The northern night had a sharp edge to it, though Baker no longer felt it keenly. The frost mana from the Frosty Candidaclis lingered faintly, brushing his skin with a cool tingle.
From the shadows of the trees, two luminous eyes watched him — intelligent, calm, and faintly mournful. The young adult Candidaclis, barely one-fifth its expected lifespan of five hundred years, limped slightly on a frost-marked foreleg. Its twin tails curled like ribbons of mist, flicking nervously.
Baker felt the creature's gratitude before he saw it clearly. The frost magic surrounding it pulsed faintly with recognition.
Then, it did something unexpected: it bowed, lowering its head toward him. The gesture was deliberate, almost solemn, and Baker understood instantly — the creature was entrusting him with its pup.
Moments later, a weak nudge at his tent revealed the small pup, matted with frost and barely able to move. Its blue eyes mirrored its parent's, wide with trust and need.
Meryl gasped softly. "It left… the pup in your care."
Clarisse nodded, stepping close. "Intelligent creatures can make these choices, Baker. Rare, but not impossible. These creatures seldom leave their young, yet it has chosen you."
Baker knelt, carefully lifting the pup. Its tiny body trembled, frost clinging to its fur. He applied his warming medical gel and gently set a broken foreleg with guidance from Clarisse, who instructed him on proper alignment and circulation. Then, using healing magic, he eased swelling and numbness, massaging the pup's muscles carefully.
As he worked, something unusual happened: a flood of understanding entered his mind. Knowledge of the Candidaclis — its nature, life cycle, survival instincts, and even rudimentary communication — poured into him. The pup had initiated a covenant contract.
Baker blinked. "A covenant?"
Meryl nodded, eyes wide. "It's rare for these creatures to choose a human. Not impossible, but… very rare for a Candidaclis to initiate. Usually, they bond after long training or shared hardship. This… this was voluntary."
The parent gave one last low howl — part fox, part wolf — then turned and vanished silently into the trees, leaving only a trace of frost mist behind.
Baker cradled the pup, feeling warmth mixed with a faint icy tingle. Its frost mana wove itself subtly into his Enduring Body magic, giving him minor frost resistance, temperature regulation, and the ability to numb injuries and reduce swelling more quickly.
That night, as Baker drifted to sleep in his tent with the pup curled at his side, he entered a vivid dream:
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Dream: The Beast God
The landscape shifted around him. Snow and ice stretched endlessly, punctuated by towering frost-crystals and frozen lakes. A figure appeared, massive and commanding, yet serene — a Beast God, its form a fusion of wolf and fox, shimmering with frost mana.
"You have been chosen," the god said, voice deep, echoing like a wind through ice caverns. "The pup you now care for is young, but it has seen your heart. The covenant is sealed. From this bond, knowledge, instinct, and trust will flow between you."
Baker nodded. "It left its parent to be with me… and I accepted. I feel its magic already."
The Beast God's eyes glimmered. "Good. Use this wisely. Your Enduring Body will adapt to frost mana. Pain will numb, swelling will ease, and cold will no longer hinder you. But remember — such gifts come with responsibility. Care for the pup, and it will grow strong; neglect it, and the bond weakens."
Baker's mind filled with the pup's innate understanding: survival tactics, basic hunting instincts, and subtle signs of danger. He could feel its loyalty, its growing intelligence, and the faint pulse of frost magic waiting to strengthen his own body and magic.
"I understand," Baker said softly. "I'll care for it. I'll protect it. And I'll train it to grow strong alongside me."
The Beast God inclined its head. "Then awaken with purpose. The bond is sealed. Your journey — and your responsibilities — have grown heavier, but also more rewarding."
The vision faded, leaving Baker awake in his tent, frost-tipped air curling softly around him, and the tiny Candidaclis pup sleeping quietly beside him.
Baker smiled, gently stroking its fur. "Looks like we have a lot to learn together… little one."
The pup let out a soft, satisfied whine and pressed closer, frost mana quietly humming through the bond they now shared.