Chapter 10. First Bond

Status: Gore Raven (f rank)

Male

Str: 1

Vit:0.4

Agi: 1.2

Sta: 0.5

Int: 1.2

Spir: 2.1

Element/Concept: Death, blood

Age: Newborn

Innate skill: Battle Fanatic

Skills: [Claw Swipe] [Blood let]

Ash was taken by surprise by the elements and some of the stats. Death was a rare element for beasts to get and it was hard for them to develop. Each stat point that reaches one is the equivalent of a man's strength.

The agility was something crows specialize in, so he was not surprised but the spirit category was pretty high. He decided to make this his first bond, it wasn't the highest in potential but it's rare affinity and battle abilities were something he would look forward too.

He formed a bridge of consciousness with the bird and called out to it. The bird appeared in an uninjured state but looked at him reluctantly. Ash did not have techniques like those of higher status to forcefully tame a beast or aid in persuasion. Both of their bodies are injured but in this state the two would appear in a healthy state. Only when there are soul injuries would that change their state.

Ash tried to appease the bird but it looked at him with simmering hatred. It did not want to bond with him, still yearning for it's family. Ash took a deep breath before deciding to be blunt, "I know you don't know me and that I fought or even helped kill some of your family. They thought I was weak and if I was then I would be their dinner. And yet, they were killed because they were weak." The bird appeared enraged but the bird also could not deny the truth in the human's words.

"We both fought, survived, and we are about to die again because something stronger than either of us is coming. I didn't come this far to die a pitiful death. I know you value strength, so I'll make this clear. I WILL BECOME STRONGER! THERE WILL COME A DAY WHEN I STAND ON TOP AND NOBODY WILL LOOK DOWN ON ME!!"

Surprise colored the bird's eyes. This human looked absolutely serious and his spirit gave off a feeling of determination. Ash didn't notice, but something was born in him that moment. A flame that would burn brighter in his journey.

"I may be weak now, but if you lend me your strength, then I promise to take that and increase it. You and I will grow from cubs to kings. Please... become my companion and I will not mistreat you, we will claw our way to the top."

'Fuck, I have no idea if this BS worked but that's the best I got on short notice. Damn it, I should've thought on how to persuade a beast earlier.' Despite the slight bullshit in Ash's speech, he held the most resolved look with the bird that he could muster.

They continued to look at one another for what seemed like days to Ash. He knew that whatever made that roar was on its way here quick. Although connecting to a beast to from a bond slows down time within that connection, it is only slowed down by so much. The bird was but a newborn but it looked at him with something far deeper than what an average beast could. He looked back at it with anticipation. Time lurched on and the feeling of death grew. When Ash was about to give up, a soft glow was emitted between the two as a thread was established.

The two were connected and some changes were happening to the both of them. He went back to the real world and saw his new partner waking up. He scooped him into his shaky arms and crushed the talisman, he faded slowly but not before seeing the beast approaching. It was a Gorilla with silver fur and yellow eyes. He knew that he was fortunate as he disappeared before the beast came too close. That was most likely a (Barbarian Ape), dangerous tanks that are exceptionally hard to kill.