Days passed since the last training that shook Ian and Gerude's emotions. The memory of the power that nearly tore their control still lingered, but now they felt more at ease. Today, they gathered again beneath the towering trees, and the atmosphere felt different—lighter and warmer.Gerude, with her mischievous smile, broke the silence.

"So... after lightning and fire, this time we're playing with ice and darkness?"

Ian shook his head, though a hint of worry lingered. "I think we'll be fine... this time," he replied with a joke, but there was doubt at the edge of his words.

Elara smiled. "You two are funny. I hope you still have courage after this training."

Gerude grinned widely. "If we make it through, we'll have a story like no other."

Thalindra, who had been silent until then, stepped forward with a serious expression. "Enough with the jokes. Are you ready for a tougher training?"

Ian and Gerude exchanged a glance. They knew this was part of their journey. There was no turning back now.

Thalindra nodded. "This training is about the intermediate elements—lightning, ice, darkness, and light. To understand them, you need to know their origins and composition."

"Lightning comes from the combination of fire and air, creating a thunderous power. You felt it with fire. Wind carries sparks of fire, creating lightning that can destroy. To summon lightning, you must harmonize the two."

"Ice, a result of combining water and cold air. Too much ice can trap you in emptiness. Balance is key."

Gerude pondered, wondering how they would control it. Thalindra continued.

"Darkness and light are two sides of the same coin. Darkness can protect, light can hurt. Both are tied to the balance of this world. To control them, you must be ready to accept both the good and bad sides of every power."

Elara added, "Controlling darkness or light isn't just about power, it's about balance within your heart. These forces can harm if you're not prepared."

Thalindra took a deep breath. "Now, it's time for you to try. Start with lightning and ice."Gerude and Ian exchanged looks. They knew this would be a major challenge. But they were ready to face their fears and control the powers within them. Cautiously, they began to chant their first spell.

**An eerie silence filled the air, and the wind ceased its whispering. Thalindra stood tall, her sharp gaze focused on Gerude and Ian. "Remember, lightning is not just a power. It is the manifestation of the sky and earth in turmoil. This force can either destroy or bless, depending on how you understand it."

Gerude and Ian looked at each other. Their hands felt stiff, their hearts pounding faster. They knew this was more than just a regular training. Lightning was an unpredictable natural force, capable of either immense destruction or countless blessings. They had to be ready, but fear also gripped their hearts.

Thalindra gestured, and with a deep breath, Gerude raised her hand, her eyes closing for a moment. "Fyr… Aeros… Fulminar," she said slowly, her voice trembling slightly. A small flame appeared in her palm, and wind gently swirled around her body, but it was faint. No lightning—just the fading wind.Ian followed, his eyes filled with hope, repeating the same incantation. "Fyr… Aeros… Fulminar."Yet, nothing happened. Silence wrapped around them for a moment before the wind began to howl, roaring around them. The fire around Gerude grew, twisting into rings of yellow-orange, but the lightning they had hoped for did not appear.

Gerude stared at Ian, confused but trying to remain calm. "Why isn't it working?" she muttered, her voice low with frustration. The tension in the air was palpable, and the pressure in her chest grew. The wind grew stronger, almost dragging her, but still, the lightning was absent.

Thalindra stood still, watching them with a serious expression. "Try again!" she commanded, her voice full of determination. "Control your emotions! Don't let fear take over! This spell isn't just about words. Lightning doesn't come just because you call it. You must understand it, feel it, flow with it."

Gerude nodded, though her breath was shallow. She felt the air around her growing heavier, the heat beginning to scorch her skin. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes, focusing all her thoughts. With a firmer voice, she repeated the spell. "Fyr… Aeros… Fulminar!"

As the words left her mouth, an explosion of energy seemed to split the air. The once clear sky began to darken. Black clouds rolled with terrifying speed, heading towards them. The wind spiraled faster, and Gerude could feel the fire around her growing. The wind swirled even faster, blowing with deadly force.

When Gerude repeated the spell, her body felt both hot and cold at once. Her eyes flew open, seeing the black clouds drawing closer. The wind danced around her, twisting as if it followed her will. With each word of the incantation, her body trembled violently.

Ian felt the same. Fire surrounded him, and the wind grew wilder. He could feel his heart racing, as if he were at the center of an endless storm. He repeated the spell with more certainty. "Fyr… Aeros… Fulminar!"

