Evolving Infinitely: SSS-Ranked Talent Awakening.

I stood before Elora, the weight of her words still hanging in the air.

She had suffered for centuries, bound to the ruins of her people, lost and alone.

The idea of finally leaving this prison-like existence stirred something deep within her.

Yet, I could sense the fear lingering in her gaze the fear of facing a world that she had never for once been a part of.

I was determined to offer her a path out, however slim that chance might seem.

I took in a deep breath and turned his focus inward, reaching for the connection to my system.

I could feel the subtle pull of my new skill, one that allowed me to form binding contracts with other beings.

But forming a contract with someone as ancient and powerful as Elora was a daunting task.

"System," I called out in my mind, "is there a way to take her with me? To break the bond that ties her to this place and bring her into my world?"

The system's response was swift and, as always, indifferent:

Ding!

~The only way to sever her connection to this location is through the establishment of a mutual contract.~

~You must use your skill >Binding Vow< skill, and both parties must consent to the terms~

~Be aware that if you proceed, you will need to establish conditions for control, as her power far surpasses your current level~

~Failure to account for this could endanger both parties.~

My hairy brows furrowed, absorbing the system's warning.

Forming a contract wasn't impossible, but if something went wrong, I'd be left at the mercy of a being of immense power.

Elora was gravely injured by time, her powers likely diminished, but even a fraction of her strength could be overwhelming.

I would need to ensure my ability to manage the bond, should her pain, anger, or lingering powers become a threat to those around us.

I looked at her and met her gaze, seeing her lost in thought, perhaps reliving memories of her fallen people.

I felt a surge of empathy for her suffering. "There is a way," I said softly, breaking the silence.

"But it would require a contract between us. This would bind us together. I could then take you out of this place, but there would need to be safeguards…a balance of control."

Elora's eyes sharpened, flickering between apprehension and curiosity.

"A contract?" she echoed softly, her voice wavering. "This isn't something I can agree to lightly."

Her gaze grew distant, clearly grappling with the implications.

The memory of the battle of her people's valiant last stand was etched into her mind.

She remembered the Time Crystal, its powers unclaimed, and the ancient potential it contained.

Could this young man, with his recently awakened powers over space and dimensions, be capable of unlocking its mysteries?

I wasn't just anyone; he possessed abilities that even the old Divine Custodians would have respected, abilities that might allow him to harness the Time Crystal's latent energy.

If she were to accept this contract, she would place her hopes in me, a total stranger.

But her desire for freedom, for retribution, and to honor her people's memory burned like a hidden ember within her.

She couldn't turn her back on this chance.

"I will accept," she said softly, yet firmly, her gaze unwavering.

"But I have a condition." She straightened, gathering her strength. "This will be a mutual contract not one of servitude... I have been a prisoner in these ruins for far too long. I will not be bound as someone's servant."

I nodded, understanding the strength of her stance. "I agree," I said. "This will not be a servant contract. But, in return, there's something I must ask of you." My eyes fixed on hers, firm and unwavering.

"I need assurance that if things go wrong, I can…keep you in check. I cannot risk innocent lives if your powers were to go out of control. This is not about mistrust it's simply a necessity."

Elora took in my words, contemplating my request. And I was sure she found all my statements to be right or just.

Her powers, though diminished, could pose a danger to those around her, especially with her emotions so close to the surface after centuries of isolation.

Reluctantly, she nodded, realizing that such a precaution was justified.

"I understand," she replied solemnly. "I will agree to your terms."

I smiled softly and steadied himself, summoning the Binding Vow skill.

"Skill..."

"Binding Vow..."

Ding!

~Active Skill: Binding Vow~

A shimmering glyph materialized between us, radiating a soft, pulsing glow that cast an otherworldly light across the ruins.

Power hummed in the air as the bond began to form.

"Elora," I spoke, my voice carrying the weight of the agreement we were about to enter.

"Do you, the last of the Divine Custodians, accept this contract, binding your fate to mine?"

She looked at me, her gaze filled with both uncertainty and a fierce determination.

"I accept," she replied, her voice unwavering.

The glyph flared brightly, sealing their pact.

In that instant, I felt a sudden rush of energy enveloping him, a new connection solidifying between our spirits.

Ding!

~Contract established with Elora, last survivor of the Divine Custodians.~

~Name: Elora~

~Age: 2,000 years~

~Level: ??? (Currently equivalent to Level 100)~

~Status: Severely injured, energy tapping veins damaged.~

~Recovery: Estimated at 300 years naturally, accelerated healing possible with high-grade healing magic~

The information flooded my mind, filling me with a deeper understanding of her condition.

The depth of her injuries was staggering. Centuries in isolation had left her in a critical state, her Anti-arcane pathways shattered and weakened.

Without intervention, it would take centuries for her to regain her former strength.

But the system's note about healing magic caught my attention, if I could find enough high grade Healers, I might be able to help her heal faster.

Elora staggered slightly, but her stance remained resolute.

Even in her weakened state, there was an undeniable strength in her bearing a reminder of the powerful figure she once was.

I observed her closely, wondering how someone who had endured so much could still retain such resilience.

'Her will power is very strong. She might be a big helper for me in future...'