As they ventured through the rugged terrain, Blake's mind was consumed by the enigma of the supernova-like force that had ravaged the mountain. The moon's silvery glow bathed the landscape, guiding their path through the charred remnants. The air was heavy with the scent of destruction, a constant reminder of the unfathomable power they had just witnessed.

"Kaela," Blake began, his voice cutting through the night, "I need to understand more about this power. You said it was like a supernova. How could something with the power of a supernova only destroy a mountain and not the entire planet?"

Kaela, walking beside him, glanced at Blake, her eyes still reflecting a mix of awe and fear. She took a moment to collect her thoughts before responding, her voice trembling with the weight of her words. "Blake, imagine the energy of a supernova, an explosion so powerful it can outshine entire galaxies and obliterate everything in its vicinity. Now, imagine someone capable of harnessing that energy, not allowing it to spread out uncontrollably, but instead, compressing it into a singular point."

Blake's brow furrowed as he considered her words. "Compressing it into a single point? But wouldn't that make it even more dangerous?"

Kaela nodded, her expression grave. "Yes, in theory. By focusing such immense energy into a tiny, concentrated area, the destructive force becomes incredibly precise. Instead of a vast, uncontrolled explosion that could tear apart the fabric of our planet, it becomes a directed, contained blast."

Blake glanced back at the distant glow of the mountain's remnants. "So, you're saying whoever or whatever did this had the control to compress a supernova's worth of power into a precise strike?"

Kaela's eyes widened slightly, reflecting the gravity of her following words. "Exactly. The force we detected was akin to a supernova's core, but instead of exploding outward, it was directed and controlled with pinpoint accuracy. The destruction was limited to the mountain because the energy was so intensely focused. If it had been allowed to expand, the entire region, if not the planet, could have been annihilated."

Blake's low whistle echoed his realization. "That level of control... it's beyond anything we've ever encountered. Whoever can wield such power must be incredibly skilled and disciplined. This isn't just brute force; it's precision destruction."

Kaela's nod carried the weight of their discovery. "Yes, and that's what makes it so terrifying. The potential for devastation is staggering, and if this power falls into the wrong hands, it could unleash a catastrophe of unimaginable proportions."

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As they continued their journey back, their silence was filled with the unspoken realization of the threat they faced. The council needed to be informed, and plans required to be made to address this unprecedented danger. Blake's mind raced with strategies and contingencies, knowing that their world had just shifted dramatically.

The journey back seemed longer, the weight of their knowledge pressing heavily upon them. As they finally approached their destination, Blake glanced at Kaela, a silent agreement passing between them. They had to prepare for the worst, for they were now on the brink of a new, more dangerous era.

*** *** ***

“A supernova?!” Aric’s voice boomed through the chamber as his fists slammed onto the table, shattering it into splinters. The entire mountain seemed to tremble with his raw strength, dust falling from the ceiling and loose stones rattling underfoot.

Blake stood resolute in the face of Aric's outburst, his eyes flicking briefly to the wreckage of the table before returning to meet Aric's fiery gaze. The council chamber, carved into the heart of the mountain, was a grand and imposing space, its walls adorned with ancient runes that glowed faintly in the dim light. The other council members, a mix of powerful mages and seasoned warriors, shifted uneasily, their expressions a mix of concern and curiosity.

“Calm yourself, Aric,” Thorne interjected, his voice calm and commanding. Thorne’s presence was almost as imposing as Aric’s, his piercing blue eyes and silver hair giving him an aura of authority that demanded respect. He turned his attention to Blake, his tone softening slightly. “Please elaborate further, Blake.”

Blake took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the council's collective gaze upon him. He straightened his posture, his expression earnest. “As Kaela explained, the force we detected was indeed akin to a supernova. However, it wasn't an uncontrolled explosion. The power was compressed into a single, focused point, resulting in the precise destruction of the mountain.”

Thorne’s brows furrowed in thought. “Compressed? Such control… It’s almost incomprehensible. Who could possess such skill?”

Blake nodded, his eyes scanning the faces of the council members. “That’s what we need to find out. The energy was so intensely concentrated that, had it been allowed to expand, the entire region could have been obliterated. We’re dealing with someone who not only has immense power but also the capability to wield it with unparalleled precision.”

The room fell silent, the gravity of the situation sinking in. Aric, having calmed slightly, ran a hand through his thick, dark hair, his muscles still tense with residual anger. “If this power falls into the wrong hands, the consequences could be catastrophic,” he muttered.

“Indeed,” Thorne agreed his voice grave. He looked back at Blake. “Do we have any leads on who might be responsible?”

Blake shook his head. “Not yet, but we’re investigating. The level of control suggests someone with extensive training and discipline. We need to be prepared for anything.”

Kaela, who had been standing quietly to the side, stepped forward. Her ethereal presence and calm demeanor provided a stark contrast to the tension in the room. “We must also consider the possibility that this individual is not alone. Such power and control could indicate a larger, more organized threat.”

The council members exchanged worried glances, the implications of her words clear. Thorne nodded thoughtfully. “We will need to gather all our resources and intelligence. This threat cannot be underestimated.”

As the council continued to discuss their strategy, Blake’s mind raced with the enormity of the challenge ahead. He glanced at Kaela, who gave him a reassuring nod. They had faced countless dangers before, but this time felt different. This time, the stakes were higher than ever.