3050 The End of the Wick (Part 2)

"A white core, no matter how exceptional they might be, will pass none of their powers upon their descendants. A Guardian, instead, shares a spark of themselves with each one of their children.

"They don't share more simply because no mortal body can endure such power. A Guardian is the first of their kind. A white core is the only one of their kind. Ever. Do you understand the difference?"

"Yes, and I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be disrespectful." Tista gave Valtak a deep bow. "It's just that with my fangs, eyes, and wings, people already look weird at me. If I were to start calling myself Tista the Father of Fire, they would think I've lost it."

"Then don't." The Elder Wyrm stood up. "I use the title of Father of Fire not because I want the admiration of other people, only because I'm proud of what I do. It gives me no power or authority.

"You've rested enough. Let's get back to work. You know the drill."