An unexpected bond formed between the former Beast warrior and the young human.
She taught him hunting, fishing, survival instincts, and, most importantly, the art of hand-to-hand combat.
Three years passed this way. Elios, now eleven years old, had grown considerably. Merlione, at thirty-seven, remained a formidable fighter, but her face had softened over time, far from the battlefields.
One day, during an especially intense training session, Merlione noticed Elios's progress.
"You're improving, that's good," she said, wiping sweat from her brow. "I thought your restrictions on using your flames would slow you down and weaken you, but you've already adapted to my movements and speed."
Elios smiled confidently. "I've got a lot of surprises in store for you."
Merlione returned his smile. "Oh, really? Then I think you're ready for this."
"For what?" Elios asked, intrigued.
Without warning, Merlione began to transform. Her claws extended further, fur emerged across her skin, and her eyes became as sharp as those of a beast. A bloodthirsty aura surrounded her.
"This," she explained, her voice now rougher. "It's the secret weapon of the Beasts. We call it 'the Surge.' For humans, you might call it something like a berserker state. You're welcome to use your flames now if you want."
Elios stepped back, momentarily gripped by fear. Merlione's appearance reminded him painfully of the day his parents were massacred by Beasts who looked just like her. But he quickly composed himself, recalling Merlione's words: "Always face your fears head-on." With renewed confidence, he declared, "I'm not afraid of that."
Merlione was pleased to see Elios overcome his fears. The fight that followed was intense, and although Merlione eventually won, it wasn't easy. This only made her prouder of Elios's progress.
At the end of the training, breathless but satisfied, Merlione said, "You're getting stronger."
Elios, equally winded, replied proudly, "Of course, I'm the ultimate fire mage, Elios!" Then, curious, he asked, "How can I achieve that berserker-like form, similar to the Surge for Beasts?"
Merlione's face darkened. "It's not a beautiful form," she said uneasily. "Yes, it's powerful, but it's not worth the sacrifices or experiences required to attain it. Besides, it's not for kids. You're still too young."
"I'm not a kid anymore!" Elios protested, annoyed.
"You're still small, little fire mage," Merlione teased with a playful grin.
Always eager to learn, Elios asked one last question: "How can I be like you, so strong and confident?"
Merlione thought for a moment before responding. "You're far from it. Like you, I feel fear. Like you, I cry. Like you, I suffer. But I can't let those feelings limit me, or I'd never be able to enjoy this one life I have. Don't you think?"
Elios, puzzled, admitted, "You often say things I don't fully understand."
Merlione laughed softly. "That's why you're still too little," she said, gently mocking him. "Come on, let's head back. I'm hungry, and you're cooking tonight."
"Yeah, yeah," Elios grumbled, though a smile formed on his lips.
---
Back at the house
As the sun sank below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, Merlione and Elios settled near the campfire. The crackling flames broke the gentle silence as the night's chill crept in.
Merlione suddenly turned to Elios, her face calm but curious.
"I've noticed you don't say your prayers before bed anymore," she said softly. "Why is that?"
Elios, gazing at the emerging stars, smiled faintly without looking at her. Then, almost in a whisper, he replied:
"For now... I already have someone watching over me while I sleep."
Finally, he turned his head toward her, making it clear who he meant. Merlione stared at him for a moment, surprised, before a tender smile lit up her face.