The first light of the sun came into the training yard, making long shadows on the old stone. I still thought about Velzithar, feeling her energy softly as I placed my hand on her hilt. Our bond felt. different now. It felt stronger.
"You seem distracted," Velzithar's voice spoke in my mind, sounding both curious and amused. "Are you having second thoughts about our pact?"
"Not exactly," I said aloud, drawing her from the sheath. Her blade glimmered faintly, the crimson veins pulsing like a heartbeat. "Just trying to figure out what I got myself into."
She chuckled, the sound low and rich. "You've bound yourself to a weapon of unrivaled power. The question isn't what you've gotten into—it's whether you're ready for it."
The system flickered into view, displaying a new section in the interface:
Soul Bond Interface
Demonic Sword: Velzithar
Bond Level: 1 (10%)
Abilities Unlocked:
Soul Link: Share senses and combat reflexes with Velzithar.
Energy Surge: Channel Velzithar's energy to enhance attacks.
Next Unlock at Level 2: 50%
I stared at the interface, the implications sinking in. "Shared senses?" I muttered. "What does that even mean?"
"Let's find out," Velzithar said, her voice curling with amusement.
Just before I could ask her what she meant, I felt a strong sensation. My eyes changed, becoming very clear. Every sound and every movement in the yard felt louder—the creak of a guard's armor and the rustle of a leaf in the wind.
I took a step back, holding the blade tighter as I got accustomed to the amount of information coming at me.
"This is what I see," Velzithar said, her voice gentler now. "My view, shared through our connection. It will take time to learn, but it will make you stronger."
"Stronger, huh?" I said quietly, trying to keep my balance. "I guess we should try it out."
I heard footsteps and looked toward the end of the yard. Gregor was coming closer, looking both curious and cautious.
"Your Majesty," he said, stopping a few steps away. "You've been out here a lot recently."
"Training," I replied simply.
He looked at Velzithar, and I noticed how his hand moved to the handle of his own sword. "That sword. it seems different. Risky."
"She is," I said, looking back at him. "And that's why I need to learn about her."
Gregor hesitated, then nodded. "Then allow me to assist. A sparring match, if you're up for it."
I smirked, stepping into the center of the yard. "You sure about that? Velzithar might take offense."
"She won't be the only one," Gregor said, drawing his blade.
The match began with the clash of steel, its ring echoing through the yard. Gregor was fast, his strikes quick and relentless, but with Velzithar's guidance, I found myself moving much faster than I thought I could.
Every attack by him resulted in a subtle pull from the bond, for Velzithar's instincts were leading my movements, and I dodged a swing down at my head, turning to deliver a swift counterstrike that sent Gregor back.
"You're faster than before," Gregor said, his voice edged with frustration.
"Maybe you're just getting slower," I teased.
Velzithar's voice chimed in my mind. "Use the surge. Let me show you what true power feels like."
"Alright," I thought, focusing on the blade.
I felt a rush of energy as Velzithar's red veins lit up more. I swung the blade in a big arc, making Gregor stumble back. His sword fell to the ground, and he looked shocked.
"Enough," I said, bringing down Velzithar.
Gregor picked up his sword, breathing heavily. "You're not the same man I trained," he said, sounding both impressed and worried.
"No," I said, putting Velzithar away. "I'm not."
That night, as I went back to my room, Velzithar's voice was in my head again.
"You're getting used to this fast," she said. "But this bond is more than just power. If you want to control it, you must trust me fully."
I sat by the window, looking out at the courtyard lit by the moon. "And what if I don't?"
"Then our bond will break," she said simply. "And you will lose everything."
The weight of her words hung in the air, but I didn't flinch. "Then I guess I'd better trust you," I said, meeting her faint glow.
Her laughter echoed softly, almost pleased. "We'll see, Alaric. We'll see."