—Albert Drakewill's Point of View—
Watching my son grow up is something incredible. Even though he's still so small, I can't help but feel he possesses unmatched intelligence, not to mention how curious he is. Now he's already three years old, though it almost feels like it was just yesterday he turned one.
When I talk to him now, he shows a surprisingly quick and intuitive vocabulary and way of thinking. That alone makes me even prouder of him.
I let out a small chuckle.
Right now, Eli and I are waiting for a Master Bearer to arrive. While I don't want to rush things, I know they can roughly gauge a person's potential by creating a temporary bond with them—but this is only possible thanks to a Master Bearer. From what I know, their bonds are usually Solar Capybaras, or perhaps there's a unique species of amphibians that, for some reason, are especially docile and friendly. Those animals are quite rare; Eli and Kael think they're adorable and beautiful…
Either way, they're exotic animals.
They choose them because, according to researchers, these rodents are considered the friendliest creatures in existence. They can even become friendly toward their predators. That's extraordinary to me. Could a person ever be like one of them?
I don't think I could. If I met someone who wanted to harm me or my family, I'd do everything in my power to defend us right then and there.
But maybe I'm overthinking it.
Truthfully, I'm pretty nervous. I just hope my son will be someone capable of forming a bond. Even if he isn't, I would still love and cherish him for who he is... my son. What importance does some stupid bond with an unknown creature have compared to my own child?
And yet, deep down, I still hope that won't be the case. The pressure and weight of being treated like trash simply because you can't bond with a creature would be too much for Kael. Why do they have to treat people who can't bond as something lesser? We're all human beings, equal from birth to death. That never changes.
But I don't make the rules of this world. I can't decide what can or can't be done.
My son, just know I will pray for your success in this evaluation.
Even though there was still about an hour before the evaluator arrived, I was already feeling anxious. I was in the backyard with Kael, doing a concentration exercise we'd started a couple of months ago. Despite his young age, he seems to understand everything we tell him—though sometimes I like to give him overly complicated instructions just for fun. But not only does he understand them, he carries them out exactly as told. Sometimes he fails or gets distracted, but that's what makes me think about all the growth and development ahead of him.
I didn't realize the time until the evaluator walked through the door leading to the yard. I quickly got up from my seat, since Kael and I had been sitting cross-legged on the ground.
I extended my hand to the Master Bearer to greet him. He shook it as I gave a short introduction.
—Good afternoon, Master Aleph. I'm Albert Drakewill, and this is my wife and son, Elisa and Kael. Thank you for taking the time to meet with us for a potential evaluation. Truly, thank you. I know it's not easy to do this sort of favor for someone like me.
He was slightly taller than me, and I'm six feet tall. He had a kind yet determined face. He wore a white coat with blue and gold decorations on the shoulders, a blue shirt, and white pants.
Hair slicked neatly back as well. But mine is better.
—It's nothing, Mr. Albert. In fact, I'm glad they sent me here, you know? These past few months have been pretty heavy. I've been feeling quite stressed and tired from all the work we've had—but don't tell anyone that, alright?
The evaluator chuckled a little.
—But anyway, we're here for another matter, aren't we?
The instructor shifted his gaze toward Kael.
—Hello there, little one. How are you? I'm Master Bearer Aleph Arknite, and I'm a double-bond Category 3 bearer.
Wow.
I was surprised that Master Aleph was a double bearer. How many times in my life have I met someone like that? They're considered elite, even if they were only Category 1. It's incredible that someone like him would be evaluating our little one.
I'm curious about his bonds, but now isn't the time for that. There are more important matters at hand.
—Son, introduce yourself to Master Aleph, just like we taught you.
I gave my son a quick wink.
—Alright.
Kael replied,
—Hello, Master Aleph. It's a pleasure to meet you. My name is Kael Drakewill.