A Normal Night… or So He Thought
Ozen lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. His body begged for sleep, but his mind refused to shut down. Too much had happened—getting beaten up, losing control, and whatever Jack did to those bullies.
He groaned, turning over. Maybe I'm just losing my mind.
Jack's voice echoed in his head. Nah, kid. You lost that the moment I entered your life.
Ozen sighed. Not helping.
Jack chuckled. Well, if it makes you feel better, I'm also wide awake. You got me stuck in here, remember?
Ozen frowned. Wait… what do you mean 'stuck'?'
Jack went silent for a moment before grumbling. I mean I can't pop out like before. Normally, I'd be floating around, looking all suave and pumpkin-headed. But something's off. Ever since you transformed, I've been locked in your body.
Ozen's eyes widened. Locked?
Yep. Jack sighed. Kid, when you transformed back, something changed. Your body's like a cage now. I can't just slip out whenever I want, and your low soul energy is really something making me even much weaker than I already was from losing power during the period of my dealing.
Ozen sat up in shock. So I'm stuck with you inside my head forever?!
No, no, I'll figure it out. Jack muttered. But listen up: that transformation? That wasn't normal for a first-time Lantern. It was raw, instinctive. You didn't summon me properly—you merged with me. That's why you blacked out and why I can't separate from you now.
Ozen's mind raced. Merged?
Yeah, Jack continued. It was a full possession, kid. That's why you don't remember much. Normally, a Lantern Knight summons me as an ally—not as a second personality that takes over and starts crushing bones.
Ozen gulped. So you're saying I lost control.
Jack snickered. Oh, absolutely. But hey, the good news is—
KNOCK. KNOCK.
Ozen froze.
The sound came from his window.
His second-floor window.
A creeping chill ran down his spine. His heart pounded as he turned his head, eyes locking onto the glass.
A shadowed figure stood outside.
The moonlight barely illuminated it, but the shape was unmistakable—a man in a long coat, standing above the ground, staring directly at him.
Ozen's breath hitched.
Jack's voice turned deadly serious. Ozen. MOVE.
Before he could react—
The window slid open on its own.
A cold wind whooshed inside, killing every warmth in the room. The figure stepped in, moving with unnatural fluidity.
He was tall, dressed in a luxurious black suit. His dark sunglasses concealed his eyes, but his grin—sharp, menacing, and way too wide—was visible under the moonlight.
He stepped forward, his polished shoes making no sound.
"Ray Ozen…" His voice was smooth—too smooth. "I've been looking for you."
Ozen clenched his fists. "Who—who are you?"
The man smirked, adjusting his tie. "I go by many names… but you can call me Chang Zhao."
Ozen's stomach dropped.
The Dragon Soul Gang leader.
Jack clicked his tongue. Tch. This guy's bad news.
Zhao casually inspected the room, his fingers brushing over Ozen's desk as if he owned the place.
"I heard you had a little encounter with some of my boys."
Ozen's mind raced. Is he here to kill me?
Damn it died at age 14 what a short wasted life huh think I'm just entering my teens, wait no not with out a fight.
Jack's voice was urgent. Ozen, you need to transform. Now.
Ozen tried. He reached deep inside, searching for that fire, that power—but…
Nothing.
His heart pounded. Jack, I can't!
What?! Jack yelled. That's impossible! Try again!
Ozen focused harder, but it was like hitting a wall. The power—his Lantern form—was out of reach.
Zhao's smirk widened. "Something wrong?"
Ozen gritted his teeth. Jack, why can't I transform?!
Jack growled. Damn it, I was afraid of this. When you merged with me last time, it drained you. Your body hasn't adapted yet, so you can't access the Lantern state again until you recover.
Ozen's pulse quickened. So I'm defenseless?!
Zhao suddenly disappeared.
Ozen's eyes widened. Where—?!
Then—an iron grip closed around his throat.
Zhao had moved too fast.
Before Ozen could react, Zhao lifted him off the ground and slammed him into the wall.
Ozen choked, gripping Zhao's arm, but the man's strength was inhuman.
Zhao grinned. "I don't know what you are, boy… but I like mysteries."
Ozen's vision blurred. Air—he needed air.
Jack's voice boomed. FOCUS, OZEN!
Then—
A surge of dark energy.
The lights in the room flickered violently. Shadows twisted unnaturally. A deep, sinister growl filled the air.
Zhao's grin faltered.
Ozen's hands stopped clawing at Zhao's arm. Instead, his fingers tightened.
Then, with a voice that wasn't his own, he whispered—
"Let. Me. Go."
A shockwave of shadow energy erupted.
Zhao's eyes widened as an invisible force blasted him backward, slamming him into the far wall.
Ozen landed on his feet—his shadow swirling around him like a living creature.
Zhao groaned, rubbing his jaw. Then, to Ozen's horror—he laughed.
"Hah… Hahaha! Oh, this is interesting."
Ozen's heartbeat pounded. Why is he laughing?!
Zhao cracked his neck. "You're special, kid."
He grinned, standing up as if nothing happened. "I could kill you now… but where's the fun in that?"
Ozen clenched his fists, shadows still swirling around him. "What do you want?"
Zhao smirked. "I want to see what you really are."
Then—his body began to fade.
Ozen's eyes widened. "Wait—!"
Zhao chuckled, his form becoming more transparent. "I'll be watching you, Ray Ozen."
With that, he vanished.
The room fell dead silent.
Ozen stood there, breathless, his heart hammering in his chest.
Jack finally spoke. Kid… we're in deep trouble.
Ozen swallowed hard.
Yeah.
He knew that already.
Explanation of MC's Transformation Issues:
1. Why Can't Jack Manifest Physically?
The first transformation wasn't a proper summoning—it was a forced possession because Ozen was unconscious.
This caused Jack to be merged into Ozen's body rather than acting as a separate entity.
As a result, Jack can no longer leave Ozen's body freely.
2. Why Can't Ozen Transform Again?
The first transformation took a massive toll on his body.
His soul and body haven't adapted yet, making transformation difficult