Chapter 146: Return to the tribe

With Laurence having explained his theory the conversation fell back in to silence. They all had a lot to think on and everyone was still worried for Elise and Stella. Until both had woken up they would not leave their side.

They seemed to reach the village much faster than when they left, easily entering and returning to their own camping spot. Otis left after making sure they had returned safely, he needed to report to the elders that they had cleared the foraging area and also the danger the greater ice imp posed. Rare monsters like a greater ice imp were a major threat to most of the tribe and more caution would be needed in the future.

The two had been placed down on to bedding and covered to stay warm. Gil started up a fire and everyone began to rest from the hard fight.

Many things had happened during their battle with the greater ice demon. One such was the fact that if walker discovered a skill himself he would automatically learn it. The system definitely worked in untold ways but this was a significant discovery. If he experimented more with the elemental magic he could learn the specific spells. The fire flower spell created flames with his mana instead of mana manipulation which can not do so. This was much better than evil consuming flames which he could create but couldn't harm all enemies. The downside of the fire flower is the pause before it takes effect, it also took some time to condense the flames. Many of walkers skills so far seemed to be like this which meant he was a big hitter but couldn't quickly change the pace of a battle.

His personal goal would have to be faster castes spells for long range. So far in closer range he can rely On a scythe but while he was in the beast kingdom he told himself to find another close combat weapon. This would only solidify his close combat skills. He also wanted a new shield to be able to block when needed, he had been slacking due to the loss of his fathers shield. Maybe he could repair and enhance it?

Another stunning this was that Laurence said there were skills that allowed tamers to use traits of their tamed beasts. Yet these weren't always mastery skills, so could walker learn them? The real question was how would he learn them? He knew that learning monster skills and Demi human skills were not our of his scope but a tamer skill to use a specific trait? He couldn't even imagine the unique situation to spur that response from his system.

Everything seemed to boil down to three main points. Understanding of the elements, having a verity of gear for every situation, and trying everything to learn more skills. It would seem he didn't have enough time to do it all at once...

" mmhhff" it had been a few hours since they returned and the sound of Elise stirring git walker attention. Laurence was right there as well refusing to rest properly until he spoke with her. Her eyes fluttered clearing unknown to where they were and what they were seeing.

" Don't worry, we're in the tribe. Stella is ok and you're ok. You both fell unconscious during the battle. How do you feel." The anxious look on Laurence's fast could fill volumes. It had taken years for him to become strong enough to lead the younger tamers and he refused to let any fail to return.

Looking around almost afraid to move Elise began to slowly move her fingers and toes. She did this until she had finally moved and stretched every muscle. Her fear of being harmed after the battle was too strong not to test everything. She became still again letting a long drawn out sigh, " tired I'm way too tired. But I'm not hurt...how?" Of course you're be tired you used all your mana. The two wanted to yell at her but held back.

" well actually we had hope you could explain to us. You suddenly took on the appearance of a harpy and flew. Crashing in to Stella before walkers attack exploded and hurt you two. You hit your head pretty hard and Stella broke a wing. You were both healed by walker but naturally it was a lot of stress and mana. You two were unconscious so we carried the two of you back. Stella is still resting, she went through a lot and shouldn't fly for a few days." This was the most calm Elise had been since meeting the party. It was eerie seeing the uncontrollably energy missing from Elise. Obviously she could feel responsible for Stellas injury, however, she knew if she hadn't Stella could be no longer in this world.

Going through her system she saw the skill she had used. Her eyes became slightly frantic as she read and understood what it meant. She wanted to jump up and be happy but she knew she couldn't until Stella forgave her for hurting her wing. There were some things even she needed to control properly. Knowing Laurence and walker would want an explanation she took a deep breath. " so I may have unlocked a mastery skill called soaring integration....I can mirror the body and abilities of my tamed beast by constantly expending mana. I also need to have a strong bond with my tamed beast to use it. If Stella didn't trust me so much," tears started to fall down her cheeks, " I-I wouldn't be able t-to use it, but I just-uurrt her with it...I might be a terrible sister." Elegies had finally released the flood of emotions from the fight. The weight of gaining a mastery skill, of nearly dying, of hurting the most important family she had, all of this fell on her shoulders at once.

Scratching sounds came from the other side of the camp, Stella was struggling to stand completely exhausted still.

Stella had awoken to Elise crying and knew immediately that it's cause was her. She didn't want Elise to feel bad for hurting her, she had seen the flames burst out from where she had been aiming. Stella knew she had t listened and attacked almost dying. The fact that Elise had so strongly wishes to protect her that she had in turn risked her own life and even used a mastery skill touched her heart in a profound way.

Ever since Stella had met Elise she ha sheen nothing but grateful. She tried every day in hopes that she had developed enough to speak the only words she would ever want to say. However day in and day out she found she had yet to grow enough. Without Elise she wouldn't be here nor would she have gone on adventures seeing things a harpy could never see. The dreams that mirrored Elise to fly through the sky together never ceases.

Stella moved slowly toward Elise who had buried her head in her hands hiding the tears. Kneeling down next to her Stella grabbed Elise's head forcing her to look at her. The two touched foreheads eyes closed. Walker felt he had intruded on something private, the two needed space and he gave it to them. Family deserves time alone especially after a hard battle. As Laurence and walker decided to leave on a walk they already noticed Elise had stoped her tears. Giving walker a slight nod they walked toward the village square to see the elders.

The village was lively as ever, they all enjoyed the rare sunny clear days in the winter. The fact that no wind buffered the plains today was a blessing causing many to leave to hunt and forage.

Many rabbit tribesman were vigorously haggling to get the new food brought in during the hunts. Seeing Otis who was training a few younger children walker knew it must be part of his duties as head warrior. Otis noticed the pair instantly and left his trainees to continue their practice. " you are going to bring the hunted to the elders I take it? I spoke to them about allowing you to keep the greater ice imp. They agreed but would like the bodies of the snow imps."

Walker had already planned on giving the snow imps to the tribe since it would be another factor increasing their relations. However he also had hope the elders could give him direction on what to use the greater ice imps body for. He had no idea of what parts were crafting materials, if they were stronger and more rare than snow imps it must have some exceptional value.

Before they three headed the rest of the way to the square walker decided to have a little fun to lighten the mood. " hey Otis, would you mind if I tried something with your students over there?" Working Otis's curiosity he smirked wanting to see what would come of this.

" no problem, give them some pressure it's good for the bones." The smirk became devilish, Otis was definitely an evil instructor.