After the battle with the beast, Neral and Kyle decided to continue their journey. They had heard of an ancient sage who lived in a distant place, the only one who knew the deeper secrets of the ether. It was said that this sage could help Neral gain complete control over his power.
After the victory that Neral and Kyle achieved against the beast, their journey became clearer. However, the path to the sage was not without its challenges. The road began to turn into rugged terrain, with new difficulties looming ahead.
Throughout the journey, Neral continued to train his abilities to control the ether. Kyle was a good mentor, but he knew that the sage was the only one who could unlock the door to deeper knowledge.
The road was fraught with dangers; they passed through dense forests, home to other beasts. There were tales of ancient monsters that no one dared approach. Yet, Neral and Kyle had no choice but to press on.
As they camped one night, a conversation unfolded between them.
"What is the ether, really?" Neral asked, sitting beside the fire.
Kyle contemplated the flames for a moment before answering. "The ether is the foundation of everything. It is the force that connects us to the world, granting us life and energy. But not everyone can use it. It requires a deep connection to the world and nature."
"And how can I improve my use of it?" Neral asked.
"Training is essential, but it's more than that. It's about inner balance, understanding yourself before you can understand the world."
That night, Neral fell asleep thinking about Kyle's words. Could he achieve this balance? And would he be ready for what awaited him in the future?
Neral and Kyle continued their journey, and eventually, they reached a small village at the foot of the mountain where the sage lived. However, there, they faced a new challenge.
The village was under threat from another beast, more powerful and complex than the one they had faced before. The beast moved in the shadows, attacking at night and spreading terror among the villagers.
"We won't be able to reach the sage unless we deal with this beast first," Kyle said firmly.
Neral looked at Kyle, then at the villagers who were in despair. He couldn't ignore their suffering. "We will do it."
That night, they prepared for battle. The beast was cunning, sneaking through the shadows and attacking from unexpected angles. But Neral was more prepared this time. He learned from his previous battles and used the ether with greater skill. Yet, the beast was fast and dangerous.
As the fight intensified, Kyle sustained a serious injury to his shoulder, leaving Neral to face the beast alone.
"Kyle!" Neral shouted as he saw his friend fall.
But despite the fear he felt, he did not retreat. He focused on the ether, summoning all his strength for the fight. With a decisive blow, Neral managed to strike a fatal hit to the beast, bringing it crashing down.
However, the battle was not easy, and Kyle was in critical condition. "We need to reach the sage quickly," Neral said, trying to assist his injured friend.
"The road won't be easy," Kyle replied as he spoke about the journey ahead. "It will be filled with dangers, but I believe you are ready now."
Neral gazed toward the horizon, where the distant mountains awaited them. "If it means protecting those I love, I am ready for anything."
Their journey toward the sage began, with Neral's eyes filled with determination. This journey was not just a quest for wisdom, but a path to discover himself and his true power.