The group walked along a narrow path, the village now visible in the distance. The first lights from the houses lit up the horizon, but the atmosphere remained heavy after the strange encounter in the ruins.

Towan, with his hands behind his head as he walked, broke the silence.

"Rhys," he began hesitantly, "do you think Master Eryndar is capable of defeating the mastermind behind all this?"

Rhys turned his head slightly toward him, surprised by the question but understanding the boy's concern.

"I’ve never seen anyone stronger than Master Eryndar," he replied confidently, though his voice carried a trace of hidden doubt. "If he can’t... we’ll need a lot of help."

Elliot, who had been walking silently with his eyes fixed on the ground, raised his head at this.

"But... if even he isn’t enough," Elliot said, his tone serious and measured, "what’s left for the rest of us? What can we do?"

Rhys sighed, trying to ease the tension. "Let’s not think negatively," he said, offering a smile. "Master Eryndar has never failed us. His strength and experience are unparalleled. And besides, you two have something important: determination. You might not realize it yet, but your potential is immense. I’m sure he sees it too."

"Potential?" Towan muttered, crossing his arms. "That’s not going to help us against a monster like the one we saw today. If it weren’t for you guys and Master Eryndar, Elliot and I would be done for."

"I understand," Rhys said, looking ahead toward the village. "But this is all part of growing. Failing, getting up, learning. Believe me, even Kade and I have been through the same... though don’t tell him that, because he won’t admit it."

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

Towan cracked a small smile at the comment, but the weight of his thoughts remained.

"And you, Kade?" Elliot suddenly asked, seeking a second opinion.

Kade, who had been walking a few steps ahead, turned his head toward them. "Eryndar is stronger than he seems," he said bluntly. "If anyone can face that mastermind, it’s him. But don’t forget, no one—no matter how strong—can do it all alone. Even the strongest need support."

His words left the boys reflecting as the group finally crossed into the village.

As they approached their lodging, Eryndar, who had remained silent throughout the walk, stopped and spoke:

"Stop worrying about things beyond your control," he said without turning to them. "If the time comes, you’ll all need to give your best. Victory isn’t guaranteed in real life, but that’s no excuse not to try."

The group fell silent after his words. Eryndar continued to his room, leaving the others to process what he had just said.

Rhys observed the boys for a moment and, patting Towan on the shoulder, said, "Take his words seriously. He doesn’t say it often, but he trusts you."

In the stillness of the night, under a clear sky illuminated by stars, Eryndar walked slowly through the village alleys. He seemed deep in thought until a familiar figure appeared, leaning against the wall of a nearby house.

"How long has it been, Eryndar?" said Towan and Elliot’s master, wearing a faint smile.

"Too long, considering what’s coming," Eryndar replied, stopping in front of him.

"Do you think we’ll face them again?"

Eryndar looked at him seriously. "It’s not a matter of belief—it’s a fact. What happened today was just the beginning."

The boys’ master sighed, crossing his arms. "I’m not surprised they’re so active. The ruins, the corrupted figures... and now those boys involved."

"Your training has paid off," Eryndar commented, referring to Towan and Elliot. "Though they’re young, they have potential. But this battle isn’t for them... not yet."

"That depends on how much time we have," the master said, glancing at the sky. "Because if those boys are involved, sooner or later, they’ll want to take part. It’s in their spirit."

Eryndar nodded slowly. "I just hope we can prepare them enough before the time comes."

The two masters remained silent for a moment as the night breeze brushed through the village.

"Like old times, huh?" said Towan and Elliot’s master with a slight laugh.

"Like old times," Eryndar replied, his expression reflecting both nostalgia and concern.