[Race: Dreamveil Kitsune]
[Rank: Elite]
[Abilities: Illusion, Shapeshifting]
[The Dreamveil Kitsune is a rare and mystical race of fox-like Magic Beasts known for their mastery over illusions and shapeshifting. They are born from the energy of dreams and emotions, existing between reality and the Magic Plane.
A fully grown Dreamveil Kitsune stands at 1.2 meters tall, with multiple tails that shimmer with rich energy. Their fur is soft and ever-changing in color, shifting in response to their emotions or the illusions they cast.
Dreamveil Kitsune are highly intelligent and capable of understanding speech, though they rarely communicate directly. Instead, they use illusions, body language, and mental images to convey thoughts and emotions.
They are elusive creatures, often seen as omens of fate, guiding lost travelers or leading them into an endless mirage if threatened.]
The moment Kael read this description, a big smile appeared on his face.
‘Shapeshifting, huh…’
Yes, he knew the Beast’s description wasn’t the shortest like he was looking for, but its powers weren’t something he could ignore.
Shapeshifting would make it easier for him to hide this Bond. He could even use it to trick others in the future, and the Magic Plane mentioned in the description attracted his attention as well. Of course, he had no clue what it meant, but it sounded very interesting.
Kael felt like this was something he shouldn’t give up on.
Slowly, his hand moved toward the Beast’s Egg, and the instant he touched it,
[Ding!]
[Celestial Fox Bloodline Detected]
[Skill <Ancient Awakening> can be used.]
[Would you like to use <Ancient Awakening> on the selected target?]
[Y/N]
The System reacted.
‘Celestial Fox, huh…
The name sounds good.’
Kael nodded as he stood up and turned toward the King.
Noticing that he had made his choice, the King walked toward him, and the Crown Prince followed behind.
“A Dreamveil Kitsune?”
Alden raised his eyebrow when he saw the Hero’s choice.
“A Beast of trickery, that’s quite unlike the Hero’s personality.”
Edric commented as well.
Then, a meaningful look appeared on the Crown Prince’s face as he stared at the Hero and smiled playfully,
“Or maybe the Hero’s trickery is so profound that none of us are able to see through it and have ended up misjudging you.”
“I hadn’t given it much thought before, so I didn’t know which one to choose, so I followed the advice the King gave me when I came here.
I decided to choose the one that called out to me the most.”
Kael answered as he stared at Alden.
Pretty much ignoring the underlying meaning behind the Prince’s words.
Honestly, at this point, he had stopped trying. It was too tiring to think about the Prince all the time, whether he was an enemy or an ally. Kael wasn’t sure.
So for now, he would treat him as an enemy.
After all, it was good to have many enemies but fatal to have an ally that is actually an enemy.
The King smiled when he heard Kael’s words.
“Since Dreamveil Kitsune is what calls out to you the most, it is what you should bond with.”
He spoke as he picked the Dreamveil Kitsune’s Egg and handed it to Kael. Kael held the egg as gently as he could.
After all, it was soon going to be one of his children. His protective instincts had already taken over.
‘A new brother…’
Igni muttered.
‘It will be a sister!’
Cirri countered.
‘A new sister will be fine too.’
Igni answered like the mature big brother he was, not fighting his sister. But then,
‘N-No, it will be a new brother.
I want to be the only sister…
No new sister…’
‘…’
Igni didn’t know how to react, especially when Cirri had already appeared next to him in her physical form and had placed her head right in front of him, wanting him to pat her.
Kael chuckled at that interaction.
“I hope you raise it well.”
The King spoke as he stared at Kael.
“I will.”
The Hero nodded with a smile, and the King smiled back.
The three then left. Kael was eager to return to his room and get his third Bond, but then suddenly, as if he recalled something,
He glanced at the King and,
“Your Majesty.”
“Hmm?”
“About the meeting regarding the Xenthalor Empire and their use of the Power of Corruption, please inform me whenever it is held.”
Kael spoke, and the instant Edric heard those words, his expression changed ever so slightly.
Igni didn’t miss that and quickly informed Kael, and Kael just smiled at that.
Edric had cleverly shifted that topic to one related to his strength, even bringing up his Bond that couldn’t leave the Sanctuary—a topic that the King already wanted to talk about—and very quickly, the topic of the meeting was changed without a proper conclusion.
Even Kael himself hadn’t thought about it until this moment.
The King, who heard Kael’s words, smiled a little, satisfied.
“I will look forward to your participation in the meeting, Hero Kael.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Kael smiled back, ignoring Edric completely.
The walk continued, and suddenly,
“Hero Kael.”
The King called out.
“Hm?”
Kael tilted his head.
“What do you like more? Being a Mage or a Warrior?”
“Hmm?”
Kael frowned at that question.
“If you had to choose one of them, what would you choose?”
“Why choose?”
Kael questioned back.
“Because that way, you will progress the fastest.”
“But that way, I will also have more weaknesses.”
“…”
The King momentarily turned silent, while Kael continued,
“Being a Mage weakens your body, being a warrior forces you to get close to the enemy. Choosing one of the paths limits you.”
“Those weaknesses can be taken care of by your Bonds. Mages can have Bonds with strong defense, and Warriors can have Agile Bonds that quickly closes the distance with their enemies.”
“That will make me dependent on my Bonds.”
“You will always be dependent on your Bonds, Hero Kael.”
The King answered.
“I would like to be as less dependent on the Bonds as possible. That will allow me to have more freedom on the battlefield.
I believe I grow the best when I pursue both Paths, and I will continue doing that till it is not possible anymore.
I’ll be the best of both Worlds.”
“Best of both Worlds, huh…”
The King smiled at those words.
Then he nodded his head, satisfied.
“I will look forward to it.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Kael bowed his head.
Just as he thought about walking, the King continued.
“I was told that you will be spending the night at Commander Arlan’s house.”
“Yes, can I go?”
Kael questioned.
“Of course, I think Veylara will be there too.”
“What?”
Kael’s expression changed.
“Lady Veylara will be there too? Isn’t she in Stormhold House?”
The Stormhold House was not in the Capital City. The Stormholds had their own City, the Stormhold City, where their authority was absolute.
Even the Drakthar Royal Family does not try to influence that city.
Yes, seeing it from a certain way, both Elira and Arlan were Prince and Princess of sorts.
“If it is to meet the Hero, she will probably be there.”
The King answered, then he laughed out loud and,
“Who am I kidding? She will definitely be there.
In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s already there, waiting for you.”
Alden then stared at Kael and,
“Be careful.”
“Huh? Why is that?”
“Nothing. Forget I said anything.”
“What? What does that mean?”
Kael questioned, but the King just walked forward without saying anything.
‘Is it just me, or did his pace get quicker?’
Kael wondered in his head.
‘Edric is looking at you with pity.’
Igni informed as Edric too walked away, following the King. Kael, who was now alone, stood still, feeling confused and…
‘Why do I feel like something bad is about to happen?’