Then, as the final words left their mouths, the sky above them, which had been dark, began to rumble. The black clouds bulged and spun with tremendous speed, as if ready to explode. The thunder rolled in the distance before a massive lightning bolt struck with a deafening sound, splitting the silence, and striking the earth around them. The terrifying rumble made the ground beneath their feet tremble.

Gerude gasped, her body shaking. The first lightning bolt came so quickly, racing from the sky to the ground in a matter of seconds, almost striking her. The intense heat made it hard for her to breathe. The lightning came so close, it seemed ready to consume everything around them. But they did not retreat. Ian and Gerude repeated their incantations, now with more conviction. "Fyr… Aeros… Fulminar!" they said in unison, their voices full of determination.

Suddenly, the dark sky exploded with even more intense lightning, striking without warning. Each lightning bolt sent a rumbling shock that shook their bones. Each flash sliced through the air at incredible speed, nearly invisible, like uncontrollable surges of energy.

Each strike of lightning was like a wave of energy, hitting everything, splitting the earth, shaking their souls. The fire around them grew larger with each flash.

Gerude and Ian felt the unbearable heat, their bodies barely able to withstand the force of nature. But they did not stop. They fought, calling forth more lightning, blending the forces of fire and wind even deeper. The lightning grew wilder, stronger, like an unstoppable storm.

Elara, who was standing nearby, jumped in shock as lightning nearly struck her. "Ahhh!" she screamed. "Careful! I might become fuel here!"

Gerude and Ian were undeterred. They struggled to control the increasingly wild lightning. Each strike was an explosion of uncontrollable energy. After a while, the lightning finally subsided, though the wind still roared.

Thalindra stood still, her eyes filled with satisfaction. "You called lightning with great power, though it's still not fully controlled. This is a force you must learn more deeply."

Gerude and Ian exchanged a glance, their bodies trembling. "Lightning... it really was lightning," Ian said, in disbelief.

Elara, though shaken, smiled. "You really did it... even though you almost turned me into a lightning victim!"

**

Training began again. This time, they were not calling fire or wind, but ice, the element that brought deadly calm.

Gerude and Ian stood tall, their eyes fixed on Thalindra, who stood in front of them, her presence undeniable. Elara stood beside her, her eyes filled with curiosity and concern.

"Ice," Thalindra's voice was like the whisper of the wind, soft yet full of strength. "This is the most honest element, one that will reveal who you truly are. It's not about power, but revelation—strength that comes from the depths of the heart, and can freeze the soul."

Gerude and Ian nodded, the tension still palpable. Thalindra continued, "Ice never lies. It will reveal your deepest selves—hidden power, repressed suffering."

Gerude and Ian absorbed her words in silence. Suddenly, the air around them grew colder. The ground beneath them trembled, and ice began to form, smooth and glittering like frozen mist."Aeros… Aquos… Glacium," Gerude spoke the incantation firmly, followed by Ian with a quieter voice. "Aeros… Aquos… Glacium."

Silence enveloped them for a moment, before ice particles began to form beautiful structures, glittering in the air. The once calm atmosphere turned magical—the ice mist glowing, creating a stunning blue radiance.

But this ice was more than just beauty. Slowly, its form shifted, becoming clearer, heavier. Gerude felt her body connecting with the ice—cold sinking into her bones, as if the ice was part of her forgotten self.

Ian felt it too. The ice felt heavier than he imagined, as if each shard was freezing his soul, seeping into his heart full of regret.

Thalindra watched intently, while Elara beside her looked worried. "Look," Thalindra whispered, "The ice... speaks of them."

Suddenly, Gerude and Ian saw shadows within the ice taking form. Gerude saw herself trapped in a ruined castle, full of rage and confusion. The ice showed the darkness within her—wounds and suffering long buried.

Ian saw a quieter image—himself submerged in loneliness and regret. His once hopeful face was now empty, filled with shadows of unspoken pain.

The ice continued to grow, becoming denser, darker. The pale blue turned into a deep, oppressive blue-black.

"Pay attention!" Thalindra said, her eyes gleaming with understanding. "The ice shows who you are, even if you haven't fully realized it."

Gerude and Ian fell silent, feeling the growing power. This ice was not just an external element; it was a reflection of every layer of their hearts. They felt the depths that had never been revealed before.

