Chapter 4 – Mysteries and Energies

The night in Farir was silent, lulled only by the whispering of the trees and the soft glow of the moon above the city walls.

Grumak lay awake, resting his head on his hand.

"Am I doing the right thing...? Letting him train away from me..."

That's when the voice came—clear, urgent, piercing his thoughts:

─ Someone help me!! Get me out of here!

He stood up immediately, instinctively going to the window and looking out at the silent streets below. No one. Only the magical lights of the city streetlights illuminating the empty paths.

─ Someone…help me!

—This isn't normal… — Grumak murmured.

Without thinking twice, he jumped out of the window, and using the displacement , he stepped firmly on the ground.

And the sound followed:

─ Here! Please!

Coming from a dead end , Grumak went there and saw...

a window , shimmering in bluish hues. Inside it, a female wolf-like figure , with white fur and gray spots and silver eyes.

Very scared.

— Hi! And who are you asking for help ?

— Yes, I can't get out!

Grumak approached, suspicious.

— Come on, there’s nothing there…

And it hit the middle of the window , like an invisible wall. Grumak's eyes widened.

— You're not kidding! Quick, give me your hand! Stretching out his arm.

and grabbed her arm and pulled. And the window began to disappear. With one last push, Grumak pulled it out and then the window vanished into thin air.

She fell into his arms..., but still conscious.

— Where... what are you hearing?! Where did you come from?

— I... I don't know... I don't remember... just where I was trapped... and I fainted.

Before Grumak could do anything, two figures appeared : Lakin and Farlan, watching the scene.

— But what...?! — Grumak began.

Farlan approached curiously, cleansed.

— A wolf with rare features in Farir…
What has Makar done now…?

Lakin crouched down beside the creature, watching it warily.

" She's alive and exhausted... Grumak, let's take her to the guild. I need to examine her further."

Grumak nodded, held her tightly, and carried her. There was something about her—an unusual energy.

"Why was I the only one listening to her?"

Farlan, walking beside Grumak, very intrigued.

— Yes, Grumak. The world is moving.
This creature may be linked to you.

They walked through the quiet streets back to the guild.

Grumak looking at the wolf in his arms, full of doubts, with something certain in mind:

"Fate has brought me here. And I will face everything. For my son."

Time seemed to slow down.

The guild, now very silent.

Grumak sat beside the wolf's bed, watching in awe. Every subtle movement made him hold his breath.

“And so beautiful…” — he thought, looking at her face.

Her snow-white coat was speckled with gray spots that glinted in the moonlight, like stars upon her fur. But it wasn't just her beauty that moved Grumak.

It was something more.

? “I heard your call.”

He closed his eyes, trying to understand. The subtle energy, Warm. Alive.

“It’s like part of me… knew she was coming.”

Lakin and Farlan in the guild library, searching for clues. The ancient books of races lay open on the table. The pages spoke of beings charged with protecting the balance of the world—powerful and dangerous, from another continent.

“ What if she’s one of those guardians? ” Farlan muttered to himself. “ What if she’s one of those… or something bigger?”

This made him uneasy. But for some reason, she was there.

Grumak still thinking.

Something was growing inside him. Something he couldn't name, but it was already shining brightly.

“Whatever... you won't be alone. I swear.”

He settled into the chair beside the bed. All night long, he'd wanted nothing more than to watch over her. That was his duty—and his desire.

And then...

One of her fingers moved.

Grumak's eyes widened and he leaned forward.

Her breathing altered, her eyes beneath her lids began to flutter. As if, deep within, her consciousness was trying to emerge.

“ Are you waking up…? ” he whispered.

But the awakening did not come, soon, she would open her eyes.

And when he did… the world would change once again.

Grumak placed his hand carefully over hers. And in that instant, a gentle wave of warmth ran up her arm, as if her own energy responded to his touch.

It was there, under the golden light that was beginning to appear on the horizon, that Grumak finally understood:

"This journey... was never just about saving Avalon. It was also about finding what we lost.
About restoring what was forgotten.
And protecting those who bring out the best in us."

He lay back, his eyes calm, his heart at ease, and fell asleep.

The soft sound of the door opening shook Grumak from his light sleep.

— Grumak! Wake up. Shiro and Helster are already in the cafeteria.

Lakin entered with light steps. Sunlight streamed in through the window, giving it a cozy warmth. Grumak blinked a few times and slowly stood up.

— Okay, I'm going.

