"There's no need to continue, Ardagan. Let's do it!"
Ardagan was amused. After all, Noel looked like he was underestimating the Spirit Link. But with Noel's character, he shouldn't underestimate it after experiencing it himself. So, it meant Noel had prepared his heart for this.
"You should think about this carefully. Once you form a Spirit Link, you can't undo it." Ardagan tried to warn him, but Noel actually shook his head.
"No. I don't think it that way. It's true that the price I've to pay is still heavy even though you said it's a lower price compared to you. However, I have to form the Spirit Link.
"It's not because I'm jealous of Anna or because I underestimate the Spirit Link… I simply have to do it if I want to survive in this world.
"My uncle, the Supreme Devil Organization, the Demons, and the schemers, whether it is the Third Prince or the Royal Family… They won't wait for me to get stronger.
"That's why I have to get all the strength I can get right now no matter what price I have to pay.
"Besides…" Noel made a small smile. "You should know this, Ardagan… My talent can't be compared to my ancestors or even Anna.
"If I don't have a talent, I should have an indomitable will if I want to catch up to those peerless talents.
"People think I am a genius since I can reach this level within one and a half years, but have they seen how hard I've worked?"
Ardagan fell silent. He had seen how hard Noel had worked this whole time. He sacrificed a lot of sleep and did everything in a way to train. He pushed himself further and further, sacrificing a lot of time and sweat in order.
That was why Ardagan suddenly apologized to him. "I'm sorry."
His action earlier was very disrespectful to Noel's resolve and determination.
"It's fine. Let's begin." Noel shook his head with a smile. He knew Ardagan would understand him.
"In that case, I shall call Heisk." Ardagan vanished into thin air before reappearing one minute later.
This time, Heisk, the Ice Fairy, was flying next to him. She bowed her head to Noel as if giving respect to him.
Noel put on the most sincere smile and asked politely, "Heisk. I know this is a hard decision for you. But will you form a Spirit Link with me? I promise that I will continue to strive forward no matter what obstacles I have to face along the way. Will you get stronger with me?"
Heisk nodded with a serious expression. She flew toward her Spirit Seal on Noel's chest and looked at him for one last moment, asking, "Noel Ardagan. Will you accept my power and everything that comes along with it?"
"I do."
"With the Spirit God as the witness, I, Heisk, swear that I shall accompany Noel Ardagan to his ultimate goal no matter how long it takes. I shall support him to the very end. May the Spirit God punish me if I break this Spirit Oath."
Heisk closed her eyes while touching her Spirit Mark with both hands.
"!!!" Noel suddenly felt something strange all over his body.
The Spirit Mark started pulsing, causing the heart to beat faster. Then, blue lines started to emerge from the mark and spread all over the body like that of veins.
Noel couldn't help but feel cold all over his body. It felt like his body froze from the inside.
Yet, he didn't actually feel any pain. Despite the uncomfortable feeling, he felt like something more important was being built inside of him.
Suddenly, Noel's feet became limp as he couldn't help but fall to the ground.
Heisk followed him while pouring more Spiritual Energy into his body.
The blue lines finally reached the tip of his fingers and gradually moved toward his head.
Noel's eyes were already closed, so he couldn't see anything. But he knew that something was penetrating his mind.
This cool feeling gradually spread all over his head. He didn't know why but everything became chill. He didn't have any energy to even share his emotions.
It didn't take too long for Noel to understand what it meant.
'I see. So, this is the price I have to pay…' Noel thought. The price was actually his emotion. The ice was freezing his brain and heart, making him unable to invoke his emotion.
If Noel grew like Anna, whose killing intent was amplified by the brainwashing, he would certainly turn into an extremely cold man, one who was devoid of emotion.
However, Noel had a different path from Anna. His path was formed by the relationships he built along the way.
His parents gave him warmth and love. The people he helped in the past shared their thanks, warming his heart. The kids showed him happiness. And the loyalty of Rose and the others kept him going.
It could be said that Noel's way of living was the perfect counter to this side effect.
"I see… I think I can understand why you suggest this, Ardagan. I don't know how sure you are, but this side effect should be within your calculation. And you know that everything I have right now can nullify that side effect. As long as I continue living this way, that side effect will not matter."
Ardagan didn't reply to him for a moment as if acknowledging that fact. Though, he still tried to praise him. "I simply believe that you can always overcome anything that comes your way. And I, as your spirit, will help you to the best of my ability. I merely ask you to believe in me."
"Is that so?" A smile suddenly appeared on Noel's face. That smile was warm unlike the coldness he had just received from Heisk. "I guess I have to apologize for doubting you, Partner."
"I can understand that." Ardagan flew toward Heisk while the latter gained some distance from Noel.
Both of them said the same thing. "Please trust us. We shall support you to the best of our ability."
