𝕾𝖔𝖚𝖑𝖘 [𝗲𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻]

★[𝐜𝐩𝐭.𝟎𝟕]★

The days stretched like a long shadow along my path as I lingered in my inner conflict. Adonis had visited me again, warning me about Rheos' daughter—an ominous premonition that kept me on edge. Nevertheless, I accepted my fate, a dark chapter unfolding before me like an inevitable stroke of destiny. Arox, my loyal companion, tried in his own way to uplift my spirits. His gaze fell on my katana, gesturing as if to encourage me to fight alone for Ionia. Yet, the elven years were coming to an end, and I felt my strength gradually waning.

Arox lay dejected on the ground, and my hand stroked his fur in a gentle attempt to provide solace. But then, a sudden decision pierced through me—a decision to fight for the forest of Ionia one last time. Arox leaped up, circling me like an energetic pup. We played for a brief moment before the birds' chirping spread the news of the impending battle in the forest. Their jubilant calls sounded like nature's response to my decision, and in that moment, I felt strengthened, if only for a moment. Yet, I couldn't face this challenge alone—I needed Dorea, the siren.

The planning of my journey to the sea took shape, and my quest for Dorea was about to begin. I summoned Alice, instructed her to guard the forest, and handed her one of my magical crystals, intended to impart a touch of my powers. "Take good care of it; it's stronger than you may estimate. I'll search for Dorea," I explained. Alice, marked by concern, doubted how I could know if Dorea was still alive. I reassured her, placed a hand on her cheek, and spoke in a calm voice, "The seas would be lifeless, no more fish, dried-up rivers—that would be the sign of her disappearance." With a confident look, she accepted the stone. "I believe in you," I firmly said. Alice transformed into an owl and soared out of the hut.

The starry night enveloped me as I prepared for the upcoming journey. Arox stood patiently by my side, his shimmering eyes reflecting the darkness of the forest. We stealthily moved through the shadows of the treetops as I gathered herbs and supplies for the journey. The sounds of the forest became living stories woven into the nocturnal fabric.

Back in my hut, I delved into the ancient writings, dusty relics of magic resting on yellowed pages. Each word held memories of bygone days and adventures with Alice and Arox. My fingers danced over the pages preserving the knowledge of the gods. Every rune and spell invoked the power of times past.

With the book in hand, Arox and I ascended to a long-forgotten training ground. Under the silvery moonlight, the once magnificent place, now marked by time, revealed itself. The remnants of ancient battles spoke of past struggles. Someone had been here before me.

With sublime determination, I grasped the magical energies of the place. My hands lifted, and a whisper of the elements surrounded us. In a moment of concentration, I unleashed a burst of magical energy to shatter the stones of the training ground with the magic concentrated in my hands. The stirred-up dust carried the essence of past magic through the forest.

Amidst the dusty veil, the ancient scriptures revitalized my knowledge. My movements merged with the elements, and the darkness of the night became the backdrop of my magical rediscovery. Time faded away, and I immersed myself in the harmonious symbiosis of ancient wisdom and newfound magic.