As they walked to the cafeteria, Lakin watched him, analyzing him.

— You look... different. How was your night?

Grumak hesitantly replied.

— It was... peaceful. But I felt something strange. different about the... guest.

Lakin smirked.

— Are you enchanted? Interesting.

Grumak looked away, without answering.

Arriving in the dining room, the smell of bread and herbal teas filled the room. Shiro and Helster sat with their plates ready and impatient looks on their faces.

" Finally! " Shiro said. " We were about to start without you!"

" You started a long time ago, you hungry man, " Helster teased, taking another bite of bread.

" And where is the mysterious 'visitor'? " Shiro asked.

—Still sleeping, — replied Lakin.

" What about you, Dad? Did something happen? " Shiro asked.

Grumak took a breath before answering.

— Not much. Just... reflecting. About what we've been through.

Lakin, always didn't leave any loose ends.

— And the creature? What will we do?

Grumak stared into space for a moment, before answering firmly:

— We need to understand who she is, her origins. And not leave her alone.

Lakin nodded, aware that there was something bigger at play.

After coffee, Grumak called Shiro and Helster for a serious conversation. The fatherly tone replaced the excitement of the moment.

" Shiro... Helster... You're leaving tomorrow for training. And I... will go in the opposite direction. I know you're capable, but don't let it go to your heads. Be careful. And don't stray from each other."

Shiro smiled, approaching his father and hugging him.

" Stay calm, old man. I'll take care of myself. We've been through a lot in the other world. And now, with Helster. I won't do anything stupid."

Grumak sighed, hugging his son back tightly.

At that moment, the door creaked open. Lakin leaned against the doorframe, a smile on his face.

— Ah, Grumak, old man... she's finally awake.
Farlan is already there. And she called you.

Grumak raised his eyebrows.

— “Old man”? Really?

Shiro and Helster's laughter echoed through the room.

— You're getting popular, Dad! — Shiro laughed.

—I knew the 'sensitive orc' would be a hit. — Helster, barely holding back his laughter.

The mood lightened, everyone got up and went to the room. Grumak led the way, his steps determined, his heart heavy.

" Who is she...? " Shiro asked excitedly.

— I don't know, let's go and see. — said Helster, scratching his head.

Arriving at the room where Lupina was. When they entered, Farlan was standing next to the bed, arms crossed and a sharp look in his eyes.

Lupina remained cowering, her eyes fixed suspiciously, her posture tense. Farlan's presence, his imposing aura, made her more nervous. He asked her questions—direct ones—but she remained silent, looking away.

Upon seeing Grumak, her expression changed .

Her eyes softened. And she became more serene. Grumak approached with a gentle expression, kneeling next to the bed.

" What's your name? " he asked in a low voice.

She hesitated, her gaze vacant, searching within herself for an answer.

— I am... Malias.

Farlan frowned, puzzled.

— Malias... — he murmured, almost to himself.

Now, calmer and responding to Grumak, Farlan, noticing this, took a few steps back and signaled to Lakin.

" Come with me. I'll consult the guild archives.
" " Grumak, see if you can put her at ease. She trusts you."

As soon as Farlan and Lakin left, Shiro and Helster approached, their eyes full of curiosity.

— Wow... you're beautiful. I've never seen anyone like that before. — Helster, enchanted.

Shiro chuckled and nudged his father.

— That's why our "daddy" was watching you all night, forgetting about the children.

Grumak rolled his eyes.

— You two are impossible.

Malias, shy, laughed discreetly at the scene. It was the first time she had smiled.

They talked for a few more minutes, with Grumak explaining the basics of where they were, and that she was safe.

It was then that Lakin returned, breaking the mood.

" Have you registered with the human guild yet? " he asked.

" No... we only helped one group, " Grumak replied, his voice more serious. " The mission ended in tragedy. Adventurers... died."

Lakin lightly touched his shoulder.

" I'm sorry... you need to register here in Farir. Malias too. We need to understand this so we can help her—and you."

They made their way to the guild's main hall. The hubbub died away the moment the group passed. All eyes turned to them—to Grumak, and Malias...especially.

A murmur cut through the silence:

" Have you ever seen a lupine like this before? The energy she emanates... is different."

Grumak turned to Lakin, curious:

— Who is that? What did he mean by “energy”?

Lakin looked at the Lizard—tall, muscular, and a huge axe strapped to his back.

