The Stonehearted Knight
Chapter 400: Competition: Druid Mode (4)

Chapter 400: Competition: Druid Mode (4)

The Dragon Bear Soul’s roar shook his inner space. Even the usually lazy Frost Dragon lying atop the monolith scurried to stand upright, looking worried.

Hex felt its fury through the link he shared with the Soul. Never before had it reacted so violently to anything. Certainly not against Hex. In the past, it only reacted according to Hex’s feelings.

’It doesn’t like me sharing a bond with someone else,’ Hex deciphered. In a way, it was adorable. His Soul wished to be the sole owner of the inner space. The Frost Dragon was a guest it tolerated, barely.

’Okay, I won’t bond with others. But can you at least let me train? I, too, am against opening up this space to others.’ Hex tried to soothe it with his thoughts, allowing it to read them. He really meant it. He liked the Druid class purely because he suspected some overlap to exist with them and his abilities to transform and enhance himself.

Opening up the space to allow others in was a no-go. The more he learned about his Heart and its abilities, the more he understood the worth of having such a vast and growing inner space. He wouldn’t allow his curiosity to jeopardize it.

"What happened, Mike?" Only when the Soul stopped roaring, did Hex hear the old man beside him calling out to him. He refocused his attention. Erina’s grandpa looked panicked. It wasn’t hard to understand why. The old man wasn’t fretting over Hex, perse. He was more worried about the repercussions of an incident occurring on his farm. Despite not knowing Hex’s background, he was convinced only people with a decent background, a background that surpassed his family by leaps and bounds, could participate in the competition.

"Nothing of note, old man. Relax," Hex smiled. He didn’t wish to reveal more about himself than required. But he wouldn’t leave it at this either. "There are certain aspects of my Blessing that caused the bond to break. Say, is this the only way to forge a bond between a Druid and his target?"

"More or less, yes," the old man said, hesitatingly. His eyes studied Hex for a brief moment before he looked away. Apparently, the old man didn’t believe Hex but he had decided against delving deeper into Hex’s situation.

’Smart.’ Hex understood the old man. He was a practical man, trying to help Hex to gain a little favor with him. At the same time, he would do everything in his power to stay clear of any trouble associating with Hex could bring.

"But there are certain nuances depending on the type of Beast you are trying to bond with," the old man continued, thoughtfully.

"Explain, please."

There were several types of bonds that could be created. It all depended on the type of relationship and the creature or creatures in question. Hex had never considered it but apparently, a bond could exist between two beasts.

Bonds could be of various types. There were parasitic bonds, master-slave bonds, partnerships, a bond of lovers, parental types, and many more, mostly variations of these.

’The Shadow Snakes are perhaps the best examples of parasitic bonds,’ Hex mused as he listened to the explanation of each sort. The nature of each bond was easy to grasp based on the names. The lover-type bond sounded weird, and it was weird in some cases, but it could also exist between two humans. Or it could be a sort of platonic love. For example, there were people who treated their pets as best friends, medium for stress relief, and children, all in one.

Another thing to consider was the type of creatures undergoing the bond. In general, the type of bond remained the same but the details behind the bond and the method of bond creation could differ.

"A bond between a human and a common beast is the most common. It has its strengths. Look at me and these farm animals. We live in harmony, there is peace, and we can survive depending on each other. The weakness is just as obvious. There is little to no gain in personal powers. These beasts will never ascend to Demonic or higher stages. Nor will the bond between me and them help me increase my energy levels.

A bond between humans and Demonic or higher beasts or creatures can help both sides of the both to increase in strength. The downsides are just as obvious. The relationship is often based on benefit and on control. If one side loses control or becomes stronger than the other, the relationship can be broken."

Hex listened attentively. Everything was interesting but didn’t explain his particular situation. His bond with the Dragon Bear was mutual and beneficial but at the same time, his Heart and his bond on soul level prevented either from betraying each other. Not without dire consequences.

’And more importantly, are we really two entities? Or one?’ Hex never considered the Dragon Bear Soul as a separate soul. Its improvements helped him improve. He considered it as part of his soul.

’There is only one way to find out.’ Hex completed his teaching and retreated into solitude. If he wished to delve deeper into his soul and bond, he had to try forging a bond with the Dragon Bear Soul.

Hex made sure to activate his Veil of Death before starting. He didn’t wish for anyone to find him when he was busy experimenting.

Following the method of bonding, he sent a sliver of his will to his inner space. To his surprise, the Dragon Bear Soul reacted elated. Hex swore he saw a smile on the beast when it approached it with his will.

The bond between them materialized as soon as the will touched it. And it wasn’t just any bond. The strength he perceived from the bond, exceeded everything he saw and sensed before. Through the bond, he detected immense joy and happiness coming from the bear.

’You sure seem happy now. So, this is what you wanted?’ Hex shook his head as he thought.

Yes, a sound came from within.

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