Chapter 7: The Dragon's Bond
The fire faded, but the guardian awoke.
As the situation cooled and the villagers slowly began to recover, a group gathered outside the guild counter, buzzing with questions about the dragon.
Rumors flew through the crowd:
"Wasn't that the same dragon that once protected the village?"
"Wasn't it sealed deep under the sea, frozen four hundred years ago?"
"Who awakened it—and why?"
The group grew larger and louder, voices overlapping in confusion and concern.
Alex, standing near the guild entrance, noticed the commotion and turned to a nearby officer.
"What's going on here?" he asked.
The officer quickly explained everything.
Alex's expression remained calm. He stepped forward, his voice bold and commanding as it echoed through the square.
"Listen, everyone.
The threat is over. That's my promise—as the Left Hand of the Celestial Aegis Guild Master. You can all focus on recovering. The dragon will be taken to our headquarters. I'll handle it. That is final."
One brave villager stepped forward, eyes full of emotion.
"It's not that easy! That dragon was our protector. Six hundred years ago, during the war, he was frozen mid-battle—sealed in the sea.
He's not an enemy. Maybe he was sick… or starving. Please… if you're taking him, treat him with care.
Alex paused, slightly taken aback by the villager's words. Then he gave a brief nod.
"…What? Alright.
Fine. I'll do as the dragon wishes."
The next morning, Samy and Shinra were at the hospital with Captain Ryken, who had just been discharged.
As Samy helped him gather his things, he asked casually,
"So… who beat you up like that?"
Ryken groaned. "I don't know. There was someone in the smoke. A figure with a sword stood in front of me. I couldn't see clearly… but with just one slash—I was out."
Samy smirked. "Wow. Beaten by smoke and a pack of minions. What a heroic tale."
"I'm serious!" Ryken snapped, glaring.
"Yeah, yeah. Come on, storyteller. Let's go."
At the guild, Samy told Ryken they were supposed to meet Alex.
Ryken froze mid-step. "Alex? You mean… the Alex? The Shadow of the Celestial Aegis?"
Samy grinned. "Yep. That one."
They knocked and entered Alex's office. He was calmly seated behind his desk, papers spread out before him.
Ryken stood at attention. "Ryken, sir. Reporting as requested."
Alex glanced up with an unimpressed look.
"Oh. You're that fool."
Ryken blinked. "Did he just call me—?"
Samy shrugged. "Yep."
"Sit," Alex said firmly. "You were the one escorting the villagers from Wisdom,
right?"
"Yes, sir."
"You were supposed to arrive at Nile Port. How did you end up in Raisen?"
"We were attacked by beasts in the forest. Got lost and ended up here instead."
Alex sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"With your rank, that mission was already risky.
Be more careful next time."
His eyes shifted to Samy. "And him?"
"He helped during the mission. He's not a guild member, but he's capable.
He's traveling with his younger brother. They're hoping to start a new life in Elyasia."
"Elyasia?"
Alex nodded thoughtfully. "I'm heading there myself. I'll escort your group. We leave tomorrow at 11 sharp. Let everyone know. And tonight, bring the villagers to dinner—I'll introduce myself."
Ryken nodded. "Yes, sir. And thank you."
As they turned to leave, Ryken hesitated at the door. "Sir… there's one more thing."
Alex raised an eyebrow.
"I don't think the dragon woke up on its own,"
Ryken said, voice lowering.
"There was someone… hidden in the smoke. I couldn't see clearly, but I'm sure—someone broke the seal. Someone powerful. He stopped me from fighting and knocked me out with a single hit."
Alex leaned back in his chair, deep in thought.
"…Interesting. You're dismissed."
As Ryken and Samy stepped out into the hall, they spotted Shinra sprinting past them, heading somewhere in a hurry.