Ethan stared at the darkening sky. Inside him, his sense of identity began to unravel. All this time, he believed he was just an ordinary human perhaps a bit different, but still human.
Now, he had to face the reality that there might be something much deeper hidden within him. An ancient lineage that brought him back to a world he had long left behind, or perhaps he had never left it at all.
Ethan listened to Valdraxx's words with a furrowed brow. He still found it hard to believe what the giant dragon residing within him had just said.
Sneaking into the dragons' lair? That sounded like a suicide mission for sure. How could they possibly survive, let alone conquer a place filled with the strongest creatures in Arkhana?
"So you're serious about this?" Ethan said incredulously, his voice tinged with bitterness. "You want us to sneak into their territory? The dragons you mentioned are the strongest beings in this world. We don't even know how strong our enemies really are. Do you want me to die?"
Valdraxx replied with a voice full of confidence and a hint of sly laughter, "Calm down, Ethan. Have you forgotten who is in your body now? I am Valdraxx, the great dragon who was once the supreme ruler among dragons. With the power I possess and the knowledge I have about this world, we can do more than just sneak around. We can conquer Arkhana!"
Ethan fell silent, processing every word Valdraxx had spoken. One thing was clear, Valdraxx was not just an ordinary dragon.
He had once been a ruler among dragons, and even though he was currently residing in Ethan's body as a spirit, his ambition to reclaim this world was strong.
However, despite knowing Valdraxx wasn't just bluffing, Ethan still felt doubt. How could a human, even with the presence of a great dragon spirit, stand against dragons in their own world?
"You talk about conquering Arkhana as if it's an easy task," Ethan hissed, trying to hide his fear and uncertainty. "But you haven't explained how we're going to do it. What's your plan?"
Valdraxx chuckled softly, his laughter echoing in Ethan's mind, making him feel as if the dragon was still there, whispering from the shadows.
"We start by understanding what has truly happened to your body, Ethan. You are an anomaly, a mystery. A human who possesses neither Mana nor Qi, yet can consume and absorb the powers of other beings like a Devourer. You are different, and that difference is our strength."
Ethan tried to digest Valdraxx's words. Yes, his body had indeed changed since arriving in Arkhana. He could feel a new power growing within him, something foreign yet incredibly strong. But how could that power compete with the dragons who had dominated this world for thousands of years?
"What does it have to do with the ancient texts you mentioned earlier?" Ethan asked, his eyes narrowing with curiosity.
He knew there was something significant that Valdraxx was hiding, something that might explain further what was happening to him.
"The ancient texts," Valdraxx continued in a more serious tone, "hold secrets that have long been forgotten by this world. Secrets about the origins of the Devourers, a race that once ruled Arkhana before the dragons and other creatures took over. If we can obtain those texts, we will understand how they became so powerful. More than that, we can find a way to awaken the true power within you, Ethan. You will become stronger than you can imagine."
Night had fallen in Arkhana, and darkness enveloped the world swiftly, spreading a mysterious aura and unexpected threats.
Stars twinkled in the dark sky, but beneath the moonlight, the shadows of wild creatures lurked, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Valdraxx, still residing in Ethan's mind, gazed into the darkness with heightened vigilance.
"Well, now that night has come, wild creatures will be much more aggressive at night. We should move to a safer place to rest tonight," Valdraxx said firmly, causing Ethan to feel the tension enveloping the night atmosphere.
Ethan nodded his head, showing his agreement. He knew that in this world, resting without any watch could have fatal consequences. They needed to find a safe place, far from the eyes of creatures roaming the night.
In his mind, one place came to mind, the cave on the cliff where he first arrived in Arkhana. That place felt familiar and had a peaceful aura, at least more peaceful compared to the dense forest filled with threats.
"What if we go back to the place I first arrived in Arkhana, the cave on the cliff?" Ethan suggested eagerly.
Memories of that cave brought a sense of comfort, even though he knew very well how enchanting that place was.
Valdraxx pondered the suggestion for a moment. "That's fine, as long as it's safe. And tomorrow, let's test what abilities you possess," he replied, his voice full of enthusiasm.
There was a mysterious tone in Valdraxx's voice, as if he already had a plan to unleash the hidden potential within Ethan.
They quickly moved toward the cave, traversing the rocky path filled with shrubs. The silence of the night was broken only by the sound of their footsteps, and in the distance, the occasional growl of wild creatures could be heard.
Ethan felt his heart pounding, unable to suppress his anxiety. "Are you sure we won't be ambushed?" he asked, his voice slightly trembling.
"Trust me, Ethan. As long as you're with me, I will protect you. If anything approaches, I will sense it before it happens," Valdraxx assured him, his voice steady and confident.
After a while of walking, they arrived at the entrance of the cave, surrounded by steep cliffs. The cave's mouth was large enough to accommodate both of them.
As Ethan stepped inside, he felt the cool, fresh air greet his face. The cave was dark, but with a little moonlight streaming through the gaps in the cave entrance, he could see the walls adorned with ancient carvings.
Valdraxx listened intently. "Find a comfortable spot to rest, Ethan. And quickly tend to your wounds. We will need all our strength to face whatever is out there."
Ethan found an area in the corner of the cave that looked relatively clean and comfortable. He sat down and began to inspect his wounds.
They still hurt, but the pain was starting to fade. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to sense Valdraxx's presence within him.
"Valdraxx, can you help me heal my wounds faster?" he asked, feeling a bit anxious.
"Let me channel my energy into you," Valdraxx replied, and Ethan felt a warm surge of energy flowing through his body.
It was as if a power was repairing every damaged tissue. Within minutes, the pain diminished, and Ethan felt rejuvenated.
"Thank you," Ethan said sincerely, feeling a deep gratitude for the dragon's power. He now felt more prepared to face the challenges ahead.
"Tonight we will rest and prepare for tomorrow. Once we understand what is within you, we will determine our next steps.
Remember, Arkhana is not a place for the weak, and you must be ready to face anything," Valdraxx reminded him, his tone calm yet firm.
Ethan nodded, looking out of the cave at the starry night sky. He realized this was the beginning of a very different adventure one filled with threats and opportunities to grow into something stronger.
In the tranquil darkness of the night, he vowed to himself not to give up. With Valdraxx by his side, he would face whatever came his way, ready to uncover the secrets of Arkhana and discover his true self.