Soul Bonding felt different. It didn’t feel like absorbing a soul. It was as if instead of becoming one, I now had another complete soul, distinct and independent, tethered to my own. It was a separate entity than my own.

  I tilted my head, breaking the silence. “So, guys,” I said with a casual grin, “how are we feeling?”

  I was met with only glares.

  I raised an eyebrow. “Silent treatment, huh? Alright then……..Fyril, slap Sprite.”

  Sprite’s eyes widened in disbelief as Fyril’s hand jerked toward her almost involuntarily. However, the slap landed very softly, so no real damage was done.

  “Sprite, I-I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to—” Fyril stammered, her voice trembling.

  “Nope.” I cut her off. “Don’t talk.”

  Fyril whimpered, visibly straining against some invisible leash, her mouth quivering as if the words were being physically held back.

  So, this is what Soul Bonding truly is.

  I turned my gaze to Neris. “Neris,” I said, “spin in a circle until I say stop.”

  Without hesitation, Neris began to turn, slowly, her movements robotic and hollow. Around and around, with the sun casting long shadows that stretched and twisted with her motion.

  They follow it instantly, but they don’t fully commit to it.

  That’s not good enough.

  I glanced up. The sun had begun its descent, staining the horizon with a warm orange glow.

  “Well,” I sighed, brushing a lock of hair from my face, “I can’t spend all day playing with you.” I waved a finger at them. “Just one more order.”

  The four formed a circle, a compass of sorts. They stood at the cardinal points of a stone clearing—Sprite in the north, Fyril in the south, Vayra in the east, and Neris in the west—each representing their element.

  They all gave me a confused look.

  ………You’re really going through with this?

  “If they weren’t such spiteful bitches, then I’d probably settle with Soul Bonding.”

  Weren’t you at least touched by what they said? Didn’t your heart waver?

  My heart? Sure, it might have.

  But why would I let a small waver stop me?

  Can’t you wait for them to change? Maybe they’ll develop a sense of empathy for humans if you allow them to stay with you? You don’t have to be so drastic.

  No.

  If humans can’t change, then why would such insignificant spirits be able to?

  “I want all four of you to aim a spell at each other.”

  Their eyes widened.

  “What are-”

  Oops. Almost forgot.

  “All of you, silence.”

  The four could no longer talk.

  For what they said, I wouldn’t even grant them that privilege.

  The Sprite’s hand raised. Roots coiled from her fingers, stretching toward Vayra, whose windy form began to dissipate.

  The Vayra prepared a swirl of harsh winds, a miniature hurricane that would destroy the tender Neris.

  The Neris readied an orb of rushing water, capable of snuffing out even the brightest flames of Fyril.

  Both of Fyril’s hands raised towards Sprite, a small but powerful flame beginning to form within her grasp.

  “When I count down from ten, and reach zero, I want you all-” I moved closer to get a look at their tearful eyes.

  “To kill each other.”

  They trembled.

  Sys looked away.

  “Ten.”

  They couldn't speak, to verbalize their thoughts, but still, they tried. Only pathetic little sounds escaped their lips. Humming. Sniffling. Choked breaths. Anything, anything to plead. To beg. To apologize. They were desperate to communicate what they couldn’t say:

  Please, please don’t.

  We’re sorry.

  Set us free.

  “Nine.”

  They had listened to me. Even if they didn’t ultimately choose to help, they still heard me. They gave me a chance.

  “Eight.”

  Their bodies began to tremble more violently now, shoulders shaking, eyes flicking from me to each other in silent, frantic glances. They were trying to comfort one another, to share whatever shred of courage they had left.

  Is this right?

  What if Sys was right? What if they just needed one more chance? What if they could change? What if they could become kinder and more emphatic towards humans?

  “Seven.”

  No.

  I still don’t care. Be it from what they said, or just from how I need their powers, my answer will still remain the same.

  “Six.”

  I don’t need Soul Bonds. I don’t care for their preference of barely following orders. I want slaves who will follow my every word with zero hesitation.

  What I need are Soul Summons.

  “Five.”

  Killing them outright was impossible. It was a task that I couldn’t solve on my own. Which is why I decided to do something else.

  Why should I dirty my hands when they could do it for me?

  I could’ve done something terrible. I could have had my orc rip their sanctuary to pieces and watch as they gradually weaken to the point of powerlessness. Though, even if it reached that point, I wouldn’t be satisfied.

  “Four.”

  For them to weep uncontrollably at being forced to kill their own kin. For me to merely watch as I let them do my own work for me. For them to be forced to accept that there’s nothing they could do.

  I prefer it this way.

  It's my way, isn't it?

  “Three.”

  I scanned their faces. Some wept silently. Others trembled. All of them were still trying to reach me, pleading with their eyes, desperate for mercy.

