Alex stirred in his bed, his body heavy with the weight of the day's training. The darkness of the room enveloped him, save for a sliver of moonlight filtering through the window. The silence was comforting, yet faintly unsettling. Just as his thoughts began to drift into unconsciousness, a voice cut through the stillness, sharp and dismissive.
Tsk, tsk. Where are you even looking, you fool?
Alex bolted upright, his heart pounding. His eyes darted around the room, but nothing seemed out of place. Fatigue, maybe? he reasoned, rubbing his temples. His breathing began to settle as he lay back down. Just as his eyes fluttered shut, the voice came again, louder this time.
"Looking the wrong way, aren't you?"
A chill ran down his spine. Slowly, hesitantly, he turned his gaze to the window.
Standing outside was a figure unlike anything he had ever seen. The man's crimson hair cascaded down his back, shimmering like molten fire in the moonlight. His golden eyes glowed with a predatory intensity, locking Alex in place. His attire—a formal black coat adorned with intricate gold embroidery—spoke of an authority that commanded respect, or perhaps, fear. The coat flared dramatically in the wind, accentuating the man's almost ethereal presence.
For a moment, Alex was paralyzed. The man seemed unreal, like a deity descended from the heavens.
"A... ghost?" Alex whispered, his voice trembling.
The figure's lips curled into a smirk. "Pathetic," he sneered. "To think the 'Commandment' fell to such an insignificant wretch."
"Commandment?" Alex repeated, his voice barely audible.
The man raised an eyebrow, his expression one of disdainful amusement. "Did I grant you permission to speak?" He lifted his hand and pointed a slender, elegant finger downward. "Kneel."
A silence thicker than the air before a storm filled the room. Alex stared at the figure, his confusion deepening. What the hell is going on?
When nothing happened, the man's confident demeanor faltered. His golden eyes narrowed as if he were testing something unseen. "I... I can't even use my 'Authority,'" he muttered, grinding his teeth.
Before Alex could react, the figure stepped forward, passing through the wall as though it didn't exist. He moved with a grace that defied logic, finally settling on Alex's bed.
"Hey, Shitty Ears," the man called out, his voice now tinged with impatience.
Alex blinked, pointing at himself. "Me?"
"Yes, you. What year is it?"
"985th year of the Holy Nation's Calendar," Alex replied, his voice firmer now that his initial shock was wearing off.
The man sighed, leaning back. "Hmph. I see. Well then, sit down. We have much to discuss." He gestured toward the floor with the authority of a king addressing his subjects.
Alex hesitated. This is insane. A ghost—if that's what he is—has no reason to harm me, right? He sighed, resigning himself to the bizarre encounter, and sat cross-legged on the floor.
The room felt heavy as Alex sat cross-legged on the floor, his gaze fixed on the man whose aura seemed to demand both reverence and defiance. He could feel his heart racing, but his mind sharpened as he assessed the situation. If this is real... then who exactly is this guy? And why does he want to talk to me?
The figure crossed one leg over the other, his posture relaxed yet exuding authority. He regarded Alex with a mix of curiosity and disdain, his golden eyes narrowing slightly.
"I'll only say this once, so pay attention," the man began, his voice as smooth as silk but laced with a commanding edge. He raised a hand, his movements deliberate, as though every gesture carried profound significance. "I was meant to fulfill a promise to an old friend. A promise that involves you. So listen carefully, and perhaps I won't kill you."
Alex raised an eyebrow, his skepticism momentarily overriding his fear. "Kill me? You're a ghost—or whatever you are. How do you even plan to pull that off?"
The man's lips twitched, his expression caught between amusement and annoyance. "Bold for someone so insignificant," he remarked. "Do you even know who I am?"
"Should I?" Alex countered, tilting his head.
The man smirked, leaning forward. "I was known as the Dragon Lord in my time. The strongest being to walk this wretched world. The name Varlak should echo through history, even in an age as dimwitted as this."
Alex's breath hitched. Varlak? The Dragon Lord? His mind raced, piecing together fragments of stories he'd heard in passing. Varlak, a mythical figure feared and revered a thousand years ago. If the legends were to be believed, he was a being of unparalleled power who had died—no, disappeared—at the climax of the 100-Year War.
