Tales From Idri'Aniss: Divine Ascendant

It had been nearly two weeks since Tempus set out for Blistia. As he awoke and began his daily routine, an odd noise from the east caught his attention. He hadn’t encountered many monsters on his journey, but there had been more than he expected. So, when he heard the screech of an eagle, he knew he was nearing a griffon. The screech was louder than that of a typical eagle, indicating the creature’s size and power.

He hesitated, unsure whether to chase after it or try to go around. A smile spread across his face at the thought. There was no way he would pass up a good hunt. Since he had started to master his mana control, he had developed an insatiable thirst for hunting monsters. As a child, the only thing he wanted more than magic was to hunt like his father. Now, with his magic, he could do just that, and it was exhilarating.

He raced eastward, following the continued screeches of the griffon. As he drew closer, he could see it through the dense foliage. Its magnificent feathers shimmered in shades of green and purple, catching the light as it moved. Its head resembled a large eagle, and its talons slashed at everything around it, cutting through trees with an ease that sent chills up Tempus’s spine.

Then he noticed it wasn’t just rampaging—it was fighting something. It was hard to see through the thick underbrush, but he focused his vision and saw pitch-black fur and claws that matched the griffon’s talons. It looked like a fox but was the size of a large horse, its eyes glowing with a fierce intensity.

The two creatures fought fiercely, their roars and screeches echoing through the forest. Just when Tempus thought the griffon would win, the black fox pounced and tore into its neck. The griffon screeched but didn’t give up, even as thick greenish-purple blood spilled from the wound. They struggled back and forth, each trying to gain the upper hand.

Tempus felt compelled to join the fray. He stepped out from his hiding place and slammed his fist into a nearby tree, launching it at the pair of creatures with a burst of mana. The tree flew through the air, crashing towards them.

Both creatures reacted with lightning-fast movements. The griffon flew to the side, its wings beating powerfully, while the black fox leaped back and to the opposite side, its muscles rippling under its fur. Tempus turned towards the fox, but it cowered away from him, its ears flattened and tail tucked between its legs. He wasn’t sure how to react to that—he had never seen a monster cower before.

The moment of hesitation between Tempus and the fox gave the griffon an opening. With a deafening screech, it lunged at Tempus, its talons outstretched. Before Tempus could react, the black fox leaped in front of him, taking the full brunt of the griffon’s attack. The griffon’s talons tore into the fox’s flesh, ripping deep gashes that oozed dark blood.

Tempus stood frozen, baffled by the fox’s protective act. Rage boiled within him, and he lost his temper. With a roar, he charged at the griffon, his fists crackling with mana. He slammed into the creature, pummeling it with a fury he had never felt before. Blood sprayed as his blows landed, each one more brutal than the last. The griffon’s screeches turned to gurgles as Tempus’s relentless assault crushed its bones and tore its flesh.

By the time he stopped, the griffon lay in a mangled heap, its body unrecognizable. Tempus stood over it, panting heavily, his hands and clothes drenched in blood. He turned to the black fox, which lay on the ground, breathing shallowly. The sight of the wounded creature stirred something in him, a mix of guilt and gratitude.

Taking a deep breath, Tempus forced himself to calm down. He knelt beside the fox, his hands trembling as he reached out. He had never tried to heal anything before, but he couldn’t let the creature die after it had saved him. Closing his eyes, he focused his mana, channeling it into a gentle, soothing energy. His hands glowed with a soft, blue light as he placed them over the fox’s wounds.

To his amazement, the gashes began to close, the torn flesh knitting back together. The fox’s breathing steadied, and its eyes fluttered open, looking up at Tempus with a mix of curiosity and gratitude. Tempus smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him that he had never experienced before. He had discovered a new aspect of his magic, one that could heal and protect, not just destroy.

As Tempus watched, the fox began to shrink, its form becoming smaller and more delicate. Its fur changed color, transforming into a mesmerizing pattern that looked like a galaxy, with swirling shades of blue, purple, and black, dotted with tiny, sparkling stars. Its eyes turned a piercing gold and blue, freckled with silver, shining with an otherworldly light.

The now tiny fox leaped into Tempus’s palm, its weight barely noticeable. He felt a strange sensation, a connection forming between them. It was as if the fox was reaching out to him, seeking his consent to bond. Tempus hesitated for a moment, then nodded, giving his silent approval. A wave of warmth and understanding washed over him, and he knew they were now linked in a way that went beyond mere companionship.

