Chapter 86: Revelations of a Dragon's Soul

Inside their cozy tent, Eric and Shadow enjoyed a hearty meal after a successful day of hunting in the Mistwood Forest. The campfire's warm glow flickered across the fabric walls, casting dancing shadows that seemed to listen to their conversation.

Thanks to Eric's newfound skill, Communion, they could now communicate effortlessly through their thoughts. The night was still and filled with anticipation as Eric ventured into a line of questioning that had always intrigued him.

"Shadow," Eric began, his eyes locked onto his faithful companion, "I've always wondered, how do you feel about being with me?"

Shadow's deep, resonant voice reverberated in Eric's mind. "Eric, from the very first day we met, I felt immense satisfaction and happiness. Serving you and being a part of your family have been the greatest honors of my existence."

Eric's heart swelled with gratitude and warmth at Shadow's response. The bond between them had always been strong, but this newfound ability to share their thoughts and emotions added an entirely new dimension to their relationship.

As they continued their conversation, one question burned in Eric's mind—a question that had puzzled him for some time. He couldn't help but ask, "Shadow, there's something I've never understood. Why does your voice sound so deep and authoritative, as if you've lived for centuries? You're only five years old, so it doesn't make sense."

Shadow paused his meal, his wolfish eyes locking onto Eric's with a sense of gravity. He sat upright, exuding a noble air that commanded attention. "Eric, I'm glad you've asked this question. What I'm about to reveal may come as a shock to you, but it's time you knew."

Eric leaned in, his curiosity piqued. "Please, Shadow, don't keep any secrets from me. I'm ready to hear whatever you have to say."

With a deep breath, Shadow began to unveil the mysteries of his existence. "The reason my voice sounds like this is because I have indeed lived a very long life. You're correct that I am physically five years old, and if I spoke using my vocal cords, it would sound entirely different. However, the voice you hear is the result of my soul, which has existed for eons."

Eric's eyes widened in astonishment. His mind struggled to grasp the enormity of what Shadow had just revealed. "You mean to say… you're not just any ordinary creature, are you? Even before we could communicate, I sensed that you were unique."

Shadow's noble posture remained unchanged as he continued. "Behold, Eric, for I am one of the beings you hold in such high regard—a dragon. Or, to be precise, I was a dragon in my previous life."

Eric's heart raced at the revelation. His loyal companion, his steadfast friend, was no ordinary creature but a dragon—the very embodiment of power and ancient wisdom. The implications of this revelation were staggering.

Unable to contain his awe and curiosity, Eric bombarded Shadow with a barrage of questions. "How is it possible? How are you a dragon now, in this form? What were you like when you were a dragon? Tell me everything."

Shadow met Eric's gaze with a mix of pride and understanding. It was a moment of profound revelation, and he was ready to share his story—a tale that transcended the boundaries of time and existence.

"Once, in my previous life," Shadow began, "I was a mighty dragon, adorned with scales that glistened like obsidian. My wings spanned the heavens, and my breath could unleash the fury of the elements. I soared through the skies, roaming around the sacred lands and ancient secrets."

Eric's imagination soared as he listened to Shadow's words. He could picture the majestic dragon in his mind, a guardian of realms and a symbol of awe-inspiring power.

"But" Shadow continued, "like all living beings, my time came to an end. I who had now one to compare to I who was the strongest in the world couldn't help but be defeated by the passage of time. The once greatest and most powerful being of this world died of old age, but I who has the knowledge of eons managed to preserve my soul and take ahold of this body."

Eric's mind reeled from the weight of this revelation. The story of a dragon's soul residing within his loyal companion was beyond anything he had ever imagined. It was a tale of reincarnation, of enduring wisdom, and of the unbreakable bond that had brought them together.

With a sense of reverence, Eric asked, "So, Shadow, what does this mean for us? How does having the soul of a dragon change our journey together?"

Shadow's eyes held a profound wisdom that had traversed lifetimes. "Eric, having the soul of a dragon means that we share a unique connection—one that transcends the boundaries of ordinary existence. It means that together, we can achieve greatness beyond what either of us could accomplish alone. Our journey, our adventures, have taken on a new significance, guided by the ancient wisdom that resides within me."

As Eric absorbed Shadow's words, he couldn't help but feel a profound sense of purpose and destiny. Their bond, forged through trials and trust, had now been elevated to a level few could comprehend. They were no longer just a master and his companion; they were a partnership of past and present, a force to be reckoned with in the world of monster hunters.

With the night deepening around them and the embers of the campfire casting a warm glow, Eric and Shadow sat in quiet contemplation. Their journey had taken an unexpected turn, one filled with mysteries and revelations, and they were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, together as kindred spirits—master and dragon, bound by an unbreakable Communion of the soul.