Chapter 42: The Soul Clan

After stepping out of the warm bath, Xavier and Jessica dried off with the soft robes provided in the palace. The moonlight streamed in through the large windows, illuminating the luxurious bedroom with a serene glow. Xavier looked at Jessica, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders, her eyes glinting with warmth and mischief.

Jessica smiled, stepping closer to him. "You've carried so many burdens today. Let me help you relax," she whispered, her voice tender. She guided him toward the grand king-size bed, pulling him down to sit beside her. As they sat, Jessica placed her hands on either side of his face, her thumb gently tracing his jawline.

"I'm so proud of you, Xavier. And I'll always be here, by your side," she said, her voice filled with emotion.

Xavier felt a wave of warmth rush through him. Without a word, he leaned in, capturing her lips in a deep and passionate kiss. The world around them faded as they shared the moment, their connection growing stronger with every passing second. Jessica wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer, and for a moment, Xavier felt all his exhaustion melt away.

After their kiss, they lay down together, Xavier pulling her into his arms. Jessica rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "You're amazing, Xavier. And you'll choose the right path. I know you will," she murmured softly.

He kissed her forehead. "I wouldn't be this strong without you," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity. They stayed entwined, their bond reaffirmed by the intimate moment, before sleep finally claimed them both. In his dream state, Xavier's thoughts turned to Elior, seeking answers to the questions weighing on his heart.

As Xavier drifted into his dream-like state, the familiar presence of Elior emerged in his mind, his voice steady and wise. "You seek guidance, young master?" Elior asked, his tone laced with approval.

"Yes, Elior," Xavier replied. "Which faction should I side with from those that approached me earlier? I want to make the right choice. And do you have any advice for me moving forward?"

Elior's presence seemed to brighten. "You are at a crossroads, Xavier. Each faction offers something unique, but none will shape your destiny as well as your own will. You must decide if you wish to follow or lead. My advice? Forge your own path, but do so wisely. You have allies, strengths, and the potential to unite others under your banner."

Xavier frowned in thought. "Forge my own path? What do you mean?"

Elior chuckled, a sound of both amusement and approval. "You are capable of creating something far greater than joining another faction. You just need the resolve to lead. And yes, you can train with others. I've been waiting for you to realize that. You only need to add them to your clan."

With a wave of his hand, Elior forcefully opened Xavier's system, causing a burst of radiant light to fill the dreamscape. The words "The Soul Clan" appeared in majestic script, and a dark, majestic purple dragon emblem materialized in Xavier's hands. Its presence exuded power, legacy, and leadership.

Xavier's eyes widened as he stared at the emblem. "The Soul Clan… Does this mean I should form my own faction? And… enter the tournament as my own?"

Elior smiled, his gaze steady. "Indeed. You are destined for greatness, young master, but you must take the reins of your fate. Create a home for the strong and the loyal, unite the best of the best, and make the Soul Clan a force that rivals even the most ancient factions. As for the tournament, entering under your own banner will not only make a statement but also draw those who believe in your vision to your side."

Xavier gripped the emblem tightly, a sense of clarity and purpose flooding through him. "Then I'll do it. I'll create my own faction, starting with those closest to me. The Soul Clan will rise."

Elior's approving grin was the last thing Xavier saw before the dream began to fade. As he stirred awake, his resolve had never been stronger. The Soul Clan would become a reality, and he would lead it to glory.

As Xavier's eyes fluttered open, the soft rustling of fabric drew his attention. He turned his head to see Jessica standing by the ornate vanity, slipping into a stunning baby blue dress. The fabric shimmered like starlight, hugging her figure elegantly, while the jewelry she adorned—a delicate necklace and matching earrings—sparkled with a subtle brilliance.

Xavier's breath hitched as he admired her, unable to hold back a smile. "Jessica, you look… absolutely breathtaking. Like a goddess descended to grace the mortal realm." His voice was filled with sincerity, and his gaze lingered on her with adoration.

