Ezran winced as Galen gently tended to his injured ankle, the elder mage's weathered hands moving with practiced precision. The pain was still sharp, but Ezran knew it could have been much worse.
"The bone is not broken, but the sprain is severe," Galen murmured, his brow furrowed in concentration. "You will need to rest it for a time before you can continue on."
Ezran nodded, his mind still reeling from the events that had unfolded. "Galen, what is happening?" he asked, his voice tinged with desperation. "Why are the Corruptor's minions after me?"
The old mage sighed heavily, his eyes filled with a deep sorrow. "I had hoped you would never have to face this burden, young Ezran," he said solemnly. "But the Corruptor has sensed the power that lies within you, and it will stop at nothing to possess it."
Ezran felt a chill run down his spine. "My power? But how can that be? I'm just a simple village boy, not some great mage."
Galen shook his head. "Ah, but that is where you are mistaken, my dear boy. The gift you possess is one of immense rarity and power - the ability to wield all forms of magic with unparalleled skill."
Ezran's eyes widened in disbelief. "All forms of magic? But that's impossible! No one has had that power in centuries."
"And yet, it is your birthright," Galen said, his voice grave. "You are the last of the true Mage Kings, the rightful heir to a legacy that has been all but forgotten."
Ezran felt a surge of panic rise within him. "But I don't want this power! I never asked for it. I just want to live a peaceful life, not be hunted by the Corruptor's minions."
Galen placed a reassuring hand on Ezran's shoulder. "I understand your fear, child. This is a heavy burden to bear, one that you never should have been forced to carry. But the Corruptor will not rest until it has destroyed you, or until you embrace your destiny and stand against it."
Ezran shook his head, his mind racing. "I don't know if I can do this, Galen. I'm just a boy, not a warrior or a mage. How can I possibly hope to defeat the Corruptor?"
The old mage's eyes gleamed with a determined light. "That is why I have brought you here, Ezran. I will be your mentor, your guide, as you learn to harness the power that flows through you. Together, we will forge a path that will lead us to victory against the Corruptor's forces."
Ezran felt a glimmer of hope amid the overwhelming fear. "You really think I can do this?"
Galen nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I have faith in you, Ezran. You possess a strength and a courage that you have yet to fully realize. With my guidance, and with the power of the Mage King flowing through you, I believe you can become the hero this world so desperately needs."
Ezran took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges that lay ahead. "Then I am ready, Galen. Teach me the ways of the Mage King, so that I may stand against the Corruptor and protect all that I hold dear."
The old mage's eyes shone with pride. "So be it, Ezran. Your journey begins now."