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Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Old Man Zephyrus

As the chaos of the goblin onslaught reached its peak, a guttural roar pierced the air, emanating from the depths of the enchanted forest. Aiden's senses heightened, and a shiver of unease ran down his spine. His attention was abruptly drawn to the treeline as a massive figure emerged, casting a sinister shadow over the battlefield.

It was the hobgoblin—an imposing creature with bulging muscles and gnarled, razor-sharp claws. Its eyes burned with a malicious intelligence, and a wicked grin twisted its grotesque face. Aiden's heart pounded with a mixture of fear and determination as he braced himself for the impending clash.

With a furious bellow, the hobgoblin charged, its thunderous footsteps reverberating through the ground, quaking the earth. Aiden's martial arts skills were formidable, honed through years of training, but the sheer strength and ferocity of the hobgoblin overwhelmed him. Blow after blow, Aiden fought valiantly, his movements sloppy due to the exhaustion. The hobgoblin's brute force proved to be an unstoppable tide, driving Aiden to his limits.

Just as Aiden's strength waned and despair crept in, a blinding flash of brilliance erupted from the heavens. A bolt of lightning, fierce and untamed, descended with unerring accuracy, striking the hobgoblin in a cataclysmic explosion of power. The ground trembled beneath the force of the impact, and when the dust settled, the hobgoblin lay defeated—a smoldering heap of scorched flesh.

Aiden's gaze shifted from the vanquished foe to the source of the lightning—a figure cloaked in flowing robes, radiating an aura of authority and arcane might. It was Zephyrus, the renowned magician, his eyes twinkling with a mixture of curiosity and admiration.

"Well fought, young warrior," Zephyrus praised, his voice carrying a hint of wisdom. "Your martial arts skills are impressive, but I sense something more within you."

Aiden's exhaustion mingled with a newfound sense of wonder as he locked eyes with Zephyrus. The magician's presence was awe-inspiring, and Aiden could sense the vast reservoirs of power within him.

A little while later, when the village had calmed down. Zephyrus is currently in talks with Aiden's parents, with the man in question standing by at the side.

"I am Zephyrus, a magician of considerable repute," he introduced himself, his voice carrying a melodic resonance. "I have been observing your potential in that fight, Aiden. Your affinity for magic is rare, a hidden gem waiting to be polished."

Aiden's parents exchanged a knowing look, their pride for their son shining in their eyes. They had always suspected there was something special about him.

"I propose recommending Aiden to Arcadia, the royal academy of magic," Zephyrus continued. "It is a place where he can nurture his magical abilities and fulfill his potential as a magician."

Aiden's heart swelled with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. The opportunity to study at Arcadia, a haven of magical knowledge and camaraderie, held the promise of a bright future. However, it also meant leaving behind his family, his home, and the life he had known.

Amelia and Gabriel, their expressions filled with a bittersweet pride, stepped forward to embrace their son. They understood the magnitude of this decision and the sacrifices it entailed.

With tears glistening in his eyes, Aiden bid farewell to his family, his voice laced with determination. "I will make you proud. Mother, Father, I promise to become a great Magician."

In that moment, a resolute fire burned within Aiden's soul, his path irrevocably set. Together with Zephyrus, he embarked on a journey towards Arcadia—a realm where magic thrived, dreams could become reality, and Aiden's destiny awaited.