The training grounds of Kamar-Taj shimmered under the setting sun. Ron stood at the center, surrounded by ancient runes and glowing glyphs. Today was the beginning of a new phase—true magical mastery.
Beside him stood Asteria, her expression calm but firm. She wore a silver-laced battle cloak now, her aura pulsing with cosmic grace. "Your raw power is unmatched, Ron. But without control, it will consume you… like it has in other timelines."
Ron nodded. "Then let's tame it."
He took a breath, white and dark magic swirling around his arms like twin serpents. The two energies clashed against each other, threatening to spiral out of control. Asteria lifted her hand, conjuring a spell circle that stabilized the flow instantly.
> "Focus on balance, not dominance," she said. "Don't force light to beat dark. Make them dance."
As Ron channeled both forces again, his feet lifted slightly from the ground. The magic began to flow smoothly—black flame in his left hand, white frost in his right. The yin and yang of his soul started syncing.
Then Liliane appeared, leaning on the doorway with crossed arms and a playful smirk. "Hate to break the moment, but don't forget who helped you survive the Spiral Rift. I deserve co-trainer status."
> "You just want an excuse to show off," Elara said, entering behind her, holding two sparring blades. "And keep him away from her."
She nodded toward Asteria.
Tension sparked in the air like static.
Ron sighed. "Can we not turn my training session into a love triangle?"
Asteria, calm as ever, stepped back. "I'm not here to compete. I'm here to prepare you for the Crimson King."
Ron paused. "Crimson… who?"
Asteria's expression hardened. "A being that's spreading through the multiverse. Reality after reality is falling to his corruption. And you, Ron, are one of the few constants powerful enough to oppose him."
Before anyone could respond, the sky cracked.
A floating eye the size of a house blinked open above Kamar-Taj—a magical anomaly in progress.
> "Seriously?" Ron groaned. "Can't even train in peace."
Liliane stepped beside him, readying her firestaff. "Let's test your balance on a real enemy."
Elara rolled her eyes. "Try not to die, silver boy."
Asteria smiled faintly. "This is only the beginning."
And as the three women flanked him once more, Ron flew upward, cloaked in shimmering magic—ready to face destiny, danger… and the chaos of affection.
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