Dinner was lively as Leo and his friends huddled together, discussing the academy's first mission that lay just a few weeks away. Darian leaned forward, his face lit with excitement. "So, the first mission is usually a week-long camping trip out in the academy woods. They've got designated spots for each team. There'll be beasts to fend off, places to gather materials, and we'll have to manage on our own."
Leo's eyes widened in surprise. "We'll be out there for a week? Does anyone here have experience with camping or hunting?"
The group exchanged glances, each thinking over their limited experience. Alaric finally shrugged and said, "Well, I've gone hunting with my dad a few times, but I've never had to clean or cook anything."
Mira chimed in, trying to sound optimistic. "It can't be that hard, right? I know a few cooking spells, so I can handle that part. But as for cleaning, well…" She trailed off with a half-smile, clearly unsure.
Sera added, "I've never really done anything like this. But maybe I could help with supplies and healing spells, at least?"
Leo nodded, reassured by the team's enthusiasm despite their inexperience. "I've been shown a little about cleaning game and setting up a camp, so I can help with that. We'll figure it out."
Darian looked thoughtful, then grinned. "We'll make it work. Part of the challenge is learning on the spot."
Leo looked around the table. "And the beasts? Do any of you know what kinds are out there?"
Alaric leaned in, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "I heard from some older students that they release controlled, magical creatures. Mostly stuff like small shadow wolves and elemental foxes. They're not easy, but they're meant to be manageable for us."
Darian added, "Yeah, and some of them even leave behind materials we can use for crafting or trading back at the academy. So the more we hunt, the better prepared we'll be for later missions."
After saying his goodbyes, Leo returned to his room, feeling a mix of excitement and nervous energy. He lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling, then closed his eyes, focusing intently. Slowly, he summoned a black wisp, guiding it until he felt that familiar pull, like the threads of reality bending around him. His vision blurred, and when it cleared, he found himself in the dark, ethereal space he'd visited before. Standing before him was the same shadowed, humanoid figure, its form flickering in and out as if it existed halfway between worlds.
Taking a deep breath, Leo stepped forward, his curiosity overpowering his fear. "Can you please answer my questions?" he asked, voice steady. "Who are you, and how do you know so much about what's happening?"
The figure was silent for a moment, the air around it thick with a strange, almost electric tension. Then, it spoke, its voice soft yet resonant, echoing in the empty space.
"I am a guide, Leo, one connected to your lineage and to the magic that flows through you," it said, its tone calm but tinged with an ancient weight. "I know what is happening because I exist outside of the constraints of time as you perceive it. I see paths yet to come and echoes of what has been."
Leo's mind raced, absorbing the figure's words. "So… you're connected to my family?" he asked, his thoughts drifting to his father and the fragments of void magic he'd been taught.
"Yes," the figure replied, a hint of something almost like sadness in its voice. "Your father knew of my existence, though he did not fully understand my nature. I have watched over many Wildeharts across generations, guiding and protecting them in times of need."
Leo's heart skipped a beat. "Then… do you know what happened to my father? And my mother?"
The figure's form flickered, and for a moment, it seemed to hesitate. "Some truths are hidden even from me," it admitted. "But your mother… she is not lost, Leo. She is beyond reach, for now, in a place between worlds. Your journey, your mastery of both void and time, may lead you to her one day."
Leo felt a surge of hope, tempered by the enormity of the path ahead. He clenched his fists, determination flaring within him. "Then I'll do whatever it takes to find her. Just… tell me how I can be ready. What am I supposed to do?"
The figure's eyes glowed softly, like embers in a darkened room. "Continue to learn, to seek control over the magic you wield. But remember, strength alone will not be enough. True mastery lies in balance, in understanding the nature of both creation and destruction, presence and absence."
It reached out, and for a brief moment, Leo felt a faint touch on his shoulder—cool, like a shadow passing over him. "Trust in your friends, in yourself. When the time comes, I will be here to guide you again."
The vision began to fade, the figure's form growing dimmer. Before it disappeared entirely, Leo heard its final words, spoken softly but filled with unwavering conviction.
"Remember, Leo Wildehart, you are not alone on this path."
With that, the connection broke, and Leo opened his eyes to find himself back in his room. The shadows around him seemed to recede, leaving him on his bed in a dark room.
After a restful night—his first truly peaceful sleep in what felt like ages—Leo woke up feeling refreshed, the figure's words still echoing in his mind. For once, he felt a small measure of peace, knowing there was someone, or something, watching over him.
The next two weeks flew by, packed with intensive classes and rigorous training. Under Mr. Brookfall's guidance, Leo found himself exploring the depths of his magical abilities. His understanding of magic grew sharper each day, and he was soon able to see and even sense magical energy around him. Mr. Brookfall taught him how to feel the flow of others' magic, guiding Leo to recognize its patterns and even disrupt or counter them when needed. This skill was challenging but thrilling, giving Leo a sense of control he hadn't known before.
During one of these sessions, Leo experienced a breakthrough. He managed to summon and control a small elemental—a flickering, playful fire imp that danced at his command. The memory of his earlier, accidental summoning filled him with confidence, and he quickly found himself grasping the basics of elemental control. Each success brought him closer to aligning his magical skill with his growing understanding of how magic worked.
Leo and his friends trained together whenever they could, forging a stronger bond with each session. They each took on different roles for their upcoming mission, practicing their strengths and compensating for each other's weaknesses. Darian was emerging as a natural leader, encouraging everyone to push beyond their limits, while Alaric focused on defensive spells and strategy. Mira and Sera honed their healing and supportive magic, essential for ensuring the group's safety in the field. The trust between them deepened, and their abilities began to complement each other, creating a synergy that made them a formidable team.
Finally, the two weeks of preparation came to an end. The day before the mission, the group gathered to finalize their plans and gather supplies. They sorted through essential items—food rations, healing potions, and basic survival gear. Mira tucked away some extra bandages and herbs, while Darian took charge of organizing their tools and checking over their spell components.
As they packed, Leo noticed Alaric carefully stashing away a small hunting knife. "You really think we'll need that?" Leo asked with a grin.
Alaric smirked. "Better safe than sorry. And besides, who knows what creatures we'll run into out there?"
Mira chimed in, arranging small vials of potion neatly in her pack. "I'm still not sure how I'll do in a forest for a whole week, but at least we have some idea of what we'll face."
Sera nodded, her gaze determined. "We've trained so hard. Whatever's out there, we're ready."
As they finished packing, Darian gave them all an encouraging smile. "One week out there, just us and the wild. Let's make this count."
With everything ready, they returned to their rooms for one last night before the mission, feeling a mixture of excitement, nerves, and confidence in each other. The days of training had not only prepared them for the challenges ahead but had also made them feel like a true team.