Chapter 7: Name of the Storm

"Give me a name."

"Huh?" Arlon blinked, murmuring, "A name..." He repeated the words softly, letting the request sink in.

Arlon's expression shifted as he considered. This name had to be more than a title—it had to capture the essence of this powerful being. It needed to be something unforgettable, something that symbolized the dragon's strength and uniqueness.

After a moment of thought, he said, "Ace."

The dragon tilted its head, red eyes narrowing as the cave grew eerily silent.

"Ace… That will do," it said finally, its tone carrying faint approval.

Swoosh—

A sudden gust filled the cave, but the wind wasn't violent; it swirled gently around him as if wrapping him in the dragon's essence. In the midst of it, a small purple light appeared, illuminating the cave with a soft yet intense glow.

Arlon's gaze fixed on the orb floating before him, its dark purple light casting ethereal shadows. "The Sky Dragon's soul," he whispered, mesmerized by the mystical sight.

The dragon's voice resounded with gravity, filling the space. "I'll be part of your soul once you accept me."

The orb pulsed gently, as if alive, and Ace's voice continued. "Once you accept the Sky Dragon Soul, you'll carry its power—calamity from the skies. It's a force of endless destruction, untamable unless you fully embrace it." The dark purple light moved closer, floating just within reach.

As Arlon reached out, he felt Ace's emotions through the bond forming between them—a mixture of happiness and fear, both subtle but undeniable. He must be worried about something, Arlon thought, yet he could sense a strange warmth behind the Guardian's stoic mask.

Whoosh—swoosh!

The moment Arlon's fingers brushed the orb, a searing light shot straight into his chest, spiraling into his heart. All the black winds in the cave twisted together, swirling around him before getting absorbed entirely.

thump—thump—Thump

"Urk!—" Arlon grunted, feeling the intense pulse of his own heartbeat as it throbbed in response to the Soul orb's power. A hot, almost burning sensation hit his chest, and he sucked in a breath, trying to calm himself. With each slow inhale, something within him began to shift, filling an emptiness he hadn't even realized was there since awakening as Arlon Throndsen.

The hollow feeling in his body was easing, replaced by a strange vitality. It was disorienting—one part of him felt exhausted, as though he'd fought a hundred battles, but another part buzzed with fresh energy, eager to be unleashed. With his eyes closed, he let himself sink into that renewed warmth, feeling just a trace of life filling what had once been an empty vessel.

He opened his eyes, momentarily dazed, but was quickly jolted out of his thoughts by a voice echoing in his mind.

"Because you can understand my language, I'll use it to talk to you," Ace's voice resounded in his mind, laced with a hint of amusement.

Arlon's eyebrows twitched. So he's already finding ways to talk directly into my head. Ignoring the dragon's sly tone, Arlon bent down, picking up his mask and adjusting it before heading for the cave exit.

As he walked, Ace's voice cut through his thoughts with a mocking edge. "You're weaker than a chicken, to be honest. I doubt you'll even be able to control the Sky's power."

"Don't worry, I'll avoid getting myself in dang—" Arlon started, only to be interrupted.

Flutter—

Suddenly, a series of text panels appeared in front of him, glowing softly as they floated in midair. The narrator screen, its words scrolling by on a page-like surface, caught Arlon off guard, making him pause mid-stride.

["After making a deal with the Sky Soul Guardian named Ace, Arlon Throndsen received the Sky Dragon's Soul. Ace didn't have any expectations from Arlon, assuming he'd become like the foolish past hosts who barely survived a week."]

Arlon blinked, bewildered. The words flashed before him faster than he could process, revealing what Ace was thinking as if it were being narrated straight out of a book.

["Ace was already contemplating where to go after being confined in the mountain cave for five years. 'Where should I eat—no, first figure out where to go, then think about the food I haven't tasted yet.' He was excited to explore."]

Flutter—Flutter

More screens popped up, narrating Ace's thoughts as though reading directly from his mind. Arlon glanced around, slightly irritated but intrigued, recalling how he'd forgotten the narrator was still present here. It's been so quiet that I almost forgot it existed, he thought as he skimmed over the floating screens.

Five years trapped in that cave? What about the other Soul Guardians? He remembered the book he'd found—the one with an entire section on Soul Guardians that the novel hadn't focused on. There must be information on the others in there too.

As he resumed his walk, Ace began explaining the dangers surrounding his power, describing various disasters that could kill him if he misused it—or even if he didn't.

Arlon sighed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. What a life.

———

The storm over the mountain range finally subsided, the dark clouds dispersing along with the thunder and wild winds. It was as if the mountain itself had calmed and drifted off to sleep.

Drip—drip

"The rain suddenly stops…" Lawrence murmured, still standing where he'd been since Arlon had entered the cave. His eyes stayed fixed on the cave's entrance, hopeful yet tense. How long does he need to stay there? he wondered, thinking back to what Arlon had told him before they arrived.

"The Celestial Clan is planning to fight against the Empire if they get the Dragon's Soul, and that's when a war will start," Arlon had explained, calm yet serious.

