"Once you become one with the Wind, you'll be able to truly wield it."
Elisa nervously threw the lock of her behind her.
"Anyways, I'm surprised you're even interested in that."
[Why is that?]
"When it comes to emulating a Magic Type, there aren't many beings able do so more perfectly than-"
"HAHAHAHA! Correct! It is I, the one who does it more perfectly than any other being!"
[What do Magic Skills have to do with emulating a Magic Type?]
"It's simple really. A Magic Skill is the same as learning a facet or an aspect of a certain Magic Type." Elisa explained.
"DON'T IGNORE ME!"
[I've never thought of it that way.]
[I used to just obtain Magic Skills and use them.]
[If so, then it must apply to Magic Skills too, right?]
Nod-
[Based on what you're saying, I assume that understanding them better might lead to strengthening them?]
"It can, probably." She answered.
[Probably?]
"I can't tell for other Magic Types. Some might have more or fewer ways to-"
"I SAID DON'T IGNORE ME!" The Fire Spirit shouted.
His flames shone brighter than usual, as if to catch their attention.
"What is it, Spirit? Finally decided to sign my Contract?" Elisa asked jokingly.
"I just might, if my Contractor doesn't prove himself worthy."
"Mmm... Poor Spirit. He's been neglecting you, huh? Did he even give you a Name?"
"I wouldn't take a Name coming from someone like him."
"Is that so? In a way, I understand your feelings. How about I give you one? Think of it a way to celebrate the Contract we're about to sign."
"What makes you think you're worthy of-"
"Long, long ago, in a land far, far away. There once was a Spirit, nay, a God, that ruled over a whole Continent. A God of Fire, respected and revered by all. It is said even the sight of his flames was enough to render men blind. A spark of his could produce enough heat for villages to survive many winters at a time... Agni, was his name. In a way, you remind me of him." Elisa peeked at Mark. "Without you, this Monster wouldn't have made it this far, I can tell that much."
The Fire Spirit nodded.
"I can also tell that he's limiting your flames. He's constraining your Fire, and not letting it run freely."
The Spirit nodded.
"With me, it would be different."
The Fire Spirit stared at Elisa.
Mark stayed silent.
"What do you propose?"
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves. This Dungeon is huge, isn't it? It's made up of different Floors, each as large as this one." Elisa raised her arms to her sides. "For such a large Dungeon, a very, very powerful Guardian is bound to block the exit. Or rather, the entry."
The Spirit nodded.
"In that case, it is entirely possible that not every one of us will make it outside."
"So?"
"You're a Spirit. Which means that you, likely, won't meet your end. The chances of your flames being extinguished, now that you have a Contractor, are close to none."
"True." The Spirit reluctantly agreed.
'What does she mean by that?' Mark asked.
His question wasn't answered.
"Therefore, in the case that the Monster, unfortunately, doesn't make it out, how about I take you with me? To the outside."
"What if you don't make it but he does?"
"Then you'll stay with him."
The Spirit seemed intrigued.
"What if both of you make it outside?"
"Then you stay with him. Or you choose. I'm not presumptuous enough to discuss that. This part is between you and him."
The Spirit, deep in thought, turned towards Mark.
[You're trying to steal him?]
"Don't get me wrong. If the Monster doesn't make it outside but I do, our Contract won't be anything like the one you have with him now."
"How so?"
"You'll listen to my every order. My Wind will forever guide your Fire. And I won't let your flames diverge. Not even by a bit."
Mark chuckled.
The Spirit was surprised at the turn the negotiations had suddenly taken.
"That doesn't sound appealing at all."
"Why would it? Don't be mistaken, I'm throwing you a lifeline here. If the Monster dies, you'll be stuck here forever. At least, until someone enters this Dungeon and finds you. Which would take... Well, who knows how long."
A yawning Krista climbed over Mark's body.
Elisa turned towards him.
"What about her?" She asked.
Immediately, both the Monster and the Moonlit Feline's eyes turned cold.
[What about her?]
Elisa scratched her head.
"Nevermind..."
The group stood silently for a bit.
"Do you mind me signing with the Spirit?"
[Depends on if your Contract will interfere with the way I handle him.]
"I'll make sure it doesn't. I can also sign it with you instead. Something like a Will?"
[You want me to sign on what happens if I were to die?]
[A bit ominous, don't you think?]
Elisa chuckled.
"Didn't expect to ever hear something like that from someone who can use Corruption Magic."
Mark stared into the Moonlit Feline's eyes.
[I won't die.]
"You can wholeheartedly believe me when I say this. I truly, truly, hope that you won't. And that I won't, obviously."
With a curled-up paw, Krista rubbed her nose.
[I can only use my Wind Blast Magic Skill the way Beasts use it.]
'Thinking about death brings us back to fighting and Magic, huh? Good. That's how it should be.' Elisa thought to herself.
[With a flap of my wings, or with a roar.]
"Yes. That makes sense."
Mark extended a hand towards an empty area.
Wind Blast-
Nothing happened.
[Why is that?]
"Think about all the times you've witnessed Wind Magic being used. There's something usually needed for it."
[Can't you just tell me?]
"No. That's what we talked about earlier. It's not about knowing. It's about understanding."
[If you explain, I'm sure I'll understand.]
"Not how it works. I can't tell you. I can't explain it to you. I can't teach it to you."
[Why not?]
"Your understanding must be yours and your own. You must arrive at that understanding by yourself. What is Wind Magic? What is a Wind Blast? What does it mean, to wield the Wind?"
[That's not how I'm used to things going.]
"I can tell. You can already use many Magic Types, yet lack understanding. Probably for all of them. I'd like to ask how, but I won't pry."
[Then I'm supposed to just think about the Magic Types?]
"Think about it. Experience it. Understand it, but not with your head."
[What's that supposed to mean?]
A cheeky smile took hold of her face.
With an open palm, Elisa slapped the toned stomach below her vest as she answered.
"With your gut. Magic is best understood with one's gut."
