Chapter 3 – Shadows in the Forest
The dawn filtered through the branches of the forest, painting the clearing with golden glimmers. Kael rose before Elyndra, daggers firmly in hand. His muscles still ached from the previous day's training, yet his gaze carried unyielding determination.
"Today, I won't fall," he murmured to himself.
He launched into swift movements, cutting the air. His breathing matched each turn, each thrust. It wasn't perfect, but he was no longer the clumsy boy of weeks past.
From a nearby rock, Elyndra watched him silently. Her lips curved into a faint smile.
"That light in your eyes… yes, there is still hope in you."
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– The Interrupted Hunt
Later, Elyndra led Kael deeper into the forest.
"Today you'll learn to hunt. A warrior does not survive on steel or magic alone. You need instinct."
Their steps crunched over dry leaves until they spotted a deer. Elyndra signaled for silence. Kael crept forward, preparing to hurl a dagger…
But before he could strike, a harrowing howl tore through the air. The deer bolted in terror. Kael staggered back, alarmed.
From the thickets emerged three massive wolves, their eyes glowing with an eerie crimson gleam. These were no ordinary wolves: dark corruption twisted through their bodies.
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– The First True Battle
"Kael, fall back!" Elyndra cried, raising her staff.
One of the wolves lunged at the boy. Kael barely rolled aside, rising with a dagger at the ready.
Fear gripped him, but he remembered his teacher's words: "The dagger is an extension of your will."
With a shout, he charged the beast. His first strike missed, but the second sank shallowly into its flank. The wolf roared in fury and hurled him against a tree.
"Kael!" Elyndra conjured a wall of wind to repel another wolf, but the third circled to flank her.
Dazed, Kael staggered to his feet. Blood trickled down his forehead, but his eyes did not falter.
"No… I won't run."
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– The Awakening of Shadows
As the wolf leapt again, Kael raised his daggers. His breathing grew heavy, and a shadow spread beneath his feet.
Elyndra's eyes widened.
"What…? That magic isn't mine!"
The boy let out a cry, and the shadow rose like dark blades that struck the wolf head-on, driving it back. The creature collapsed, wounded and howling in pain.
Kael panted, barely understanding what he had done.
"Did… did I do that?"
Elyndra looked at him with a mixture of surprise and concern.
"Kael… within you lies a power that does not belong to this forest."
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– The Hidden Threat
The remaining wolves, weakened by Elyndra's spells, fled into the trees. Silence returned to the clearing, broken only by the boy's ragged breathing.
Elyndra approached and knelt before him.
"That magic… it's dangerous. But it could also save you."
Kael clenched his fists.
"I don't care if it's dangerous. If it gives me the strength to protect what I love… I'll accept it."
For the first time, Elyndra did not answer with a smile. In her eyes lingered a shadow of fear.
---
As they made their way back to the clearing, Elyndra suddenly halted and raised her hand.
"…We're not alone."
From the gloom of the forest, several hooded figures emerged, armed with chains and spears. Their eyes gleamed with the same corruption as the wolves.
"There he is," a raspy voice said. "The boy who survived the fire."
Kael stepped back, heart racing, daggers trembling in his hands. Elyndra raised her staff, ready to fight.
The true danger was only beginning.
To be continued....