The four of them lay on the glowing floor.
The wash of essence hit Bruce, fuller than the deer had given. Not dramatically more, these were still F-rank beasts, but denser. The clean cool purity of the forest essence was replaced by something warmer, more alive, the way a pepper is more alive in flavor than plain salt. It spread through his soul-body differently. Not better or worse than the forest. Just differently suited to the terrain.
"Feels different," Theron said, looking at his hands, where the essence had landed.
"Heat-type soul essence," Kael said. "Different character than natural-type. Some awakened souls do better with one type than another. Some want variety." He flexed his hands. The glow on him had brightened. "I want variety and also I want this."
"Don't overextend," Bruce said.
"You sound like the guard."
"The guard was right."
"I know she was right, I just want to enjoy the fact of being here for one moment before you tell me to be careful again."
