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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2sCLxPB0E
“Stay quiet,” Tay whispered, his voice barely audible over the rustling leaves.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0nRcfEgG3
But before they could react, the creature vanished, leaving the mist swirling eerily around them. Silence enveloped the forest.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2Yvl4O2ge
“What was that?” New asked, his voice trembling as he glanced at Tay.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPfrrFC4HL
“I don’t know,” Tay replied, still scanning the area for any signs of danger. “But we need to get out of here.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQbaK0cFMr
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0s6d5gS0Z
Ryu tried to lighten the mood, grinning despite the tension. “Well, that was a little more excitement than I expected.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡybpr99GKyQ
Tay shot him a serious look. “This isn’t a joke. That thing… whatever it was, it’s dangerous.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgOpAUtBra
New remained silent, clearly shaken. “And what about… this?” He held up his hand, recalling the strange light that had emanated from it.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEvCBJIMo3K
“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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RmRP1ECht
“You’re up early,” Tay said as he joined him.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsPRHE5nt7
New looked up, his expression filled with determination. “I can’t shake what happened. I need to know what’s going on with me.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK9ucLUGTi
Tay nodded, appreciating New’s resolve. “We’ll figure it out. But first, we should eat something before heading back to the forest.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8XuUb62uW
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.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmzyY7ThrG
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFEYRIpFV0
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iEOGibU4d
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDiAoHAiCh
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLDwWqCGqD
“Stay behind me,” he urged, his eyes locked on the mist.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOaCKWMqxDA
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlGHCD3BZdH
“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.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBDjccqUvd
Tay stepped forward, his protective instincts on high alert. “What do you mean? What’s happening to him?”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfRzIJoHlVS
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.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcRbFVrYUe
New looked between the two, anxiety etching his features. “What kind of danger?”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVFAUgDJcd
“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.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazs0we3O3n
Tay glanced at New, determination rising within him. “Then we’ll help him understand his power. We won’t let anything happen to him.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5OfIGeSYj
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.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡckKWzX07f5
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BmtodZpON
“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.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gGrCJPF6l
Tay’s brow furrowed as he listened. “So, if New is scared, the magic could react negatively?”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZjB780k5xv
“Exactly,” the old man said. “You must cultivate inner peace and trust. Only then can you harness the magic without fear.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyXDHc4wbv
Tay turned to New, a reassuring smile breaking through the tension. “You can do this, New. I believe in you.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrn5KOXPUYF
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.198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7rCQkTO2V
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.”198Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0csDSqo9xW
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.
