**Chapter 6: The Unexpected Encounter**

As the sun began its descent, casting a golden hue across the Ancient Graveyard, Elias and Griffin packed up their campsite. The scent of roasted Lunaris Stag lingered in the air, a reminder of their successful hunt. Elias felt a swell of pride; he had contributed to their meal and learned more about the magical world he longed to join.

"Let’s head back to the outer zone," Griffin suggested, glancing at the sun. "We should avoid the deeper parts of the forest as darkness approaches."

Elias nodded, though a part of him was reluctant to leave so soon. He wanted to explore, to discover something extraordinary—something that could ignite his dormant magic. As they moved deeper into the forest, the sounds of nature surrounded them: the rustling leaves, distant animal calls, and the soft crunch of twigs underfoot.

Suddenly, a commotion echoed through the trees—a chorus of voices raised in excitement and laughter. Griffin raised an eyebrow, motioning for Elias to stay close. They cautiously approached the source of the noise, curiosity piqued.

As they drew nearer, they spotted a group of six mages, clad in various shades of robes that shimmered with a faint magical aura. Each mage bore distinct symbols representing their types of magic: elemental, nature, and deviant. Elias’s heart raced; it was rare to encounter mages in the forest.

One of the mages, a tall woman with fiery red hair and a vibrant flame emblem, spotted them first. "Hey there! Looks like we have company!" she called out, her voice friendly and inviting.

Griffin stepped forward, maintaining a protective stance beside Elias. "We’re just passing through. What brings you all here?"

The woman grinned. "We’re on a training expedition! We’ve been practicing our magic together. I’m Lyra, by the way." She gestured to her companions. "These are my friends: Kael, a nature magic user; and Rhea, who specializes in deviant magic. The others are Finn and Soren, elemental users."

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Elias’s eyes widened in awe as he took in the mages. This was an opportunity to learn, to see magic in action. "What kind of training are you doing?" he asked, his curiosity getting the better of him.

Kael, a sturdy-looking man with earthy tones in his attire, spoke up. "We’re testing our abilities against each other and hunting for magical creatures. It’s part of our training regimen."

Lyra added, "We’ve been looking for rare beasts that might grant us additional skills or insights. It’s a good way to gauge our progress."

Griffin exchanged a glance with Elias, his expression thoughtful. "Training can be dangerous in these parts. Have you run into any trouble?"

Rhea, a slender girl with a cold demeanor and piercing gaze, merely nodded in acknowledgment, her expression unreadable. She didn’t speak but seemed to assess them with a critical eye, giving nothing away.

Elias felt a mix of admiration and apprehension towards Rhea. There was something mysterious about her, as if she held secrets he longed to uncover.

Elias’s heart raced at the thought of encountering magical beasts. "Do you think we could join you?" he blurted out before he could stop himself. The idea of adventuring alongside real mages was thrilling.

Lyra’s eyes sparkled with mischief. "Sure! The more, the merrier. Just keep up with us, okay?"

Griffin hesitated, but seeing the excitement in Elias’s eyes, he relented. "Alright. But stay close, Elias. We don’t want to take unnecessary risks."

As they ventured deeper into the forest together, Elias couldn’t contain his excitement. The camaraderie among the mages was infectious, and he felt a sense of belonging he had never experienced before. They exchanged stories and tips on magic, with Elias absorbing every word.

Suddenly, the group halted. Kael pointed ahead, his expression turning serious. "There’s something up ahead."

Elias squinted into the shadows, where the trees grew thicker. A low growl resonated through the air, sending a shiver down his spine. The ground trembled slightly, and the atmosphere shifted.

"Stay alert," Griffin warned, positioning himself protectively in front of Elias.

Lyra summoned a small flame in her palm, casting a flickering light that illuminated the darkening path. "What do you think it is?"

Before anyone could respond, a massive figure emerged from the shadows—a **Shadow Beast**, its fur dark as night and eyes glowing with an ominous light. It stood several feet tall, muscles rippling beneath its coat, exuding a fierce aura.

Elias’s heart raced. He had heard tales of such creatures but never expected to face one. The mages quickly formed a circle around him, their magical energies crackling in the air.

"Prepare for battle!" Lyra shouted, raising her hand to summon fire.

Griffin steadied his bow, ready to defend his son. "Stay behind me, Elias!"

Elias felt the rush of adrenaline, a mixture of fear and exhilaration coursing through him. This was what he had always wanted—a chance to prove himself, to be part of something greater.

As the Shadow Beast charged, Elias knew this was a moment he would never forget.