Felix trudged through the dense forest, the path twisting under a canopy of twisted branches and dark green leaves. Shadows pooled around the roots, and the air was thick with the smell of damp earth and moss. After days of travel, his initial excitement had faded, replaced by a mix of fatigue and determination. Ravenspire was still a distant goal, but he was beginning to understand that every step on this journey was teaching him something, pushing him to grow stronger.

The quiet around him deepened, and he became aware of the faint hum of mana pulsing through the forest floor—a current he was learning to sense instinctively. It was both familiar and unsettling, a constant reminder that this world thrived on magic, and every element within it held energy and secrets he had yet to understand.

Suddenly, the silence shifted, and Felix felt a prickle at the back of his neck. He slowed his pace, gripping his walking stick tightly as he scanned the trees around him. He couldn’t see anything, but he could feel eyes on him, hidden in the shadows, watching.

A low, growling voice broke the silence, dripping with disdain. “Human… lost, are we?”

Felix turned, his heart pounding, as two figures emerged from the underbrush. They were Kroven, muscular, wolf-like beings who walked on two legs, with sharp claws and eyes that glinted with a malicious intelligence. Their fur was streaked with patches of dark red, and each wore a jagged blade strapped to its forearm.

“Just passing through,” Felix said, his voice steady despite the knot of fear in his chest.

The first Kroven chuckled, baring jagged teeth. “Passing through… with no permission.”

The second Kroven grinned, its claws flexing. “Human pays… in coin or blood.”

Felix knew there was no use reasoning with creatures like this. He tightened his grip on his walking stick, feeling the faint hum of mana pulsing in his veins. He wasn’t sure how much strength it would give him, but he focused on channeling it through his arms, letting the warmth settle in his hands.

The first Kroven lunged, swinging its arm in a vicious arc. Felix ducked, narrowly avoiding the strike, and swung his stick with all his strength, aiming for the creature’s leg. The blow landed with a solid thud, making the Kroven snarl in pain, but it recovered quickly, slashing at him with its claws.

Felix stumbled back, barely dodging the attack, and steadied himself. The second Kroven circled him, its eyes glinting with predatory focus. Felix’s mind raced. He couldn’t let them corner him, but brute force alone wasn’t going to get him through this. He needed to outmaneuver them.

The second Kroven lunged, claws slicing through the air. Felix sidestepped, letting the creature’s momentum carry it past him, and brought his stick down hard on its back. The Kroven let out a furious growl, but before it could recover, Felix had already turned to face the first one.

Mana pulsed through him, his senses sharp as he struck again, this time aiming for the creature’s arm. The Kroven’s blade clattered to the ground as it recoiled, rage flashing in its eyes.

But his momentary victory was short-lived. The second Kroven was already recovering, its eyes blazing with fury. Felix took a step back, his breath coming in quick gasps as he prepared for the next attack.

Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author's preferred platform and support their work!

Before the Kroven could attack, a calm voice cut through the tension. “Enough. Stand down.”

The Kroven froze, their heads turning toward the trees where the voice had come from. Felix followed their gaze, his own breath catching in surprise.

A figure emerged from the shadows, tall and cloaked, moving with a quiet, effortless grace. As the figure stepped into the light, Felix saw the pointed ears and silvery hair—a Sylvari, a non-human race known for their deep connection to nature and magic. The Sylvari’s gaze was sharp, his expression calm yet commanding.

“This human is under my protection,” the Sylvari said, his voice even but unyielding. “Leave, before I make you regret staying.”

The Kroven hesitated, clearly reluctant to obey, but the Sylvari’s presence seemed to carry weight. With a final, growling snarl, they retreated, their eyes still glinting with malice as they disappeared into the shadows.

Felix exhaled, the tension draining from his body as he lowered his stick. He turned to the Sylvari, still catching his breath. “Thank you. I… wasn’t sure how long I’d last there.”

The Sylvari inclined his head, a faint smile crossing his lips. “Not many humans would stand their ground against Kroven. You handled yourself well.”

Felix managed a weak chuckle, glancing at his bruised arms. “Thanks, but I was just trying to stay alive.”

The Sylvari’s smile widened slightly. “Survival is a powerful motivation.” He extended a hand. “My name is Eryndor.”

“Felix,” he replied, shaking the Sylvari’s hand. “I’m… on my way to Ravenspire.”

Eryndor nodded, his gaze assessing. “Ravenspire. A wise choice, if you’re seeking knowledge. The journey is not an easy one, but you seem capable.”

Felix hesitated. “I… I’m trying to learn more about mana. About how this world works.” He paused, feeling a strange sense of trust in the Sylvari. “I came here with a Grimoire, a… a book, I guess, that seems to hold more than it shows. It’s been guiding me, sort of.”

Eryndor’s expression grew thoughtful. “A Grimoire, you say? That’s no small thing. If it has chosen you, then your path is likely one of great significance.”

Eryndor studied Felix for a moment, his eyes sharp yet kind. “You’ve shown strength, but strength alone won’t see you through this journey. Mana is a force that can be as dangerous as it is powerful. It requires discipline and balance.”

Felix nodded, listening intently. “That’s what I’ve been learning. Oswin, back in Tirrow Vale, started teaching me, but… it’s all still new to me.”

“Then perhaps I can offer you some guidance,” Eryndor said, a note of respect in his voice. “The Sylvari have long studied mana, and we know its subtleties well. If you’re willing to listen, I can teach you what I know.”

Felix felt a surge of relief and gratitude. “I’d appreciate that. More than you know.”

Eryndor gestured for him to follow, leading him off the main path and into a secluded glade, where the air felt thick with mana, humming softly like a distant heartbeat.

“Mana isn’t merely a tool,” Eryndor began, his voice calm and steady. “It’s a current that flows through all things. To use it, you must respect its balance, understand its nature.”

Felix listened closely as Eryndor guided him through the basics of mana sensing, encouraging him to attune himself to the glade’s energy. He closed his eyes, focusing on his breath, feeling the faint warmth within him pulse in rhythm with the forest around him.

“Let it flow naturally,” Eryndor advised. “Don’t force it. Mana, when respected, will respond to your intent.”

Gradually, Felix felt the energy within him grow stronger, more focused. It was still a faint flicker compared to Eryndor’s controlled presence, but it was progress—a step toward understanding.

As night settled over the forest, Felix sat with Eryndor by a small fire. The Sylvari had shared stories of his people, their connection to the land, and their ancient rites of magic.

“You’ve chosen a difficult path, Felix,” Eryndor said, his tone thoughtful. “But if you continue, you’ll find strength you never knew you had. Ravenspire will test you, but it will also reveal much.”

Felix nodded, feeling a sense of determination. “Thank you, Eryndor. I’ve still got a lot to learn, but… I think I’m ready.”

Eryndor smiled, his eyes reflecting the firelight. “Then rest now. Tomorrow, your journey continues.”

Felix lay back, staring up at the stars, feeling a quiet satisfaction. He knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but

with allies like Eryndor and the guidance of the Grimoire, he was ready to face whatever lay ahead.