" That's Skar the Decapitator. Leader of the Butchers, one of the guild's strongest groups. He rarely speaks... but he senses energies better than anyone."

" Strange... " Grumak said. " I've never felt energy from anyone here. Not from him, not from Malias. Actually."

Shiro and Helster agreed.

— Yes, Dad. We never felt it either.

Lakin nodded.

" That's because you haven't awakened. It happens when you register with the guild. That's when your magical affinities are activated.
Until then, you're like... covered braziers. You're hot, but you don't burn."

The explanation took them by surprise. Grumak looked at his hands. "Could that be why I never felt anything... not even from Shiro?"

— Let's go. Farlan is already waiting for registration.

They headed to the records room. Malias stood close to Grumak, saying nothing, visibly calm. Still suspicious, lost—but in fear.

Grumak felt it too.

A subtle connection.

And in that instant, he knew: his journey began now .

The room was unlike anything Grumak had ever seen.

The walls, dark and solid, were lined with shelves of ancient books, scrolls, and relics. Armor and weapons decorated the room, creating a mystical atmosphere.

In the center of the room, on a circular stone table, were three colorless stones and a wooden tablet with magical seals engraved in lines.

Farlan behind the table, watching them.

— It's simple. Each person chooses a stone; the color defines its energy. Don't think. Just... choose.

Shiro approached. As soon as he touched a stone, he turned red with a vivid intensity. Helster followed suit, and upon touching the second stone, his light lit up with a vibrant red.

" Dashi energy, " Farlan said. " Common among demihumans, with unique variations. This energy is moldable, and each of you can use it differently."

Grumak before extending his hand. The third stone, dark in color, glowed in response.

—Nexum . —Farlan, surprised. —A rare energy... deep. Intense. It doesn't just manifest—it connects.

Finally, Malias.

She stared at the stones for a few seconds... and then, she reached out for one of the stones.

Upon touching it, the stone glowed with a hue never before seen . A clear, white energy with golden reflections filled the room. Everyone fell silent.

—But … what is this…? — Lakin, amazed.

Farlan stood up, his expression serious and perplexed.

—This energy… it's not in the records. Malias… you've manifested something ancient. Something… forgotten.

For hours, Farlan and Lakin pored through books and manuscripts. While they were there, Grumak, Shiro, and Helster discussed their newfound energies, trying to figure out how to use them.

— And what about the one Malias expressed...?

Farlan nodded, opening an ancient box that had been sealed for decades. It had been in the guild since Makar gave it to me, but I hadn't been able to open it.

— Grumak. You try, maybe you can do it.

Grumak held the box tightly. A soft glow emanated from the gloves on his arm, and the box opened by itself .

There was a translucent magic stone and a parchment . Farlan read it aloud:

— “Aetheris: energy of creation and the primal soul.
Rare, pure, and impossible to tame.
Those who wield it are shapers of destiny.”

Silence hung in the air.

" Malias... can you try using that stone? " Farlan asked cautiously.

She picked up the stone with one hand. She closed her eyes. And the energy responded immediately.

From his fingers, a white arc with golden reflections formed , translucent as living crystal. — Unstrung — the glow was magical.

Malias walked to the window in silence. He took a deep breath. And drew the energy from his bow. An arrow of pure light formed in the air.

With a fluid motion, he shot it into the sky . The arrow, like a bolt of lightning, pierced the clouds and disappeared into the distance.

Everyone surprised.

“ She’s… extraordinary, ” Farlan said, excited.

— Grumak. — You will be her guardian. We need to know where she came from. And if Aetheris is truly back in Avalon… then the world will change.

Grumak nodded. His gaze met Malias's, and she gave him a shy smile.

— I will protect her. And I will find what I can to help her.

Farlan looked at Lakin.

— Prepare the awakening ritual. It's time for these three to experience the world with their own senses.

Lakin placed the magic tablet on the central table. He asked Grumak, Shiro, Helster, and Malias to place their hands on it.

A bright glow exploded from the wood , and columns of light rose from each— two red, one purple, and one white .

A slight tremor. The sails flickered with the waves.

At the end of the ritual, they took a step back, panting—but beaming.

— Now yes! We can see and feel the energies! — said Shiro.

Helster swung the axe and smiled:

— it's amazing!

Grumak, in turn, looked at Malias.

And felt .

Her energy was serene. Pure. Like a calm lake in the moonlight.

And, perhaps... the beginning of something much bigger.