As we arrived at the training grounds, the sage wasted no time in putting me through my paces. Despite the fact it was late in the night, the sage's passion for teaching burned brighter than any flame. He showed me how to harness my fire nature, how to wield fire with precision and control. He taught me advanced techniques, from summoning flames to extinguishing them, to manipulating the very temperature around me.
The night air was crisp and chilly, but the intensity of the training kept me warm as the sage put me through what must be done. With focused determination, I learned how to control the temperature of my body, allowing me to produce the hottest of flames without being harmed. As the night wore on, the sage showed me how to summon a fireball, the size of a small boulder, that could cause severe damage to any opponent who dared to cross me. The sage was very patient, but firm, ensuring that I didn't slack off even in the slightest.
As the training session progressed, the sage moved on to teach me a new technique - how to parry projectiles using only my fists. He explained that I would need to concentrate a tiny bit of Camelan into my fist, then swipe away the projectile accordingly. At first, I struggled to grasp the concept, but with the sage's guidance, I soon got the hang of it.
We practiced for roughly an hour, the sage throwing various projectiles at me - from tiny zaps of lightning to small boulder sized rocks - and me parrying them away with my fists. It was a difficult technique to master, but with each successful parry, my confidence grew. The sage encouraged me to keep going, pushing me to do better and giving me tips on how to improve my form.
As the night turned into dawn, and the sun just barely begun its ascent, I was exhausted but impressed. I had learned so much in such a short amount of time, and I couldn't wait to put my new skills to the test in the upcoming tournament. With the sage's guidance, I felt more prepared than ever before to face any opponent that came my way.
With a gentle nod, the sage bid me goodnight, promising to return in precisely eight hours to continue our training.
I nodded, grateful for the chance to rest and recover. The training had been intense, and my body ached with a pleasant soreness. As I made my way to my resting room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The tournament was just a few days away, and with the sage's training, I felt more prepared than ever.
I settled down on my bed, feeling the coolness of the night air through an open window. As I closed my eyes, I could still see the flickering flames of the fireball in my mind's eye. I drifted off into a peaceful slumber, eager to continue my training with the sage in the morning.
That night, I found myself caught in the grip of another mysterious dream.
***
As I walked down the grand and majestic hallway, I felt as though I was transported to another world. The walls were adorned with complex carvings that depicted stories of gods, goddesses, and mythical creatures, each one seeming to come alive in the flickering light. The gold pillars which lined the hall were so tall that they seemed to touch the sky, and the ceiling was a masterful work of art, vaulted and enhanced with frescoes that sparkled in the sunlight. The sun shone through tall arched windows, casting warm and golden hues that danced across the walls, illuminating the hallway with a divine radiance.
The air was filled with the sweet fragrance of incense, and I could hear the soft chanting of priests in the distance, creating a hauntingly beautiful melody that seemed to reverberate through the entire castle.
After what felt like an eternity of walking, the grand hallway finally came to an end, and I found myself standing before a pair of towering, beautifully decorated doors. As I approached, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of awe. It was as if the doors themselves were portals to another realm, one inhabited by beings of immense power and divine status.
The atmosphere was charged with an otherworldly energy, and I steeled myself for what lay beyond the door, sensing that the mere act of turning the handle would set in motion a cascade of events that I could possibly regret.
However, If there was even a chance that what lay beyond could unlock the secrets of my dreams, I knew that I had to take it. With a deep breath, I turned the handle, and the door swung open effortlessly, revealing a room that was even more breathtaking than the last.
The walls were decorated with elaborate murals, and the ceiling was a masterpiece of refined gold and jewel-laden patterns. The floor was made of glossy marble that reflected the light streaming in from the stained-glass windows, creating a rainbow of colors that danced around the room. The air was thick with the scent of exotic flowers, and the hum of magic seemed to fill every inch of the space. I stood in awe for a moment, my eyes drinking in every detail, but even then, I knew that no words could do justice to the beauty of this place.
I was so completely entranced that I had failed to register the presence of the figure standing before me. Suddenly, the realization dawned upon me that it was the same ominous figure from my first nightmare in the cabin. The one who was referred to as 'One'. However, he was almost unrecognizable from the figure that had haunted my dreams. His once blonde hair was now a striking shade of ivory white, shining in a celestial radiance that illuminated the entire room. His skin was pale and luminous, almost as if it were glowing from within. His aura was a force to be reckoned with, encompassing the entirety of the chamber with its otherworldly power. In that moment, it was clear to me that I was in the presence of a god.
The being before me parted its lips.
***
However, before the being had a chance to utter a single word, a blinding flash of light consumed everything. I felt myself being pulled in all directions, as if I was being torn apart at the seams. Suddenly, the world went black, and all sensation ceased. When I finally regained consciousness, I was back in my bed. It was yet another dream, but it felt more real than anything I had ever experienced before. The vividness of the dream was like nothing else, as if I had been transported to a different reality altogether. Every detail was crystal clear, from the sights and sounds to the emotions I felt. It was as if I had been given a glimpse into the future.
"What in the name of the heavens just happened?" The sage erupted into the room, his eyes darting around frantically, searching for any signs of danger. He fixed his gaze on me, a look of deep concern etched on his face. "The energy you were just emitting was not of this world, boy. What happened?" he demanded.
Initially, the temptation to fabricate a story to conceal the truth was strong. But, ultimately, I knew it was best to confide in the sage. I disclosed the entirety of my experiences to him - how the dreams had begun when I was just thirteen and continued to worsen as I grew older, with the latest one being the most vivid and intense yet.
With utmost honesty, I divulged every detail of my experiences to the sage. I spoke of the recurring visions that haunted me since the age of 13, and how they only became more terrifying as time went on. The latest one was the most vivid yet, and I recounted it to him in great detail, including the appearance of the figure known as 'One' and how I believed he turned into a god.
The sage's expression softened slightly, but it was clear that he still had doubts. After all, it was highly unusual for a mere dream to emit such powerful energy. He studied me intently, searching for any clues that might confirm or deny my story. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and grave. "Boy, what you're describing is not a mere dream. It's a vision. A vision of something greater. Something that may be yet to come. Or maybe something that's already happened." His words sent a chill down my spine, and I could feel the weight of his words sinking in. "Kid, I will not be able to greet you tomorrow morning, so get ready yourself and come to the training grounds at 10 in the morning. I have more pressing matters to attend to," the sage said before exiting the room. His tone was cryptic, and I couldn't help but wonder if my dream had something to do with it.
The sage may have not realized himself, but I certainly did. As the sage heard the name "One," I observed a subtle change in his expression and aura. Despite the sage's attempts to maintain his usual charismatic aura, I could sense a subtle undercurrent of worry and concern. It was as if he was grappling with something he didn't quite understand, and the mention of 'One' had stirred up some deep emotions within him.
I chose not to mention the subject to the sage, as I feared it might invite unnecessary troubles. Nevertheless, I resolved to research the figure known as One as soon as I woke up properly.
And with that, I closed my eyes and let the weariness of the day wash over me. As I drifted off into a peaceful slumber, my mind couldn't help but wander back to the strange events of the night. Despite my best efforts to push it aside, the image of the otherworldly being and the cryptic message it had conveyed remained etched in my mind. I knew that I wouldn't be able to shake it off easily, but for now, I let myself succumb to the comforting embrace of sleep.