The Stonehearted Knight

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.