Chapter 221: Silver On A Mission
As a thought crossed my mind, I turned to Ana.
“Can you ask the King Ape to keep an eye on that Holt guy?”
She nodded without hesitation.
“Sure, I can do that.”
With a quick flap of her wings, she flew off to deliver the message to the beast. I turned toward Steve and gave him a half-smile.
“So… how’s it going between the two of you?”
Steve let out a deep sigh and rubbed the back of his neck.
“I don’t know, man. This is hard. I have to think about every little thing before I say it. Feels like I’m walking on glass.”
I stared at him. For the first time in almost a month, I saw a glimpse of the Steve I grew up with—the lazy, carefree guy who used to sleep through anything not important and dodge assignments like a pro.
He had pushed past that laziness when it came to fighting and surviving, but romance? That was a whole different battlefield, and he clearly had no motivation for it.
I cleared my throat and decided to give him a little push.
“Come on, man. You’re being an idiot. Think about it—what if things go well? What if she likes you enough to invite you to her home world after all this is over?”
His eyes widened slightly.
I kept going.
“Imagine it. You’ll meet all kinds of Ferans from different clans—even the fox clan.”
He took a deep breath and rolled his neck, cracking it loudly.
“Say no more, my friend. If I back down now, I’d be letting down every brother-in-arms who never had the chance.”
I grinned and raised my hand for a handshake. He met it firmly.
“For brotherhood.”
“For brotherhood.”
A few minutes later, Ana returned. She landed softly and gave us a satisfied smile.
“It’s done.”
With that, we left the small pocket realm behind.
****
We stood just outside the shimmering pond. I reached out with my senses, scanning the area to make sure we were alone. No movement. No hidden presences.
Ana stepped forward and gently took my hand.
“Thank you, Billion. I really thought I’d spend the rest of my days trapped in that little realm.”
I glanced at Steve to catch his reaction, but he wasn’t even looking our way. I turned back to Ana and smiled.
“No problem, Ana. But we’re not done yet. We’re not truly free. Not until we bring down the Holts and free the rest of the Ferans.”
Her expression darkened with resolve.
“Of course. I won’t stop until the Holts bleed for what they’ve done.”
I nodded.
“Here’s what I’m thinking, both of you stay in this area and hunt abominations. Meanwhile, I’ll scout ahead and figure out if they’re still looking for the missing Holts—or if something’s changed.”
Steve turned to face me, frowning.
“Why don’t we just go together?”
I shook my head.
“I need to level up. I’m aiming for level hundred. I’ll also be tracking down more Holt members. It’s better if I go alone. If something goes wrong, I can escape easier on my own.”
He still looked unsure.
“What if the Holts come here? And how will we meet up again?”
I chuckled and took a step backward.
“Don’t worry—I’ve got something that’ll keep you both safe.”
I placed my hand over my chest and whispered, “Come.”
A crimson pulse burst from my chest. Thick, living mist rolled outward, coating the ground in waves of color. The mist churned and thickened until a sharp, echoing shriek rang out across the forest.
Then, Silver appeared, his massive wings spread wide, his body shining with a metallic gleam. The crimson mist curled around him, almost like it was alive.
Steve and Ana both stepped back, eyes wide. Ana covered her mouth and whispered in awe.
“A silver steel hawk…”
I walked up to Silver and placed a hand on his side.
“His name’s Silver. He’s my bond. I’m leaving him with you two. He’s level 130, and if anything goes wrong, he can get you out of here safely. I’m also linked to him, so I’ll always know where you are.”
They both stood silent for a few seconds, just taking in the majestic sight of him.
Ana finally spoke, her voice shaky.
“I… I can’t see his status. And… is he an abomination?”
I shook my head calmly.
“No. He’s not an abomination. He’s my bond.”
Steve narrowed his eyes at me. I met his gaze without flinching. After a few moments, he sighed and looked at Ana.
“It’s okay, Ana. This guy has a habit of doing insane things like this.”
I laughed and turned to Silver, sending him a clear message through our bond, protect them. Keep them safe.
Silver responded with a surge of steady emotion. I checked carefully, making sure that strange hunger I once sensed in him—when he looked at Marcus—was gone. There was nothing dangerous now. Just focus. Understanding. Loyalty.
I turned to the others.
“Alright, I’m leaving Silver in your care. Just speak out loud if you want him to do anything, he’ll understand.”
Steve gave me a nod.
Ana looked at me curiously.
“So this is what you were counting on to head for the ruins?”
I nodded again.
She turned her eyes back to Silver, studying every inch of him. I could see the curiosity in her gaze—it made sense. After all, she came from a bird clan herself.
I brought her out of her thoughts with a calm voice.
“You guys can go up.”
Steve reached for Ana’s hand and smiled.
“Let’s go.”
They both leapt into the air, landing steadily on Silver’s back.
I kept my connection with Silver open, carefully monitoring his emotions. Everything felt calm, stable—no trace of that darker instinct I had once sensed. Satisfied, I sent him another message through our bond.
‘Take care of them.’
Silver glanced down at me and let out a sharp screech in reply.
I laughed inwardly at the familiar tone, it was his version of “I’ve got this.”
I stepped back to give him space.
With a powerful beat of his wings, Silver launched into the sky, carrying them high above the trees in a rush of crimson mist and wind.
I exhaled heavily as my expression turned serious.
After what Marcus had revealed, my distaste for the Holts had only deepened. I still needed thirteen more levels to reach Level 100 and unlock my first race evolution—but I had already made up my mind.
I wouldn’t be hunting Abominations to level up. I would hunt Holts.
I’d thin their numbers and drag out every scrap of information I could.
With that resolve, I broke into a sprint toward their base, extending my perception to scan everything around me as I moved.
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!