"You're saying you're that Varlak? The one who supposedly died a thousand years ago?" Alex asked, his voice laced with disbelief.
"Died?" Varlak's eyes flashed with irritation. "What nonsense have they been teaching you brats? I did not die. I transcended."
"Transcended? Sure, that explains why you're floating around like a ghost," Alex muttered under his breath.
Varlak's expression darkened. He stepped closer, his presence oppressive despite his incorporeal form. "Watch your tongue, boy. You may think me powerless, but if not for this accursed limitation, I could erase your existence with a flick of my wrist."
Alex swallowed hard but refused to back down. If he's trying to intimidate me, he'll have to do better than that. "Why don't you just explain what you want instead of throwing around threats?"
The Dragon Lord sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose as though dealing with a particularly frustrating child. "The Great War may be history to you, but its echoes still shape this world. I was tasked with ensuring the survival of its truths. That responsibility now falls to you."
"Me? What could I possibly do about something that happened centuries ago?"
Varlak's gaze bore into Alex, his golden eyes gleaming with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. "You've been chosen, boy. Chosen to bear the Commandment—a flame that must not be extinguished. Your very existence is tied to this responsibility."
Alex frowned. The weight of Varlak's words began to settle over him, but his skepticism remained. "What exactly is this 'Commandment'? And why me?"
Varlak paced the room, his hands clasped behind his back. "The Commandment is more than just a title. It is a bond, forged in the fires of purpose. As for why you..." He paused, his expression contemplative. "You are unique, Alex. A being of three distinct bloodlines. Something I have never seen in my centuries of existence."
"Three bloodlines?" Alex repeated, his thoughts racing. "You're saying my lineage is why I was chosen?"
"Precisely. Your human, elven, and draconic heritage grants you potential beyond comprehension. It also makes you a target."
Alex's eyes narrowed. "A target? For what?"
Varlak's gaze darkened. "For those who would seek to exploit your power. The blood of a High Elf alone is enough to incite wars. Combine that with your other traits, and you're a walking beacon for disaster."
Alex leaned back, his mind churning. So, this explains why we've lived in isolation for so long... But it also raises more questions. "And what exactly do you get out of this?"
Varlak smirked, his pride evident. "What I desire is irrelevant. My duty is to guide you, to ensure you do not squander the legacy I have entrusted to you."
"Legacy? You mean the power you've supposedly passed down?"
Varlak's expression grew serious. "Power, knowledge, and a path. But whether you survive to walk it depends on you."
***
Varlak straightened, his golden eyes gleaming with ancient wisdom and unyielding pride. "You don't understand the gravity of what I'm offering you, do you? You may be clever for a mortal whelp, but you have no idea what it means to carry the essence of a Dragon Lord within you."
Alex tilted his head, his expression neutral, though his mind raced with cautious analysis. He's proud, clearly. Centuries of being on top have made him arrogant, but he's also desperate. This 'Commandment' binds him to guide me. I can use that.
"Why don't you enlighten me then?" Alex said, his voice smooth but tinged with defiance. "If I'm to risk my life for this supposed legacy, I'd like to know exactly what I'm getting into."
Varlak chuckled, the sound deep and resonant, echoing through the room like a distant thunderclap. "You have spirit. I'll give you that." He stepped closer, his form towering over Alex. Though incorporeal, his presence was overwhelming, the very air around him feeling heavy with an ancient power.
"Very well," Varlak said, raising a hand. A swirling sphere of darkness, flecked with streaks of violet, materialized above his palm. Its energy pulsed, radiating an otherworldly warmth that made Alex's skin prickle.
"This," Varlak said, his voice reverent, "is the Dark Void Energy, the essence of my being. It is a force that defies the natural order, a power that allowed me to stand above all others during the 100-Year War. And now, it is bound to you."
Alex's eyes widened as he stared at the swirling orb. His instincts screamed at him to back away, but he held his ground. It's dangerous... but also fascinating. Could this really be the source of his strength?
