What do you mean I'm the father of a child? S-Should I tell Yggdra that she's the mother? Wait… now that I think about it, who's really the parent here? Are we both fathers?
Huh?
"I feel confused…" I muttered.
"Ah, well, you see…" Mother began. "Magical trees have special souls. They resonate with us Elves more deeply because of our connection with the elements of Life, Light, and Nature. Due to the bond you've nurtured with Yggdra, your souls aligned in wavelength, forming what's called a Soul Bond."
"It could be said that Yggdra is a pseudo-familiar to you. But because she can't move—being too young to evolve into a mobile form—the over-accumulation of mana, elemental essence, and spirit energy birthed a unique Nature Spirit. This Spirit was made from both your soul and Yggdra's," she finished.
"Eh? I… huh? Okay…?"
I think I understood half of that. Maybe.
"Some of our most talented kin perform rituals like these in our homeland. They bond with magical trees over the years. Sometimes those trees become Dryads or Ents, but occasionally they birth a Spirit—something like a spiritual child formed between the person and the tree. I never did it myself," Mother added.
"I see…"
Man, that's a lot to unpack. Isn't this way too complicated to explain to a one-year-old kid? But I guess they already suspect I'm more mature than I look. Elves do seem to mature mentally faster than physically, so maybe they're used to it.
"Make sure you take good care of that little Spirit, Leon," Father told me with a proud smile.
"Indeed. He seems promising. I can feel it… deep inside his soul, there's something strong. He has gifts within him," Nikko added, her large eyes narrowing with keen insight.
"Gifts?"
"Gifts are special kinds of abilities, ones that lie dormant within the soul until they awaken under the right conditions. They're beyond regular magic. Us Heroes were all born with at least one or two—that's what made us Heroes in the first place," Father explained.
So, in other words… Nikko sensed something. Did she pick up on the System?
No, not completely. It looks like she doesn't fully understand it—but she knows there's something there.
Good. That's fine. Let's keep it that way.
"What should I do with the Spirit?" I asked, changing the subject.
"Raise it and take good care of it," Mother replied.
"It will mature alongside you. Even now, it might help you control your Nature magic better," Father added.
"I see… then I guess I should give it a name?"
"Something simple, so you remember it easily," said Mother.
"Hmm… Naturia!" I decided aloud.
"Fooo!"
Naturia chirped happily and started spinning in the air around me, glowing with joy.
Cute little guy… or girl… or whatever.
"Gender? Spirits don't really have genders," Nikko explained. "They're made of mana and don't reproduce the way physical beings do. Some take on humanoid forms, masculine or feminine, but they're still… well, spirits. Yours doesn't have any distinguishable traits, so you can call it whatever you want."
"Ah… then I guess I'll just stop worrying about it," I shrugged.
"Hmm… you're a strong one. Your mana is immense for someone your age. On top of that, you act far too composed and intelligent for a baby… I almost wish I was your Spirit instead," Nikko teased.
"Eh?"
"O-Oi, Nikko, don't say things like that!" Father said, flustered. "You're my Spirit!"
"I'm joking, obviously. You've really lost your sense of humor since you turned thirty."
"I'm not even thirty yet…"
"See? That was another joke."
"Yeah? Well your jokes are boring."
"Oh my. I see how it is," Nikko replied, pretending to pout. "I'll just return to my eternal slumber. I'm clearly unwanted."
"No, wait! Don't go!" I interrupted her quickly.
"Hm? You like having me around, little Leon?" Nikko asked with a foxy grin, licking my cheek gently. Despite being made of flames, it was surprisingly warm and pleasant.
"Yeah… I like you."
"Aww… you're a sweet one."
"Papa, can Nikko stay a little longer?"
"…Fine," Father sighed. "But don't get ahead of yourself, Nikko."
"Don't worry. I'm responsible," she said smugly.
"I doubt that," Mother muttered.
"Look who's talking," Nikko shot back.
"What did you just say?"
"Nothing!" Nikko replied quickly, glancing away.
In the end, I spent some time with the flaming fox Spirit. She explained things to me with incredible clarity—far better than my parents could. Her spiritual awareness was razor-sharp.
"Turn a Dragon Soul into a familiar?" I asked during our chat.
"That's your goal?"
"Yeah, is it possible?"
"Hmm… a dragon can become a familiar, sure. They're not classified as monsters, but magical beasts with high intelligence. A contract requires their consent, though. If it's just a soul… that's different."
"So, no?"
"Not exactly. If you have a strong enough will, you might be able to force the bond. That said… was this dragon slain by your parents?"
"Yes."
"In that case… good luck. It won't go down easily. But over time, its will might begin to crumble. If that happens, you have a shot. What you need to do is wear him down… bit by bit. Chip away at his pride, his mental strength—make him need you. Break him in slowly… and then tame him."
A devilish grin appeared on Nikko's vulpine face. Her fangs sparkled as she leaned in closer.
"Devour his spirit, Leon. Turn his stubbornness into loyalty."
"...Heheh. I see."
I guess I'll just have to get a little more… manipulative.
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