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.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS6Vo84uus
“Stay quiet,” Tay whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxodCN7q3Jg
But before they could react, the creature vanished, leaving the mist swirling eerily around them. Silence enveloped the forest.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7KjGpQrnBx
“What was that?” New asked, his voice trembling as he glanced at Tay.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1asegU8ARy
“I don’t know,” Tay replied, still scanning the area for any signs of danger. “But we need to get out of here.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmpb9OfA3p
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.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUIdh29BkX
Ryu tried to lighten the mood, grinning despite the tension. “Well, that was a little more excitement than I expected.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyEGqywPqh
Tay shot him a serious look. “This isn’t a joke. That thing… whatever it was, it’s dangerous.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEG52zUYXxl
New remained silent, clearly shaken. “And what about… this?” He held up his hand, recalling the strange light that had emanated from it.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjWky39oqH
“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.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeFKvfFbUS
“You’re up early,” Tay said as he joined him.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy5Bh52fBr
New looked up, his expression filled with determination. “I can’t shake what happened. I need to know what’s going on with me.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznAWaSx4YL
Tay nodded, appreciating New’s resolve. “We’ll figure it out. But first, we should eat something before heading back to the forest.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoUAZpMHHS
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.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUF0BuZHo6
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.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOEUmNqIlz
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.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡva9kWWhhlw
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.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaN1i17nY9X
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.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOtoLjKFQf
“Stay behind me,” he urged, his eyes locked on the mist.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dzy9AsZEl
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.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSC2kweOTjU
“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.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Z8RgXwNwG
Tay stepped forward, his protective instincts on high alert. “What do you mean? What’s happening to him?”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwofYss490
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.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbnZsOiPQi
New looked between the two, anxiety etching his features. “What kind of danger?”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2kDJ3CNkh
“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.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa94RGixjXD
Tay glanced at New, determination rising within him. “Then we’ll help him understand his power. We won’t let anything happen to him.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLddPBt0epa
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.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfbL4Azvqk
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.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPG0tlZn13u
“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.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfaVYXbJH1
Tay’s brow furrowed as he listened. “So, if New is scared, the magic could react negatively?”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡugBMRRJxYQ
“Exactly,” the old man said. “You must cultivate inner peace and trust. Only then can you harness the magic without fear.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCjbFENcV5
Tay turned to New, a reassuring smile breaking through the tension. “You can do this, New. I believe in you.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfmNAGGQgS
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.42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAC24kz5qM
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.”42Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6iNYFISsE0
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.