  All but one.

  “Two.”

  Sprite. She just stared at me, her eyes….....heavy. Not angry. Not frightened. Just…....sad.

  Sad?

  Why aren’t you like the others?

  Why aren’t you trying to beg for forgiveness?

  Why aren’t you glaring at me with either scorn or fear?

  Why have you already accepted this?

  “..........One.”

  Then, quietly, almost gracefully, she reached out her hand to the others.

  Her calm, steady presence seemed to flow into them, wrapping around them like a silent promise. One by one, the others followed her lead. They clutched each other’s hands. They closed their eyes as they breathed as one.

  Together, they prepared to die.

  Hmm.

  “Just kidding.”

  All of a sudden, the spells dispersed.

  The spirits were stunned. Frozen in place, silent and unmoving, unable to-

  Oh, right.

  “You can talk again.”

  The moment the words left my mouth, a wave of emotion erupted. Cries of relief broke the stillness like thunder. They collapsed into each other’s arms, clinging tightly as if trying to prove they were still real, still alive.

  “I’m so sorry, Sprite,” Fyril choked out. Her voice trembled, thick with guilt, her once-fiery eyes now dulled and overflowing with tears.

  Sprite offered a faint smile, brushing a smudge of ash from her hair. “It’s alright,” she murmured. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

  Her gaze shifted. “What about you, Vayra?”

  Vayra reached up, gently pressing her fingers to her temple. “Aside from being lightheaded, I think I’m alright.”

  “You’re always lightheaded,” Neris said flatly, crossing her arms. Her tone was dry as sand, and yet there was warmth behind it.

  Beric!

  Sys flew around me in an excited manner with a smiling face.

  I knew you weren’t so ruthless! I mean, I did kind of think you would actually do it, considering what you did to that orc, but I guess it’s different here after all. I mean that orc was a monster, but these spirits are actually kind-…….well no, they’re not kind, but you get what I mean!

  I raised an eyebrow.

  Okay, okay, maybe not the kindest, but they didn’t deserve that. And you knew that. Deep down, you knew.

  He hovered closer.

  You chose mercy. You still can. That means something.

  “You’re too close.” I pushed him aside.

  What do you think you’re doing?

  What do you want?

  You were this close to gaining elemental magic. Why did you stop?

  I didn’t feel comfortable.

  Oh?

  Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

  He let out a scornful laugh.

  Our annoying hypocrite Beric felt uncomfortable? Really? Then, how do you think they felt? How do you think the spirits felt when they were mere seconds away from killing each other?

  I looked at the spirits.

  The spirits huddled together closely. Their previous mood of being jovial was now gone, replaced by a tense air of apprehension.

  They looked at me. They were scared.

  You made things even worse, you know. You truly traumatized them. Now, they see humans and Half-Elves as even bigger monsters. If you only went through with it, not only would you be walking away with elemental magic, but these spirits wouldn’t even be alive to become so spiteful. It’s so painfully obvious that they’re going to end up attacking humans. All because of you.

  Probably.

  So what now? They’re still weakened from what your summons did. Are you going to kill them on your own now? You possibly could. You could at least ease their suffering and end them here.

  Can’t you at least do that?

  I’ll think of another way to replace my elemental magic.

  Oh? Then, what are you going to do with the spirits?

  If they end up fearing humans even more, then so be it. If they end up attacking humans and even start a war, then so be it.

  It’s not my problem.

  Ha, how selfish.

  I looked around the broken sanctuary. The pond had a murky color to it, and tunnels spread out from within, leaking water everywhere. There were numerous craters formed from King’s attacks, and fallen down trees littered the ground like common trash.

  This is my problem.

  “Let’s clean up.”

  Let’s start with the holes.

  Rather than fill them in with excess dirt, it might be better to simply expand it.

  “Melvin and Drill, take care of the holes.”

  The two appeared with a smoky introduction.

  “Roger!” Drill exclaimed.

  “G-got it.” Melvin sheepishly answered.

  “Put your back into it.” Drill ordered while smacking Melvin on the back.

  “Yes, Ma’am.” Melvin squeaked.

  “Get on with it.”

  The two then dug underground and started expanding.

  Now, for all of this wreckage.

  “Pickle, I want you to move all of the debris into a single pile.”

  Pickle appeared while saluting me. “Will that be all, General?”

  “Hmm, I guess you can also help with whatever you see fit.”

  “Roger, General.” Pickle stated before picking up the fallen debris.

  I looked around. All of the fresh wildlife, flowers, and vegetation was gone.

  “Rogue, Jittear, and Nibbles.”

  “You called, Doc?”

  “What’s up, Boss?”

  “WhatdoyouneedMaster?”

