"Uncle… how does it work?"
"The Companion Pact."
A flicker passed through Silver's eyes. Not surprise — not quite — but something quieter. Something like approval.
"Very well." Silver said
He adjusted his posture slightly, settling into the stone as if preparing to tell something old.
"The answer isn't simple," he said, voice low. "Because we, as companions… are not mere tools. Not contracts. Not trophies."
"We made a pact."
"Between soul and soul."
Sid leaned forward, drawn in.
Silver continued, eyes narrowed toward the flame.
"The universe permits only one truth in this matter: you may only form a pact from opposing races. Humans may only form pacts with Beasts or Demons — nothing else."
"It is both a limitation… and a law of balance."
"There are two ways to form that pact."
The fire cracked again, like it agreed with what was coming.
"The first," Silver said, "is the purest."
"To make a living being submit to you — willingly. While they still breathe. While they still hate you."
Sid blinked. "That's possible?"
"Rarely," Silver said. "And almost never without power."
He looked at Sid directly now.
"You must either overwhelm them, forcing them to bow… or earn something rarer: their acknowledgment."
"But that path is steep. We are born enemies. Humans and Beasts, Humans and Demons — there is blood soaked into that hatred, layered by history."
Sid nodded slowly, absorbing every word.
"The second method," Silver said, "is more... complicated."
He lifted a finger, tracing a small glowing symbol in the air.
"You begin with a vessel — a soulless body. Either purchased… or taken."
"Then, you enter the Spiritual World — and find a compatible soul that is willing."
Sid's brows knit. "The Spiritual World? How?"
"There are two paths," Silver said. "The first — and most controlled — lies within the Sovereign Territory."
"Every hundred years, a gateway is summoned. With enormous cost and resources. It stays open for only two years before it closes. The Sovereign Empire controls this passage, and only those below fifty years of age may enter."
"A rule made to prioritize the younger generation and the truth is, it will require astronomical amount of resources to accommodate higher realm cultivators and let them inside while maintaining the passage open. Lastly, not every junior can enter. Only limited slots are given to each Empires and Sects."
Sid's lips parted slightly. "And the other way?"
"Wait for one of the natural openings," Silver said. "Rare. Unstable. Dangerous. But they appear, randomly."
"Once inside… if your soul is strong enough, you may attract the attention of a willing spirit. Or challenge one to submit."
"You then form the pact. And bring it back."
Sid's breath slowed. The picture was forming — more dangerous, more sacred than he imagined.
"And place the soul inside a preserved body…"
"Only if they're compatible," Silver added. "That is key. Force it… and the soul will vanish."
"But if the match is true… they will awaken and brought back to life."
Sid's gaze lingered on Silver.
"So for most people… one is it? And more for monsters like him?"
Silver smirked faintly. "More or less." Clearly knew the kid is referring to Dante.
"The companion's strength," he continued, "can never exceed the master's own realm. That's the chain."
"Hence the extreme difficulty of the first method. Think about it. Why would someone stronger bows to someone weaker?"
"Why would someone bow to a natural enemy?"
Sid didn't answer — but he understood.
"Unless," Silver added softly, "they see something in you that strength alone cannot explain."
The wind passed again.
And then Sid asked, quietly:
"Uncle… so most people go for the second method?"
Silver tilted his head.
"Yes. The second path gives a higher success despite the complicated process."
Sid leaned back, eyes turned toward the sky.
"Then I guess the question is…"
"How do I get t0 qualify to enter that world..."
Silver and Avi didn't answer.
The fire cracked once more. And behind it, Avi finally spoke, her voice low and calm.
"These are unnecessary thoughts for now."
"If fate allows you, you'll get a chance."