The morning sun had warmed the camp slightly, though a crisp breeze still lingered. Baker sat near the fire, Cel curled comfortably against his legs, fur glowing faintly with frost. Ventis joined him, carrying a small tray of breakfast, her eyes still full of concern from the night's events.
"Mother…" Baker began hesitantly, stirring his tea. "There's something I need to tell you about the creatures that attacked Celsius and his family."
He began to tell her everything he knew.
Ventis furrowed her brow. "The Ursafeliz?" she asked softly, setting the tray down.
Baker nodded. "Yes. I… learned more about them because of Celsius. When we formed the covenant, I could sense his memories, his impressions. I even dreamed of the raid — I saw what happened to the pack, how the Ursafeliz came, how they injured the pup and killed one of its siblings."
Ventis reached out, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You saw it… all of it?" she asked, a mixture of worry and awe in her voice.
"I did," Baker said quietly. "I could feel the fear, the pain… but also the courage of Celsius's family. That's why he came to me. He knew I could help." He glanced down at the pup, who lifted his icy-blue eyes to meet his. "And now he trusts me enough to stay. I think the covenant made it so I could understand and help creatures like him — and maybe prevent tragedies in the future."
Ventis sighed, her expression softening. "You've grown so much, Baker. Not just in power, but in heart. I can see why he trusts you. But… seeing these things, even in dreams, must be hard for you."
Baker shook his head. "It's strange. I feel the pain, but also the resolve. I want to protect those who can't defend themselves. Celsius taught me that even small creatures, if helped, can form bonds and create strength beyond what you'd expect."
Ventis smiled faintly, brushing a hand through his hair. "Then we will face it together. You, Celsius, and all of us. But promise me… don't let the memory weigh too heavily on you. Use it to guide you, yes, but don't forget to rest and enjoy the moment as well."
Baker nodded, sipping his tea. "I will, Mother. And… I think Celsius and I are stronger because of it. I've already started adjusting Enduring Body with the frost mana he brought me. I think we'll both be ready if anything else comes our way."
Cel yipped softly, curling closer, and Baker laughed quietly. The frost-tinged warmth of the pup's presence reminded him that, even after darkness, bonds and trust could create light.
The northern morning was crisp but bright. Baker stretched and flexed, feeling the tiny marble of his ice mana organ pulse steadily in his chest. The mana circuit that had spread through his body from the covenant with Celsius tingled faintly, reinforcing muscles and cooling strained joints. Today, he would test his new frost-infused Enduring Body magic in light combat drills.
But first, Cel had his own morning routine — one far more indulgent than Baker's.
Ventis had scooped the pup into her lap, murmuring sweet words as she fed him morsels of leftover bread softened in milk. "Eat well, little one. You'll need your strength for the day," she said gently, smiling as Cel licked her fingers in delight.
Clarisse crouched nearby, brushing Cel's fur meticulously. "Make sure you stay clean and warm," she said, running her fingers through the pup's frost-tinged coat. "A healthy companion is a happy companion."
Cel yipped happily, rolling onto his back for belly rubs and wriggling between them as they fawned over him. Baker shook his head with a small laugh. "You're both spoiling him too much," he said, though he felt a warmth in his chest at seeing Cel so content.
Satisfied that his frost-tailed companion was thoroughly pampered, Baker picked up a practice spear. Selene stood across from him, stance ready.
"Focus, Baker," she said, eyes sharp. "Body reinforcement first, then controlled strikes. Don't overextend."
Baker nodded, feeling the icy pulse of the mana organ. He moved deliberately, reinforcing his muscles with Enduring Body, now enhanced with frost mana. Each thrust and parry flowed naturally, fatigue reduced, small aches numbed, and minor swelling instantly calmed. He experimented carefully, letting the frost mana circulate just enough to aid recovery without slowing speed.
Selene blocked and countered, giving him feedback. "Excellent! You're integrating magic into your movements more smoothly than I expected. That ice infusion… it's subtle but effective."
Baker smiled, moving through another series of strikes, then stepped back to watch Cel again. The pup had curled up on a blanket Ventis had prepared nearby, eyes half-closed, tail flicking contentedly. Clarisse leaned down to scratch his ears one last time before standing. The little family scene warmed Baker's heart — a moment of peace amidst training and adventure.
"You're enjoying the sunshine too, huh?" Baker murmured to Cel, crouching to gently scratch his frost-tinged fur. Cel yipped softly in reply, tail thumping against the ground.
Returning to practice, Baker focused on combining ice mana with Enduring Body, testing slight numbing effects to reduce strain and subtle cooling to regulate body temperature. With each movement, he felt the frost flow more naturally, like an extra layer of resilience forming inside him.
By midday, Baker was breathing easy, muscles relaxed but reinforced, and Cel had been thoroughly pampered by Ventis and Clarisse. The warmth of their care, combined with the icy pulse in his veins, made him feel grounded, strong, and happy for the first time since the Ursafeliz attack.
"Alright, Cel," Baker said, scratching the pup behind the ears, "you've been spoiled enough. Time to rest, little one. Training isn't just for me."
Cel yipped softly, curling close as Baker watched Selene continue her own training routine nearby. For a moment, everything felt in balance: magic, strength, companionship, and the simple joys of family.