  “I need you guys to go out and find patches of flowers and berries. Make sure to get a lot so we can replant them here.”

  They voiced their confirmations and sped off.

  “Inventory.”

  I grabbed a few tools from within: a hammer, a hoe, a rake, a shovel, and a small knife. All of these and more were presents from Dad.

  I could probably fix up some animal shelters. A few bird houses, a brush pile or two, and possibly some hollowed out stumps.

  Uh, what’s going on here?

  “I’m fixing up the sanctuary.”

  You’re what?

  “I ruined it, so I might as well fix it.”

  Sys merely stared at me. Then, he brought out a tissue.

  “Where did you get-”

  He blew into it.

  You’ve grown up so much.

  I shooed him off.

  “What are you doing?”

  I turned to see the Sprite, with the other spirits tentatively near her, ready for any sudden moves.

  “I’m fixing your home up. Oh, I’m also going to expand it.”

  “What?”

  “I’ll probably make the pond bigger, and I’ll plant some berries for the critters to eat. I’m also making some small resting places for them.” I narrowed my eyes on her. “Do you still have some mana left?”

  She seemed surprised by that. “I-Uh, yes, I feel that I’m slowly regaining my power back.”

  “Good. I’ll need your help with growing the crops quickly.”

  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  I wiped some sweat off my forehead, whistling at the sight before me.

  The sanctuary had transformed into a true safe haven and was no longer a wounded patch of wilderness. The pond, once murky and cracked with leaking tunnels, had been deepened and widened, its banks reinforced with smooth stones and packed earth. Now, crystal-clear water shimmered in the sunlight, fed by gentle trickling streams that wove through the land. Lily pads bloomed with soft pink and white flowers that opened with the gentle light, and fish swam in carefree schools beneath the surface, their scales catching the sunlight like scattered jewels. Around the pond, soft moss blanketed the earth like a carpet, and carefully arranged stone circles formed natural resting places for smaller animals and elemental spirits alike. Blazing with a warm light, a small campfire rested on the edge.

  Wooden shelters had been constructed from fallen branches and bark, blending seamlessly into the environment. There were now little alcoves tucked among the roots and nestled under bushes, places where foxes could nap or hedgehogs could hide. Small bridges arched gently over narrow streams, allowing safe passage for the smallest of creatures. Birdhouses of all shapes and sizes had been mounted high on tree trunks, each carved with tiny drawings. Squirrels had their own ledges and feeding trays tucked within tree crooks, while butterflies danced among flowers grown specifically to attract and nourish them.

  Berry bushes had been planted in thoughtful clusters, already bearing fruit under the Sprite’s influence. Vines and saplings, guided by her touch, crawled up near the heart of the grove, forming leafy curtains that rippled in the breeze. Young trees stood tall beside their fallen kin, protected by small fences woven from reeds and vines. The towering oak in the center stood even prouder now, its ancient limbs stretching wide as it watched over the sanctuary.

  Not bad for a few hours of work.

  Hmm, hmm, not shabby at all. Perhaps this should instead be “The Greatest Landscape Developer”!

  “That’s already been done.”

  Turning to my summons, I gave them each an affectionate head pat, rub, or a hug.

  “Thank you, everyone. You did well.” I recalled them.

  I moved my tools to my inventory. I was finished………Well, not yet.

  I turned to the spirits.

  They all danced and frolicked in their new and improved home. The Vayra let herself fly in the wind, casting gentle breezes that rustled the leaves. The Neris flew over the pond, smiling proudly at the calm nature of both the fish and stream. The Fyril darted excitedly around the campfire, enamored by the soft flames that brought warmth to the approaching wildlife.

  Only the Sprite stayed.

  “So? How do you feel?”

  The Sprite looked at me with a strange mixture of awe and uncertainty in her eyes, her head tilting ever so slightly.

  “How do I…….feel?” she asked softly, as if she wasn’t sure the question was meant for her.

  “I’m guessing you feel stronger, right?”

  A subtle shimmer passed over her, like a soft blush made of light. She glanced down bashfully. “I do,” she admitted. “Yes.”

  “Good.” I turned towards Shade. “Oh. There’s one last thing I need to do.”

  She blinked, tension immediately tightening in her shoulders. “Wh-what is it?”

  “I order you all to be released.”

  Her eyes widened. “What—?”

  And then it hit.

  The pain wasn’t sharp, but deep. A wrenching force yanked through my chest like invisible cords being snapped all at once. A rough, sudden tearing like something was being unplugged from something vital. I staggered slightly, gasping.

  Around me, the spirits flinched in unison. Their glow flickered and dulled, pulsing once before fading into a more natural radiance.

  The Soul Bond was gone.

  Eventually, the sensation subsided.

  The spirits instinctively moved together, circling around the Sprite to defend her.

