Chapter 656 - 546: Partner, Natural Covenant

Chapter 656: Chapter 546: Partner, Natural Covenant

Black Wind paused for a moment, as if remembering something. The spectral fire in its eyes flickered softly before it lowered its head. Using its ethereal mouth, which seemed capable of touching physical matter, it carefully took the pieces of wheat cake and "chewed" them silently.

Although its current form probably no longer required such mortal food, the ritual and warmth inherent in the act itself were clearly deeply meaningful for them both.

As he performed this familiar yet strange feeding, Roland gathered his thoughts.

Now, one of the prerequisites for advancing to the High Tier Profession of [Ranger] was laid out clearly before him: "Tame one (0/1) member of a Non-human Race to become a ’partner’."

Looking ahead, he knew it would be nearly impossible to find a more suitable or perfect partner than Black Wind—a Nightmare with whom he shared a deep bond, who possessed extraordinary intelligence, immense power, and a telepathic connection.

This opportunity was not to be missed.

His mind made up, Roland hesitated no longer.

He swallowed his portion of the wheat cake, washed his hands with water from his waterskin, and turned to Black Wind. Through his [Animal Companion] Trait, he clearly conveyed his thoughts, explaining the meaning of the Natural Covenant and the mutual commitment it entailed.

Black Wind listened quietly, the light in its spectral eyes steady and focused. When Roland asked if it was willing, it nodded solemnly and without hesitation.

With the affirmative response, Roland took a deep breath, cleared his mind of distractions, and began to perform the ancient ritual as described in the tome he remembered, *Path of the Forest Speaker: The Ranger and the Natural Covenant*.

He then reached out and gently pressed his palm against Black Wind’s forehead, which was wreathed in Shadow Energy.

In response, Black Wind closed its spectral eyes. It drew in its formidable aura and energy, adopting a posture of absolute, trusting relaxation.

At first, nothing happened.

But soon, within Roland’s intensely focused Perception, a barely perceptible thread of vibrant, emerald-green light, like the first tender sprout of early spring, quietly emerged from the point of contact between his palm and Black Wind’s forehead.

The light wasn’t intense, yet it held a tenacious Life Energy and the sense of an ancient bond.

Immediately after, the gloomy Shadow Energy surrounding Black Wind seemed drawn to the light, beginning to resonate with it.

The profound Shadow and the vibrant green did not clash. Instead, they began to merge and entwine in a peculiar harmony.

Along the edges where they met, strange, shimmering patterns emerged, like newborn vines under a night sky. They vaguely formed a simple yet mystical symbol that flashed for an instant before vanishing.

A warm and solid connection, like an invisible tether, formed and stabilized deep within the souls of both Roland and Black Wind.

It was not a bond of restraint, but rather one of deepened understanding, shared perception, and a silent oath.

Even without using his [Animal Companion] Trait to ask, Roland could clearly sense Black Wind’s emotions and state. He could even vaguely perceive its subtle awareness of the surrounding shadows and space.

Black Wind, in turn, seemed to gain a deeper understanding of Roland’s affinity with nature and his inner Power.

The covenant was forged in silence.

Roland slowly drew back his hand. The point of emerald light in his palm had already faded.

Black Wind opened its eyes. The spectral flames within seemed warmer and brighter than before. It nuzzled affectionately against Roland, sending him a mental impression of confirmation and joy.

Their partnership was now formally established.

At almost the same instant, the dormant Professional Panel deep within Roland’s consciousness trembled slightly.

He was now just one final step away from officially advancing to the [Ranger] Profession.