The days following Yuuto's lessons on the magical races of Aetheria were filled with anticipation. His training had been rigorous, both with Thalia on mastering his magic and with Juno, the blacksmith, learning to balance magic and physical combat. But the more Yuuto learned about the world around him, the more his curiosity grew, especially about the Elves—one of the most ancient and powerful magical races Thalia had described.
Elves, with their deep connection to nature and mastery over magic, represented everything Yuuto had come to admire. He had read about them in the Codex of Aetheria and heard stories from the villagers, but he had yet to encounter one in person. That was about to change.
One morning, as Yuuto was preparing for another training session with Thalia, a soft knock sounded at the door of her cottage. Thalia, who rarely had visitors, looked up from her work with a frown. Yuuto, curious, followed her as she moved toward the door and opened it.
Standing in the doorway was a tall figure, cloaked in deep green, with long, silvery hair flowing down his back. His face was sharp, elegant, and ageless, with piercing violet eyes that seemed to hold the wisdom of centuries. His pointed ears, just barely visible beneath his hood, confirmed what Yuuto had already guessed.
An Elf.
Yuuto's heart raced as he took in the figure. This was his first encounter with one of the legendary Elves, and the presence of the stranger was both awe-inspiring and intimidating.
The Elf inclined his head slightly toward Thalia. "Thalia, it's been some time."
Thalia crossed her arms, her expression unreadable. "Aethir. I wasn't expecting you."
The Elf—Aethir—stepped inside, his movements fluid and graceful. Everything about him seemed otherworldly, from the way he carried himself to the subtle shimmer of magic that radiated from him. Yuuto could sense the deep well of power within him, and yet there was a calmness, a balance, that made his presence almost soothing.
"I come with news," Aethir said, his voice smooth as he glanced around the room. His eyes fell on Yuuto, lingering for a moment, before returning to Thalia. "And I see you've taken on an apprentice."
Thalia nodded. "He's progressing well. Yuuto, this is Aethir Valethil, an envoy from the Elven city of Elandrial."
Yuuto stepped forward, feeling a bit unsure of himself under Aethir's intense gaze. He bowed slightly, remembering the stories of the Elves' ancient customs. "It's an honor to meet you."
Aethir studied Yuuto for a moment before offering a slight nod in return. "So, this is the human who has stirred such attention recently. I've heard of your deeds, Yuuto, though the stories are not without exaggeration."
Yuuto blinked, unsure of what to say. He had no idea his actions had reached the Elves' ears. "I… I've just been doing what I can to protect the village and learn."
Aethir's lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile. "Humility is a rare trait, especially among those who wield magic. It will serve you well, if you can hold onto it."
Thalia cleared her throat, breaking the tension. "Aethir, what brings you here?"
Aethir's expression grew more serious. "We've had sightings near the borders of Elandrial—creatures of dark magic. They've been attacking travelers and disrupting the natural mana flow in the region. Our scouts have managed to fend them off, but the frequency of these attacks is increasing. We suspect they may be related to the same dark magic you've encountered here."
Yuuto's mind flashed back to his encounters with the corrupted beasts and the dark magic that had plagued Ravenwood. The thought that the same force was reaching even the secluded Elven cities sent a chill down his spine.
"I've seen it too," Yuuto said, stepping forward. "Dark magic was corrupting creatures near Ravenwood. It's like… it's spreading, getting stronger."
Aethir turned his sharp gaze on Yuuto again, his expression thoughtful. "It seems you've seen more than most. Dark magic is a poison, a blight that corrupts everything it touches. If it is spreading to both human and Elven lands, then we are facing a greater threat than we realized."
Thalia nodded, her face grim. "We need to know more. What do you propose, Aethir?"
The Elf straightened, his expression unreadable. "Our people are preparing to investigate the source of this corruption, but we need allies. We need those who understand both human and Elven magic, those who are willing to stand against the dark forces rising in Aetheria."
He looked at Yuuto, his violet eyes piercing. "I came here to ask for your help, Thalia. But it seems your apprentice may be more involved in this than I thought."
Yuuto's heart skipped a beat. Was Aethir suggesting that he join the Elves in their investigation? The thought of venturing into Elven lands, of learning their magic firsthand, was thrilling—but also terrifying. He had come so far in his training, but he still had much to learn.
Thalia looked at Yuuto, her expression serious. "It's your decision, Yuuto. This is a dangerous path, and there's no guarantee of safety. But if you want to learn more about the magic of Aetheria, and about the forces threatening this world, this might be your chance."
Yuuto took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the decision. He had come to Aetheria seeking knowledge and strength, but now he was being offered something far greater—a chance to stand with the Elves, to fight against a darkness that threatened not only humans but the entire magical world.
"I'll go," Yuuto said, his voice steady despite the uncertainty he felt. "I want to help. And I want to learn more."
Aethir's expression didn't change, but there was a glint of approval in his eyes. "Very well. You will come with me to Elandrial. There, you will meet the others who are preparing for this battle. But be warned—our magic is not like yours. It requires patience, understanding, and respect for the natural world. You will learn, but only if you are willing to listen."
Yuuto nodded, feeling a surge of determination. This was his chance to grow, to learn from one of the most powerful magical races in Aetheria. He couldn't pass it up.
Thalia watched him carefully, her face unreadable. "Stay focused, Yuuto. The Elves' magic is ancient, and their ways are different from ours. But if anyone can handle it, it's you."
Aethir stepped toward the door, his cloak billowing slightly as he prepared to leave. "We leave at first light. Prepare yourself."
With that, the Elf turned and disappeared into the forest, leaving Yuuto and Thalia alone in the cottage.
Yuuto let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his mind racing with thoughts of the journey ahead. He had always dreamed of encountering Elves, of learning their magic, but now that the opportunity was here, it felt overwhelming.
Thalia stepped beside him, her voice quiet but firm. "You've come a long way, Yuuto. Don't doubt yourself. This is just the next step."
Yuuto nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and anxiety. The first step of his journey had been about survival. Now, it was about learning the deeper truths of Aetheria—and facing the dark forces that threatened it.
As he prepared for the journey to Elandrial, Yuuto couldn't help but wonder what the Elves' ancient magic would reveal—and what role he would play in the battle to come.