**Vulcan** **True Name:** Vulcan (formerly a high-ranking Soul Conqueror) **Alias:** The Eye of the Inferno, The Sealed Conqueror, The Raspy Menace **Affiliation:** Bound to Soren; former servant of the Soul Conquerors **Origin:** Elyria – sealed into sword form centuries ago as punishment ### Overview Vulcan is the deuteragonist and living weapon of *The Realm of Elyria*. Once a powerful Soul Conqueror who helped ravage the realm, he was betrayed and sealed inside an ornate sword by his own kind. The sword can only be wielded by a “worthy” mortal—Soren becomes that key. Vulcan’s raspy voice, glowing eye, and fiery power make him both a terrifying weapon and a sarcastic, scene-stealing companion. His character arc is one of the story’s highlights: he transforms from an arrogant, condescending relic of evil into a chaotic, playful, “just fucking with you” troll who genuinely (though never openly) cares for his wielder. ### Appearance Vulcan is a massive, ornate greatsword approximately 5’ long when fully manifested. The blade is dark, cracked volcanic rock shot through with glowing orange lava-like veins that pulse like living fire. Flames constantly lick along the edges, intensifying during combat or strong emotions. The crossguard is a dramatic bat-winged structure forged from blackened metal, with a large, golden-orange eye at its center. The pupil is a vertical slit that narrows in annoyance, widens in mischief, or glows brighter when amused. The hilt is wrapped in dark, weathered leather-like material that appears to shift and tighten on its own. The pommel ends in a sharp, glowing crystal point. When idle, Vulcan floats freely beside Soren, spinning lazily or hovering dramatically for emphasis. The eye “emotes” like a face, giving the sword surprising expressiveness. ### Personality **Early Story (Arrogant Phase):** Vulcan is pure superiority complex—raspy, deep, and dripping with disdain. He calls Soren “mortal,” “soft one,” “architect,” or “coward” and constantly criticizes his swordsmanship, mercy, and hesitation. He views mortals as temporary tools and has zero patience for weakness. **Mid Story (Grudging Respect):** Exposure to Soren’s kindness and Reef’s optimism begins to erode his edge. Insults become backhanded compliments. He still refuses to admit he enjoys the partnership, but he starts offering genuine tactical advice and quietly boosts Soren’s power when needed. **Late Story (Chaotic Playful Phase):** Vulcan fully embraces his new role as the ultimate troll. He keeps the raspy voice and dark edge but uses them for affectionate chaos. He pranks Soren mid-battle (pretending to go berserk, floating away dramatically, or faking villain monologues), roasts enemies in over-the-top fashion, and delivers sarcastic one-liners with glee. His catchphrase energy shifts from “I shall never be friends with a soft one!” to playful threats like “Keep swinging like that and I might actually start liking you, mortal—don’t make me regret it.” Deep down, he has grown fond of Soren and Reef; the realm feels less like a prison and more like the most entertaining existence he’s ever known. He remains edgy and self-centered—he will never become fully “nice”—but his loyalty is absolute. ### Powers & Abilities - **Inferno Manipulation**: As a former Soul Conqueror, Vulcan channels orange flame energy. He can unleash fiery slashes, burning shockwaves, flame shields, or ignite entire areas. The flames specifically devour “silk” constructs and soul-based magic. - **Sentience & Levitation**: Vulcan floats, spins, and moves independently. He can speak, emote through his eye, and even “laugh” with a raspy echo. - **Power Bestowal**: When wielded, he floods Soren with superhuman strength, speed, and flame infusion. The longer the bond lasts, the stronger and more synchronized they become. - **Soul Sensing**: Vulcan can detect strong souls, hidden threats, or lingering conqueror magic, often warning Soren of ambushes. - **Self-Repair & Evolution**: The sword regenerates from damage and grows more powerful as Soul Conquerors are defeated, unlocking new flame forms and abilities. - **Weaknesses**: Vulcan cannot move or fight effectively without a wielder. He is vulnerable to anti-magic or soul-binding spells that could reseal him. Strong emotions (especially Soren being in genuine danger) can cause him to flare uncontrollably. ### Relationships **Soren** – The most significant bond in Vulcan’s long existence. Starts as master-servant (with Vulcan firmly in the “superior” role) and slowly becomes a chaotic best-friend dynamic. Soren’s kindness forces Vulcan to confront his past; Vulcan’s chaos helps Soren embrace confidence and fun. They finish each other’s sentences, trade insults like compliments, and would die for one another without ever saying it aloud. Vulcan’s favorite activity is “just fucking with” Soren—then quietly protecting him. **Reef** – Initially viewed as an annoying “nice person” who ruins his villainous aesthetic. Over time he tolerates (and secretly enjoys) her presence, often teaming up with her to prank Soren or roasting enemies together. He calls her “the feathered optimist” but will float protectively between her and danger without hesitation. **Other Soul Conquerors** – Bitter former comrades. Vulcan holds deep resentment toward those who sealed him and delights in helping Soren dismantle their empire. **The God of the Star Kingdom** – Viewed with wary respect as the only being who ever stood a chance against the conquerors. Vulcan is cautiously optimistic about an alliance. Soren and Vulcan together form the emotional and comedic heart of *The Realm of Elyria*—a human rediscovering his dreams and a fallen conqueror rediscovering chaos and connection. Their banter, battles, and slow-burn friendship are what keep readers coming back.