The Young Sage

After the turmoil that engulfed the forest, causing everyone to scatter in different directions. Kael, Elysia, and Fiona made their way back to the tranquil village of Elf—the beloved hometown of Elysia and Fiona.

Just before they parted, Piro and I conducted an intense interrogation with Fiona, determined to uncover the region responsible for granting the license to kill. It was an act of sheer insanity, perpetrated by individuals intent on invading the minds of others and up to no good.

Upon hearing the name, Piro's face lit up with recognition, confirming that we were indeed heading in the right direction. With a shared sense of purpose, I and Piro embarked on a journey that would take us through the chaotic forest, trudging through countless miles of untamed wilderness. As I immersed myself in the boundless beauty of this world, savoring every alluring scent and marveling at the peculiar creatures I had never encountered before, an overwhelming sense of awe enveloped me.

Yet, amidst this captivating spectacle, there was one individual who proved to be a constant source of trouble—a presence I could hardly fathom. I found it perplexing how the mere act of balancing on one hand within the confines of a flowing stream could be associated with any sort of power.

But I digress for rushing… Few hours back…

Our expedition brought us to a small grove nestled beside a tranquil river, where Piro abruptly halted, seemingly consumed by her own arrogance. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she proposed an idea, "Let's pause here for a moment. I have something important to share."

Curiosity piqued, I couldn't help but exclaim, "Oh! do tell me. What is it?"

She gracefully moved towards a large rock, settling herself upon it, before beginning her discourse, "Well, it pertains to Aurorush—an essential aspect you must acquaint yourself with before we reach our intended destination."

Being no stranger to my perpetual struggle to grasp new concepts, I inquired, "Ah! I see. But do you truly believe it's necessary?"

A fleeting smile danced upon her lips, betraying a hint of amusement that contradicted her expression. Suddenly, a surge of water, conjured by the intricate movements of her hands, cascaded towards me. Undeterred, she continued, "You see, Aurorush holds great significance, as it prevents Sylpha from transforming and ensures heir endurance doesn't wane too quickly."

As comprehension gradually dawned upon me, a question entangled itself within my thoughts, "Hm! I think I understand now. But what precisely is Aurorush?"

With an air of expertise, she proceeded to explain the intricate workings of this phenomenon—a flowing current of aura energy that courses solely within one's body. It weaves a delicate tapestry between the realms of the mind and the heart, giving rise to the very essence of Aurorush. By learning to wield its current, one can unlock a myriad of abilities and achieve extraordinary feats.

Returning to the present, the words she spoke filled me with a renewed sense of exhilaration. Moreover, her mention of intriguing training further stoked my curiosity, evoking images of combat prowess and long-range shooting techniques. Alas, my anticipation was met with a twist—a sudden demand to balance on my hands in the chilling embrace of the river, robbing me of any semblance of stability.

And now, as I find myself standing alone in this vast world, devoid of her presence, a realization dawns upon me. There are countless mysteries surrounding her and her peculiar ways, not to mention the fact that she is younger than I am.

Ah, the weight of solitude presses upon me relentlessly. I yearn for companionship—a friend who will stand by my side through it all.

As I stood there on hand, consumed by the weight of solitude and yearning for companionship, a faint sound caught my attention. It was the rhythmic cadence of horse footsteps accompanied by the creaking of cart wheels. Curiosity sparked within me, and believing it to originate from the roadside.

But as I drew closer, an unexpected noise shattered the tranquility of the moment—a sharp blast that echoed through the air. My concern grew, and I couldn't simply ignore it. My instincts urged me to investigate, to uncover the source of this disturbance. Without hesitation, I left my secluded spot and ventured towards the commotion.

As I reached the source of the sound, my eyes widened in surprise and concern. Before me stood a small group of individuals, their faces hidden behind ominous masks, atop horses clad in armor. Their presence exuded an air of menace and foreboding. My gaze was drawn to a peculiar cart covered in a shadowy veil, its contents concealed from view. Amongst them was a young boy dressed in an alluring attire, his expression one of bravery and courage with holding staff.

Determined to understand the situation, I cautiously approached, careful not to alert them to my presence. From my concealed vantage point, I overheard one of the masked figures atop a horse demand, "Hand over whatever you possess, and we might spare your lives."

My heart raced, and a surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins. It was clear that these individuals were attempting to extort something from the occupants of the cart. But who were they, and what was it that they sought so desperately?

With a deep breath, I steadied myself and weighed my options. The sense of justice within me refused to stand idly by, allowing innocent lives to be threatened. Despite the risks involved, I resolved to intervene and lend a helping hand to those in need.

As the chaotic scene unfolded before my eyes, my decision to intervene was momentarily suspended. The little boy, no older than twelve, stood there with an air of confidence, weaving his staff and moving his lips in silent incantation. To my shock and amazement, every masked figure atop horses clad in their armored fell to the ground, incapacitated.

Before I could fully process what was happening, spikes emerged from the ground, piercing each masked individual with precision. The spikes seemed to obey the boy's command, intertwining and capturing the assailants in a tangled web of spikes. It was a display of power that defied my understanding.

Caught between astonishment and curiosity, I hesitated, unsure of how to proceed. But then, as if sensing my presence, the boy's gaze locked onto me, his eyes filled with a mixture of intensity and challenge. His voice, clear and firm, resonated in my ears.

"How long are you going to hide? Come out before I deal with you," the boy declared, his voice carrying an undeniable authority.

His words snapped me out of my reverie. It was clear that he possessed extraordinary abilities, and I couldn't ignore his summons any longer. With cautious steps, I emerged from my hiding place, my eyes locked on the boy who seemed to hold the answers to the mysteries unfolding before me.

As I approached, a surge of mixed emotions coursed through me—awe, curiosity, and a tinge of wariness. Standing face to face with the young boy, I couldn't help but wonder who he was and how he acquired such incredible powers. There was an undeniable air of maturity about him, beyond his tender age.