Thalindra signaled for them to calm themselves. "Ice does not forgive insincerity. If you cannot control it, you will freeze yourselves."

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

Gerude and Ian nodded, still confused. The ice they had summoned was growing larger, forming shapes they didn't understand—a structure that combined beauty and horror.

Ian saw an elf figure within the ice—smooth and fragile. Its wings were made of clear ice, as if they could shatter at any moment. Around the elf, a small dragon appeared, its scales sparkling with sharp ice, ready to unleash a freezing breath.

Every shard of ice told a story. Gerude and Ian felt the heavy burden pressing on their hearts. They knew what was forming before them was a reflection of their deepest selves.

"You've called forth more than just ice," Thalindra said, her voice heavy. "You've opened the door to a greater power—from a world older and deeper."

Elara looked on, both awed and frightened. "Do they know what they've called?" she asked.Thalindra paused, her eyes filled with understanding. "Not yet… but they will soon enough."

Gerude and Ian remained silent, their eyes wide. They gazed at the ice that had formed, blending beauty and horror they had never imagined. The ice seemed to gaze back, calling, testing who they truly were.

"Thalindra!" Gerude exclaimed, her voice tense. "What does this mean? Why does it look like this?"Ian stared, bewildered. "This isn't just ice, is it? It feels like a part of us… a bigger part."

Thalindra nodded slowly. "Ice reflects your essence, uniting the broken parts. Angel wings, dragon claws, a demon's face—these are symbols of your journey, filled with conflict and hope. You are filled with powers from many dimensions, from this world and older ones."

Elara added softly, "You have a strong—complex—legacy. This power is the manifestation of the fate you will face. Accept it all—light and dark—and you will find balance."

Gerude and Ian stared at each other, confusion and fear engulfing them. Many questions still hung in the air, but one thing was certain— their destiny had begun.

**

Under the darkening sky, Gerude and Ian stood before Thalindra, ready to continue their training, though confusion was still evident on their faces.

"Light and Darkness are more than just powers," Thalindra said firmly. "They are inseparable dualities. Darkness makes space for Light to shine, and Light gives purpose to Darkness. They both need each other."

Ian and Gerude exchanged curious glances.

"Famulus?" Ian asked, bewildered.

Gerude nodded. Thalindra smiled softly, then Elara stepped forward with graceful strides.

"Famulus is the embodiment of your inner soul," Elara explained calmly. "It is a being of pure magical energy, reflecting who you are—your beliefs, your fears, even those things you are not yet aware of."

Ian and Gerude looked at her, still astonished.

"Like a living mirror?" Ian asked, trying to understand.

"More than that," Elara replied with a small smile. "A Famulus does not just reflect you. It is a partner in your power. The closer your bond, the stronger your magic."

Thalindra moved forward. With a graceful gesture, she raised her hand. Invisible energy flowed around her, creating a powerful yet gentle aura. From the creeping shadows, a dark creature emerged—Nyxaris, her Famulus. It was a figure of black mist with glowing blue eyes, exuding a terrifying and profound presence.

"Nyxaris is my Famulus," Thalindra said with reverence in her voice. "It is a creature of Darkness, the guardian between the realms of light and shadow. Though it comes from Darkness, it is not an evil being. It guards the secrets hidden within the shadows."

Gerude and Ian fell silent, feeling the cold aura that surrounded them. They watched the creature—dark, mysterious, intimidating.

Then, Elara stepped forward with a bright smile. Her hand rose, and suddenly, a very different creature appeared. Luxira, her Famulus, shone with golden-white light. Its wings sparkled, like light cutting through darkness, radiating peace and strength.

"Luxira is my Famulus," Elara said proudly. "It is the guardian of Light, bringing truth and clarity. Luxira reveals the truths hidden in darkness."

Gerude and Ian felt the profound difference between the two Famulus—one dark and intimidating, the other bright and peaceful. They knew that their own Famulus would eventually reflect the elements within them.

"Famulus is not just power," Elara continued, her voice firm. "They are a part of us. They will reveal who we truly are—both in the light and in the dark."

Thalindra and Elara stood beside their Famulus, which now radiated strong energy.

"To call forth your Famulus, you must truly know yourselves. Darkness and Light exist within everyone. Only when you accept these elements will your Famulus appear."

