Chapter 57 - Chainbind Relic Enforce
Tave struggled to rise, every movement sending waves of burning pain through his limbs. The searing heat clung to his skin, the stench of scorched cloth and singed armor thick in the air.
He hated this.
Hated how powerless it made him feel. And still, the spirit looked at him with that cold, condescending stare, as if he were nothing more than a nuisance trying to bind her to a relic that wasn't even on her rank.
And yet, he'd prepared for this. He just hadn't expected the spirit to be a Unique-grade. That had thrown everything off.
Still, it meant he was lucky, incredibly lucky. But luck always demanded a price. And in this case, it came with risk and sacrifice.
If he wanted to bind her to his sword, he would have to earn it.
He stood tall again, straightening his spine. Ash clung to his armor, but he brushed it off with a sharp motion, eyes locked on the fire spirit.
Spirits... In this world, they weren't meant to exist in isolation. Their true potential only emerged when bonded to another being, creatures who could channel, wield, and command them. In essence, they were tools. Beautiful, terrifying, divine tools, meant to be used.
A cruel twist of fate, really. To be born with strength capable of eclipsing entire kingdoms, only to find your purpose tied to obedience. To be summoned and bound.
But as long as someone could prove themselves worthy, strong enough, resolute enough, then no spirit had the right to refuse. And that was exactly what Tave intended to prove.
He clenched his jaw and stepped forward. The heat licked at his skin, the fire spirit still unmoving, still watching him like an insect daring to approach the sun.