Jessica turned to him, her cheeks flushing at his words. "Oh, stop it, you're going to make me blush more than I already am," she teased, though the delighted sparkle in her eyes showed how much she appreciated his praise.

Stepping closer, Jessica held out a sophisticated suit she had prepared for him—a deep navy ensemble with silver accents that would highlight his striking features. "Here, this will make you look just as regal," she said with a playful smirk. "You can't let me outshine you, can you?"

Xavier chuckled, taking the suit. "I'm pretty sure I could wear the finest robes in the land, and I'd still pale in comparison to you." He kissed her cheek before slipping out of bed to change. As he dressed, the two exchanged lighthearted banter, the comfort of their bond evident in their easy smiles and laughter.

When Xavier finished adjusting his attire, he turned to Jessica, his tone shifting to something more serious yet hopeful. "Jessica, I've been thinking… If I were to create my own clan—a place where we could forge our own path, where strength and loyalty matter above all else—would you want to join me?"

Jessica paused for a moment, surprised but intrigued by his question. She stepped closer, placing a hand on his chest. "Join you?" she asked softly, a smile forming on her lips. "Xavier, there's no place I'd rather be than by your side. If you want to create a clan, then I'll follow you. Together, we can build something extraordinary."

Xavier's heart swelled at her response, and he took her hand in his. "Thank you, Jessica. Your faith in me means everything."

The two stood there for a moment, locked in each other's gaze, before Xavier spoke again, determination evident in his voice. "Then it's settled. The Soul Clan will become a reality, and it will be a place where people like us—those who refuse to follow the ordinary path—can thrive."

Jessica nodded, her eyes filled with trust and admiration. "Let's do it, Xavier. Together."

As the morning light filtered through the grand windows of Xavier's palace, he reached into his system inventory and pulled out the dark, majestic purple dragon emblem of the Soul Clan. He held it before Jessica, its energy pulsing with authority and strength. "Jessica," he said, his voice filled with warmth and resolve, "you will have the role of Queen in the Soul Clan. You're not just my partner—you're my equal in every way."

Jessica's breath caught as Xavier leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. When he stepped back, the system interface appeared before both of them, glowing softly. "Clan: Soul Clan | Followers: 1 | Role: Queen - Jessica Vice." The sight brought a smile to her face, and she nodded with pride. "I'll gladly take the role, Xavier. Let's make this clan something the world has never seen."

With their first recruit secured, the two dressed elegantly for the day and made their way to the palace's sprawling kitchen, where the smell of freshly prepared breakfast filled the air. There, they found Liana enjoying a cup of tea, her long hair cascading over her shoulder. She looked up as they entered, her emerald eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Xavier approached her, the purple dragon emblem resting in his hand. "Liana," he began, his tone steady yet inviting, "I'm starting a clan—The Soul Clan. It's going to be a family, a place for the strongest and most loyal. I want you to join us. Your role would be as Jessica's right hand."

Liana's eyes widened at the offer, and for a moment, she was speechless. Then a wide smile spread across her face. "Of course I'll join!" she exclaimed. "I've always wanted to stand beside you both, to be part of something meaningful. This clan will be unstoppable."

The system glowed again, displaying "Clan: Soul Clan | Followers: 2 | Role: Jessica Vice - Queen, Liana Ardent - Right Hand."

The trio sat down to a hearty breakfast, their camaraderie filling the room with laughter and plans for the future. As they finished their meal, Jessica suggested, "We need to gather everyone else. They've been with us through so much—it's time they joined this journey, too."

Xavier nodded in agreement, pulling out parchment and ink. He wrote a swift message and handed it to one of the palace's messengers. "Take this to Felix, Mara, Eddie, and anyone else at the academy who's been part of our circle," he instructed. "Tell them to meet us here at midday."

The messenger bowed and left, leaving the three of them with a growing sense of excitement. The Soul Clan was starting to take shape, and with each new addition, Xavier could feel the dream of building a legacy drawing closer to reality.