Felix walked through the winding forest path, his eyes alert as he took in the shadows between the trees. After days of travel and strange encounters, he’d grown accustomed to the quiet, but today felt different. The air was thick with mana, humming faintly, as if the forest itself were watching him.

Then he saw her—a figure crouched by a patch of moss-covered stones, dressed in dark robes that seemed to blend seamlessly with the forest. She looked up as he approached, her eyes sharp and curious.

“You’re a long way from Tirrow Vale,” she observed calmly.

Felix tensed, his grip tightening on his walking stick. He hadn’t expected to meet anyone here, let alone someone who knew of his origin. “And you’re…?

Her mouth twitched in the faintest hint of a smile. “I’m Alira. And I don’t believe in letting strangers wander into danger unprepared.” She stood slowly, her movements graceful, her gaze never leaving him.

Felix hesitated, studying her. She didn’t look human—not quite. Her features were sharp, ethereal, her skin holding a faint shimmer. He’d heard tales of tricksters in the forest, but something in her calm demeanor put him at ease.

“Well, I’m Felix,” he said, forcing himself to relax. “I’m just passing through, heading to Ravenspire.”

Alira tilted her head, her eyes narrowing with amusement. “Passing through, are you?” She stepped closer, her gaze steady. “In that case, let’s see if you’re truly prepared for the trials ahead.”

Without another word, Alira gestured to a small clearing just off the path. Felix followed, feeling a mixture of excitement and apprehension. He’d had some basic training with Oswin, but he wasn’t sure he was ready to face whatever Alira had in mind.

“Show me how you defend yourself,” she said, her tone leaving no room for hesitation.

Felix raised his walking stick, his mind racing. He felt a surge of mana in his chest, and with a steadying breath, he focused it, letting the warmth guide his movements. He took a defensive stance, feeling a faint pulse of confidence.

Alira circled him, her movements graceful and deliberate, a faint smile on her lips. Without warning, she lunged forward, her hand aimed at his shoulder. Felix dodged, swinging his stick in a controlled arc, aiming for her side. She deflected him easily, her movements almost effortless.

“You’re relying too much on brute force,” she remarked, blocking his next strike with a flick of her wrist. “Mana isn’t a battering ram. It’s a current. Let it flow through you—don’t force it.”

Felix gritted his teeth, feeling his cheeks flush. He adjusted his grip, focusing on letting the mana guide him, as she suggested. This time, his strikes felt smoother, his movements more fluid, and he caught a glimmer of approval in Alira’s eyes as she deflected each blow.

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

“Better,” she said, stepping back, her expression thoughtful. “You have the potential, Felix. But potential is nothing without discipline.”

He exhaled, feeling a sense of pride despite the challenge. “Thanks,” he said, breathing heavily. “I’ve got a lot to learn.”

They resumed their journey, Alira leading the way with quiet confidence. Felix kept his senses sharp, taking in every sound, every flicker of movement. But as they walked, the shadows deepened, and the forest grew eerily silent.

A sudden rustling in the underbrush made Felix’s heart skip a beat. He stopped, his walking stick ready as he scanned the trees. Alira held up a hand, her gaze sharp, her stance alert.

Without warning, three figures emerged from the shadows, their bodies hunched and twisted, their skin a mottled, ashen gray. Their eyes glowed with a faint, malevolent light. Felix recognized them from Oswin’s teachings—Nightspawn, vicious creatures known for their aggression and territorial nature.

Alira’s expression hardened, her hands raised as a soft glow surrounded her. With a whisper, she summoned vines from the ground, wrapping around the nearest Nightspawn. The creature thrashed, snarling as it struggled against the binding.

The other two Nightspawn broke free, advancing on Felix with slow, deliberate movements. He steadied himself, feeling the hum of mana within him, letting it fuel his strength. When the first creature lunged, he struck out with his stick, feeling the solid impact as it connected with the creature’s side.

The Nightspawn snarled, baring sharp teeth as it lunged again. Felix dodged, channeling his mana into a swift counterattack. His movements felt more controlled, his reflexes sharper, and he managed to land a second blow, forcing the creature back.

Beside him, Alira moved with calm precision, dispatching her opponent with a flick of her wrist. She turned to Felix, her eyes gleaming with approval. “Not bad, for a ‘passer-through,’” she remarked.

Felix grinned, feeling a surge of pride. “I had a good teacher.”

Once the Nightspawn had retreated, Alira led Felix to a small glade, where they paused to catch their breath. She studied him for a moment, her gaze thoughtful.

“You’re learning quickly,” she said, her tone softer. “But remember—mana isn’t just a tool. It’s part of this world, connected to everything around you.”

Felix nodded, listening intently. “I’m starting to see that. But it’s… not easy. It’s like trying to grab something slippery.”

Alira’s smile was faint but approving. “Precisely. Mana flows like water—it adapts, it reacts. Trying to control it too rigidly only makes it harder to wield.” She gestured for him to sit, settling across from him as she spoke. “Close your eyes. Breathe, and feel the mana around you. Don’t try to force it—just let it flow.”

Felix closed his eyes, taking a slow, steady breath. He focused on the warmth of mana in his chest, letting it settle, feeling its pulse. For the first time, he sensed the faint, delicate threads of energy around him—the hum of the forest, the quiet rhythm of life beneath his feet.

“Good,” Alira murmured. “Now, reach out to it. Mana responds to intent, to the quiet of the mind. Show it respect, and it will show you its strength.”

He followed her guidance, allowing his mind to quiet, his thoughts to settle. Slowly, he felt the mana around him shift, responding to his presence. It was subtle, like a faint whisper, but it was real.

As Felix opened his eyes, he felt a newfound sense of calm, a deeper connection to the world around him. Alira watched him with quiet approval, nodding as if she understood the change.

“You’ve taken your first true step toward understanding,” she said. “Remember this feeling. It’s your anchor.”

Felix smiled, a sense of gratitude filling him. “Thank you, Alira. For… everything.”

She inclined her head, her gaze softening. “The path to Ravenspire is long and treacherous. But I believe you have the strength to see it through.”

They sat in silence for a moment, the forest around them quiet, the world feeling both vast and close. Felix knew he had a long way to go, but for the first time, he felt truly ready.