Chapter 5 – The Weight of Power

Samuel sat in the large chamber, his mind still reeling from everything that had happened. The King had left him alone for now, but it was clear that his fate was still being decided. He had never meant to reveal his Soul Tamer abilities so soon, but there was no turning back.

The door creaked open, and Lyra stepped inside. She walked toward him with measured steps, her noble attire contrasting against the dark stone walls. Samuel looked up, expecting her usual calculating gaze, but her expression was different—more curious than cold.

"You don't look like someone who just saved an entire city," she said, sitting across from him.

Samuel exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't mean to summon Arkanis," he admitted. "It just... happened."

Lyra studied him, tapping a finger against the armrest of her chair. "It wasn't just a summon, Samuel. That dragon—Arkanis—it nearly split the continent with a single breath. That kind of power isn't normal, even among Soul Tamers."

He knew that. But hearing it from Lyra made it feel even more real. "So what now?" he asked.

Lyra leaned forward. "The King won't ignore what you did. Right now, you're a hero, but that won't last forever. People fear what they don't understand, and you... you're something they've never seen before."

Samuel clenched his fists. "I didn't ask for any of this."

Lyra's eyes softened for just a moment. "I know. But you need to decide how you're going to handle it. If you don't take control of your own fate, someone else will do it for you."

Samuel remained silent. He hated how right she was.

---

Meanwhile, in the Royal Court...

The King sat on his throne, listening to his advisors argue.

"We cannot allow him to roam freely," one noble said. "He's too dangerous."

"But he saved the city," another countered. "Without him, we would have lost everything."

The King raised a hand, silencing the room. His gaze was sharp. "Samuel is powerful, but we do not yet know his intentions. We need to monitor him closely."

A general stepped forward. "Your Majesty, if I may... rather than treating him as a threat, why not make him an ally? If we train him, guide him, we can ensure that his power serves the Kingdom rather than threatens it."

The King nodded slowly. "We will observe him for now. But if he shows any signs of losing control, we must be prepared."

---

Back in the chamber, Lyra stood.

"You should rest," she said. "The King hasn't decided what to do with you yet, but you'll need your strength for whatever comes next."

Samuel watched her go, his thoughts heavy. He had spent years training, preparing for the future, but now the future was coming faster than he expected. And he wasn't sure if he was ready.

---

The Next Day

Samuel was summoned to the Royal Hall, where the King awaited him. The chamber was filled with nobles, warriors, and advisors. He walked forward, keeping his expression neutral.

The King studied him before speaking. "You have proven your strength, Samuel. But power alone is not enough. Tell me—what do you intend to do now?"

Samuel took a deep breath. "I want to understand my abilities. Control them. And if necessary, use them to protect those who cannot protect themselves."

The King nodded. "Then you will train under the Kingdom's finest. You will learn discipline. And in return, you will serve the Kingdom when called upon."

Samuel met the King's gaze. He knew this wasn't a request—it was an order. But he also knew that refusing wasn't an option.

"I accept," he said.

The King gestured to one of the generals. "Then your training begins immediately."

---

Samuel was led to the Royal Training Grounds, where elite warriors honed their skills.

"Your power is unlike anything we've seen," the general said. "But raw strength means nothing without control. You will train here until you have mastered it."

Samuel nodded. He wasn't afraid of hard work. If this was what it took to understand his Soul Tamer abilities, then he would endure whatever came next.

As he prepared for the trials ahead, one thought remained in his mind—Ezekiel had retreated, but he would return. And next time, Samuel would be ready.

The Training Begins

The Royal Training Grounds were unlike anything Samuel had ever seen. Unlike the basic combat training in small villages, this was a place where seasoned warriors, knights, and magic users honed their craft. The air smelled of sweat, steel, and earth. Dozens of fighters practiced with swords, bows, and magic, each one more disciplined than the last.

Samuel followed the general leading him through the camp. His body still ached from the battle, and exhaustion sat heavy on his shoulders, but he knew there would be no time for rest.

"From today onward, you will follow the same regimen as the royal warriors," the general said. "Your body is strong, but your control is weak. We will change that."

Samuel clenched his fists. "I understand."

The general stopped and looked at him. "No, you don't. This is not just about training. You have revealed something that this kingdom has never seen before. That dragon, Arkanis, was buried beneath the empire for a reason. The fact that you could summon it... means you are more than just another fighter. You are a force."

