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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRWF19uBSRn
“Stay behind me,” Tay whispered to New, his body tensing.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcr1m2IwmfS
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.”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj72blORoGd
New’s heartbeat quickened, his fear rising. “What does that mean? Is it dangerous?”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZCHmr1uEm
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRrQAUXtUrY
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.”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF3mN6sYm3
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?”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIDXxpWvdg2
“Time and patience,” the guardian said. “But more importantly, trust in your bond with Tay. You are not alone in this.”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj21tNPvMzX
The creature took a step closer, and Tay’s jaw clenched. “We’re leaving now,” he said firmly, his eyes never leaving the beast.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP48Vay04QZ
The guardian gave a nod of agreement. “Go, but be aware. The further you go, the more the mist will respond to your presence.”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVKHRDV3o58
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCM2EghgOMY
“I’m sorry,” New whispered, his voice trembling.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a1hGsv7x4
Tay stopped and turned to face him, his expression softening. “Sorry? For what?”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVM0fTBWk5l
“For dragging you into this,” New said, his eyes lowering. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be in danger.”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmD0bDmqJ6q
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?”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPbdpotvZo
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsROI8zagwX
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.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnvj1xWCHI
“Back already?” Ryu asked. “I thought you two were adventuring.”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvF5C3GwrC
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.”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9KPMlpv1C
Ryu raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “Creatures? Like what?”171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvldpThxEj
“Like nothing you want to meet,” Tay said, his tone serious.171Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGKc9x8e6Q3
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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