The fox looked up at him, its eyes filled with gratitude and care. “Thank you,” it seemed to say, though no words were spoken. Tempus could feel its emotions, a deep sense of appreciation for saving its life and excitement at becoming his familiar. The bond between them grew stronger, and Tempus felt a surge of power flow through him.

Suddenly, the fox began to shimmer and fade, disappearing from his hand. Tempus could sense it flowing into his soul, a presence that he could summon whenever he wanted. He closed his eyes and felt the fox’s essence within him.

In that moment, Tempus had an innate understanding that this creature was not just a fox, but a royal keeb. Keebs were creatures of elemental magic, and royal keebs could wield variations that went beyond the norm, such as time and space magic, as well as void and null magic. This royal keeb, he realized, had the power to not only master all these elements but also enhance his own abilities when not summoned, boosting his power further.

Tempus opened his eyes, feeling a newfound strength and connection. He knew that with his new familiar, he was capable of even greater feats. The journey ahead seemed less daunting with the royal keeb by his side. Well, within his soul.

Tempus felt the presence of the royal keeb within him, a powerful force. As he walked through the forest, he couldn’t help but wonder what to call his new companion. The bond they shared was unique, and he wanted a name that reflected the keeb’s extraordinary nature.

“Do you have a name?” Tempus asked aloud, feeling a bit silly talking to himself, but knowing the keeb could hear him.

A gentle warmth spread through his chest, and he sensed the keeb’s response. Images and feelings flowed into his mind, conveying a sense of timelessness and the vast expanse of the cosmos. The keeb didn’t have a name, but it seemed eager to have one.

Tempus thought for a moment, considering various names that might suit the creature. “How about Noctis?” he suggested. “It means ‘night’ in an ancient language, and you look like the night sky when you’re in your true form.”

A wave of approval and excitement washed over him, and Tempus knew the keeb liked the name. “Noctis it is, then,” he said with a smile. The name felt right, a perfect fit for the creature that now shared his soul.

As he continued his journey, Tempus felt a deeper connection with Noctis. The royal keeb’s presence enhanced his abilities, making him feel stronger and more confident. He knew that with Noctis by his side, he could face any challenge that lay ahead.

As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Tempus and Noctis set out to hunt together. The bond they shared made their movements almost instinctive, each understanding the other’s intentions without the need for words. Tempus marveled at how seamlessly they worked as a team. Noctis, in his true form, darted through the underbrush with silent grace, his galaxy-patterned fur blending into the shadows.

They tracked a herd of deer, Tempus, using his mana to enhance his senses while Noctis scouted ahead. When they found their prey, Tempus signaled to Noctis, who circled around to drive the deer towards him. With a burst of speed, Tempus leaped forward, his mana-infused strength allowing him to take down a large buck with ease.

As they prepared their meal, Tempus couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of satisfaction. He and Noctis had hunted together as if they had been doing it for years. They shared the spoils, Tempus cooking the meat over a fire while Noctis nibbled on the raw portions, his eyes gleaming with contentment.

The day passed in a blur of activity and camaraderie. They explored the forest, Tempus practicing his magic with Noctis’s guidance. The royal keeb’s knowledge of elemental magic was vast, and Tempus found himself learning new techniques and refining his control.

As the sun set, casting a warm glow over the forest, Tempus built a fire for the night. He and Noctis settled down, enjoying the warmth and the quiet companionship. Tempus felt a deep sense of peace, knowing he had found a true partner in Noctis.

When it was time to sleep, Noctis surprised Tempus by changing form. The royal keeb’s body shimmered and shrank, transforming into a small, fist-sized fox wreathed in flame. The flames danced around Noctis, flickering with a soft, blue light that cast a gentle glow over the campsite.

Tempus watched in awe as the little fox curled up inside the fire, its flames merging seamlessly with the campfire’s glow. Tempus felt a gentle tug at his heart, a sense of warmth and security that told him Noctis was safe and content. The sight brought a smile to his face, and he couldn’t help but chuckle at the cuteness of it all.

“Goodnight, Noctis,” Tempus whispered, feeling the bond between them strengthen even further. He lay down beside the fire, the warmth lulling him into a peaceful sleep.

In the middle of the night, Tempus awoke to find Noctis still nestled in the fire, the flames gently flickering around him. The little fox opened its eyes, which glowed with a piercing gold and blue, freckled with silver. Noctis looked up at Tempus with a sense of gratitude and care, conveying his thanks for what Tempus had done.

