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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjydpedsxs
“Stay quiet,” Tay whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYk0Zn7fa0j
But before they could react, the creature vanished, leaving the mist swirling eerily around them. Silence enveloped the forest.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiM2dpSn7UN
“What was that?” New asked, his voice trembling as he glanced at Tay.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjcaPCAlGV
“I don’t know,” Tay replied, still scanning the area for any signs of danger. “But we need to get out of here.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDTFbMMv3jS
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqna60lCXk8
Ryu tried to lighten the mood, grinning despite the tension. “Well, that was a little more excitement than I expected.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5MDfK17na3
Tay shot him a serious look. “This isn’t a joke. That thing… whatever it was, it’s dangerous.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SiL1vm93S
New remained silent, clearly shaken. “And what about… this?” He held up his hand, recalling the strange light that had emanated from it.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4xXeCU2kB
“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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM6MQOtg4XJ
“You’re up early,” Tay said as he joined him.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwM8HJ9Wde6
New looked up, his expression filled with determination. “I can’t shake what happened. I need to know what’s going on with me.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC29CIxTV4u
Tay nodded, appreciating New’s resolve. “We’ll figure it out. But first, we should eat something before heading back to the forest.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAd9HzaEbP8
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.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wfuczO8jR
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmoSJddJrU
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6i7kwCGCqk
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl8ILw4xT1
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡefW6PWgYTd
“Stay behind me,” he urged, his eyes locked on the mist.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAU91PuuL9J
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXVkGtBwOs
“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.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinbyl6xLhW
Tay stepped forward, his protective instincts on high alert. “What do you mean? What’s happening to him?”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhZc16GTSL
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.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVddicAYS6
New looked between the two, anxiety etching his features. “What kind of danger?”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxk41oGDt9
“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.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqeFEDbqq9
Tay glanced at New, determination rising within him. “Then we’ll help him understand his power. We won’t let anything happen to him.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrdSXaqKmb
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.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHzHoN6pT6V
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLKtKK6xCp
“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.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMv29X5Ffq
Tay’s brow furrowed as he listened. “So, if New is scared, the magic could react negatively?”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbLpMfSAxyh
“Exactly,” the old man said. “You must cultivate inner peace and trust. Only then can you harness the magic without fear.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuXHnQFAeSy
Tay turned to New, a reassuring smile breaking through the tension. “You can do this, New. I believe in you.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtN8rsTHBiN
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.204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtMMDs3HrF
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.”204Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGSonsNb01
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.
