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.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgmLAeOmJs
“Stay quiet,” Tay whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2iLH697Gls
But before they could react, the creature vanished, leaving the mist swirling eerily around them. Silence enveloped the forest.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwhTmSRB1v
“What was that?” New asked, his voice trembling as he glanced at Tay.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhNVTEDHLeS
“I don’t know,” Tay replied, still scanning the area for any signs of danger. “But we need to get out of here.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35p29S5Kto
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.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi6fppzwP5j
Ryu tried to lighten the mood, grinning despite the tension. “Well, that was a little more excitement than I expected.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWazPPPRHa
Tay shot him a serious look. “This isn’t a joke. That thing… whatever it was, it’s dangerous.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqXJvSLBinU
New remained silent, clearly shaken. “And what about… this?” He held up his hand, recalling the strange light that had emanated from it.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZhYQ7aDTW
“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.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXqLglivqf
“You’re up early,” Tay said as he joined him.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZurKcmMVp
New looked up, his expression filled with determination. “I can’t shake what happened. I need to know what’s going on with me.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt0R2AG4cD
Tay nodded, appreciating New’s resolve. “We’ll figure it out. But first, we should eat something before heading back to the forest.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FSH77J4BM
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.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWHWSzsa9E
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.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkNjDNohUg
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.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXL8P02n8go
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.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISm7jbSxbK
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.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzye1hmBnA
“Stay behind me,” he urged, his eyes locked on the mist.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPBLnpQ99v
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.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4dR6O4LkL
“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.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSL9sgWhxU
Tay stepped forward, his protective instincts on high alert. “What do you mean? What’s happening to him?”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWgIvNqgpBm
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.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZm5KgnRtoV
New looked between the two, anxiety etching his features. “What kind of danger?”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi3oK2FDKU
“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.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX56Nh44uZ5
Tay glanced at New, determination rising within him. “Then we’ll help him understand his power. We won’t let anything happen to him.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQS4etuvHQ
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.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kiiLao0AG
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.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcCsy9PWsw
“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.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnLnZyGfCpU
Tay’s brow furrowed as he listened. “So, if New is scared, the magic could react negatively?”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLQImSveAF
“Exactly,” the old man said. “You must cultivate inner peace and trust. Only then can you harness the magic without fear.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1O2HvGMca
Tay turned to New, a reassuring smile breaking through the tension. “You can do this, New. I believe in you.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5g9L9JEGjw
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.271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgab1A42lx3
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.”271Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ08SGiXDDgb
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.
