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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMXNS2nL47
“Stay quiet,” Tay whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18G4yBQy94
But before they could react, the creature vanished, leaving the mist swirling eerily around them. Silence enveloped the forest.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4jLgVh7MG
“What was that?” New asked, his voice trembling as he glanced at Tay.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacg7wbDmRN
“I don’t know,” Tay replied, still scanning the area for any signs of danger. “But we need to get out of here.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8VMIVrSoRy
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5spqODw3z
Ryu tried to lighten the mood, grinning despite the tension. “Well, that was a little more excitement than I expected.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztk1YdR5Pk
Tay shot him a serious look. “This isn’t a joke. That thing… whatever it was, it’s dangerous.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE1TUxz1gc
New remained silent, clearly shaken. “And what about… this?” He held up his hand, recalling the strange light that had emanated from it.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxqltWqIRG
“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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLpFzrwK2K
“You’re up early,” Tay said as he joined him.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXd3aTyr6If
New looked up, his expression filled with determination. “I can’t shake what happened. I need to know what’s going on with me.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9T5jsjsRzS
Tay nodded, appreciating New’s resolve. “We’ll figure it out. But first, we should eat something before heading back to the forest.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTTy43cXomw
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.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjswruTNm3I
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck0bQwqvz9
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIKUCQrkW3
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMevPyjgL2L
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡli8qpm5Xph
“Stay behind me,” he urged, his eyes locked on the mist.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvwBd4VzZUK
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZuJFEWzgI
“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.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hH7pBuvSs
Tay stepped forward, his protective instincts on high alert. “What do you mean? What’s happening to him?”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyLOqqFlP9
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.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCFEhKYoJX
New looked between the two, anxiety etching his features. “What kind of danger?”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEfOO5j69q
“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.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtIQQUzOJJ
Tay glanced at New, determination rising within him. “Then we’ll help him understand his power. We won’t let anything happen to him.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLYmxq8ELFo
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.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaz9jVwgR0R
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlIMimUfUF
“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.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy5cRX8LwMD
Tay’s brow furrowed as he listened. “So, if New is scared, the magic could react negatively?”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumYO4g5kV2
“Exactly,” the old man said. “You must cultivate inner peace and trust. Only then can you harness the magic without fear.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC6lStPYME
Tay turned to New, a reassuring smile breaking through the tension. “You can do this, New. I believe in you.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTN1uXgjGwN
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.188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhj0E56oj3m
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.”188Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8DIWwWJg6t
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.