Samuel remained silent. He knew this already, but hearing it from a high-ranking warrior made the weight of his abilities feel even heavier.

The general gestured toward an open field. "Your training begins now. Show us what you can do."

---

The First Test

Samuel stood in the center of the training ground as a group of elite warriors surrounded him. They were not here to fight him as enemies but to test his control.

A swordsman stepped forward, his stance firm. "Summon a beast, but control its movements. Do not let it act on instinct."

Samuel took a deep breath. He reached into the space beyond, calling forth a spirit he had only barely grasped before. A soft glow formed in the air, and suddenly, a spectral wolf materialized beside him. It was large, its fur shimmering like mist, its eyes glowing faintly.

The warriors tensed, waiting to see if he could hold control.

The wolf growled low, sensing the warriors as potential threats. Samuel could feel its instincts urging it to attack, but he focused, forcing it to remain still.

"Hold it," the swordsman instructed.

Sweat formed on Samuel's brow. The wolf twitched, its muscles coiled, but it did not move.

"Now send it away," the swordsman ordered.

Samuel exhaled sharply and released his hold. The wolf faded into mist.

The warriors exchanged glances. One of them smirked. "Not bad. But we're just getting started."

---

A Visit from Lyra

As the sun set, Samuel sat near the training grounds, drinking water and catching his breath. His entire body ached. The day had been filled with endurance tests, combat drills, and continued control exercises.

Footsteps approached. He turned to see Lyra walking toward him.

"You're still standing," she remarked.

"Not sure for how much longer," he admitted.

She sat beside him, watching the warriors continue their training. "The King is still discussing what to do with you," she said. "You saved the city, but your power... it scares people."

Samuel sighed. "I know."

Lyra turned to him, her gaze sharp. "Do you?"

He frowned. "What are you trying to say?"

Lyra crossed her arms. "You summoned something that could have destroyed half the continent. If you lost control for even a moment, we wouldn't be having this conversation."

Samuel's jaw tightened. "I didn't lose control."

"Not this time."

Her words stung, but he couldn't deny their truth.

Lyra's expression softened slightly. "The King will keep you close, but not just to train you. He wants to watch you, to see if you're an ally or a danger."

"And what do you think?" Samuel asked.

Lyra hesitated. Then, she stood. "I think you're walking a dangerous path. Be careful where you step, Samuel."

She left before he could respond.

---

A New Enemy Moves

Far from the capital, in the dark ruins of an abandoned fortress, Ezekiel stood before his gathered forces. His armor was stained with dried blood, his crimson cloak flowing in the night wind. His face twisted in frustration.

"The dragon was not supposed to awaken," he muttered.

A figure in the shadows spoke. "Samuel was not supposed to survive."

Ezekiel clenched his fists. "Then we underestimated him. But that will not happen again."

The figure stepped forward, revealing a woman with dark robes and piercing red eyes. "The Bloodbound Order is watching," she said. "Your failure in Zoria has delayed our plans. What do you intend to do about it?"

Ezekiel smirked. "Next time, I will not retreat. Next time, Samuel will not have a chance to summon anything."

The woman's eyes narrowed. "See that you don't fail again."

Ezekiel watched as she disappeared into the darkness. His hatred for Samuel burned hotter than ever.

---

Samuel's Resolve

As days passed, Samuel's training intensified. He learned to control his summons more precisely, to call forth spirits without losing control.

But deep inside, he knew that none of this would be enough.

Ezekiel was still out there. And next time, he wouldn't be alone.

Samuel clenched his fists. He had gained power, but that wasn't enough. He needed more. He needed to be ready.

Because if he wasn't, next time, he wouldn't just lose a friend—he might lose everything.

A New Purpose

Samuel's muscles burned as he gripped the wooden training sword. His hands were raw from the countless drills, and his legs ached from hours of footwork. Every day began before sunrise and ended long after the sun had set.

The Royal Warriors were relentless in their training. Unlike ordinary soldiers, they didn't just rely on brute force. They fought with precision, using formations, tactics, and magic-enhanced combat.

Samuel had strength, but strength alone wasn't enough.

"Again," the instructor ordered.

Samuel stepped forward, slashing his wooden sword in a downward arc. The senior knight dodged effortlessly, countering with a strike that Samuel barely blocked.

