The Duskgold Dreadclaw Bear's soul bone… had merged quietly, leaving behind only questions.
Even after fusing with the soul bone, Ray couldn't point to any obvious change. If someone asked him what felt different, his honest answer would be nothing at all. His right arm looked ordinary, devoid of any sign that an external soul bone had ever merged with it.
"This…" Violetta hesitated, then blurted out, "Could it be a fake soul bone?"
Lily shook her head decisively. "Impossible. Even within the spirit ascension platform, creating a Duskgold Dreadclaw Bear of that level requires a real soul bone. Just like ordinary soul beasts require spirit energy to form, this can't be counterfeit. But…"
As she spoke, Ray absentmindedly summoned his golden dragon claw. Light surged, his arm swelling with familiar power. The scales gleamed, brilliant and sharp, yet unchanged in color or texture.
Still gold. Still the same.
A trace of disappointment crept into his eyes.