"Why me?" Alex asked again, his tone sharper this time. "Out of all the people in this world, why did this power—your essence—choose me?"
Varlak's smirk faded, replaced by a thoughtful expression. "That... is a question even I cannot fully answer. But I can tell you this: your bloodlines make you a bridge between worlds. Human ingenuity, elven purity, and draconic might—all converging in a single being. That convergence is no coincidence."
Alex crossed his arms, his gaze unwavering. "So, I'm just some kind of experiment to see what happens when you mix three species together?"
Varlak's eyes narrowed, his pride flaring. "You are far more than that. Do not belittle your potential, boy. The world will come to fear and revere you if you embrace what you are."
Alex's lips curled into a sly smile. "Fear and reverence sound nice, but I'd prefer to survive first. If what you're saying is true, then I have enemies I don't even know about yet. How exactly are you planning to help me?"
The Dragon Lord's expression softened, just slightly, as if acknowledging Alex's pragmatism. "By teaching you to harness this power. With my guidance, you will become more than mortal—stronger than any human, elf, or dragon that walks this earth."
"Sounds too good to be true," Alex replied, his tone skeptical. "What's the catch?"
Varlak chuckled again, this time with genuine amusement. "Smart boy. Of course, there is a cost. Mastery of the Dark Void Energy requires discipline and sacrifice. It will demand more of you than anything else in your life. But it is the only path to survival—and to fulfilling your role as the FlameBearer."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "You keep throwing that word around. 'FlameBearer.' What does it even mean?"
Varlak's expression turned solemn, his golden eyes glowing brighter. "The FlameBearer is not merely a title. It is a burden. A duty to uphold the truths of the world as it was meant to be. The 100-Year War was fought to protect those truths, but history has been twisted, lies passed down through generations. You, Alex, are the one who will unravel those lies and bring balance to this fractured world."
Alex leaned back, his mind spinning. Balance? Truths? Sounds like a glorified babysitting job. But if it comes with the power to protect myself—and maybe even escape this isolated life—it might be worth it.
"I'll need more than vague promises," Alex said, his voice firm. "If I'm going to risk everything for this, I need details. What happened during the 100-Year War? What lies are you talking about?"
Varlak's gaze hardened, his jaw tightening. "The war was not what your history books claim. It was not a simple conflict between nations or ideologies. It was a battle for the soul of the world itself. The Red-Eyed Ones sought to remake the world in their image, to strip it of its natural balance. They would have succeeded if not for the Commandments."
"The Red-Eyed Ones?" Alex asked, frowning.
"Beings of pure malice, their eyes stained with the blood of their victims. They were the harbingers of chaos, wielding powers that defied comprehension. They were my enemies... and now they are yours."
Alex's stomach churned as he processed Varlak's words. This just keeps getting better and better. So not only am I some kind of freak with three bloodlines, but I've also inherited the enemies of a long-dead Dragon Lord. Great.
"Fine," Alex said after a long pause. "I'll consider your offer. But I have one condition."
Varlak raised an eyebrow. "A condition? You are in no position to bargain, boy."
"Maybe not," Alex admitted, a sly grin spreading across his face. "But you're bound by this Commandment, aren't you? You need me as much as I need you. So here's my condition: I stay with my family until I turn fourteen. No running off on some grand quest until I'm ready. Deal?"
For a moment, Varlak stared at Alex, his expression unreadable. Then, to Alex's surprise, the Dragon Lord smiled—a genuine, approving smile. "You're bold. I like that. Very well, Alex. You have your deal."
As the agreement settled, Alex felt a peculiar shift in the atmosphere. The weight of Varlak's presence seemed to grow heavier, as though the pact they had just made carried an unseen force binding them together.
"Good," Varlak said, his voice a low rumble of satisfaction. "Now that we have an understanding, there is much to prepare. You have less time than you think to become the FlameBearer this world needs."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "Didn't we just agree I have until I'm fourteen? What happened to that?"
"You may have the luxury of staying with your family," Varlak replied, his golden eyes narrowing, "but the forces aligned against you will not wait for your convenience. I suggest you use these years wisely. And since your 'training' thus far consists of glorified calisthenics, I'll take over from here."
