It had been a few days since Ayato and his friends returned from their adventure in the forest. Ryu had spent most of his time training, determined to become stronger so that he could protect his friends.

One day, as he was training in the school's gym, he suddenly felt a strange sensation. It was as if something was calling out to him. He looked around but there was no one else in the gym.

Ryu decided to follow his instincts and headed towards the rooftop of the school. As he stepped onto the rooftop, he saw a figure standing in the distance. It was a woman with long, fiery red hair.

"Who are you?" Ryu called out, but the woman didn't answer. Instead, she walked towards him, her eyes glowing with a strange energy.

Ryu could feel his own energy rising in response. It was as if his own inner fire was awakening, just like the phoenix that was said to rise from the ashes.

The woman finally stopped in front of Ryu and spoke in a soft voice. "You have potential, young one. But you must learn to control your power before it consumes you."

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Ryu was confused. "What power? I don't understand."

The woman smiled. "You will. But first, you must learn to control it. Seek me out when you're ready."

And with that, the woman disappeared into thin air, leaving Ryu alone on the rooftop.

Ryu didn't know what to make of the encounter, but he knew that he had to find out more. He went to Ayato and his friends to tell them what had happened.

Together, they decided to investigate and discovered that the woman was actually a powerful mage who had been in hiding for many years. She was known as the Phoenix, and her power was said to be unmatched.

Ryu knew that he had to meet the Phoenix and learn from her. With the help of his friends, he set out on a journey to find her.

As they traveled through the city, Ryu felt his power growing stronger. It was as if the Phoenix's energy was guiding him, leading him to his destiny.

Finally, they arrived at a hidden temple deep in the mountains. There, they found the Phoenix, waiting for them.

She welcomed them with open arms and began to teach Ryu how to control his power. He learned how to focus his energy, how to channel it, and how to unleash it in a powerful blast.

Ryu knew that he still had much to learn, but he felt confident in his abilities. With the Phoenix's guidance, he knew that he could become even stronger.

As they left the temple and headed back to the city, Ryu felt a newfound sense of purpose. He knew that his journey was just beginning, but he was ready for whatever lay ahead.

The Phoenix had awoken, and Ryu was ready to embrace his destiny as her student.