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Dear Readers,
I want to thank you all for following my story and supporting me so far. Recently, I haven't been able to post as consistently — it's been two days since the last chapter — and that's because of the demands of my job.
To make sure I can keep the quality of the chapters high without burning out, I'll be adjusting my release schedule. From now on, instead of daily uploads, I'll be posting three chapters per week if possible. This way, I can balance my work and writing while still delivering the story I want to share with you.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Your support means the world, and I hope you'll continue to enjoy the journey ahead.
— [Mo's Thoughts]
Kaelvir moved in an instant, snatching the fox from Nythra's grasp. His voice rose, sharper than he intended.
"What are you doing? Do you want to kill her?"
Even Solune turned her gaze on Nythra, her expression demanding an explanation.
Nythra's masked face tilted, her tone calm yet edged.
"It's not that I want to kill her. I just felt something strange. Like something isn't right with this fox."
Her words left a chill in the air. Solune's golden eyes narrowed as she studied the trembling creature. Her gaze pierced the little beast as if searching for hidden truths. But before she could probe deeper, Kaelvir raised a hand to block her.
"You two should let it be. Fay said the same thing, but I think this fox is just… mutated. Hidden potential, that's all."
Both Seedbound turned their eyes on him, as Solune spoke first.
"Young lord, we need to be sure about this?"
Nythra pressed further, her aura flickering like a blade unsheathed.
"Master, who knows what danger she carries? If we examine her properly, we can be sure. I promise not to harm her."
Kaelvir hesitated. The fox, once trembling in fear, now seemed oddly calm. Amusement and curiosity shone in her eyes as she looked between Solune and Nythra, as though measuring them.
Finally, Kaelvir handed the beast over. He remained tense, every nerve taut, watching Nythra's every movement. Yet he reminded himself that Solune stood nearby—his safeguard against Nythra's recklessness.
The fox endured their scrutiny in silence. Nythra tilted her head after a long inspection.
"Strange. She bears one tail… yet her aura says otherwise."
Solune nodded, her voice steady.
"Master was right. She is indeed irregular."
Kaelvir let out the breath he'd been holding. Relief washed over him.
"You see? I told you. But Nythra nearly had her killed."
Nythra's mask darkened with a frown.
"Master, I am certain of this—this fox is dangerous. I cannot understand her, and if something lies beyond my understanding…" She paused, letting her aura thicken until killing intent leaked into the air. "…I either enslave it, or I destroy it."
Solune's tone was softer but no less firm.
"Young lord, I share Nythra's caution, though not her methods. We exist to guide and strengthen you. Our highest duty is your safety. But violence cannot always be the first solution. We could place a seal upon the fox—an ancient beast contract—to guard against unforeseen danger."
Kaelvir studied the two of them. Beneath their sharp words, he could feel their need to protect him.
"So that's what this is… you're afraid of what you don't understand. But I agree—we'll try Solune's idea."
Nythra let out a sharp "hmph."
"How tiring. Better to cut the problem at its root. What if her seal fails? What then?"
Solune's mask morphed into a slight frown.
"It will hold. That contract was once used to bind familiars to cultivators in the ancient days. But if even the seal fails…" Her words turned cold, transmitted directly into Kaelvir's mind. "…then we kill her."
Kaelvir's heart sank. He turned to Nythra and found her sneering, as though she sensed Solune's hidden words.
He sighed deeply as he looked at the fox. He understood them both. Their reasoning wasn't without merit, but… what if the fox was not a threat? What if fear led them to kill something innocent, simply because they couldn't comprehend it?
"I hear you. But I don't want us to walk the same path as everyone else—destroying what we don't understand. That isn't strength. True strength is to face what comes and overcome it—not to destroy what we fear. That is the path I want to follow."
For the first time, both Nythra and Solune looked at him differently. Respect. Appreciation. Not as their host, but as a master.
Then, to his surprise, they bowed.
"Young lord," Solune said, her voice solemn, "I promise to protect you and follow the path you choose."
Nythra's mask shifted, her usual slyness gone. Her tone was earnest.
"Master, I also promise to carry out your commands. We will walk the road you set for us."
Their sudden seriousness startled Kaelvir, but it also warmed him. A smile tugged at his lips.
"It's alright. Caution has its place—but how we wield it is our choice. That's what matters."
The Seedbound relaxed, though their gazes lingered on him as though he were an enlightened figure.
Kaelvir chuckled softly, breaking the heavy air.
"Why do you both call me by different titles? Solune calls me 'young lord,' and Nythra calls me 'master.' Why?"
The shift in mood came naturally—seriousness giving way to something lighter, like a breath of relief after tension.
Solune answered first, her tone respectful.
"I call you that because every title-bearer, no matter the limit they break, is a lord."
Kaelvir's eyes lit with understanding.
"Ah, I see. And you, Nythra?"
Her mask curved into a smile—one that might have been beautiful, had it been her real face.
"I simply prefer it. Don't you think it makes the air hotter, Master? Surely you've felt it."
Kaelvir's eyes twitched.
"Forget I asked." He shut down the conversation before she could tease him further.
The fox, still curled on the bed, watched them silently. Emotions flickered in her gaze as though she had reached some decision of her own. The atmosphere had softened, but an undercurrent of mystery lingered.
Kaelvir picked her up gently.
"After all this, let's not forget—she needs a name. Since she'll be our companion, I'll call her Blue. Beautiful and foxlike. What do you think?"
The fox narrowed her eyes at the sound of the name. Kaelvir laughed.
"Looks like you like it! Blue it is, then." He turned her toward his Seedbound. "These are your senior sisters, your companions. Though, come to think of it, they don't have names either—"
Before he could finish, Solune and Nythra vanished into the dream sea, as though fleeing.
"Wait—where are you running? I haven't named you yet!"
Only silence answered him. The little fox shook her head as if disappointed in his antics.
Kaelvir sighed, stroking her fur.
"Blue, you're still the most obedient one among them. From now on, I'll take care of you."
He patted her gently, reassuring himself as much as her. Fatigue weighed heavily on him. The lingering strain of his body channeling Nythra's power pressed on his frame. Before long, he drifted into sleep with Blue curled beside him.
For a time, the room was silent, filled only with the sound of his calm breathing.
Then—Blue's eyes snapped open.
A pinkish glow shimmered in their depths. She rose without a sound, leaping from the bed. A faint blue aura wrapped around her as her form began to shift, bones reshaping, light swallowing her small frame.
When the glow faded, a beautiful, enchanting woman stood in the stillness of the room. Her presence radiated mystery, danger, allure.
Kaelvir slept on, unaware.
Was this a companion, or had an enemy at last found him?
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