That night, the castle of Elaria was quieter than usual. I sat alone on the balcony of the guest chamber, eyes fixed on the blue moon hanging high above. The night breeze carried the scent of noctis blossoms—flowers unique to this kingdom.
But my thoughts were anything but calm.
> [Notification: Synchronization with Dragon Spirit – 13%]
[Blade Status: Dormant | Energy Condition: Disrupted by Dimensional Distortion]
"Why did he know about my sword?" I muttered to myself.
Then, the voice returned—echoing in my mind.
"Because I… once destroyed his world."
I froze.
"I am no ordinary dragon, Ace. I was part of a war that shattered dimensions. And they—the Eternal Shadows—are still hunting me. Including… the one you met."
"If I fully merge with you… this world could be saved. Or destroyed."
I swallowed hard. "Then we'll grow stronger. Together."
"I have no name… Give me one, my master."
I paused for a moment. Then smiled.
"From now on… you are Zephyros. Dragon of wind and free will."
"A beautiful name. I accept it."
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door.
"Ace, you still awake?" Aurelia's voice.
"Yeah. Come in."
She entered in casual clothes—hair down, no armor. Just a sleeveless shirt and loose pants. Honestly… I wasn't ready.
"I wanted to make sure you didn't, you know… pass out or bleed out after what happened," she said, sitting beside me.
I chuckled softly. "I'm fine. Just a little… overwhelmed. That shadow guy—he spoke about my sword like he knew its dark past."
Aurelia looked at me. Then, slowly said, "I know who he is."
I turned to her quickly.
"His name is… Malrik Nocturne. He was once the commander of the Dimensional Guard Division. But after losing his family in a dragon magic explosion… he snapped. He now blames everything linked to ancient dragons."
I nodded slowly. "So I'm… his personal enemy now."
"Yes." She gripped my hand without realizing it. "And that means… I won't let you face him alone."
I stared at her. "Aurelia…"
"Listen, I don't know what this feeling is yet… but ever since we met, you've been stuck in my head. And—I don't want to lose you."
> [Bond Update: Aurelia – Level 2 Unlocked]
[Skill Unlocked: Link Shield – Create a shared shield if within 5 meters]
I took a breath, fingers curling around hers.
"Then from now on… we'll face this together."
We fell silent, accompanied only by the night wind and the shimmering stars.
And for a brief moment…
The world felt a little lighter.