"Too slow," the knight said. "If I were Ezekiel, you'd already be dead."

The mention of Ezekiel fueled Samuel's determination. He adjusted his stance and attacked again, this time with more control. Their wooden swords clashed, the impact sending vibrations through his arms.

"Better," the knight acknowledged. "But not good enough."

The training continued. By the time they were dismissed, Samuel could barely stand.

---

The King's Decision

That evening, Samuel was summoned to the King's Court. The grand hall was filled with nobles, warriors, and advisors. The King sat on his throne, his golden crown gleaming under the light of the chandeliers.

Samuel bowed.

The King studied him. "You summoned a dragon buried beneath this empire. A beast that, in its prime, could have ended civilizations."

Samuel remained silent. He knew this was not a compliment.

"You fought against Ezekiel and forced him to retreat," the King continued. "Your power is undeniable. But power alone is not enough."

The nobles murmured in agreement. Some looked at Samuel with curiosity, others with concern.

"You are dangerous," the King stated. "But you are also valuable. I will allow you to remain in the capital and train under my best warriors. In return, you will fight for the empire when called upon."

Samuel clenched his fists. This was not a request—it was an order.

"I understand, Your Majesty," he said.

The King nodded. "Then prove that you are worthy of this power. Dismissed."

As Samuel turned to leave, his eyes met Lyra's. She was standing among the nobles, her expression unreadable.

He wondered what she was thinking.

---

Lyra's Warning

Later that night, Samuel found Lyra waiting for him outside the training grounds.

"You forced Ezekiel to retreat," she said. "That won't happen again."

Samuel frowned. "You don't think I can defeat him again?"

Lyra sighed. "I think next time, he'll be ready for you."

She stepped closer. "The Bloodbound Order doesn't forget. Ezekiel isn't just acting on his own. There are people behind him, powerful people. People who want control over this kingdom."

Samuel's grip tightened. "Then I'll fight them too."

Lyra looked at him carefully. "You're strong, but you're reckless. If you lose control of your summons again, the King won't hesitate to turn against you."

Samuel held her gaze. "Then I won't lose control."

For a moment, there was silence. Then Lyra turned and walked away.

"Be careful, Samuel," she said over her shoulder. "You don't know who your real enemies are yet."

Samuel watched her disappear into the night.

He knew she was hiding something.

---

A Test of Control

The next morning, Samuel was summoned to a private training session. A group of elite warriors stood before him, their eyes sharp, their weapons drawn.

"Summon a beast," the general ordered. "But do not let it attack unless we command it."

Samuel took a deep breath. He reached into the soul realm, feeling the presence of countless beasts. He focused on one—a great lion, its mane glowing with a faint blue light.

A shimmer appeared in the air, and suddenly, the spectral lion stood beside him. Its golden eyes watched the warriors, waiting for Samuel's command.

One of the knights stepped forward, raising his blade. The lion tensed, sensing a threat.

Samuel's heart pounded. He could feel the lion's instincts pushing against his control.

"Hold it," the general instructed.

The knight swung his sword, stopping just before Samuel's chest. The lion growled, but Samuel kept it still.

The knight took another step. The lion's muscles tensed again.

Samuel clenched his fists, forcing his will upon the beast.

"Enough," the general said.

Samuel released his control, and the lion dissolved into mist.

The warriors exchanged glances.

"He's learning," one of them murmured.

The general nodded. "But he's not ready yet."

Samuel exhaled, exhausted.

But he knew they were right.

---

Ezekiel's Revenge

Far from the capital, Ezekiel sat in the ruins of an ancient fortress. His hands were wrapped in bandages from his last battle. His eyes burned with fury.

"Samuel..." he muttered.

A soldier approached. "The Bloodbound Order has sent reinforcements. They're ready to strike again."

Ezekiel grinned. "Then we will not waste time."

He turned toward the dark altar behind him. Strange symbols glowed faintly on its surface.

"The next time we meet, Samuel," Ezekiel whispered, "I will not hold back."

The shadows behind him stirred.

And a new nightmare was about to be unleashed.

---

Samuel's Resolve

Back in the capital, Samuel sat alone, staring at the night sky. His body ached from training, but his mind was restless.

Ezekiel was still out there. And he would return.

Samuel had won the last battle. But he knew the next fight would be even worse.

He clenched his fists.

He couldn't afford to lose anyone else.

No matter what, he would be ready.