**Day 13: Discovering the Truth**
Jade woke early, the pulsing energy of his newly formed core still thrumming in his chest. The power it provided was intoxicating, but Jade was acutely aware that this newfound strength came with a price. The mage’s true intentions weighed heavily on his mind, and Jade knew he had to be prepared for whatever schemes were being woven in the shadows.
As he went about his morning routine, Jade couldn’t shake the feeling that his training had only just begun. He needed to learn more about the core and its potential. It was then that he recalled something the mage had mentioned in passing: the existence of magical beasts, creatures that also possessed cores brimming with energy and power.
**Morning Revelations**
Determined to learn more, Jade approached the mage with a carefully measured curiosity. “You mentioned magical beasts before,” Jade began, trying to sound casual. “What exactly are they?”
The mage looked at him, a glint of something unreadable in his eyes. “Magical beasts are creatures native to this world, much like the wild animals you might know, but far more dangerous. These beasts are born with a natural affinity for the energy that flows through this land. Over time, the strongest of them develop cores—similar to the one you now possess.”
Jade’s interest was piqued. “And these cores… are they like mine?”
“In essence, yes,” the mage replied, his voice taking on a lecturing tone. “But the cores of magical beasts are raw, untamed. They are often tied to the beast’s elemental nature—fire, ice, earth, and so on. Harvesting these cores can be incredibly dangerous, but they are also incredibly powerful. The core of a beast can enhance your own abilities or be used to fuel powerful spells and rituals.”
Jade nodded, absorbing the information. The idea of hunting these beasts and claiming their cores for himself was both thrilling and daunting. It was clear that if he wanted to grow stronger, this was a path he needed to explore.
**The First Hunt**
By midday, Jade had made up his mind. He would seek out one of these magical beasts and attempt to harvest its core. It was a dangerous endeavor, but the potential rewards were too great to ignore. He gathered his gear—his makeshift weapons, the blue gem, and a small pack of supplies—and set out into the forest.
The mage did not accompany him, which suited Jade just fine. He preferred to undertake this challenge alone, without the mage’s watchful eyes. As he ventured deeper into the forest, the trees grew denser, the air cooler. The atmosphere around him became charged with a strange energy, a sure sign that he was entering the territory of a magical beast.
Hours passed as Jade tracked his prey, following signs of disturbance in the underbrush and the faint glow of residual energy in the air. Eventually, he came upon a clearing where the ground was scorched, and the trees bore signs of intense heat. This was the lair of a fire-based magical beast—a creature born from flames, with a core that likely held the power of fire itself.
**The Confrontation**
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Jade’s heart pounded as he approached the clearing, every sense on high alert. The beast emerged from the shadows, its massive form crackling with fiery energy. It was a creature unlike anything Jade had ever seen—its body composed of molten rock and flame, eyes glowing like embers, with a deep, guttural growl that echoed through the forest.
The creature charged at him, its speed belying its size. Jade barely had time to react, diving to the side as the beast’s fiery claws raked the ground where he had just stood. The heat was intense, the air around the beast warping with the sheer energy it radiated.
Drawing on the power of his core, Jade summoned his energy, using the techniques the mage had taught him to shield himself from the worst of the heat. He had to think fast, to use the environment to his advantage. The blue gem pulsed at his side, amplifying his strength as he faced the monstrous foe.
The battle was fierce and chaotic. Jade used his speed and agility to dodge the beast’s attacks, countering with strikes enhanced by his core’s energy. But the beast was relentless, its fire-based attacks overwhelming in their intensity. Jade knew he couldn’t keep this up forever—he had to find a way to strike at the core, to weaken the creature and end the fight.
As the beast lunged at him once more, Jade saw his opportunity. He rolled to the side, grabbing a fallen branch and imbuing it with his energy. The branch burst into blue flames, its power augmented by the gem. With a swift motion, Jade thrust the burning branch into the beast’s chest, aiming for where he believed the core to be.
The beast let out a deafening roar, its body convulsing as the energy from the branch clashed with the energy of its core. For a moment, the creature seemed to grow even more powerful, the flames around it intensifying—before it suddenly collapsed, its fiery form dissipating into the air, leaving behind a glowing, pulsating core.
**The Spoils of Victory**
Jade approached the core cautiously, his heart still racing from the battle. The core was small, about the size of a fist, and radiated an intense heat. It was unlike the energy of his own core—wild, untamed, and incredibly potent.
Carefully, Jade picked up the core, feeling its power coursing through his fingers. This was what he had been searching for—a source of energy that could potentially amplify his own abilities or be used in ways he had yet to discover.
As he made his way back to his shelter, Jade couldn’t help but feel a sense of triumph. He had faced a powerful magical beast and emerged victorious, claiming its core as his prize. But even as he reveled in his success, a small voice in the back of his mind reminded him of the dangers that lay ahead. The mage was still out there, watching, waiting for the right moment to make his move.
**Nightfall Preparations**
That night, Jade studied the fire core, comparing it to the energy of his own core. He could feel the raw power within it, and he knew that if he could harness this energy, it would make him even stronger. But he also knew that he needed to be careful—this was new, uncharted territory, and any mistake could be catastrophic.
He began experimenting with the core, attempting to draw its energy into his own. The process was slow and difficult—the core resisted his attempts to control it, its energy volatile and unpredictable. But Jade was nothing if not determined, and he pushed forward, testing his limits and learning as much as he could.
As the night wore on, Jade’s thoughts drifted to the mage. The man had helped him form his core, but Jade knew there was more to the mage’s plans than he had revealed. The mage had his own goals, and Jade suspected that they involved more than just teaching him. He needed to stay vigilant, to keep training and preparing for the day when their alliance would inevitably turn into a confrontation.
For now, though, Jade was content with his progress. He had taken another step toward mastering the energy of this world, and with each new discovery, he grew closer to his ultimate goal. But the road ahead was still long, and filled with dangers he had yet to face.
As he drifted off to sleep, the fire core pulsing faintly at his side, Jade’s dreams were filled with visions of power and conquest, of battles yet to be fought and enemies yet to be defeated. He knew that the journey ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was ready for whatever came his way.