Dirga slept soundly, deep and unmoving.
His breaths came heavy and steady, a soft rumble in his chest like distant thunder.
Beside him, the silver tiger dozed with its body curled around his side, emitting a low, rhythmic purr that vibrated softly through the earth.
A ripple tore through space.
A portal shimmered into being above the garden clearing, glowing like molten glass.
From its center, a bird wreathed in flame emerged, wings spread wide.
Fire licked across its feathers, yet the air was not burned. It was warm—gentle, like morning sun on skin.
But with every wingbeat, the warmth grew... until it seared.
The heat wrapped around Dirga like a tightening coil.
His eyes snapped open.
Hovering above him was a phoenix.
No—a phoenix. Not just fire and feathers, but something ancient and powerful. The flames around it danced without burning the leaves below. Its gaze bore into him—regal, calculating, immortal.
Dirga shot upright, pulse hammering.
That’s not something he could fight. Not right now.
"...Hello, Madam," he said slowly, trying to keep his tone respectful.
The phoenix tilted her head. Her eyes were molten gold, burning straight through him.
"Sasa?" she asked, her voice layered with warmth and command. "His contractor?"
Dirga stayed quiet. Calm. Like a kid trying not to get scolded by his teacher—or his mother.
"Interesting," the phoenix murmured.
A soft sound interrupted them.
The silver tiger stirred from its nap, yawning like a cub, then padded toward Dirga with lazy confidence. It licked his face—once, slow and deliberate—before settling into his lap like a satisfied housecat.
Dirga blinked, utterly confused.
The phoenix let out a soft trill, something between a laugh and a sigh.
"It seems Silvael likes you," she said.
"...Silvael?" he echoed. "That’s his name?"
The tiger—Silvael—closed its eyes contentedly, as if to confirm it.
The phoenix’s wings folded as she descended, her flames dimming to a gentler glow. She landed with grace, every movement calculated yet natural.
"Now then," she said. "What is your name, child?"
Dirga inhaled, spine straight.
The phoenix gave a slow nod, as if weighing his name in her ancient fire.
"I am Solvanyr," she said at last, her voice layered with both warmth and power. "Fire Spirit Lord. Keeper of the Sacred Flame."
It wasn’t loud—but it echoed. Through the garden. Through his bones. Through something deeper.
She tilted her head slightly, watching Silvael with a curious flicker in her glowing eyes.
"It seems the little tiger likes you," she said. "How about forming a bond with him?"
Dirga blinked. "I’m... not against it."
Truth was, he’d already been thinking about it.
A Spirit Beast companion? The power boost alone was worth it.
And if Silvael truly wanted this... then it wasn’t just practical—it was mutual.
Every advantage counted in Hell. Especially with the Roulette looming.
Solvanyr turned to Silvael. "You’re sure?"
The little tiger gave a short, proud nod. Then it let out a tiny roar—sharp, pure, filled with emotion.
"Very well," Solvanyr said gently. "Dirga, place your hand on his head."
Dirga obeyed, his hand settling against the warm silver fur between Silvael’s ears.
Faint, like a distant heartbeat. But real.
"Now listen to that rhythm," Solvanyr instructed. "Find it. Match it. Then lock the bond."
Dirga closed his eyes. Focused.
Like a drumbeat in the dark.
Then his own pulse began to shift. Slowing. Syncing. Aligning.
Until both hearts thumped together as one.
They opened their eyes.
Not just from Dirga—but from Silvael too. The fire wrapped around them like a cocoon. A blaze of shared will.
Their bond solidified, etched into reality by concept, by Spiritflare, by intent.
The flames shimmered. When they faded, Silvael had changed.
Still young, but larger now—twice the size.
Sleek silver fur, sharper claws, glowing gold eyes.
Stripes of midnight black curled along his sides like ancient runes. A spectral predator.
Dirga remained the same on the outside... but inside, he could feel it.
His mind had expanded. Not just stronger—deeper. His telekinesis felt more solid, as if it had gained substance. Form.
Solvanyr stepped forward, her flaming wings tucked behind her.
"Well done," she said. "As a reward—your prize."
She flicked her wing, and a black fruit drifted from the golden tree behind her, glowing like a shard of the night sky. It floated into Dirga’s palm.
The Fruit of Knowledge.
Dirga stared at it, awestruck.
"You’ll feel the difference soon," Solvanyr said. "Silvael is yours now. You can summon him when needed. He can borrow your power—and you, his. It is a bond of equals. Congratulations, Dirga. You are now a Spiritflare."
Silvael purred and licked his face. Dirga laughed softly, rubbing the tiger’s head.
"There is a cost, of course," Solvanyr added. "We Spirits cannot remain in the mortal plane forever. We need a tether. When summoned, we draw energy from our summoner. The longer you hold us here, the more it will drain you."
Dirga nodded. "Understood."
Even if he couldn’t summon Silvael often, just having access to this new power... it was more than enough. And he’d meditate soon—study it, understand it. The Black Star had grown, and now it burned in two souls.
Solvanyr spread her wings, flame shimmering along her edges.
"Well then. You’re done here. I’ll return you to the forest."
Dirga knelt by Silvael, stroking the tiger’s soft fur one more time.
"You good?" he asked.
Silvael licked his cheek, then nodded.
"I’ll summon you again soon," Dirga murmured. "We’re not done yet."
That paw had once flattened him into the dirt.
Now it rested beside him—warm, steady, familiar.
Solvanyr chuckled, a low, melodic sound like the crackle of an ancient hearth.
"From foes to partners. Strange creatures, aren’t you humans?"
Dirga exhaled through his nose, the corner of his mouth lifting.
The phoenix’s eyes shimmered like dying stars—hot, ancient, all-seeing.
She stepped closer, her flame-etched wings stretching wide.
"Good luck, Dirgantara," she said solemnly. "I bless your journey. May you save your world."
His heart skipped a beat.
But before he could speak—
The garden vanished in a roar of heatless flame.
Returned to the Dusk Forest.