Dragon says "Yes, that is exactly what I am saying. And what's more, you have the potential to be able to traverse the planes."

"What benefit is there to exploring other planes in this way?"

Dragon says "Well, for starters your soul can become stronger. There is also much knowledge that can be gained on other planes."

"Knowledge is always a good thing, but what do you mean by my soul becoming stronger?"

Dragon says "In your case it would mean increasing your soul level, which is currently at zero. A higher soul level will make you stronger in the soulscape as well as giving you benefits when you next reincarnate."

"Reincarnation benefits? Is that even possible?"

Dragon says "Yes, the higher your soul level the more memories you will keep in your next life. Also if your soul level is high enough you can take some skills into your next life."

"Now that would be extremely helpful!"

Dragon says "There is another benefit specific to you, since your sword is part of your soul. As your soul level increases the power of your blade will increase as well."

"Since you know about Blitz, will it follow me into my next life?"

Dragon says "Physically no, but it will always be with you in the soulscape. In each life you will have to physically retrieve Blitz, no one but you will ever be able to use it."

"Thank you for the information, will my soul level carry over between lives or does it get reset?"

Dragon says "Your soul level will remain as long as your soul exists. Higher soul levels will qualify you to reincarnate as higher level creatures as well. For example if your soul level is high enough you might be able to be reborn as a dragon."

"That would be awesome! Wait, does that mean you had previous lives before you became a dragon?"

Dragon says "Yes, although I don't really remember them now."

"Didn't you say a higher soul level would allow you to keep your memories?"

Dragon says "Yes, and at the beginning of this life I did remember my past lives. However over the past several thousand years those memories have faded."

"Ah, I guess that makes sense."

Dragon says "Do you have any other questions, little Ash?"

"Well, if you don't mind satisfying my curiosity, I would like to know why you destroyed the ancient empire."

Stolen novel; please report.

Dragon says "Ah, that was the last time we were truly awake. My mate and I woke up surrounded by one hundred mages who were trying to use a ritual to take control of us. While we are immune to such things we were a little upset by the attempt."

"That is understandable, although destroying an entire empire might have been a bit of an overreaction. Is your mate here? Am I going to get to meet her as well?"

Dragon says "My mate is deeper in the cavern complex guarding our egg. While I like you little Ash, I will not allow you to pass me."

"Ah, sorry, I didn't know. Don't worry, I have no interest in disturbing them. Although I would love to meet your child once it hatches."

Dragon says "While I would allow that, it is not likely to happen. My egg will probably take another thousand years before it is ready to hatch."

"Yeah, I won't be around by then, at least not in this life. If I am around in another life would I still be welcome?"

Dragon says "Yes, once you reach a certain level you will recognize others by their soul. Meaning I would be able to recognize you no matter what body you were in."

"Then if I am around in a thousand years I will absolutely stop by to meet the little one."

Dragon says "I will look forward to it, and I'm sure my mate would enjoy meeting you as well."

"I am looking forward to it as well, but before I leave could you tell me how to become a master of the soulscape?"

Dragon says "Oh, right. Well, in your case it is simple, just max out the level of your soulscape skill."

"Right, that makes sense. Thank you for everything!"

Dragon says "Good luck, until we meet again, little Ash."

With that the soulscape ends and I find myself back in the cavern staring at the sleeping dragon. I give the dragon a bow of respect and then move back into the alcove and duck through the hole back into the mines. As I follow the main tunnel towards the outside I realize that being underground doesn't bother me anymore.

Somehow knowing that beings like dragons exist in this world has changed my outlook. It almost feels like I am walking out into an entirely different world, I know the world hasn't changed, but my perceptions have. It sort of feels like I have been reborn, like the fire of the dragon purified me somehow.

Which is strange, he didn't really do anything but talk to me. Maybe just being in his soulscape was enough to affect me, he definitely is powerful enough. I remember just standing in the cavern I was bathed in his aura, maybe while I was in the soulscape his aura did something to me.

Whatever the reason may be I definitely feel that I have benefited from whatever happened. Not just the removal of the fear, but the feeling of clarity and purpose. As I see light ahead I know I am about to walk out into the sun, but I will never fear the underground again.

As I step out into the light and look around I see that most of the beastmen have gone through the portal. There are only about two thousand left waiting to go through, and twenty of them are close by. It looks like they were getting ready to go into the mines to look for me, Pol is with them and he looks embarrassed.

"Pol, I thought I told you not to worry?"

Pol says "True, you did say that. And in my defense I didn't worry for the first few hours. But after four hours I started to worry just a little bit."

"I lost track of time while I was in there. How long have I been gone?"

Pol says "You went in almost seven hours ago."

"Okay, well as you can see I am perfectly fine."

Pol says "So did you find it? What type of creature was it?"

"Yes, I found it. It is a dragon."

Pol says "Dragon?! Please tell me you didn't wake it up!"

"Don't worry, it is sound asleep. It will probably sleep for another thousand years if nothing disturbs it."

Pol says "Well, that's a relief. However, there is another issue you should be aware of."

"What's going on?"

Pol says "The scouts spotted a group traveling this way. The other heroes already went through the portal so I was waiting for your return to see what you wanted to do."

"What type of group are they?"

Pol says "Slavers."