The beginning of a new day... At 7:37 AM:
The sun had barely risen on the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, when the group gathered one last time in the castle courtyard. The morning mist still lingered over the Kingdom of Lior, creating a calm, almost melancholic atmosphere. Durin looked at his companions with an expression that mixed sadness and determination.
- Durin: "I'll miss you all, but I don't need protection. We're in good hands here, and you have a mission to accomplish."
- Gronnak: "We barely came together, and now we're parting ways. What does this mean for our future?"
- Midoki: "Relax, everyone. Everything unfolds as it should. Our mission lies beyond our immediate desires. Trust in destiny." - Ever serene, he said with a smile.
With those words, Midoki turned, and alongside Throk, left the kingdom. The castle gates slowly closed behind them, marking the start of a new journey.
In the forest, hours later...
As they made their way toward the Whispering Forest of Lost Dreams, Throk maintained a heavy silence. Always perceptive, Midoki noticed the tense expression on his friend's face.
- Midoki: "Throk, I can tell you're upset. What happened? Is something bothering you?"
- Throk (thinking of Durin): "I don't like being separated from the group. We need to stay together for safety… and for friendship. Durin... Gronnak… we're stronger as one."
- Midoki (thinking of Elyra): "I think I understand you, Throk."
The conversation ended, and silence reigned once more as they ventured into the Whispering Forest of Lost Dreams—a place where spiritual magic seemed intertwined with nature. The trees were massive, their trunks so wide it seemed impossible to see the top. Sunlight barely pierced through the canopy, creating a constant twilight that made the air feel dense, almost tangible.
Soon, small creatures inhabiting the forest began to appear. The Sylvins, one of the tribes of the Diminuto race, observed the intruders with glowing eyes. Their skin was pale, their clothing a vibrant green, and their bodies covered by a fine layer of leaves and moss, making them seem like part of the forest itself.
Midoki, well-versed in legends, knew who the Sylvins were. Guardians of the forest, masters of manipulating Light, Wind, and Earth elements, deeply connected to the spirit of nature. But something was amiss.
- Midoki: "Wait... something isn't right."
From the undergrowth, a distorted figure emerged. A Sylvin, but not like the others. Its once green and vibrant skin was now gray and twisted, its formerly bright eyes dull and lifeless. Corruption had overtaken it.
Without hesitation, Midoki activated his Shinrei of Eminence. Incorporating the Second Law, Potency—Energy, he channeled all his spiritual power. The air around them seemed to hum with tension as Midoki focused his energy to absorb and neutralize the corruption afflicting the Sylvin.
The process was slow and painful. Midoki felt the resistance of the corruption, a force clinging desperately to the small being's soul. But with one final effort, he succeeded. The darkness dissipated, and the Sylvin collapsed to its knees, exhausted but free.
In the Sylvin village...
After the purification, the Sylvins led Midoki and Throk to their village, a hidden place deep within the forest where nature seemed more alive than anywhere else. The houses were small organic structures made of branches and leaves, almost invisible among the trees. The village exuded an aura of peace and harmony.
- Eldarin, the Sylvin leader: "You have brought us a great blessing by purifying our brother. We Sylvins owe you our gratitude. Please, accept our hospitality."
In the Hall of Spirits, a natural chamber formed by interwoven roots and illuminated by spiritual light orbs, the Sylvins shared their knowledge with Midoki and Throk. Eldarin spoke of the growing threat from the underworld, the corruption (caused by the Fragment of Chaos) spreading through the forest, and an ancient prophecy about warriors from the upper world who would come to restore balance.
During the meeting, Throk felt something unusual—a distant resonance. An echo of solar power he knew well. It felt as if the sun itself were calling to him. Intrigued, he asked the Sylvins about it.
Eldarin confirmed that, deep within the Forest of Lost Dreams, there was another being with an uncommon affinity for the Sun. The Sylvins offered to guide the heroes to this being, believing it could be a crucial ally in their future battles.
Eldarin, leading the group with firm steps and a grave expression, turned to Throk:
- Eldarin: "The voice you heard, warrior, is connected to something ancient and powerful. Few can sense it, but you have a special connection to this forest's hidden force."
Throk narrowed his eyes, feeling the growing tension in the air.
- Throk: "And what does that mean?" - He asked, his voice resonating in the forest's stillness.
Eldarin did not answer immediately. He simply gestured for Throk to step forward. The other Sylvins watched curiously, keeping a respectful distance, as if knowing something significant was about to happen.
They arrived at a clearing surrounded by trees that seemed to glow with a faint emerald hue. At its center stood an ancient stone circle, with runes glowing in an intense green. The sense of power was palpable, as if the earth itself were alive there.
- Eldarin: "This is the place from which the voice echoed." - He explained. - "Only those destined for greatness can receive its blessing."
Throk, with a mix of skepticism and curiosity, stepped into the circle. The moment his feet touched the center, a green light emerged from the ground, climbing up his legs and enveloping his body like a luminous aura.
Midoki watched intently, his sharp senses detecting an ancient and primordial energy.
Suddenly, the green light concentrated into a single point, forming a symbol resembling a tree before merging into Throk's body. For a brief moment, Throk closed his eyes, feeling an intense heat coursing through every fiber of his being. His muscles tensed, and he fell to his knees, gripping the ground tightly.
Then... nothing. The light vanished as quickly as it had appeared, and the clearing returned to its serene state. Throk stood, breathing deeply, his eyes shining with renewed determination.
- Throk: "I feel... something." - He said in a deep voice. - "It's like I have immense latent power, but it hasn't fully awakened yet."
Midoki tilted his head, analyzing his companion.
- Midoki: "Now, like me, you carry powers you don't yet fully understand." - He said with a smile.
Eldarin gave a slight smile, satisfied.
- Eldarin: "The light you received is the Blessing of the Ancients (???). It enhances your inner strength, but it will only reveal itself when the time is right. Until then, you'll feel your power growing."
With a final exchange of glances, the Sylvins guided Midoki and Throk back to the village, where Aelion awaited them. The forest was at peace again, but Throk now sensed that something more was at stake. He felt the weight of responsibility, but also the power that could shape the future of their battles.
Prepared for the next phase of their journey, Midoki and Throk were surprised by Aelion, the Sylvin who had been corrupted. Now purified and grateful, he asked to join their mission.
- Aelion: "You saved me from a terrible fate. Let me repay you. As a guardian of nature, I want to fight alongside you."
Recognizing the prophecy spoken by King Canvos, Midoki and Throk accepted Aelion as the newest member of the 13 Templar Knights. Together, they left the Whispering Forest of Lost Dreams with renewed determination and hearts warmed by friendship and gratitude.
The heroes' destiny was intricately tied to the world's future, and each step they took brought them closer to the final confrontation with the forces threatening to destroy all that was sacred.