The rustling grew louder, and Tay tightened his grip on New’s hand, his eyes scanning the surrounding mist. The guardian stood tall, unflinching, as the leaves parted to reveal a large, dark creature emerging from the forest shadows. Its eyes glowed faintly, similar to the one they had seen earlier, but this one seemed more ominous, its presence radiating an undeniable threat.114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJLqjgTkwga
“Stay behind me,” Tay whispered to New, his body tensing.114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PMBdRWkMl
The guardian stepped forward calmly, his voice steady. “This creature isn’t here to harm you—yet. It’s a watcher, drawn to the power inside you, New. It senses the imbalance in the mist.”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8kw3hOCJYy
New’s heartbeat quickened, his fear rising. “What does that mean? Is it dangerous?”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4AhX2kR1LT
The creature let out a low growl, its red eyes fixed on New as if testing him. Tay’s protective instincts flared, and he stepped forward, placing himself fully between New and the creature.114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9xvLcRsh2
The guardian raised a hand. “It’s here as a warning. Your power is growing, New, but with it comes danger. The mist is reacting to you, and if you do not learn control soon, others—far more dangerous than this—will come.”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCARZA3oxWF
New’s mind raced, the weight of his powers feeling heavier with each passing moment. “How do I stop it? How can I control something I barely understand?”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4LxFpEfI2
“Time and patience,” the guardian said. “But more importantly, trust in your bond with Tay. You are not alone in this.”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxLtDLqwwb2
The creature took a step closer, and Tay’s jaw clenched. “We’re leaving now,” he said firmly, his eyes never leaving the beast.114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMdDV4Bd62
The guardian gave a nod of agreement. “Go, but be aware. The further you go, the more the mist will respond to your presence.”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4A2RP3wCmL
Tay led New back toward the village, their steps quick but steady. New’s mind swirled with uncertainty. His powers, the mist, the creatures—they were all too much. He glanced at Tay, who was walking ahead, ever vigilant, ever protective.114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5fMUxewaz
“I’m sorry,” New whispered, his voice trembling.114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ76B3cmcEo
Tay stopped and turned to face him, his expression softening. “Sorry? For what?”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BrerXhQZc
“For dragging you into this,” New said, his eyes lowering. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be in danger.”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz5l7RNVeBx
Tay stepped closer, lifting New’s chin gently so their eyes met. “Don’t say that. I’m here because I choose to be. We’re in this together, remember?”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jakbmatTh
New felt a wave of warmth wash over him, the fear momentarily replaced by the comfort of Tay’s words. He nodded, his heart lightening a bit.114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRRP2kdNKt
They continued in silence until the village came into view, the familiar buildings offering a small sense of security. Ryu greeted them with his usual carefree grin, unaware of the encounter they had just survived.114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZCZjgTV0I
“Back already?” Ryu asked. “I thought you two were adventuring.”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvhH0sR5g5
Tay gave him a look, but before he could respond, New spoke up. “Something’s happening with the mist. It’s reacting to me, and there are… creatures out there.”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ926x6l0vM6
Ryu raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “Creatures? Like what?”114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy47SosUYw
“Like nothing you want to meet,” Tay said, his tone serious.114Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbKYDICA9z
The three of them sat down, and New explained everything, from the growing connection he felt with the mist to the guardian’s warnings. As he spoke, Ryu’s expression shifted from amusement to concern.
“So, what’s the plan?” Ryu asked, glancing between Tay and New.
“We need to figure out what’s causing the mist to react this way,” Tay said. “The guardian thinks New’s power is at the center of it all.”
New sighed, feeling the weight of responsibility once again. “I don’t want to hurt anyone… but I don’t know how to control it.”
Ryu leaned back, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “Well, you’ve got us. We’ll help however we can.”
Tay nodded, his resolve clear. “We’ll face whatever’s coming together. But we have to stay alert—this is only the beginning.”
New felt a small glimmer of hope. Despite the uncertainty ahead, he knew he could rely on Tay and Ryu. Together, they would uncover the secrets of the mist and the true extent of New’s power. Whatever dangers lay ahead, they would face them side by side.
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