The incident with the Thornhide Boar brought the Baruch brothers' prestige among the new students to its peak. Linley's spellcasting in the face of danger became a much-told tale, while Lin Yinuo's mysterious means of killing the enemy in a single strike took on an even more awe-inspiring air. Even the accompanying instructors and knights unconsciously paid the brothers a little more attention as they continued on their way.
The group continued through the outskirts of the Magical Beast Mountain Range, encountering more unusual plants and low-level magical beasts, and fighting several small battles that were alarming but ended safely. With Lin Yinuo's discreet guidance, Linley grew increasingly adept at using Earth Spike and Wind Blade. The initial nervousness gradually faded from his young face, replaced by some of a warrior's composure.
Meanwhile, Lin Yinuo used [Elementary Danger Sense] to avoid genuine dangers while quietly digesting the insights brought by the [Incomplete Fire Elemental Law Fragment]. He tried incorporating his sliver of understanding of the "concentration" and "penetration" of flames into the most basic Fireball spell. Although it was still far from the level of his earlier Flame Ray, both his casting speed and its power improved significantly.
Toward evening, the group made camp on a flat stretch near a stream. Campfires were lit, driving away the forest's chill and some of its darkness.
Linley sat on a large rock beside the stream, washing away the dirt from the day's battles. His young face bore a trace of weariness, but his eyes remained bright. He took out his waterskin, ready to have a drink.
Just then-
"Whoosh!"
A tiny gray shadow shot out of the nearby bushes as fast as lightning, heading straight for the waterskin in Linley's hand!
"Watch out!" a nearby student cried.
Linley reacted swiftly, instinctively moving to pull his hand back, but the gray shadow was simply too fast. It was about to collide with him.
Lin Yinuo, who had been keeping an eye on their surroundings, noticed it the instant [Elementary Danger Sense] gave a faint warning. He saw it clearly: a palm-sized Shadow Mouse covered in sleek gray fur, with bright, glossy black eyes that showed intelligence and a hint of... cunning?
Bebe! Finally!
He did not move to stop him. Instead, he stopped a nearby guard knight who was about to act with a look.
Just as the gray shadow was about to touch the waterskin, he seemed to twist strangely in midair. Not only did he avoid Linley's hand, but he landed lightly on his shoulder instead. His little paws swiftly snatched the waterskin, and he gulped down several mouthfuls before giving a satisfied burp and affectionately rubbing his little head against Linley's neck.
It all happened in a flash.
Linley froze, feeling the warm, furry little creature on his shoulder and his affectionate behavior without the slightest fear of a stranger. For a moment, he was rather dazed.
The surrounding students and instructors were stunned as well. Wasn't this little Shadow Mouse... far too bold?
"Brother, he..." Linley looked toward Lin Yinuo for help.
Lin Yinuo stepped forward, a barely perceptible smile on his face, and said softly, "Don't be afraid. He seems to like you." He extended a finger, cautiously bringing it toward the little Shadow Mouse.
The little Shadow Mouse gave Lin Yinuo a wary look and sniffed. Seemingly sensing that he meant no harm, and that there was an aura about him that felt very comfortable (stemming from Lin Yinuo's powerful soul and affinity with nature), he paid him no further attention and continued rubbing his head against Linley.
Just as I thought. Even though I changed part of the process, that natural closeness between Bebe and Linley still exists. This is the pull of destiny.
"He's probably hungry, or thirsty." Lin Yinuo took a small piece of jerky from his pack and handed it to Linley. "Try feeding him."
Linley took the jerky and tentatively held it to the little Shadow Mouse's mouth. The little Shadow Mouse's black eyes lit up, and he unceremoniously clutched it in his little paws and began munching away with crisp crunches. He ate with relish, his tail swaying merrily.
Watching the little fellow's adorable manner as he ate, Linley gradually lost his nervousness and sense of unfamiliarity. In their place came an inexplicable fondness and closeness. He could not help reaching out to gently stroke the little Shadow Mouse's sleek fur.
The little Shadow Mouse narrowed his eyes in enjoyment, making soft, contented whimpers.
Mage Elwin and the other instructors gathered around as well, clicking their tongues in wonder.
"He's a Shadow Mouse, a low-level magical beast with extraordinary speed and considerable intelligence. But this one... seems especially perceptive," a knowledgeable instructor said. "That he approached Linley of his own accord is quite a fated connection."
"It looks like this little fellow has decided to stick with you, Linley," Mage Elwin teased with a smile.
Linley looked at the little creature on his shoulder, who had made himself right at home, and an innocent smile spread across his face. He had been lonely since childhood. Apart from his parents and older brother, he had rarely had such a close "companion."
"Brother, can I keep him?" Linley looked at Lin Yinuo expectantly.
Lin Yinuo nodded. "He chose you. That is your fated connection. Treat him well."
Bebe has chosen his master, so the Coiling Dragon Ring cannot be far off. The important milestones are coming to pass one by one. What I need to do is ensure this process goes smoothly.
Late that night, Linley crawled into the tent, holding the little Shadow Mouse who had already fallen asleep in his arms. With a satisfied smile on his face, he soon drifted off himself.
Lin Yinuo sat outside the tent, keeping watch (he had volunteered). The campfire's light danced across his face, illuminating his composed profile.
He recalled the details about Bebe and the Coiling Dragon Ring from the original novel. The ring should be somewhere nearby, perhaps beneath some unremarkable patch of dirt or fallen leaves.
Tomorrow, perhaps I can guide Linley into "accidentally" discovering that ring nearby. I cannot give it to him directly. He must find it himself. Only then will it be the opportunity meant for him.
He raised his head and gazed at the night sky, broken into fragments by the dense canopy. The stars were sparse.
After subtle adjustments, the gears of destiny still turned slowly along their predetermined course. And he was a witness, a participant, and, more than that, a guardian.
The appearance of the little Shadow Mouse named Bebe seemed like a clear signal, announcing that the true legend of Linley Baruch was about to begin.
Before you continue