Kito slowly entered the house, a feeling of apprehension knotting his stomach. His parents, Kaliana and Darius, cast him a worried glance while Nerio, his grandfather, gave him a warm smile. Kito felt that this conversation would be crucial for his future.
"Sit down, my son," Darius said gently. Kito obeyed and settled into a wooden chair, his hands trembling slightly. "We saw your prowess during the battle, and your grandfather also revealed things to us about your magic and your training. He also told us about the proposal Myria made to you. Your grandfather and we have discussed the situation at length, and we want to know what you think."
Kito lowered his eyes and replied in a shaky voice: "I don't know... I don't know if I should follow this path or if I should stick to forging and the other things that I enjoy on my own. Both choices appeal to me, and I don't know which one is right for me."
Kaliana placed a comforting hand on Kito's shoulder and said, "We're here to help you, Kito. No matter which path you choose, know that we will always be proud of you."
Nerio, in a wise and experienced voice, added, "Kito, it's important to remember that life isn't always black and white. Sometimes, it's possible to follow multiple paths at the same time. However, it's essential to listen to your heart and follow your own convictions. Still, even though you don't know Myria, know that it's a golden opportunity that won't come again. Nevertheless, be ready, she is a bit special, and there's a chance it won't be easy."
Kito pondered his grandfather's words and realized he was right. He could try to learn as much as possible and find a balance between his different interests. After a moment of silence, he looked up and declared with determination, "I will meet Myria tomorrow evening to learn more about dark magic, but I also want to learn forging from Regi. I will simply do them one after the other, starting with Myria." When Kito spoke of forging, he also thought about alchemy, but he didn't want to discuss that with his parents and grandfather.
His parents and grandfather exchanged knowing glances and nodded. "Very well, Kito," said Darius. "We will support you in your decision and do everything we can to help you succeed."
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The following evening, Kito went to the edge of the forest as agreed with Myria. He felt both anxious and excited about the prospect of this new stage of his learning.
Upon arriving at the location, Myria was already waiting for him, leaning against a tree with her arms crossed. She looked up at him and, with a captivating smile mixed with a hint of sadism, said, "If you've come, it means you accept. So, let's go, be ready." No sooner had she finished speaking than she suddenly attacked him with her dark magic.
Caught off guard, Kito struggled to defend himself against the unexpected assault. He tried to dodge Myria's attacks, which consisted of concentrated dark blasts and shadowy tentacles rising from the ground to grab him. Her movements were quick and precise, while Kito moved with some hesitation, clearly less experienced.
Kito tried his best to counter, hurling earthballs and creating protective barriers to counter Myria's onslaughts. However, his attacks were weak, and his defenses fragile in the face of his opponent's power. He felt his strength gradually waning and the noose tightening around him. Nevertheless, he sensed that Myria was holding back, as if she simply wanted to gauge his abilities.
The battle continued, Kito's movements becoming increasingly desperate as he struggled to stay on his feet against Myria's overwhelming power and the growing number of wounds he was accumulating. His clothes were torn and his face covered in sweat and dirt, but he refused to give in. He didn't want to disappoint Myria or show weakness before her.
After several intense minutes, with Kito on the verge of exhaustion and blood on his clothes, Lysar, the baby dragon, unable to hold back any longer, decided to come out of the ring and intervene. Launching herself from her hiding place, she shot a stream of dark energy towards Myria, forcing her to turn away from Kito to protect herself.
Surprise was evident on Myria's face, who hadn't expected a small dragon to come to Kito's aid. She decided to accept the challenge, facing Lysar while maintaining pressure on Kito, and keeping a sadistic smile on her face. She launched alternating dark energy attacks at the two of them, testing their coordination and endurance.
Kito and Lysar, though overwhelmed, fought valiantly. They endeavored to support and protect each other, dodging and parrying Myria's assaults with renewed determination. Their bond and their will to triumph together allowed them to draw on previously untapped reserves of strength.
However, despite their courage and perseverance, Kito and Lysar couldn't keep up with Myria. Their relentless attacks and the expertise of their opponent gradually exhausted them. Minor wounds accumulated, making each of their movements more and more painful.
Finally, exhausted and battered, Kito and Lysar collapsed to the ground, unable to get up. Myria ceased her attacks, observing them with a critical gaze. She approached them and crouched down to be at their level.
"You have much to learn, Kito," she said in a stern tone but without malice. "Your lack of experience and technique prevented you from defending yourself effectively. You need to work on your endurance and agility if you want to master dark magic."
Kito, short of breath, nodded, accepting Myria's criticisms. "I am ready to work hard to improve, Myria. Thank you for this lesson."
Myria then turned her attention to Lysar, the baby dragon. "I must admit I'm surprised to see you have a dragon by your side, Kito. Lysar has potential, but she has much to learn, just like you."
Myria straightened up and observed them for a moment before continuing. "Over the next few weeks, I will put you both to the test with intense training. You will have to push past your limits and break new ground to progress. Be prepared to give your best. I will give you one day to prepare your things. Your grandfather will explain everything to you."
Just after saying this, she disappeared without a sound, leaving Kito and Lysar in confusion and exhaustion.