"Why would they do that?" Lawrence had asked, frowning.

"It's to gain control of the Empire's throne for the Crown Prince. The Pry Clan has allied with the Crown Prince, so if they kill the Emperor, the Crown Prince will be authorized to take the throne without question in return for supporting the Celestial Clan," Arlon had explained in detail. "If we successfully get the Dragon's Soul, we can stop that from happening. Plus, we can use it against them."

That had made Lawrence stop and look at Arlon with a renewed determination. "Are you going to help me to avenge my people?" he'd asked.

"Of course, and to make you stronger than them." Arlon had replied with conviction.

Lawrence had never had close friends or family; he'd always been on his own. But hearing Arlon's words had ignited something in him, a drive to protect others, to keep others from facing loss as he had.

"I can't lose another life…" he'd mumbled quietly to himself, resolute.

Step—step

The sound of footsteps echoed out of the cave, snapping Lawrence from his thoughts. He looked up to see Arlon emerging slowly, his form weary and disheveled, as if he'd been inside for an eternity.

"Arlon," Lawrence called, hurrying over to him. Arlon looked drained, his pale face and dusty appearance showing just how much he'd endured. "What happened? Are you alright?" he asked, worrying, lacing his tone as he looked Arlon over.

"Yeah… I'm good," Arlon replied, giving a calm but slightly awkward smile, absently scratching his head.

He looks even paler than last time, Lawrence thought, his concern deepening. He quickly helped Arlon sit down, handing him a bottle of water. Arlon was a mess, covered in dust and with his hair in wild disarray. Whatever had happened in that cave must have taken a toll on him, yet Lawrence could sense something different, something stronger in him now.

Arlon looked up, dust still clinging to his cloak and hair, only to find Lawrence staring at him with a mix of admiration and something… closer to pity. Beside him, Ace's voice echoed in his mind, laced with a half-amused, half-skeptical tone.

"You look stronger," Lawrence said with a small, approving smile.

"And you look… pity," Ace murmured, his voice dripping with mock concern.

Arlon blinked, momentarily thrown by their reactions. "What the… what are you two looking at?" he muttered, realizing he was caught between admiration on one side and pure judgment on the other. He shook his head and turned to Lawrence, noticing the dirt and exhaustion on his face.

He must've been standing here the whole time, waiting for me to return.

"Why did you wait here, anyway?" Arlon asked, trying to brush off the awkwardness. He raised an eyebrow, but there was a faint gratitude in his gaze.

Lawrence's expression softened as he shifted his stance. "I… I was worried you wouldn't come back alive," he admitted, his voice sincere.

Ace huffed with an air of disbelief. "Worried? This weakling?" The dragon's voice held a slight sneer, but then, almost as if in spite of himself, Ace added thoughtfully, "Though, I guess, he could probably split a mountain in two if he tried hard enough."

Arlon's shoulders stiffened. Split a mountain in two? he thought, wondering just what Ace saw in him that he didn't see himself.

He reached out and patted Lawrence's shoulder, a rare, awkward gesture of gratitude. "It's alright," he said quietly. "But thanks… for waiting."

Lawrence's face softened, a brief but genuine smile passing over his features. He bent down, dusting off his cloak as he prepared to descend the mountain path. But before he could pull it over his shoulders, Arlon stopped him, yanking the robe out of his hands and casting it aside.

"We don't need that," Arlon said simply, his expression calm.

Lawrence looked puzzled. "What? Then… how exactly are we supposed to get down?" he asked, his eyes widening as he glanced at the sheer cliff that dropped off beside them. "Are we just gonna… roll down the mountain?"

Arlon sighed, rubbing his temples. "Are you insane?" He turned, his gaze focused beyond Lawrence as he called out, "Ace, get us out of here."

Whoosh—

A gust of wind whirled around them, and suddenly a bright purple glow appeared at their feet. Lawrence stumbled slightly as he felt the ground lift beneath him.

"Wha—!"

But instead of falling, they began to float downward, carried by the same violet light that glowed in the depths of the mountain cave. Lawrence's amazement grew as they glided through the mist. "Is… is this… the power of the Dragon Soul?"

Arlon nodded. "Yes," he replied curtly, watching Lawrence's awed expression.

In truth, he hadn't actually learned to control Ace's power—he hadn't even tried yet. This was all Ace's doing. Arlon had barely wanted the dragon soul, but now it had merged with him, and there was no turning back. In his mind, he heard Ace's voice.

"I'll get you down the mountain this time," Ace's voice echoed coolly. "But be warned—the mountain may react to my absence. It was my prison, after all, and… well, let's just say things are bound to get a bit chaotic without me there."

Arlon smirked a little, understanding the threat yet finding it oddly satisfying.

"I think we'll manage," he murmured, watching as Ace carried them toward the forest at the base of the mountain.

They touched down at last, and as soon as Arlon's feet met the ground, Lawrence let out a small, almost reverent exhale.

"I never thought I'd see it… the power of a Dragon Soul, right in front of me."

