In the mid-tier Spirit Realm, Klein and Erica were sitting together on a floating island covered in soft grass that swayed with every gentle breeze.

Gale was snuggling against Klein’s side, brushing its fur against his leg.

Its golden-green eyes were half-closed in contentment as Klein gently petted its head while occasionally scratching behind its ears.

"Grr..." Gale let out a satisfied rumble, pressing its head more firmly into Klein’s palm.

Klein smiled faintly "You’re quite affectionate, aren’t you?"

Gale responded with another happy growl, nuzzling closer.

Erica who was sitting beside him spoke "It seems Gale has taken a strong liking to you."

"That’s a good sign."

She leaned back slightly, resting her hands on the grass as she looked at them.

"Most new contractors struggle with their first spirit for weeks or even months before achieving this level of comfort. You’ve done it in less than a day. Your spirit affinity is truly exceptional, Klein."

Klein continued petting Gale "It’s all because Gale is a good spirit."

Gale suddenly rolled onto its back, exposing its belly in a clear request for more attention.

Klein chuckled and obliged, rubbing its stomach gently.

The jaguar spirit let out a contented purr-like growl, swishing its tail happily.

Erica watched the playful interaction with a soft laugh.

"Anyhow, it’s time to learn spirit arts."

As she raised her hand, the small white snake, Gyokubo, appeared on her palm in a swirl of soft white light.

"When your bond with your spirit deepens, you can eventually use their power for yourself. It is called Spirit Arts."

"For example, you can use Gale’s wind energy to enhance your speed, create cutting gusts, or even form wind barriers for defense."

"The better your bond, the more naturally the spirit’s abilities will flow through you. Some spirits grant offensive abilities, others defensive or supportive ones. It all depends on the spirit’s nature and your compatibility."

The jaguar spirit seemed to understand the conversation and its ears perked up as it looked at Erica.

"So, with Gale, I could potentially use wind-based attacks to complement my spear style." Klein muttered, patting its head.

Erica nodded, "Mhm. Gale’s wind energy is fast and sharp. You could create wind blades along your spear or enhance your speed and agility. The possibilities are vast once the bond deepens."

She looked at Klein with a soft smile "But remember, forcing Spirit Arts before the bond is ready can backfire. It can strain both you and the spirit. Take your tim-"

"Come on, Gale."

Klein stood up and rushed forward across the grass and Gale immediately followed him.

"Let’s do this Spirit Arts."

Erica blinked in surprise and watched as her disciple dashed ahead with the enthusiasm of a child discovering a new toy.

A soft, helpless laugh escaped her lips as she shook her head.

"That boy... he really doesn’t know the meaning of ’take your time,’ does he?"

Her gaze softened "Well, he reminds me of myself when I was at his age."

She stood up gracefully and followed after them, her long purple hair swaying in the breeze of the Spirit Realm.

Klein stopped in an open area, "Alright, Gale. Let’s try this. I want to use your wind energy. Show me how it feels."

Gale let out an excited growl as it circled around Klein.

The spirit seemed to understand his intention perfectly. It leaped into the air, and a strong gust of wind swirled around Klein, ruffling his clothes and hair.

Klein closed his eyes and reached out with his spirit energy, trying to sync with Gale’s wind power.

He could feel the flow and the wind energy brushed against his skin, almost inviting him to use it.

He opened his eyes and thrust his hand forward.

A small burst of wind shot out from his palm, cutting through the air with a sharp whistle.

Gale let out a growl and dashed around him, creating a small vortex of wind that lifted Klein slightly off the ground for a moment before setting him back down.

Klein laughed, "This is amazing. I can feel your wind energy, Gale."

He took his spear and began practicing basic thrusts while channeling Gale’s wind energy.

The spear moved faster, leaving faint trails of green wind in its wake.

Gale bounded around him, occasionally leaping into the air and creating gusts that enhanced Klein’s strikes, making them sharper and more powerful.

Erica watched silently with a faint smile on her face.

’This disciple of mine... he might just redefine what it means to be a Spirit Master.’

---

Evelyne walked into Erica’s office and saw that her master was watching something on her laptop with a serious expression.

She walked over quietly and glanced at the screen.

Eh?

’How to Become a Spear Expert in Just 30 Days, Step by Step.’

Evelyne blinked her eyes in confusion, "...Master, what are you looking at?"

Erica glanced at her with a slightly embarrassed smile, though she tried to maintain her usual dignified composure.

"I just... wanted to learn spear so I could teach him how to fight with a spear."

Huh?

Evelyne tilted her head slightly, "But Master, you have never held a spear before, have you? How can a beginner like you train him in spear?"

"Isn’t it better for him to learn under someone who is better at spear?"

"There is that instructor in the Spear Division who has already reached [Spear Intent] and [Spear Body Unity]. I think she would be better to teach him."

Erica’s lips twitched. She paused the video and turned to face Evelyne "T-That’s the problem... I am scared of that."

"What if he sees someone who is better at spears and goes to train under them? Then he will call someone else as Master."

Evelyne stared at her master for a long moment, completely speechless.

The usually composed and powerful Head of the Spirit Division was acting like a worried mother afraid of losing her favorite child to a better teacher. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

"Master... you’re jealous?" Evelyne asked, trying to suppress a smile.

Erica’s cheeks gained a faint pink tint as she looked away, clearing her throat.

"I am not jealous. I am simply... concerned about my disciple’s development."

Evelyne couldn’t hold back anymore. She covered her mouth with her hand, trying to stifle a laugh.

"Master, you’re watching beginner spear tutorials on Mtube just so you can teach him... That’s actually kind of cute."

Erica shot her a glare, though there was no real heat in it.

"Don’t laugh. This is serious. He already has that Gale Jaguar spirit, and he’s progressing so fast. If I don’t keep up, he might lose interest in my guidance."

Evelyne smiled dryly "Master... this might shock you, but in pure martial arts, Klein is better than me."

"I had a duel with him yesterday and he defeated me."

Erica’s gaze shrank in shock "...What? But you have been training the Langord Sword technique for years, right?"

She nodded her head "But his technique and understanding of martial arts are superior to mine."

"He has even mastered the [Boundary]."

"WHAT?!"

Erica stood up from her chair and her eyes widened in disbelief.