The creature’s glowing red eyes cut through the thick mist, sending a chill down Tay's spine. Instinct kicked in; he grabbed New's arm, pulling him close as they stared into the darkness.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCMpJg9R8ff
“Stay quiet,” Tay whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0FgiSv1Ks
But before they could react, the creature vanished, leaving the mist swirling eerily around them. Silence enveloped the forest.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQRzyp5NbK
“What was that?” New asked, his voice trembling as he glanced at Tay.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTs0e37C9OK
“I don’t know,” Tay replied, still scanning the area for any signs of danger. “But we need to get out of here.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6fX112jg4
They hurried back through the forest, the ominous atmosphere clinging to them. By the time they reached the village, the sun had set, and a deep twilight had settled in.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqItlItYLO7
Ryu tried to lighten the mood, grinning despite the tension. “Well, that was a little more excitement than I expected.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJC37Vfh5nP
Tay shot him a serious look. “This isn’t a joke. That thing… whatever it was, it’s dangerous.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxehzGaJgn
New remained silent, clearly shaken. “And what about… this?” He held up his hand, recalling the strange light that had emanated from it.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgwSt02eIx
“Whatever you did, it worked. But we need to understand why it happened,” Tay said, placing a reassuring hand on New’s shoulder. “Let’s get some rest and talk more in the morning.
The next morning, Tay woke early, his mind racing. The events of the previous night replayed in his head like a haunting melody. He found New sitting by the river, staring at the mist that still hung low over the water.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGra35olZL5
“You’re up early,” Tay said as he joined him.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7pqsWpe6T
New looked up, his expression filled with determination. “I can’t shake what happened. I need to know what’s going on with me.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzEWLlcw8Z
Tay nodded, appreciating New’s resolve. “We’ll figure it out. But first, we should eat something before heading back to the forest.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFF6nAzxkNp
Ryu appeared soon after, brimming with energy. “Ready for another adventure? I say we go back to the forest and find out what that creature was all about.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMmuthlDtZ
Tay exchanged a glance with New, who looked eager yet nervous. “Alright, but we need to stick together this time,” Tay said, his protective instincts flaring.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7V2egzPE78
They made their way back into the forest, the mist thicker than before, wrapping around them like a shroud. Tay kept his senses sharp, leading the way with New close behind. The air crackled with energy, a tangible magic that made the hair on Tay's arms stand on end.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJexl597tIy
When they reached the clearing, the symbols on the trees glowed faintly, pulsing with an ancient energy. Tay turned to New, who seemed entranced by the light. “This is where it happened,” Tay said, his voice low.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRrmwOnWh7
Suddenly, New’s hand began to glow again, the warm light illuminating their surroundings. Tay felt a surge of protectiveness wash over him, stepping closer to New, creating a shield with his body.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUrA0NxRXWf
“Stay behind me,” he urged, his eyes locked on the mist.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6WbmXau5o
From the swirling fog, a figure emerged—a tall, elderly man with silver hair and piercing eyes. He wore a flowing robe that seemed to merge with the mist.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReChehDpLX
“I’ve been waiting for you,” the man said, his voice smooth yet authoritative. “The magic of this forest has chosen you, New. You have a gift, but it is also a burden.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7DHseUtQc
Tay stepped forward, his protective instincts on high alert. “What do you mean? What’s happening to him?”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPV55EqjLm9
The old man turned to Tay, a knowing smile on his face. “New’s power is connected to the heart of this forest. But it will not be easy to master. The magic inside him may attract danger.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sfLGBAuls
New looked between the two, anxiety etching his features. “What kind of danger?”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJJOoCYkcU
“The creature you saw last night is a guardian of this realm,” the man replied. “It protects the balance of magic. But it has grown restless, sensing a shift in the mist.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQZddjjr6r
Tay glanced at New, determination rising within him. “Then we’ll help him understand his power. We won’t let anything happen to him.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagIoCJYLPg
The old man nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes. “Very well. But remember, the path ahead is fraught with challenges. You will need each other more than ever.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxw2RsYVVr
New took a deep breath, feeling both the weight of the old man's words and Tay's unwavering support. “What do I need to do?” he asked, his voice steadier now.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TMLzJtK97
“The first step is to learn to connect with the magic within you,” the old man explained. “You must understand your emotions, for they will guide your powers. The forest is alive; it will respond to your feelings.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsEPduT3Dz
Tay’s brow furrowed as he listened. “So, if New is scared, the magic could react negatively?”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW7N9D5M5Q
“Exactly,” the old man said. “You must cultivate inner peace and trust. Only then can you harness the magic without fear.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DU92M1ZHh
Tay turned to New, a reassuring smile breaking through the tension. “You can do this, New. I believe in you.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxNhj4driW5
New felt a warmth spread through him at Tay's words. “Together, we’ll face whatever comes our way,” he replied, determination blooming in his chest.273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEGUcBL4NXT
The old man nodded, his expression softening. “Very good. Let us begin the training. The forest holds many secrets, and time is of the essence.”273Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zsX2o0ZOn
As the trio delved deeper into the forest, Tay felt a sense of purpose enveloping them. Whatever challenges lay ahead, they would confront them together, stronger as a team.
