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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvnoOF9DWs
“Stay quiet,” Tay whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rtAia5sol
But before they could react, the creature vanished, leaving the mist swirling eerily around them. Silence enveloped the forest.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJw0RjSx8x
“What was that?” New asked, his voice trembling as he glanced at Tay.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHLXeTbvtK
“I don’t know,” Tay replied, still scanning the area for any signs of danger. “But we need to get out of here.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUilfEgEX6
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7JXlPD8Ge
Ryu tried to lighten the mood, grinning despite the tension. “Well, that was a little more excitement than I expected.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqChGGC5jh
Tay shot him a serious look. “This isn’t a joke. That thing… whatever it was, it’s dangerous.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Sj5F2KEpy
New remained silent, clearly shaken. “And what about… this?” He held up his hand, recalling the strange light that had emanated from it.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5q1t6kLmU
“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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡouDHOH8EZJ
“You’re up early,” Tay said as he joined him.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAz2Qh78fo
New looked up, his expression filled with determination. “I can’t shake what happened. I need to know what’s going on with me.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxYmBlBBGNt
Tay nodded, appreciating New’s resolve. “We’ll figure it out. But first, we should eat something before heading back to the forest.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecoqZ5HMuG
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.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTV68kERTo2
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgfO897qcw
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUZwCmcb3PD
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhca5dtgawu
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcVz9FJvXG
“Stay behind me,” he urged, his eyes locked on the mist.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxghxTJCv2G
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2VYBpHKSlg
“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.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnxgXv3P0i
Tay stepped forward, his protective instincts on high alert. “What do you mean? What’s happening to him?”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnP5aRIwAM
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.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjGDxbyXve
New looked between the two, anxiety etching his features. “What kind of danger?”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfvYZGiamIA
“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.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUMwue4dI1
Tay glanced at New, determination rising within him. “Then we’ll help him understand his power. We won’t let anything happen to him.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyoxPmvEzO5
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.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡktKA6dhmGW
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVZ5OFQ5t4C
“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.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MrieKVndy
Tay’s brow furrowed as he listened. “So, if New is scared, the magic could react negatively?”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡictdj2kLvr
“Exactly,” the old man said. “You must cultivate inner peace and trust. Only then can you harness the magic without fear.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e3lJiaOH4
Tay turned to New, a reassuring smile breaking through the tension. “You can do this, New. I believe in you.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaafc0xiSKq
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.137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1fTBBwoqP
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.”137Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKEVGfrxiaS
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.
