It became darker in the room as Velzithar's energy swirled around me. The faint red glow of the gem at the hilt became brighter until it filled the space with a strange, eerie light. The sword seemed to come alive in my hands, its pulse matching my heartbeat, as if our essences were mixing together.
"Are you prepared?" Velzithar's voice echoed in my mind, smooth and commanding. "A pact with me is not just a bond—it is a merging of our fates."
"What happens if I'm not 'prepared'?" I asked, my grip tightening.
"Then the strain of my power will shatter your soul."
"Comforting," I muttered under my breath.
The air felt thick as a red circle of symbols showed up under my feet, glowing and moving like fire. Velzithar's power moved through the circle, surrounding me like a living creature. It didn't hurt, but it was strong—a heaviness pressing down on my body and spirit.
"Focus," Velzithar said. "Don't resist it. Embrace it."
I closed my eyes and centered myself on the breaths flowing through me. Pictures started flashing in my head—scenes of battles with fire and blood, of a sword cutting through an army, of a strong will even against gods.
Velzithar's history and spirit became a part of me.
System Alert: Contract Starting Now.
A rush of energy went through me, making me open my eyes. The shining symbols moved, creating complex shapes that stuck in my sight. The warmth of the sword became very hot, and for a moment, I worried I might lose control.
But then, just as fast, the heat lessened. The symbols grew dim, and the air became calm.
Contract Successful.
I sighed, not knowing I was holding my breath. The heaviness of what I was going through lifted when the system made a sound again.
System Notification
Demonic Sword Velzithar - Soul Bond Forged
I can now use all of Velzithar's power.
The bond lets me talk, change forms, and grow together.
"Shared growth?" I said quietly. "What does that mean?"
Before I could really understand the notification, the sword vibrated in my hands, its light getting brighter until I had to cover my eyes.
When the light went away, Velzithar was not a sword anymore.
A woman stood before me—tall, impressive, and very strong. Her red eyes shone like a fierce animal's, sharp and steady. Black horns curved from her head, shining slightly in the dim light of the room. Her armor was smooth and looked evil, made from dark metal that appeared to move and sparkle like liquid shadow.
She looked calm but serious, a slight smile pulling at the corner of her lips when she looked at me.
"You look surprised," she said, her voice smooth and strong like it was in my thoughts.
"Surprised?" I repeated, blinking. "You were a sword five seconds ago."
"And now I am not," she said as she stepped forward. Her movement was smooth, almost like a predator, and every move showed her confidence. "This is my true form. The blade is just a way to hold my power."
I looked at her, trying to find the right words. She was. beautiful, but in a scary way. It was the kind of beauty that made you want to look, but also made you feel like you might get hurt if you looked too long.
"I didn't expect. this," I said at last, pointing loosely at her.
Her smile grew bigger. "What did you think would happen? Another sword to move around? I told you—I am not just a tool. I am Velzithar, and you are my master."
The meaning of her words hit me hard. This wasn't just a weapon—it was a partner, a powerful force connected to me in a way that was much more than just metal and skill.
"So," I said, crossing my arms. "Does this mean you're stuck with me now?"
"Stuck?" she repeated, tilting her head. "Hardly. Our bond is mutual. As you grow stronger, so will I. And as I grow stronger."
Her eyes gleamed, the faintest hint of a challenge in her gaze.
"You will become unstoppable."
For a moment, we both stayed quiet. The silence lasted, only broken by a soft hum of energy that seemed to come from her.
"So what do we do now?" I asked.
"Now?" she replied, moving closer. "We test the bond. A pact like ours is more than just words or power—it is trust, made strong through fire and battle."
"Let me guess," I said in a flat voice. "You're going to put me through a trial, right?"
Her smirk came back, and it was sharper now, almost fun. "Something like that. But first."
She reached out and touched the handle of the sword still attached to my side. The touch gave me a quick burst of energy, and I suddenly realized that the sword had changed back to how it was before.
"You have to earn the right to use me well," she said. "And that. will take time."
The system made a sound again, catching my attention.
New Quest: Strengthen the Bond
Test the limits of your bond with Velzithar.
Objectives: TBD (Progress through combat and shared growth).
Reward: Unlock Velzithar's True Power.
I looked back at her, my mind racing. This was going to be interesting.
"Alright," I said, gripping the blade's hilt. "Let's see what you've got."
Her laughter echoed in my mind, low and rich. "Oh, Alaric. You have no idea what you've just gotten yourself into."