Sylas studied Ace intently, his piercing gaze never leaving the young man's face. Ace felt his heart hammering in his chest, and beads of sweat formed on his brow. He swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Sylas's cold stare on his every word.
"I... I was forced to land here," Ace began cautiously, his voice trembling. "My airship was damaged in a battle with a sky creature. I didn't mean to trespass."
The corners of Sylas's mouth twitched ever so slightly, and Ace couldn't tell whether it was a smirk or a grimace. The older man leaned against a nearby tree, folding his arms across his chest.
"Very well," Sylas said after a moment, his tone unreadable. "I'll let it slide this time. But you must leave as soon as your airship is repaired. I won't tolerate strangers on my island."
Ace nodded, relieved that he seemed to have avoided a confrontation. But as he turned to walk away, Sylas's voice stopped him in his tracks.
"Wait," Sylas called out, his eyes narrowing. "You mentioned a battle with a sky creature. Tell me more about that."
Ace hesitated before recounting the details of the harrowing fight. As he spoke, he couldn't help but notice a flicker of interest in Sylas's eyes. The old man listened intently, and when Ace finished his tale, Sylas was silent for a moment.
"You have potential, boy," he said finally, surprising Ace. "But you're far from ready to face the true dangers of this world."
Ace looked at him questioningly, wondering what he meant. Sensing his curiosity, Sylas continued.
"If you want to survive out there, you'll need guidance. Knowledge. Someone who can teach you the skills necessary to overcome the challenges ahead," he said, his voice taking on an authoritative tone. "I could be that person, but you must prove yourself worthy of my tutelage."
Ace's eyes widened, but he nodded with determination. He knew that this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.
"Alright," Ace agreed. "What do I have to do?"
Sylas smirked, and the air around them seemed to grow colder. "First, you must face a test—a trial that will push you to your limits. If you can pass, I will consider taking you on as my apprentice."
Ace steeled himself, preparing for whatever challenge lay ahead. He couldn't have known then that this trial would be the first of many, each more demanding than the last, as he began his long and arduous journey under the mysterious man's watchful eye.