"We are going to make your spirit, Heisk, become the Ruler of Water or even beyond that!"
"!!!" Noel widened his eyes in surprise. He didn't expect Ardagan to suggest this kind of plan.
Noel looked down for a moment, contemplating. "Although I know how to let Heisk become stronger, it doesn't change the fact that it's not something possible at the current state. I need a lot of resources to even strengthen her. And Heisk hasn't even reached the humanoid form."
Ardagan nodded. "Of course, I understand that. That's why I'm going to give you a proposal.
"There are five ways to help the Spirit get stronger. As you know, the stronger they are, the more power you can gain from them.
"So, I'm going to teach you about these ways. The first way is the most common method, which is actually letting them develop their own strength. In other words, you don't have to do anything and just allow them to mature.
"This is the slowest method, so I don't really recommend it. As for the second method… it's to use the items that can improve their elements. I believe you're already aware of this method, so I won't continue with the explanation.
"The third method is through the teaching method. There is actually another benefit for the spirit to help humans. Once they acknowledge the humans, they should be able to see how the humans use their power.
"I'm sure you know about an idiom, 'Two brains are better than one,' right? Heisk has been watching you utilize her ability. And if you come up with a unique way, she might be able to get enlightened. As you already know, we are not that much different from you.
"The fourth method is to use a certain training method. However, this method will drain your lifespan, so unless the human is insane, we, spirits, never tell them about this method.
"That leaves us on the fifth path. We can actually form a symbiotic link between us. This is far better than the Spirit Seal…
"However, I have to warn you that if we proceed with this method, you might be able to gain a boost in your power, but you will have to endure the side effects."
Noel's eyebrows twitched the moment he mentioned the side effect. "What kind of side effect is it?"
Ardagan paused for a moment before explaining with a deeper tone. "This method is called Spirit Link. Basically, we are linking our consciousness with yours. By doing that, you can feel what we feel. Well, you should be able to sense the elements better.
"But the side effect is that you will also sense our feelings, including our temperament. I have sensed the breath of the Lightning Berserker Spirit from that woman. So, I'm sure she is enduring the side effects the whole time.
"I am not sure what it is, but it seems that she can be a little crazy at a time…"
"!!!" Noel suddenly remembered what happened to Anna from time to time. Anna often released such a heavy killing intent as if she had gone mad. He thought it was related to her family's situation, but it seemed he was wrong.
No, he wasn't wrong. He was just not entirely correct. The Spirit Link indeed boosted that killing intent, but if there was no one trying to corrupt her, she would be able to control her killing intent easily instead of developing it to that stage.
And this time, Noel was offered a way to get stronger with that kind of price.
"Is the side effect only related to killing intent?"
"Not really. We, spirits, have different temperaments, so depending on our character, the side effects will vary. Even I don't know what kind of side effects you will experience once you get a Spirit Link from Heisk."
"What about you? There were two people who previously wielded you, right?"
"Yes. But your ancestors didn't know about this method. I didn't tell him because his desire only reached that point. However, you are different. You are similar to my first wielder.
"As for the side effects… it's better to let you feel it yourself."
Noel didn't know what Ardagan was trying to do, but the white world suddenly turned dark.
"!!!" Noel couldn't sense anything from around him, let alone see things. "What is this?"
Noel looked around but to no avail. He didn't know what he had to do in this situation.
"Ardagan?" Noel tried to ask, but his knee suddenly hurt as if he was hit by something. "Kh…"
Even though Noel had endured a lot of pain, this was the first time he had felt this kind of pain. This hit struck deep into his bone, making it tremble. "What is this?"
After that pain, the darkness suddenly disappeared, returning to the plain white room.
"I am a different kind of Spirit. There has been no one like me since I'm born from forging. What you felt earlier was the pain that I went through during the forging… Though, I was metal before. So, I didn't feel any pain. You could think of it as a kind of tempering…"
"…" Noel gritted his teeth. The pain was different because it made his bones reverberate. But he could see why it was called tempering. If that strike appeared from time to time, it should feel like he was being hit by a blacksmith until he changed shape.
"This is…"
Ardagan nodded. "Still, I am considered equal to a Humanoid Spirit. So, the Spirit Link is stronger.
"Hence, I recommend you to get a Spirit Link with Heisk first to get used to the side effect before attempting it with me.
"This way, you can get stronger at a lower price. During that time, you can aid Heisk with a lot of things. And there will be more options for Heisk to choose when giving you abilities."
Ardagan wanted to continue, but Noel suddenly raised his hand, stopping him. He suddenly looked at Ardagan with a face filled with resolve.
"There's no need to continue, Ardagan. Let's do it!"
