Chapter 8: The Chosen Bond
Shinra ran through the hallway, ignoring everything around him.
In his rush, he didn't even notice Samy and Captain Ryken calling from behind.
His mind was set—he had to reach that room.
The sealed room.
The one where the small dragon had been taken.
As he reached the corridor near the restricted chamber, he noticed a few guild members nearby, busy with their tasks.
Without making a sound, Shinra slipped past them and sneaked into the inner chamber where the dragon was kept.
The room was dimly lit, humming with a faint magical aura. He looked around—where was it?
Then, a voice echoed inside his mind.
"Hey, you brat… What are you doing here?"
Shinra froze and turned around. There, standing near the back of the room, was the tiny dragon—looking at him with piercing eyes.
The dragon's gaze lingered. Something about Shinra… felt familiar.
Suddenly, the dragon's memory was triggered.
A flashback flooded his mind—
The beach of Raisen Port. The sky burned red with the setting sun. A man stood beside the dragon, gently rubbing its head.
"In the far future," the man said, "when a boy comes to you… join him. He'll resemble me. He'll walk alongside someone the world fears—'The Nightmare of the Unknown.'
Help him.
Stand with him."
The dragon blinked.
Back in the present, Shinra cautiously stepped forward. Out of instinct, he reached for the cage—but the moment his fingers touched it, a burst of magical heat singed his skin.
"Ouch!" he hissed, stepping back. The barrier was strong.
Unbeknownst to him, behind the slightly open door, Samy and Ryken were watching silently. In the shadows nearby, Alex observed as well.
Just then, a soft blue light flickered before Shinra. The dragon's eyes shimmered, and a powerful voice rang again in his mind:
"Be my master."
Startled, Shinra staggered back. "W-What?"
From behind, Alex appeared out of nowhere, making Shinra jump.
"AHHHH! W-Where did you come from?!"
Alex smirked.
"Accept it, Shinra.
He's offering you a bond."
Shinra looked at him, confused. "What do you mean—bond?"
Alex stepped closer.
"That dragon… He's not ordinary. He is the Great Guardian Dragon, a historical figure—once the protector of this land.
He's offering you his power. His loyalty. You should be honored."
The dragon nodded. "Yes. Become my master. I will protect you. Together, we will reshape the future."
Samy stepped in. "Yeah… do it. Bond with him."
But the dragon suddenly glared at Samy, his eyes narrowing, a faint flicker of recognition or warning in them.
Still uncertain, Shinra looked between them—and then slowly nodded.
"I accept."
With a small motion, Alex raised his hand, breaking the magical seal that caged the dragon.
The shimmering barrier shattered like glass, and the tiny dragon flew toward Shinra,
landing gently on his shoulder. A small pulse of blue light surrounded them both—the bond was formed.
Later That Night…
Before dinner, Alex formally introduced himself to the villagers, assuring them that he would personally escort them to Elyasia, the headquarters country of the Celestial Aegis Guild.
The villagers, though still shaken, sighed in relief.
As dinner was served in the guild's hall, Samy, Shinra, and Ryken were about to sit at a table—until Alex called them into a private dining room.
With no real choice, the three followed.
They sat in silence for a moment until Alex leaned forward, eyes focused on Samy.
"So…" he asked slowly,
"what are you going to do?"
Samy stiffened. "What do you mean?"
Alex didn't answer right away.
He simply smiled, but his eyes—sharp and unreadable—suggested he knew something.
And from far away, beyond the guild walls, someone else was watching.
In the shadows, hidden beyond the village border, a cloaked figure stood under the moonlight—gazing directly at Shinra.
The dragon was alive… bonded… and now out of the seal.
"So the boy has inherited the beast…