Abyss Draconis

"The ruins were a major part of it. They were cultivation ruins that had everything one needed to grow at a rapid pace," Ryuk explained, as the Half-Fallen One hummed.

"Although they do come with significant risk, like loss of time due to dimensional dilation, and some pretty tough situations too."

"But pulling through is greatly rewarding, won't you say?" Old Jack said, and he nodded.

"That's very true," he said.

The Half-Fallen One nodded in understanding, but she was only half-convinced.

The ruins were a major factor, sure, but she doubted even those born in that ruin could grow as fast as he did.

"And I have beast companions too, who essentially share their powers with me," he added, and Morgaine's eyes flashed.

"That reminds me—how is Isha and Void?" she asked, resulting in an eyeroll from Ryuk.

'She only just remembered them now,' he thought.

"Isha and Void?" Lynia asked, and he nodded.

"Yes."

"They are my beast companions."

"Isha is a Frost Wyvern, and she gave me the potential to control frost Mana..." Ryuk said as he raised his right palm, releasing a frosty wisp of aura that froze the passing air into strands of ice.

"And then there's Void, who is a Void Cat, and gave me the potential to Control Void Energy..." he continued, raising his other palm.

She watched in amazement as a void vortex materialized out of his hand, creating a mini-suction force that rippled the air around them before quickly calming down, as Ryuk released both Elemental forces.

"You share abilities with your pet companion? I know Beasttamers are quite the special bunch, but I've never seen one share an ability with their beast companion before..." she mused, her tone a mix of amazement and disbelief.

Ryuk nodded.

"I know. It's also part of the reason for the explosive growth, since I essentially share the potential of any beast I bond with..." he said, resulting in Lynia pausing before she asked:

"So wait. If you contract a new pet, let's say a fire-elemental beast, you'd gain the fire ability and become a tri-elemental user!?" she probed casually, but then watched as Ryuk nodded.

"Yes, I would," he replied, watching as she looked at him as if he were a monster.

"Wait, so that means there's essentially no limit to how many elements or beastly skills you could possess, so far as you keep contracting new beasts..." Morgaine said, but Ryuk half-nodded.

"That's partly true. I can gain as many abilities as the pets I contract—but I don't just go around contracting pets."

"You don't, but you can, right?" Lynia asked, and he nodded.

"That's true, technically. But—"

"Sounds like that limits you. If you can contract many beasts, but you only have two, it seems like a limiting factor that you imposed on yourself," she said.

He opened his lips to argue—but then...

[She's right.]

The system notification flashed before his gaze.

Ryuk's eyebrows twitched faintly before he eventually shut his mouth and whispered...

"I have good reason."

"And what's that?" Morgaine asked with puppy eyes.

"Well, it's true I can contract many beasts and gain their elemental attributes."

"It would of course make me strong, true—but it'll lead to instability."

"Instability?" she asked, and he nodded.

"Yes. Instability with issues like loyalty."

"My two pets, Isha and Void, are more than beasts."

"They're family—willing to go to any lengths to ensure my safety and ready to defend me even without an explicit order."

"There's a deeper connection than just sharing elements or potential with them. And such a level of trust takes a great amount of time to build."

"I can contract fifty beasts now, and I'll grow a lot stronger, sure, but co-operation with me, and each other, and loyalty to me and each other."

"That's not something that can be guaranteed, and that might even lead to a higher chance of betrayal." He explained as Old Jack and Lynia nodded in understanding.

Loyalty is truly an incredibly important factor when it comes to relationships with creatures.

"So, while I can contract more beasts—I'm more or less stuck with two... for now." He concluded.

"That makes more sense." The Half-fallen said in agreement.

"Although I have to say, it's weird. Beasttamers don't go to such great lengths. Loyalty is a factor, of course—but I don't think it's on the top list for them."

"So far it listens to every one of their whims and orders, they're fine with it," Lynia said, as Ryuk hummed.

He hadn't conversed much or even met with other Beasttamers before, so he didn't know how they treated their beastly companions.

"Perhaps that's what makes you the most special of them all..." the Half-Fallen One said with a pleased smile, and Ryuk smiled nervously.

"I wouldn't call myself the most special though..."

"Humble much..." Morgaine said with a giggle, earning an eyeroll from him.

But then he felt a hand rest on his, and he turned to look at the Half-Fallen One, who looked at him with a serious expression.

"I just want you to remember that whatever happens, now or in the future, Ryuk—you're not one of those destructive creatures, even if their blood flows through your veins..."

"Your power possesses a dark effect, and I trust you also know that, too," she said, watching his eyebrows crease.

It wasn't in doubt, but a silent agreement.

'It does...' he silently affirmed to himself.

"Dark power is intoxicating and very chaotic, Ryuk. All I'm asking is for you not to lose yourself to it like most do."

"You can do that... right?" she asked, and he nodded without a doubt.

"I will make sure not to lose myself to it—now, and in the future too..." he replied reassuringly, and she nodded, before her touch retreated.

"I trust you will."

"Now eat up before that goof finishes everything up..." she said, raising her voice toward the end when she saw Morgaine stuffing down an entire dish, her cheeks inflating like balloons.

Almost half the entire table had been cleared solely by her, and all she did was return an innocent smile to her mother.

"There's still—"

"Shut it."