  Fyril’s voice rang out, sharp and accusatory. “What did you do?” She raised a trembling hand, already beginning to form the shape of a spell.

  “Fyril, wait.” Sprite stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on her arm. “He……..He released us.”

  Fyril stared at her, eyes narrowing. “Released us?” Her voice held suspicion, disbelief. Then she glared at me. It was less furious than before, but it was still wary. “What are you playing at?”

  I sighed. “Nothing. Why are you getting so angry? Didn’t you want to be free from me?”

  Her face flushed, or maybe it didn’t. Her face looked very red now. “But you did all of that just to make us Soul Bond with you. Why would you release us all of a sudden?”

  I got on Shade. “It’s simple.” I turned to look at them. “Why would I want a bunch of useless spirits who got deceived by a mere child?”

  The Fyril’s flare intensified. “You dare-”

  The Neris stopped her. “Calm down.”

  The Sprite moved forward. “Then, are you leaving?”

  “Yeah, don’t worry, I won’t come back. I also won’t tell anyone about this place. I’ll leave you all alone.”

  “Hah, you better.” The Fyril declared, though anyone could tell that she was relieved.

  She was the weakest out of the four, that much I could tell. With her home being in this nature sanctuary, she didn’t have much power. That’s why she was so excited by that campfire I made. It’s also why she’s so aggressive and trying to start fights.

  She has an inferiority complex and tries to hide her weakness with threats.

  Very simple.

  I prepared to leave, but I was stopped again.

  “Before you leave,” The Sprite started.

  I turned to her.

  She bowed her head. “We thank you for not only sparing us, but for making our home even stronger.”

  The others merely stared at her in disbelief, but after realizing the gravity of the situation, they slowly did the same.

  “.........Hey.”

  The Sprite looked up.

  “Don’t thank the person who just tried to kill you.”

  She faltered. “Ev-even so, you still helped us. We’re very grateful nonetheless.”

  “If you’re truly grateful, you’d aid me in gaining elemental magic.”

  Before the Sprite could answer, the Vayra suddenly spoke. “Did you build all of that to simply make us have an incentive to help you?”

  The spirits looked at her. They looked back at me.

  I didn’t answer.

  A gradual revelation began to form on their faces.

  “Of course. Humans are so cunning.” The Neris mumbled quietly.

  “Ha, I knew we still couldn't trust this guy. He had an ulterior motive all along.” The Fyril declared.

  “Is this all true?” The Sprite asked with a conflicted look.

  I turned away.

  Shade and I left the sanctuary.

  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  With the sun now fully set and the sky cloaked in a deep indigo, I lay beside Shade in the quiet stillness. The soft crackle of the small campfire I built filled the air, its flames dancing gently, casting flickering shadows on the ground. Thin trails of smoke curled upward, spiraling into the darkening sky. They rose just as the first stars began to awaken, as if the smoke itself was summoning them.

  After I finished writing a small note, I put it in a small bag and gave it to Nightclaw.

  “Be quick.”

  “Of course, Master.”

  And with that, Nightclaw flew off to my home.

  I didn’t feel like going home yet.

  Sys silently hovered next to me, watching the small embers erupt from the campfire.

  So, we’re camping out.

  “Yeah.”

  He turned to face me.

  It’s nice out here, isn’t it?

  “Yeah.”

  The cool air, the warm fire, and the small lights in the sky. Plus, you have the best bodyguard in the world, me! What a day for camping, right?

  “Yeah.”

  Sys awkwardly looked back at the campfire.

  You did the right thing back there.

  “.......The right thing?”

  You spared those spirits, and you even made their home safer and better. You did incredible.

  The right thing.

  Was it right to even go there in the first place? Was it right to trick them into becoming Soul Bonded with me? Was it right to make them almost kill each other?

  Was it right to try to wash my hands of it all by simply renovating their home?

  Was it right to make them believe I had an ulterior motive, to make them still fear and hate humans?

  Was it right to leave like that?

  ………..People tend to feel that doing the right thing is just that.

  It’s right.

  It’s morally right. It’s justified. It’s what’s expected.

  It’s what everyone should do.

  If you do the right thing, everyone is happy. You’re happy. I’m happy.

  We’re all happy.

  In that case, I didn’t do the right thing.

  And yet, I didn’t do anything wrong from my personal viewpoint. I needed a way to use elemental magic, and I even tried to fix things by making their home stronger.

  So then, what did I do?

  You did what you wanted to do.

  Really?

  Then, should I feel happy or sad?

  ……..Hey.

  What do you think?

  I closed my eyes.

  Is my twisted way right?

  Was it right to use it on them?

  Was it right to continue using it when I still had those who believed I was better than this?...........

  After today, I became just a bit less confident in my way.