Gerude and Ian felt an overwhelming pressure. They knew this training was the first step to unlocking the hidden strength within them.

Thalindra said calmly, "Now, call forth your Famulus. Do not fear. Let the power of Darkness and Light flow."

**

Thalindra stood tall before her students, Gerude and Ian, her gaze filled with attentiveness. The atmosphere around them felt tense, the air heavy as though it bore an invisible burden. In the quiet of the night, only the whispering wind and the sound of their breaths could be heard, merging with the growing energy around them.

"Summoning a Famulus is not a decision to be taken lightly," Thalindra spoke, her voice low but firm. "You will not only be calling upon the forces of nature, but you will also invite the duality within yourselves—Light and Darkness. Both will reveal who you truly are."

Gerude looked at Thalindra with eyes full of determination, though her heart raced with nervous anticipation. She felt every word from Thalindra penetrate deep within her. On the other side, Ian appeared calm, though there was an undercurrent of unease in his eyes. He had long sensed shadows around him that he couldn't fully understand, and now, it was time to confront what had been hidden.

Thalindra continued, her voice deepening with mystery. "You must be ready. Each Famulus is a manifestation of your innermost soul. Light will guide you to the truth that is bright, while Darkness will teach you to accept the parts of yourselves that remain buried. You will summon them not only with your words, but with the depths of your heart."

Gerude felt a sense of unease creeping into her, yet also a strange pull, as though something was drawing her toward something greater, something stronger. Ian, though outwardly calm, felt an irresistible urge he could not deny. He knew this was the moment. Light and Darkness would reveal who they truly were.

Thalindra raised her hand, and the air around them seemed to vibrate. She gathered energy from every direction, drawing it into herself with quiet calm. "Remember, to summon the Famulus of Light, your heart must be sincere, filled with a desire to serve the greater good. On the other hand, the Famulus of Darkness requires a sincere acceptance of the dark sides within you, and the courage to face them."

She took a deep breath, her gaze focused on her two students, who now began to feel the energy flowing through them. With slow and deliberate movements, Thalindra began to chant the ancient incantation. Her words radiated like a song from another world, echoing through the stillness of the night.

"Lux et Umbra, anima mea resonet…" The words were spoken, and Thalindra's voice seemed to flow through the earth and air itself.

Gerude closed her eyes, attempting to feel every word that was spoken. Thalindra's voice seemed to call to her from within, touching every layer of her soul. She began to feel an intense warmth, as though light was flooding her body. But this was no ordinary light—it seeped deep into her, forcing her to open up, to accept what she had long hidden. There was a powerful sensation within her—a call she could not ignore. The light swirled around her, dancing like waves emanating from the heart of the universe.

On the other hand, Ian felt something entirely different. The Darkness came gently, enveloping him with a soft touch. But it wasn't a frightening darkness; rather, it felt familiar, something that had always been inside him. The Darkness was like the shadow that had always followed, filling the empty spaces in his soul. It was as if something he had tried to hide now came forward to be accepted, not fought. The Darkness grew denser, surrounding him in a grip that was not threatening, but soothing. In the midst of it, a deep, resonant voice began to echo in his mind.

Light and Darkness began to clash, spinning faster and faster. The atmosphere grew more intense. The air trembled, and the earth seemed ready to split under the unleashed forces. Thalindra and Elara stood stunned, awestruck by the potential unfolding before them in their students.

"Stop! You must stop!" Thalindra cried out, her voice filled with concern. But the released energy could not be stopped so easily. The Light and Darkness spun faster, wilder, as though the world itself would shatter if they did not cease.

Gerude could feel the force growing stronger. She couldn't stop it, but she didn't want it to consume her completely. The light surrounding her body grew brighter, and with every flash, she felt something greater, more magnificent than herself. It was as though a voice was calling her to reveal herself, to show who she truly was.

With a whisper that came from the depths of her heart, Gerude spoke a name, a name she felt came from a world beyond, higher than anything she could comprehend.

"Helel ben Shachar…"

The words were spoken with unwavering conviction, and the moment they left her lips, light exploded in a blinding burst. The light enveloped her body, forming a graceful and mesmerizing figure that hovered in the air with an elegant motion. Helel ben Shachar appeared before her, the Famulus of Light, shining like a star born from darkness. The young man's form radiated boundless power, and Gerude could feel it coursing through her—a light without limits, guiding and protecting her.