"Not just any Dragon Soul," Arlon corrected, though he tried to keep his tone light. "This is Ace."

Lawrence tilted his head, curiosity shining in his eyes. "Ace? That's… his name?"

Arlon gave a nod, glancing briefly at the purple light that floated beside him.The purple light grew brighter for a moment, as if responding to Lawrence's words, and then drifted closer, almost inspecting him.

Ace's voice spoke within Arlon's mind, though Arlon could sense it wasn't entirely directed at him.

"This kid… he hides his true strength, you know." Ace's tone was thoughtful. "It's like he's holding back. But why? What is he afraid of?"

Arlon glanced at Lawrence as they began their walk back toward the village. Why indeed? he thought, curiosity growing.

Ace wasn't finished. "Hey, kid. That human there," Ace remarked with a hint of challenge in his voice, "he looks stronger than you right now."

Arlon's mouth twitched into a faint smirk. Of course he does, he's the main character, after all.

As they walked through the forest edge, Arlon glanced at the glowing purple orb that floated beside him, pondering how best to introduce Ace without completely shocking Lawrence.

Maybe this will do, he thought, extending his hand toward the light. "Ace," he murmured quietly, "could you, uh, appear in a… less intimidating form?"

"... Sigh"

The orb hovered, pulsing in what seemed like silent protest. Then, with a faint, dramatic sigh, it began to swirl, shifting colors from purple to an inky black, its shape compressing and morphing until a small black cat with piercing red eyes appeared in front of them.

Lawrence blinked, taken aback. "Wait, that's… Ace?"

"Yes," Ace's voice echoed from the tiny form, his tone a mix of disdain and annoyance. "Thanks to you, I've been forced into this ridiculous shape. If your body weren't such a weak vessel, I could have appeared in my full dragon form. But no… instead, I have to walk on this little four legs," he finished, casting an indignant look at Arlon as he sat down and curled his tail around his paws.

Arlon held back a grin, eyeing the dragon-now-cat with mild amusement. "I'd say it suits you."

Ace flicked his tail, his red eyes narrowing. "If it weren't for the fact that I don't want to completely drain your pitiful reserves of energy, I wouldn't be here, like this. But," he sighed dramatically, glancing up at Lawrence, "I suppose introductions are in order."

Lawrence's eyes narrowed as he studied the black cat pacing beside them. "So this is the Sky Dragon's Soul?" he asked cautiously.

"It's… not what I expected."

"I assure you, human, I'm not thrilled about this either," Ace replied, flicking his tail. "But I'll make do—for now."

Lawrence shot a wary glance at Arlon. "Can you really control him?"

Arlon hesitated. "Let's just say… we're figuring that out."

"I think it's… kind of fitting. You're certainly… memorable this way."

Ace scoffed, flicking his tail. "Memorable? I was legendary. I've split mountains, summoned storms, brought kingdoms to ruin. Now I'm—"

"—adorable," Arlon interrupted with a smirk, and Lawrence actually chuckled this time, unable to hold it back.

Ace shot Arlon a look that would have been deadly if he weren't, in fact, an unimposing black cat. "Laugh all you like, but remember that I hold the power of calamity, mortal."

Arlon raised an eyebrow. "So you say."

Clearing his throat, Arlon returned his focus to Lawrence. "In any case, Lawrence, no one can know about Ace. His presence, his form—everything has to stay secret."

Lawrence nodded seriously, though he kept glancing back at Ace, his expression a mix of awe and amusement. "I promise," he said finally. "But… Ace, right? Can you… turn into anything else?"

Ace bristled. "Anything? Not with this frail vessel I'm bound to," he muttered, shooting Arlon an irritated glare. "Just be thankful I don't have to wear a collar."

Arlon snorted. "Noted. Shall we move on?"

The unlikely trio resumed their walk down the mountain path, with Ace muttering under his breath about the indignity of it all as he prowled gracefully beside them. Lawrence followed, still stealing glances at the now-small, now-temporary "Dragon Soul" as they made their way back to the village, all three bound by their secret—however absurd it may have seemed.

Arlon pulled his hood over his face as they approached the village, the shadows from his cloak shielding his identity. Only Lawrence and Ace could see his face now.

There's still time, he thought. But deep down, Arlon knew it wouldn't be long before they were drawn into the struggle he'd hoped to escape. And as he walked forward, he wondered just how many more secrets Ace was hiding—and if he could survive the price they'd both have to pay.

"Let's wait and see how it goes…"

The group reached the village center just as dawn was breaking, casting soft pink and orange hues over the makeshift camp. Villagers stirred, slowly waking from their rest, and a murmur of relief passed through the crowd as they noticed Lawrence and Arlon had returned.

Although Arlon kept his face concealed, the villagers were grateful for any help they could get in these troubled times.

Arlon was still processing the fatigue from the night's events when a loud, desperate cry broke through the morning calm.

"Help! Please help us!"

He turned to see a woman stumbling out of the forest, her face pale and frantic, followed by a tall man who bore a massive sword on his back.