ɪɴꜰɪɴɪᴛᴇ ᴠᴀʟᴏʀ: ᴛʜᴇ ʜᴇʀᴏ'ꜱ ᴛᴀʟᴇ

ᴛʜɪʀᴛᴇᴇɴ - ᴛʜᴇ ᴄᴀʟʟ ᴏꜰ ᴛʜᴇ ᴍʏꜱᴛɪᴄ ꜰᴏʀᴇꜱᴛ!

- 5 MONTHS LATER -

It had been five months since Prince Leo's birthday celebration, and in that time, he had come to treasure his friendships with the other heirs. They often trained together, bonding over their shared paths and experiences, and even challenged each other in friendly matches. Though Leo didn’t win many of these battles—having only begun his training a year ago—he’d grown more proficient in using his snow powers, learning something new with each encounter.

One morning, Leo received a carefully sealed letter, marked with the emblem of the Thundercrest Kingdom. Opening it, he discovered it was from Princess Eleanor Stormrides, inviting him to the Celestira Forest, a mystical place rumored to be home to rare, magical creatures. Leo’s heart raced as he read further—she wanted him to accompany her as she sought her spiritual creature, a rite required of every royal and noble before they could attend Regal Elite Academy. This creature would be a lifelong companion, bonded through strength, quirk, or an age-old calling.

Without hesitation, Leo accepted the invitation. By noon, he and Eleanor were on their way, making their way through Celestira Forest, an enchanting realm where whispers of hidden magic danced on the wind. As they delved deeper, the path became treacherous—thick, twisting roots underfoot and ancient branches arching overhead. They passed through patches of eerie mist and meadows aglow with shimmering flowers, revealing just how otherworldly the forest truly was.

Finally, they reached a clearing where Eleanor had sensed the presence of a creature that she's dreaming to have since childhood. Waiting in the shadows was a powerful spirit beast—a towering Griffin with eyes that glinted like embers and wings that shimmered with iridescent feathers. It's a Rare Creature.

Eleanor took a steadying breath, summoning her VoltSpark quirk as sparks crackled around her. She charged forward, her attacks swift and precise, but the griffin retaliated with fierce gusts from its wings. It's been two hours since she's fighting it. The winds binding with electric spark were relentless, threatening to throw her off balance. Leo, watching from the edge, knew she needed backup. But he can't interfere in her fight directly, because if you want a spiritual creature as your pet you have to make it recognise you power own your own.

“Eleanor, I’m here!” he called, raising his hand to summon a surge of frost that cooled the surrounding air, slowing the griffin’s movements. Eleanor took advantage of the moment, landing a powerful strike with her all power that finally brought the creature to acknowledge her power. She approached, meeting its gaze as she laid a hand on its head. With a dignified bow, the griffin accepted her, solidifying their bond.

As they rested for few minutes after the intense battle, Leo felt a strange pull within him, a gentle yet compelling force. It was as though something deep within the forest was calling out to him, whispering his name. He turned, feeling the direction from which the energy flowed—a path shrouded in shadow.

“Leo, that’s the restricted area,” Eleanor said, her voice carrying a hint of caution. “No one goes in there. They say those who have entered… never returned.”

He hesitated, but the call grew stronger, resonating within him like an echo of fate. The feeling was undeniable, filling him with a yearning he couldn’t explain. After a pause, he nodded, his resolve firm. “I have to go, Eleanor. I feel… it’s something I must see.”

With some reluctance, Eleanor agreed to accompany him, and together, they ventured into the uncharted depths of Celestira Forest. The road was perilous, with twisting trails and treacherous terrain. Shadows lurked around every corner, and soon, they were met by malevolent spirits. Dark figures with empty eyes lunged toward them, their shrieks piercing the air. Leo and Eleanor fought them off, but each encounter drained their strength as they pushed forward, barely managing to repel the relentless spirits.