The insult stung, though Alex masked his reaction behind a smirk. "You sound confident for someone who can't even touch the ground."
Varlak leaned in, his gaze piercing. "Confidence is born of experience, boy. And my experience spans millennia. Your mortal wit will only take you so far."
***
Sunlight poured through the forest canopy, bathing Alex's home in a soft golden glow. He stood at the edge of the clearing, his pack slung over one shoulder and his mother fussing over his cloak.
"Don't talk to strangers. Don't leave your father's side. And did you pack an extra pair of pants?" Arlette asked, her hands smoothing the edges of Alex's shirt.
"Mom, I packed everything last night," Alex sighed, his patience waning.
"Let her fuss," Leo said, standing by with his arms crossed. "She's not going to see you for a while."
"I know it's silly," Arlette admitted, stepping back with a faint smile, "but it's your first time traveling beyond our woods. I just want you to be safe."
Her fingers brushed the intricate bracelet she'd clasped around Alex's wrist. Tiny runes etched into its surface glowed faintly, their black sheen disappearing as Alex pulled his sleeve over it.
"I'll be fine," Alex assured her, though his mind was far from calm. A High Elf in hiding. A Dragon Lord in my head. And now a journey to meet strangers I have no intention of befriending. What could possibly go wrong?
Leo's voice cut through his thoughts. "We'd better get moving. It's a long trek, and I want us to cover as much ground as possible before nightfall."
Arlette waved as they departed, her voice trailing after them. "Make some friends, Alex!"
Alex grimaced. Yeah, sure.
***
Hours into their hike, Alex found himself walking in silence beside Leo. Fein, their wolf-like companion, trotted ahead, his nose to the ground as he sniffed out possible prey.
Above Alex, a familiar presence hovered. Varlak had taken to lazily levitating beside him, his crimson hair shimmering in the sunlight.
"I say we ditch the old man and go somewhere fun," Varlak suggested, his voice dripping with mischief.
Alex chewed on a piece of dried meat, refusing to look at the Dragon Lord. You're really bad at this whole mentor thing, you know that?
Varlak smirked. "And you're terribly boring for someone with my legacy. How do you tolerate this dull existence?"
By not giving you the satisfaction of watching me snap, Alex thought, deliberately taking another bite of jerky.
Varlak chuckled. "Fair enough. But mark my words—this mundane life of yours won't last. Chaos will find you, and when it does, you'll wish you'd embraced your training sooner."
Alex ignored him, though his mind lingered on the warning. Chaos, huh? Let's see if it's ready for me.
***
The scent of burning wood mingled with the crisp night air as Alex and Leo sat around a crackling campfire. The warmth was a welcome relief after the long trek through the forest. Above them, the crescent moon hung like a silent observer, casting its silvery light across the clearing.
Alex held a bowl of stew in his hands, the steam curling upward in lazy tendrils. He took a sip, the earthy flavors spreading across his tongue. Not bad... though Mom's cooking is still leagues ahead.
"Better than your mom's, isn't it?" Leo asked, a teasing grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.
Alex smirked. "Not a chance, but it's edible enough."
"Hah! Your sharp tongue will get you in trouble one day," Leo said with a laugh, leaning back on his log.
"Maybe, but I'm sure it'll keep me alive too," Alex shot back, the corners of his lips quirking upward.
The two shared a moment of quiet laughter before the conversation lulled. The only sounds were the crackling fire and the occasional rustle of leaves as the wind whispered through the trees.
Alex stared into the flames, his thoughts churning. Finally, he broke the silence. "Dad, can I ask you something?"
Leo turned to him, his smile softening. "Of course. What's on your mind?"
Alex hesitated for a moment, then spoke. "Why do we live in such an isolated place? We could've lived in the village we're traveling to, couldn't we?"
Leo's expression grew thoughtful. He poked the fire with a stick, sending sparks into the air. "That's... a complicated question," he said after a pause. "It's tied to things you might not fully remember because of your memory loss."
"Try me," Alex said, his gaze steady.
