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.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVyLbxQSYZ
“Stay behind me,” Tay whispered to New, his body tensing.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcKzJJz583
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.”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUNJ4NCnMUc
New’s heartbeat quickened, his fear rising. “What does that mean? Is it dangerous?”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkQFiEYaHov
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.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTP2Wjzuies
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.”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagBskeumh4
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?”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVPLEwuSnW
“Time and patience,” the guardian said. “But more importantly, trust in your bond with Tay. You are not alone in this.”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqXhB5ULhU
The creature took a step closer, and Tay’s jaw clenched. “We’re leaving now,” he said firmly, his eyes never leaving the beast.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQLOaRtljL
The guardian gave a nod of agreement. “Go, but be aware. The further you go, the more the mist will respond to your presence.”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvobttAm6KE
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.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jbtiiZ1Tl
“I’m sorry,” New whispered, his voice trembling.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdqN7QBgnuy
Tay stopped and turned to face him, his expression softening. “Sorry? For what?”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7LgFoxKqBl
“For dragging you into this,” New said, his eyes lowering. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be in danger.”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTillDu4ldt
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?”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbJTVDEcBFV
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.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl34U0tm5vq
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.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡudEmieeOBK
“Back already?” Ryu asked. “I thought you two were adventuring.”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcKJtFKx5W
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.”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2r9BusyAN
Ryu raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “Creatures? Like what?”23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmk2JbvvtLR
“Like nothing you want to meet,” Tay said, his tone serious.23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPLYYIDD8E3
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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