Unlike humans, the spiritual world of griffins is purer and more straightforward.
Standing atop the snow-capped mountain in the soul space, Todd looked at the two large and three small creatures soaring in the sky and sighed softly with a complex expression.
The two larger figures are naturally the griffin couple, and the three baby griffins are their unborn children.
Together with its mate and all its children, soaring freely through the sky—that is the essence of this griffin's soul.
This wish is so simple, yet so beautiful.
Not wanting to disturb its thoughts, Todd avoided attracting the griffin's attention and began to look for other ways to connect his soul with the griffin's.
Since his body underwent mutation, Todd discovered that his superpowers had evolved dramatically.
Among them, "Soul Link," as the most mysterious and peculiar of all superpowers, has undergone many unexpected enhancements after mutation and evolution. For example, the expansion of the soul world can be maintained for a longer period of time without fatigue; furthermore, summoning a linker into the soul world no longer requires the other party's permission, but can be forcibly pulled in.
Within the griffin's soul space, Todd discovered a new power enhancement. When facing weak and benevolent beings with simple thoughts, the soul link allows him to peer into their memories, which can be used to find a starting point for the link.
For example, with Todd's upgraded Soul Link ability, he can directly read the memories of this griffin, find its mental weaknesses, and establish a direct link between them.
Moreover, compared to humans, griffins are not as adept at preserving their memories. They also don't seem to memorize every single memory; only a few crucial fragments are stored deep within their souls. All of this significantly reduces the difficulty of Todd's connection.
As Todd established the link, he glimpsed the most profound fragment of the griffin's memory.
A raging fire consumed the forest, black smoke obscuring the entire sky. Humans with hunting dogs, armed with nets, spears, crossbows, and swords, surrounded a flock of wounded griffins, their curses and roars filling the air.
The protagonist of the memory—the male griffin—is, in this recollection, nothing more than a terrified fledgling hiding under its mother's wings. It watches helplessly as its kind fall one after another, its parents sacrificing their lives to give it a chance to escape.
These images and sounds, in its very soul, left behind an indelible mark of blood and fire.
The forest continues to burn; loved ones and enemies alike have vanished, leaving only a young griffin kneeling on the ground, howling in despair.
Todd, as an observer, stepped into this memory.
He walked up to the young griffin, who, caught off guard, saw him, pushed off the ground with all four limbs, and retreated while yelling.
Todd knelt on one knee, and metallic scales slowly grew on his body. His hands transformed into the shape of monster's iron claws. The appearance and scent brought about by the mutation gradually calmed the griffin down.
Todd carefully reached out and pulled the griffin into his arms, gently stroking its head while murmuring something.
Soon, the griffin closed its eyes, transformed into a beam of light, and flew into Todd's body.
The first soul link with a non-human race has been completed.
Todd, having exited the world of spirits, stared blankly at the male griffin opposite him.
He saw gratitude, and even a hint of dependence, in the other person's eyes.
"You're crying..."
Rachel walked to Todd's side and spoke softly.
Touching his cheek, the dampness made Todd look surprised and confused.
In his memory, ever since he transmigrated to this strange world, whether it was the snow-covered cabin when he first arrived or the moment he fell into the sea in despair, Todd had always maintained an optimistic and cheerful attitude.
But when faced with what people consider a "stupid creature," Todd showed sadness and vulnerability for the first time.
After a long while, Todd, his tears still wet on his face, turned to look at Rachel and forced a smile, saying, "Sometimes, I really don't understand what humans are."
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Three days later, at the summit of the snow-capped mountain.
The meticulous Rachel took stock of the supplies needed to be carried one last time, and checked the chair cover strapped to the griffin one last time. After working for a long time, she finally nodded and said, "No problem, we can set off."
Todd watched the male griffins bidding a reluctant farewell to their mates, and upon hearing her words, he suddenly said, "Now that I think about it, I don't think I've named them yet."
Meredith, standing to the side, stared wide-eyed and exclaimed incredulously, "You're going to... name these monsters?!"
Ignoring her question, Todd continued, "I plan to call the male Henry and the female Sonia."
Meredith fiddled with her raven feathers, exchanged a glance with Rachel, and rolled her eyes.
Todd walked up to Henry the Griffin, scratched his neck, and the latter let out a soft groan of enjoyment and nuzzled Todd's face with his head.
Meredith's tone carried a hint of surprise: "These monsters from the Shadow Kingdom have always been hostile and wary of humans, yet you are able to get so close to them."
Todd gestured to Rachel, then mounted the griffin on its back. After adjusting his posture, he said to Meredith, "They are not the mad monsters that people talk about. If you can understand them, you will find that they will be your best friends."
Meredith nodded noncommittally, then smiled and looked at Todd: "When do you plan to come again?"
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