Leo sighed, setting the stick aside. "Alright. I'll keep it simple. Your mother, Arlette, was a prominent figure in the Elven Kingdom—a scholar and a mage of great renown. But her status also meant she was bound by strict rules. She wasn't allowed to leave the kingdom, let alone marry someone like me, a human."
Alex raised an eyebrow. "So, you're saying you broke her out?"
Leo chuckled. "In a way. I was sent to the Elven Kingdom as a representative of my family, which is... well, let's just say it's a big one. I ended up staying longer than planned, and during that time, your mother and I worked closely together. We fell in love, but our union was forbidden. So, we ran. We found this isolated place and built a life together, away from the politics and expectations."
Alex absorbed the story, his thoughts racing. So, Mom's a High Elf, and Dad's from some influential human family? No wonder they've kept me hidden. But it also raises more questions.
"That's... a lot to take in," Alex admitted, his voice quieter. "Why didn't you tell me this before?"
Leo smiled wistfully. "We wanted to protect you. The less you knew, the safer you were."
Alex nodded slowly. "I get it. But things are changing now, aren't they?"
"They are," Leo agreed, his tone serious. "But you're strong, Alex. Stronger than you realize. Whatever challenges come our way, we'll face them together."
After finishing their meal, Alex stood, brushing off his clothes. "I'm going for a walk to stretch my legs. I'll take Fein with me."
"Good idea," Leo said, gesturing toward their wolf-like companion, who was already wagging his tail in anticipation. "Make sure he gets some exercise too. He's been getting lazy."
"Woof!" Fein barked, as if protesting the accusation.
Alex chuckled, motioning for Fein to follow. Together, they wandered into the forest, the moonlight filtering through the canopy above. The air was cool and refreshing, carrying the faint scent of pine and earth.
As they walked, Alex's mind turned to Varlak, who had remained conspicuously silent during dinner. What's your take on this, oh mighty Dragon Lord?
Varlak's voice rumbled in his mind, low and contemplative. "Your father is either a fool or the bravest man I've ever seen."
Alex raised an eyebrow. Why's that?
"To marry a High Elf and live in hiding... it's insanity," Varlak said, his tone laced with both admiration and exasperation. "Does he even understand the consequences if you're discovered? The Elven Kingdom does not take such matters lightly."
Alex frowned, his steps slowing. What do you mean?
Varlak materialized beside him, his form shimmering faintly in the moonlight. "High Elves are not just rare—they're sacred. They are born once every few centuries and are destined to rule. Your mother, if my guess is correct, was no ordinary elf. Her bloodline alone makes her invaluable. And you, boy, are an even greater anomaly. A High Elf with human blood? The mere existence of someone like you is enough to ignite a war."
Alex stopped walking, his heart pounding. A war? You're exaggerating, right?
Varlak's gaze was piercing. "I do not exaggerate. If the Elven Kingdom discovers you, they will hunt you down. And they won't stop until you're dead."
A chill ran through Alex, though he tried to mask it with a forced laugh. Great. So not only do I have the enemies of the Dragon Lord after me, but I also have an entire kingdom to worry about. What's next? The gods themselves coming after me?
Varlak smirked. "You'd be surprised."
The forest grew darker as Alex wandered deeper, the faint light of the campfire behind him dwindling into a soft, distant glow. Fein padded along silently at his side, his ears twitching at every sound. The occasional snap of a twig or rustle of leaves reminded Alex how alive the forest was, even at night.
Alex stopped in a clearing, gazing up at the crescent moon as it hung between the silhouettes of ancient trees. The silver light bathed the forest in an eerie serenity, yet Alex's mind was anything but calm.
So, I'm some kind of walking time bomb, he thought, crossing his arms. Mom's past, Dad's boldness, and now this whole FlameBearer thing. Did they ever think I'd have a normal life? Probably not.
Varlak's presence materialized beside him once more, the Dragon Lord sitting cross-legged mid-air, his golden eyes studying Alex like a predator observing prey.
"You're taking this surprisingly well," Varlak said, his voice carrying a hint of respect.
