The next day, I found myself standing in the training area of the castle with Lachlan. Today, he had brought a new challenge for me – a supernatural monster that could manipulate shadows and appeared to be able to move through them. This would definitely push my skills further than before.
"Listen up," Lachlan began, his voice gruff and commanding. "This is a Shadow Stalker. It's a supernatural monster known for its ability to teleport through shadows and attack from any angle. Your task today will be to subdue and control it without causing it harm. If you can manage that, maybe you're worth more than a pretty face."
I couldn't help but scoff at his rude comment, but I refocused on the task. The Shadow Stalker was an intriguing creature; it resembled a wolf-like beast shrouded in darkness with glowing red eyes that seemed to pierce right through your soul. To say this was going to be difficult was an understatement.
With a deep breath, I stepped forward, readying myself for the upcoming battle. I focused my energy and tried to feel the monster's presence. Despite being a supernatural creature itself, it felt… different. There was something about this monster that I couldn't quite put my finger on.
As if sensing my hesitation, the Shadow Stalker lunged toward me. Reacting instinctively, I used my magic to cast a barrier around myself, blocking the creature's attack. Undeterred, it quickly disappeared into the shadows and reappeared behind me, trying to strike again.
Using all my strength, I pushed back against the creature, sending it skidding across the ground. It snarled and tried to reform itself within the shadows again, but I was prepared this time. Focusing on my powers, I created a magical net that trapped the Shadow Stalker, preventing it from escaping through the darkness.
I could see in its eyes that it knew it had been caught, and yet, there was something more – almost as if it were pleading for help. It struck me then that, despite its fearsome appearance and abilities, this creature was still a creature. It wasn't inherently evil or malicious; it simply acted according to its nature.
Feeling a sudden surge of sympathetic emotion, I decided to try communicating with it mentally. Reaching out with my thoughts, I attempted to establish a connection to its consciousness. Surprisingly, it didn't resist or fight back. Instead, it allowed me to enter its mind, forming an understanding between us.
In that brief moment, I learned much about the Shadow Stalker. This particular one was misunderstood and feared by humans and monsters alike, leaving it lonely and desperate for companionship. Through our mental bond, I assured it that I meant no harm and only wished to understand it better. In return, the creature agreed to let me train with it, gently nudging me toward the path I needed to follow to truly help others.
After ensuring our mutual understanding, I released the Shadow Stalker from the magical net, allowing it to roam free alongside me. As I turned to face Lachlan, I noticed that even he looked somewhat impressed by what I had just accomplished.
"You've done well, Azriel," Lachlan begrudgingly admitted. "But don't get too cocky. You've still got a long way to go before you can truly call yourself a master of monsters."
Despite his harsh tone, I took his words to heart. He was right; after all, I still had so much to learn and experience. But the encounter with the Shadow Stalker had ignited a newfound passion within me – a desire to grow stronger for myself and the countless monsters who needed someone to stand up for them.
That evening, I joined Fiona and Melodious in the dining room with my new friend, Galor. I was eager to share my experiences from the day. Their faces lit up as I recounted how I had successfully subdued and forged a connection with the Shadow Stalker.
"I knew you could do it!" Fiona exclaimed proudly, beaming at me. "You have such incredible potential, Azriel. You're destined to become a true champion for monsters everywhere."
Melodious nodded in agreement, her eyes gleaming with pride. "Your heart is pure, and your intentions are genuine. That is a rare combination in this world, and it is precisely why we believe in you so deeply," she said, but then her expression darkened. "But, in the future, you are going to meet many monsters that are not the same as this loyal pup and the others. I asked Lachlan to test you with these first before asking you to kill. I want you to understand that there is good in monsters, and not all are evil, but tomorrow you will learn that some are worse than evil."
My heart sank at the thought of facing truly malicious creatures, but I knew Melodious was right. To protect our world and bring justice for both humans and monsters alike, I couldn't shy away from confronting these darker beings.
"You're right," I agreed softly, my determination swelling within me. "I will face whatever comes my way, no matter how terrifying or evil it may be. I am slowly starting to understand where my place is in this world, but I feel like I still have a long way to go. Still, today felt a lot better than the day before, and Lachlan didn't even stab me! I think I am starting to grow on him!" I laughed.
Fiona and Melodious smiled warmly at me, their support unwavering. They knew, just as I did that we were in this together – an unlikely family brought together by fate, bound by love and duty.
As the night wore on, I found myself deep in conversation with the two women in my life, learning about their stories and experiences. It was clear to me now more than ever that the path I had chosen wasn't going to be an easy one, but it was one I was willing to walk to bring balance to our world.