Suddenly, Noctis began to shimmer and fade, disappearing from the fire. Tempus could sense the keeb flowing into his soul. He closed his eyes and felt Noctis resting within his soul, a comfort he could not explain washed over him as he fell back to sleep.

Over the next several days, Tempus and Noctis fell into a comfortable routine, honing their skills and learning to work together seamlessly. Each morning, Tempus would wake to find Noctis nestled in the fire, the little fox’s flames flickering gently. After a quick breakfast, they would set out to train.

Tempus practiced his magic, pushing his limits with Noctis. Noctis would often demonstrate a spell or technique, his tiny form wreathed in flames or flowing like water, before Tempus attempted to replicate it. The keeb’s movements were fluid and precise, a testament to his mastery of magic.

When they weren’t practicing magic, they sparred with each other. Noctis, in his true form, would dart around Tempus, forcing him to react quickly and think on his feet. The little fox’s agility and speed were unmatched, and Tempus had to rely on his mana-enhanced reflexes to keep up. These sessions were intense, but they helped Tempus improve his combat skills and deepen his bond with Noctis. The forest echoed with the sounds of their training, the clash of magic and the rustle of leaves underfoot.

Despite his best efforts, Tempus often found himself struggling to keep up with Noctis. He noticed that while he used mana to enhance one part of his body at a time—his legs for speed, his arms for strength—Noctis seemed to surround his entire form with mana, enhancing every part of himself simultaneously. The realization struck Tempus like a bolt of lightning. If he could learn to do the same, he might be able to match Noctis’s speed and agility.

Determined to master this new technique, Tempus began to focus on enveloping his entire body in mana. At first, it was incredibly difficult. His control wavered, and he found it hard to maintain the flow of energy evenly throughout his body. He stumbled and fell more times than he could count, frustration gnawing at him.

Noctis watched patiently, offering silent encouragement. The little fox would demonstrate the technique again and again, his form glowing with a steady, even aura of mana. Tempus took note of every detail, trying to mimic the way Noctis moved and controlled his energy.

Gradually, Tempus began to make progress. He could feel the mana flowing more smoothly, wrapping around him like a second skin. His movements became more fluid, his reflexes sharper. The strain on his body lessened as he learned to distribute energy evenly.

One afternoon, during a particularly intense sparring session, Tempus finally managed to keep up with Noctis. They moved in perfect harmony, their attacks and defenses blending seamlessly. Tempus felt a surge of exhilaration as he realized he had mastered the technique. He could now enhance his entire form with mana, just like Noctis.

In the afternoons, they would hunt together, just as they had on that first day. Tempus marveled at how seamlessly they worked as a team. Noctis would scout ahead, using his keen senses to locate prey, while Tempus used his newly mastered technique to enhance his strength and speed. They brought down deer, boar, and even the occasional monster, sharing the spoils and enjoying their meals by the fire. The scent of roasting meat filled the air, mingling with the earthy aroma of the forest.

As they grew closer to Blistia, Tempus noticed the subtle ways Noctis’s presence enhanced his abilities. When Noctis was not summoned, Tempus felt a constant, gentle boost to his mana reserves and physical strength. It was as if the royal keeb’s power flowed through him, making him stronger and more resilient. He could run faster, jump higher, and cast spells with greater precision and power.

The landscape began to change as they neared Blistia. The dense forest gave way to rolling hills and open meadows, dotted with wildflowers and small streams. Tempus could see the distant outline of the city on the horizon, its towers and walls standing tall against the sky. The sight filled him with a sense of anticipation and determination.

Each day brought them closer to their destination. Tempus and Noctis continued their training, perfecting their techniques and growing more attuned to each other’s movements. They encountered fewer monsters as they approached the city, but they remained vigilant, knowing that danger could still lurk around any corner.

One evening, as they set up camp just a few days’ journey from Blistia, Tempus looked at Noctis and smiled. “We’re almost there,” he said, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. “I couldn’t have made it this far without you.”

Noctis’s eyes glowed with a warm light, and Tempus felt a wave of gratitude and affection from the little fox. The bond they shared was unlike anything he had ever experienced, a connection that went beyond words. Noctis nuzzled Tempus’s hand, his fur warm and comforting.

As they lay down to sleep, Noctis transformed into his small, flame-wreathed form and nestled into the fire. Tempus watched the flames dance around his companion, feeling a deep sense of peace and contentment. In the morning, they would make the final trek to Blistia, often referred to as the city of technology. Their advances and enhancements to everyday things made the city one of a kind and he couldn’t wait to experience it all.