TBATE: PRIMORDIAL ASCENSION

Chapter 16: Ancient Beings

ARTHUR LEYWIN'S POV

After the intense dungeon raid at Mistral's Den, Jasmine and I made our way to a nearby inn, each retreating to our separate rooms to rest and recover. The day had been exhausting, filled with unexpected challenges and discoveries. I lay on my bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing with thoughts about Mistral, the colossal wolf we had encountered.

Suddenly, I felt a familiar presence fill the room. A soft, melodic voice echoed in my mind. [Arthur, I need to speak with you.]

I sat up quickly, recognizing the voice. "Mistral?"

In the dim light of my room, the shimmering mist materialized, and Mistral appeared in her smaller form, about half a meter in length. 

[Yes, Arthur,] Mistral replied, her tone serious. [There is something important we must discuss.]

I listened intently as Mistral explained the gravity of the situation. [There are three more beings, similar to me, safeguarded somewhere in the Beast Glades. They hold ancient knowledge and powers of the other 3 elements. I need to find them, but I cannot unseal them alone. I will require your mana to help me in the process.]

My mind raced with the implications of her words. "Three more beings like you? And you need my mana to unseal them?"

[Indeed,] Mistral confirmed. [The process is delicate, and your mana, which resonates with the ancient symbols, is the key to unlocking their seals. Once I locate them, I will need your help to awaken them.]

I nodded, understanding the seriousness of the task ahead. "I see. But how will you find them?"

Mistral's eyes shimmered with determination. [I possess an innate sense that will guide me to their locations. It may take some time, but I am confident that I will find them. When the time comes, I will call upon you, and together we will unseal them.]

A sense of responsibility settled over me. The journey ahead would be challenging, but I knew I couldn't back down. "Thank you for entrusting me with this, Mistral. I won't let you down."

Mistral nodded appreciatively. [I know you won't, Arthur. Rest now, for the journey ahead will require all your strength and resolve.]

With that, Mistral's form dissipated into the mist, leaving me alone in my room, deep in thought. The weight of the responsibility I now carried was immense, but I was determined to rise to the challenge. The fate of the ancient beings—and perhaps even the world—depended on it. I needed to be extra careful because I also had to protect my family and friends. 

Soon I felt the darkness taking over me as I fell asleep.

_________________________________________________________________________________

1 years later~~

The past year had been a whirlwind of challenges, discoveries, and relentless pursuit of strength. Jasmine and I had delved into multiple A-rank dungeons, each raid pushing us to our limits and beyond. The experience was grueling, but the rewards were substantial. The numerous B-rank beast cores and some A-rank beast cores, we collected became invaluable resources. I gave most of them to Sylvie, my dragon bond, knowing they would help her grow stronger and more capable.

Our adventures were not without their share of danger, but having Jasmine by my side made every battle a little more manageable. Her skills complemented mine, and together we navigated the treacherous depths of each dungeon. The bond we formed through these trials was one of mutual respect and unspoken understanding. Somehow, she has now become more like an older sister to me. 

Mistral has also been busy finding the safeguards, as she says. After a few months, she returned with news of a dungeon where one of the ancient beings was safeguarded. Her ability to clear the dungeon in advance was a blessing; it meant that I only had to find a nearby safe dungeon to raid with Jasmine during the day. At night, Mistral and I ventured into the dungeon to unseal the ancient being.