"Helel ben Shachar," Thalindra and Elara whispered in unison, recognizing this Famulus as the manifestation of Gerude's inner courage and truth. "Accept him, and let him guide you."

Gerude felt connected to something immense, something far greater than mere elemental forces—she felt as though she had touched the very core of truth and courage that she had sought all along.

On the other side, Ian stood in silence, his eyes wide open. The Darkness grew denser, more concentrated, but this time, he did not feel afraid. It was as though he was sinking into an endless ocean, but instead of drowning, he felt himself becoming one with the Darkness. The whispers from within grew stronger, clearer.

"Ereshkigal…"

The name left Ian's lips, and in that instant, the world around him froze. The Darkness that surrounded him thickened, solidified, until a figure began to emerge from it. The figure was tall and slender, surrounded by shadows that moved on their own. An aura of boundless power emanated from this figure, as though all the darkness in the world was drawn into it. From the heart of the darkness, the figure emerged with an indescribable grandeur.

Ereshkigal, the Famulus of Darkness, stood before Ian. This young man's face radiated an aura of captivating power. His skin was as black as obsidian, shimmering with a mysterious light, while his long hair flowed like water trapped in an endless night. His eyes, glowing with a dark red light, locked onto Ian, gazing into his soul, carrying the depth of an unspoken mystery.

"Ian," Ereshkigal's voice rumbled, deep like an echo from the very depths of the universe. "I am Ereshkigal, the eternal guardian of darkness. I have come to guide you through the darkness within you and the world around you."

The Darkness surrounding Ereshkigal was not terrifying. On the contrary, it brought an extraordinary peace. Around him, the world seemed to stop, acknowledging his awe-inspiring presence. Ian felt an unparalleled calm, as though he had encountered a part of himself he had long neglected. The Darkness now felt like a companion, one that would guide him.

Thalindra and Elara stood frozen, speechless. They witnessed the journeys of Gerude and Ian, which had led them to a deeper understanding of themselves. They had not merely called upon the forces of nature—they had summoned true power, born from the depths of their hearts, a power that would guide them toward a greater destiny.

Thalindra finally spoke, her voice filled with tranquility, "Ereshkigal… the eternal Darkness, the guardian of the dark, has come to show the way in the midst of silence. This is a Famulus born from a soul that has embraced both Darkness and Light within."

With those words, Thalindra knew that her students had just entered a deeper phase of their journey. They had touched something far greater than their understanding of the world—they had summoned a power that would lead them to a destiny much larger than they could have ever imagined.

**

Ian and Gerude stood silent, their eyes fixed on the two Famuli standing before them—Helel ben Shachar and Ereshkigal, manifestations of light and darkness.Gerude shuddered. "Thalindra," her voice barely audible, "what... what is this? Who are they?"Ian stood upright, his body stiff. "I don't know how to face them," he murmured, his eyes searching for answers in Thalindra's calm face.

Thalindra stepped forward, gently clapping her hands."Gerude, Ian, they are manifestations of what lies within you—Light and Darkness that complement each other. Helel and Ereshkigal are primordial forces, not just beings you called upon, but parts of yourselves."Gerude looked at her in confusion. "But why are they so powerful and terrifying?""Because they are part of your fate," Thalindra answered softly. "Helel is the Light that heals, Ereshkigal is the Darkness that brings wisdom."

Ian lowered his head, trying to absorb those words."But why do they... know us more deeply than we know ourselves?"Thalindra looked at them with understanding in her eyes. "They are reflections of the power within you. You have called upon them with sincerity—your soul's energy."

Gerude bit her lip, still feeling fearful despite Thalindra's somewhat comforting words."What should we do?""All you need is understanding," Thalindra replied. "Your power will lead to a greater destiny."

Elara stepped forward."Courage doesn't mean no fear. Courage is facing that fear."Ian lowered his head, trying to calm his mind. "What should we do next?"Thalindra nodded with a faint smile. "Rest. A long journey awaits."

With that, Thalindra and Elara gave them time to reflect.Gerude and Ian remained silent, captivated by the power they had just invoked. The night grew late, but in their hearts, a light began to flicker, though small. Hope was slowly growing.