Morning sun filtered through the treetops of Eldoria's forest onto soft shadows across the ground. Luca Darnell was standing beside his forge, getting ready with respect to the tasks of the day. His mind was full of thoughts about the cave he was about to enter soon, and he wanted to take full advantage of his preparations.
Aiko came with a basket of fresh bread and waved cheerily at him. "Morning, Luca! I brought some breakfast. Thought you might like a little something before you head out."
Luca looked up from his work, lightening his expression. "Hey, Aiko. Thanks! I was just about to head out. This'll hit the spot."
They sat at the table next to them, nibbling on bread and talking casually. "How do you feel about the cave?" Aiko asked between bites.
Well, the cave is where monsters flourish; that's what I think. And it's a good place to train for a newbie.
Luca shrugged, forcing the lightness in his voice. "Nervous but excited. I mean, it is a big unknown, right? But I really think that it is time to face it."
Aiko nodded her head, her face encouraging. "Yeah, it is somewhat overwhelming, stepping into the unknown.
"Uh-huh" Luca said, taking a gulp of water.
As they finished their breakfast, Aiko handed him a small wooden charm. "Here. It's just a little something for good luck. I thought it might help."
Luca took it with a grateful smile. "That's really kind of you. I'll make sure to keep it with me."
Luca breakfasted, packed his gear, and set off for the cave. The forest around Eldoria was thickly sown with tall trees and undergrowth; one had to go slow and cautiously. The air was filled with the sounds of nature-the rustling of leaves with the chirping of birds in the distance.
The path was rough leading to the cave, and he had to make his way over rocks and thick growth of vegetation. The entrance of the cave loomed ahead, a dark hole into the side of the mountain. As he approached, the temperature noticeably dropped, and a sense of anticipation filled him.
With the flaming torch in hand, he went into the cave. The cave was expensive, with high ceilings and a maze of passages. From the ceiling, stalactites hung while on the floor it was uneven with patches of moss and loose stones.
He saw strange markings on the wall that seemed to glow in the murk-symbols and runes. The marks were complex and unknown, adding mystery to the cave.
Suddenly, a growling noise echoed from the bottom of the cave; Luca stopped instantly. Turning into the darkness, in the distance, he saw something large and serpentine, with eyes aglow and shining scales.
Luca reached for his sword, which was only a mortal blade. The beast's gaze fell upon him, and it let out a loud roar that echoed around the cavern with threatening menace.
"Here I go," Luca said to himself, extending his focus. Psyros' voice came through into his mind-calm and steady.
"Just take it one step at a time."
Luca nodded, clutching his sword tightly as he entered deeper into the cave. Suddenly, behind his back, something small in size but full of force sprang out and hit the wall behind him, embedding a number of cracks in the stone. Realization spread across his face, eyes wide open. "If it hits me, I am done for," he whispered to himself.
The voice of Psyros behind his mind echoed with a dry chuckle. "Then don't let it hit you, boy."
It charged again, this time at a swifter pace. This time, Luca could not dodge, could only raise his sword in time to deflect the strike. The force sent his nearly dropping the weapon as he struggled to keep his grip steady. A hasty sidestep got him out of the way from the next; his breathing was ragged.
He charged at the creature, taking a deep breath, his sword at the ready. The creature charged forward into his attack, but Luca was faster. In that last second, he dodged, the sharp edge of his blade scraping against the creature's body. The blood sprinkled on the ground as Luca whirled and in that same quick movement, wiped his sword clean. The sweat began to fall from his brow as he caught his breath. "That was harder than I thought."
Continuing deeper into the cave, Luca suddenly found himself in a grim situation: five of the same species he had just fought, all bunched together, staring at him with eyes aglow.
Psyros' voice called out to him, "You shall not defeat them by brute force alone. Use my power."
Luca hesitated; doubt nibbled at him. "I don't know how," he said, his hand tightening around his sword.
"You will be fine," Psyros said calmly.
The first tendrils of fear crept into Luca's chest as the beasts began to make their way toward him. "I am not going to be able to pull this off," he whispered, already beginning to slowly back away with his feet. But it was too late-the creatures now had his scent, and with a series of guttural growls, they charged.
Luca turned to them in despair and raised his sword to ward them off. Whirling around in circles, deflected the blows he was taking from all sides hardly protected himself from them. In a flash, another creature plunged down at him from above, instinct suddenly kicked in. Luca thrust his hand upwards and instantly an invisible barrier materialized between him and the creature. The beast hurtled onto the barrier and snarled furiously.
Psyros' voice came again, this time more encouraging. "That's it."
Luca's eyes went round with wonder. "Gosh, that's cool," he whispered, the power running through him leaving him marveling.
"Concentrate, Luca," Psyros warned. The other creatures were closing in on them, their movements quicker and in concert. An idea sparked in the back of his brain, and he didn't have time to think-he needed to act.
Steely-eyed, Luca prepared for any one of them to leap at him at any moment. When one of them sprang forward, Luca yelled out, "I've got you!" His voice was enough to center him, and a see-through box enveloped the creature as it appeared around it. Luca clenched his teeth harder, focusing harder until the box shrunk smaller and smaller, its occupant crushed.
Luca wiped the sweat from his brow, panting as a wave of relief mixed with disbelief flooded over his senses. He looked at the remaining creatures, oozing so much confidence now, and taunted, "Okay, come on."
The other beasts, with brute force, roared and charged anew; this time, Luca was prepared. With art, he deflected their blows-wove into their strikes with elegance and precision. Every utterance, the snap of his fingers manipulated the sound around him, creating barriers, weapons, or traps. One after another, they fell until once more the cave was again silent.
Exhaling heavily amongst the pile of defeated creatures, he stood in triumph. A gleam in his eyes spoke volumes about the tinge of exhaustion added to exhilaration. "Enough," he muttered, looking down at the site of fallen creatures.