Alex smirked, though his gaze remained fixed on the moon. "What's the point in freaking out? If the entire Elven Kingdom is after me, and I have to live up to this 'FlameBearer' nonsense, panicking won't help."
Varlak chuckled, the sound deep and rumbling. "Spoken like a tactician. Perhaps there's hope for you yet."
Alex turned to him, his expression serious. "If I'm supposed to survive all this, I need answers. You've been skirting around the details of this 'FlameBearer' stuff. Start talking."
Varlak's smirk widened. "Impatient, aren't you? Very well." He extended his hand, and a swirling orb of dark energy appeared, its surface rippling like liquid shadow. The power it radiated was suffocating, yet oddly alluring.
"This," Varlak began, "is the essence of the Dark Void Energy. It is the key to everything—the power to destroy, to create, to transcend. But it is also the burden of the FlameBearer."
Alex frowned. "You keep saying that, but what does it actually mean? Why me? And what do you get out of it?"
Varlak leaned back, his expression contemplative. "The FlameBearer is more than a title. It is a role passed down through those deemed worthy—or unfortunate—enough to bear it. It was created during the 100-Year War, a conflict that reshaped the very fabric of this world."
"The war again," Alex muttered, narrowing his eyes. "You've mentioned it before. What aren't you telling me about it?"
Varlak's gaze darkened, the golden glow of his eyes intensifying. "The war was not what your history books claim. It was not a mere battle between nations. It was a battle for the soul of this world—a clash between order and chaos, truth and lies. The Red-Eyed Ones sought to impose their vision upon the world, a vision that would have erased everything natural, everything sacred."
Alex felt a chill run down his spine. "The Red-Eyed Ones... you've mentioned them before. Who were they?"
"Beings of pure malice," Varlak said, his voice low and grave. "They were not born of this world. Their power came from a realm beyond, a place of endless void and chaos. They sought to reshape this world in their image, to bend it to their will. And they nearly succeeded."
Alex swallowed hard, his fists clenching. "So... this power you're giving me. It's connected to them, isn't it?"
Varlak nodded, his expression grim. "It is. The Dark Void Energy was once their greatest weapon. But I mastered it, turned it against them, and became their greatest enemy. Now, that power resides in you."
Alex's mind raced, trying to piece everything together. So, I'm supposed to fight against some ancient threat with the very power they used to destroy everything? Great. No pressure.
"What happened to them?" Alex asked. "The Red-Eyed Ones. Did you... defeat them?"
Varlak's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "We won the war, but it was no victory. Their leaders were destroyed, but the seeds of their chaos remain, scattered across the world. And now, those seeds are beginning to sprout once more."
Alex stared at the Dragon Lord, his heart pounding. "So that's why you're here. You need me to finish what you started."
Varlak inclined his head. "Precisely. You are the FlameBearer, Alex. The torch has been passed to you. Whether you like it or not, you are the last line of defense against the chaos to come."
Alex exhaled slowly, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. This is insane. A week ago, I was just a kid training in the forest. Now, I'm apparently some kind of chosen warrior in a battle for the fate of the world.
Varlak's gaze softened, just slightly. "You don't have to decide everything tonight, boy. But remember this: the world will not wait for you to be ready. It never does."
As Alex made his way back to the campfire, Fein trotting faithfully at his side, he couldn't shake the weight of Varlak's words. The Dragon Lord hovered nearby, silent for once, as if allowing Alex the space to process everything.
When Alex stepped into the clearing, he found Leo sitting by the fire, sharpening his blade. The rhythmic scrape of metal on stone filled the quiet night.
"Have a good walk?" Leo asked without looking up.
Alex nodded, sitting down across from him. "Yeah. Got a lot to think about."
Leo glanced at him, his sharp eyes seeming to pierce right through him. "Thinking's good. But don't let it paralyze you. Action is what counts."
Alex smirked faintly. "You sound like a motivational speaker."
Leo chuckled. "Just passing down what I've learned. You'll thank me one day."
As the fire crackled between them, Alex leaned back, staring up at the stars. Action, huh? Guess I'd better start preparing. Because if Varlak's right, I'm going to need every advantage I can get.