"Curse you, Theron!" Elias couldn't help but exclaim. His master, his surrogate father of the past twelve years, had abruptly expelled him from the only home he had known. Now, at seventeen years old, having recently become a fully-fledged mage, he found himself exiled. Theron had always been a strict taskmaster, preferring to let Elias learn by either sinking or swimming ever since he'd found the young orphan on the city streets.

However, there was no room for nostalgia now. His knapsack held three days' worth of provisions, along with the money he'd meticulously saved over the years - a modest sum of 400 coppers and a single, precious silver piece gifted by Theron.

Elias needed to find shelter for the night. His former home, a spacious cottage nestled halfway between various towns and a small city, was a safe haven. It was the perfect distance for a third-circle mage like Theron, providing a buffer against unwelcome visitors while still being close enough for a steady influx of work.

The Lancaster fief, where Elias found himself now, was relatively benign due to its low mana density. Nonetheless, wild animals and the occasional monster were not unheard of in these lands. If nightfall caught him unprepared, he'd either need to expend energy on numerous light spells or make camp in the wilderness. Given the choice, he'd much prefer a comfortable bed and some time to ponder his next steps.

Deciding on his immediate plan, Elias headed towards the nearest village the years his master spent training him in mage craft and in body made the walk quite easy. The town was a quaint settlement complete with an inn and a handful of merchants, Perhaps he could secure employment as a caravan guard. Mages were often prized for their versatility, and his status as a certified first-circle mage - attested by the robe and amulet his master had procured for him from the city of Lancaster - was bound to be a significant advantage. Merchants often coveted the convenience and protection a mage's small spells and charms could offer during their travels.

Lost in his thoughts, Elias walked along the road, hardly noticing the forest's deepening shadows. However, a prickling sensation of being watched snapped him back to his surroundings. His heart pounding, he instinctively chanted, "Shield!"

A translucent bubble formed around him just as something lunged at him from the forest's darkness. A shadowy form raced through the underbrush, aiming straight at him with startling speed.

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The creature crashed into Elias' protective shield, its momentum arrested abruptly by the magical barrier. Elias could barely make out its form in the encroaching twilight, but the pair of glowing yellow eyes piercing through the darkness left him in no doubt. It was a wild beast, possibly attracted by the magic he was unwittingly radiating.

Elias had trained for encounters like this, yet nothing had quite prepared him for the adrenaline that now surged through his veins. He tightened his grip on the mage staff he carried, his mind quickly rifling through the defensive spells he'd mastered under Theron's tutelage.

"Light!" he chanted, and a bright orb burst forth from his staff, illuminating the surrounding area in a warm glow. The sudden radiance startled the creature, its snarls turning into a startled yelp as it recoiled, its eyes blinking rapidly in the harsh light.

Elias took the momentary respite to assess his foe. It was a wolf-like creature, its fur as dark as the shadows from which it had sprung. He remembered reading about such creatures - 'Shadow Wolves', known to inhabit the deeper regions of the forest. They were not usually aggressive unless provoked or threatened. Was it his display of magic that had disturbed it?

He didn't have time to contemplate. The Shadow Wolf recovered quickly, its snarls returning, albeit with a note of caution this time. Elias knew he couldn't harm the creature - it was merely acting on instinct.

"Peace," he said, his voice steady as he extended a hand, palm forward, in a universal gesture of non-aggression. At the same time, he focused on projecting calmness, his magic humming with his intent.

For a moment, the wolf hesitated, its amber eyes scrutinizing Elias. Then, as if sensing his genuine intent, it gave a low whine and slowly backed away, retreating into the forest shadows once more.

Elias let out a sigh of relief. The encounter had been unexpected and tense, but it had also reaffirmed his belief that not all creatures were monstrous. Many were simply trying to survive, much like himself.

Shaking off the adrenaline, Elias continued on his way, the village now not far off. As he walked, he reflected on his encounter with the Shadow Wolf, knowing it was just the beginning of the challenges he would face in his new life. He was no longer under Theron's protection, but he was also not alone. He had his magic, his knowledge, and his courage.

And so, Elias the mage, with his first test in the wild successfully behind him, moved on to the next chapter of his journey. Tomorrow would bring new horizons, new learnings, and perhaps even a new friend or two in the quaint village. For now, he had a destination to reach, a warm bed to sleep in, and dreams of what his future might hold.