---
The Trial Begins
The ground shifted.
The cavern twisted until Kael stood in a mirrored version of the Black Bulls' hideout—but this time, burning.
His teammates—Asta, Vanessa, Luck, even Charmy—lay on the floor, motionless.
And before him stood… himself.
But this version had pitch-black eyes and shadow pouring from his limbs like ink.
"You failed them," the shadow-Kael said, stepping forward. "You were too weak. Too slow. Too afraid to unlock your true power."
Kael raised his fists. "You're not real."
"I'm the you that wins. The one that lets go of mercy and memory."
They clashed.
---
Mind vs. Spirit
Kael's spells flickered—dampened by the rules of the trial. He had to rely on fundamentals: martial skill, instinct, and willpower.
Shadow-Kael fought with reckless aggression, throwing corrupted versions of Kael's techniques. Every blow struck like guilt, doubt, and fear made real.
Kael stumbled.
The mirror version loomed over him. "They'll all die because you hesitated. Just like your parents."
Kael's eyes flared crimson. "No…"
He clenched his fists.
"I live because they didn't. I carry both worlds in me. And I'll never… let fear decide my path."
With a roar, Kael surged up and slammed a pure light-elemental fist into the shadow's chest, shattering the illusion with a flash of white.
---
Awakening
The cave snapped back to normal. The orb now hovered at eye level, pulsing with approval.
"You have passed. Your spirit walks with purpose, not pride."
> [Spirit Pact: Initiated]
Spirit Name: Sylphiel – Whisperer of the Wind and Heart
Affinity: Wind + Emotional Resonance
Fusion Potential: Active
Bond Level: Seedling
From the orb emerged a glowing green form—soft and radiant. A wind spirit, humanoid in shape, with glowing wings and gentle eyes.
Kael bowed slightly. "I am honored."
Sylphiel smiled faintly. "Then rise, Partner. Let's soar together."
---
System Update
> [Major Power Acquired: Spirit Magic – Sylphiel (Wind)]
Spells Unlocked:
– Sylphiel's Embrace (Healing Wind Shield)
– Gale Pierce (Focused wind blade attack)
– Whisper Link (Read surface thoughts of allies during fusion)
– Spirit Fusion (Unlocked at 25% Bond)*
[Elemental Synergy Bonus: Lightning + Wind Combo Unlocked]
Passive Bonus: Speed + Agility boost during Spirit-Enhanced States
---
Outside the Cave – Nightfall
Kael emerged under the moonlight, Sylphiel hovering beside him.
"Do you think they'll accept you?" she asked softly.
Kael smiled faintly. "They already have."
> But now… I can finally start to protect them like I promised myself I would.
As they disappeared into the wind, the cave sealed once more behind them.