The morning sun filtes through the trees, casting a warm light over the ground where Elaro and Karo stood, waiting for Eldin's instructions. After last night's battles with the shades, Elaro's sense of urgency was deepened. She knew that mastering her powers wasn't just a goal, it was a necessity.
Eldin approached, his expression was encouraging. "Today's training will test your control and your ability to adapt. The power you possess, Elaro, is unlike anything I've encountered. To unlock it, you must push the limits you believe you have."
Elaro nod, steeling herself. "I'm ready." karo crossed his arms, a light smirk tugging at his lips. "We'll see about that."
Eldin gestured toward a set of massive stones arranged in a circle. "These stones are infused with magic. They'll respond to your energy and give the strength you pass into them."
Elaro looked at the stones, feeling a mixture of curiosity and surprise. "So, I'm supposed to…?" "Attack them," Eldin finished. "Focus on summoning your power and direct it towards each stone in turn. The stones will provide resistance, challenging you to increase the force and take your attacks smoothly."
Elaro took a deep breath, feeling her power stir within her body. She focused on the first stone, picturing her energy flowing into her blade. With a shout, she swung, releasing a red arc of light that struck the stone with a sharp crack.
The stone glowed, absorbing her energy, but it remained unmoved. "More focus," Eldin advised, watching her closely. "Feel the energy in your core. Don't just use it, let it become a part of you."
She steadies her breathing, closing her eyes to connect with the warmth in her chest. This time, as she swung her blade, the energy feels more natural with her movements. The strike landed with greater force, causing the stone to shudder.
Eldin nodded approvingly. "Good. Now, try the with others." Elaro continued, moving from one stone to the next. But as she reached the last stone, an unfamiliar energy passed within her, as if something deep inside was awakening.
Without warning, a bright, red flame burst from her hands, engulfing the blade. The force of the energy surprised her and she stumbled backward, barely keeping her control.
Eldin's eyes widened. "Interesting… it seems your powers are becoming more stronger quickly than I thought." Karo's expression shifted from amusement to surprise. "So, she's already unlocking abilities beyond basic attacks. Not bad, Elaro."
Elaro looked down at her hands which were still tingling with the flames. She felt both excited and shaken. Whatever power she held it was far stronger than she'd imagined.
As they finished training. They went back to the campfire, Eldin face was thoughtful. "Elaro, I believe there's something you should know about this world. There are legends here of a hunter who can possess the Crimson Flame,a power of immense strength that could either save or destroy Astia."
Elaro's heart skipped a beat. "Are you saying… I'm that hunter?"
"It's only a theory," Eldin replied carefully. "But your abilities align closely with that prophecy. The Crimson Flame is said to be both a blessing and a curse. It is a power that requires mastery and control. If you are truly meant to wield it, you will face trials that no ordinary hunter could endure."
Karo's gaze sharpened. "If she really has the Crimson Flame, then we're talking about someone who could change the course of Astia's history. But that also means she'll have enemies, powerful ones."
A sense of fear settled over Elaro. She hadn't asked for this power, but now that it was a part of her, she felt a responsibility to understand and master it carefully.
That evening, as the three of them prepared to set up camp, Karo approached her. His usual smirk was absent, replaced by a rare and serious expression. "Look," he began, his tone softer than usual. "I know I have given you a hard time. But I can see that you're serious about this. If you really do have the Crimson Flame, then you're going to need all the help you can get."
Elaro raised his head, surprised by his sudden change in his personality. "Is this your way of offering help?" Karo shrugged, a light grin returning to his face. "Let's just say I have a interest in seeing how far you can go. This world could use someone with your kind of power… if you can handle it."
She smirked back, feeling a strange sense in his words. "Don't worry, Karo. I'm not planning on backing down anytime soon." For a moment, they stood in comfortable silence, an unspoken bond of rivalry and mutual respect between them. Elaro knew she had found an ally, even if he was also her greatest challenge.
Just as they were settling down for the night, silence fell over the forest. Elaro was tensed, sensing a familiar chill in the air. She glanced at Eldin, who was already on high alert.
"Shades," he whispered, drawing his weapon. "They're back." Karo stood beside Elaro, his expression fierce. "This time, we fight together."
Elaro nodded, feeling the energy spike within her in response to the threat. As the shadows approached, she takes out her blade. The shades moved swiftly, their forms blending with darkness. One lunged at her, but she dodged and strike it swiftly, her blade sliced it through its shadowy form. Beside her, Karo fought with an efficiency, his movements was fast as he disposed the creatures with ease.
Eldin stayed back, watching their teamwork. "Remember, Elaro," he called out. "Control your power. Don't let it consume you." She focused, making the flames into her strikes, feeling the strength and heat flowing through her. The shades fell one by one, their shrieks echoed through the forest.
Finally, the last creature dissolved into mist. Elaro lowered her blade, breathing hard. She was learning and becoming stronger with each battle encounters.
As they regrouped, Elaro felt a sudden dizziness. Her vision got blurred, and a strange, otherworldly scene unfolded in her eyes. She saw a vast battlefield with flames and shadows clashing as hunters fought desperately against a large number of dark creatures. At the center of the chaos, there stood a figure covered in darkness, its presence was so powerful that it sent a jolt of fear in her body.
"Elaro!" Karo's voice broke through her vision, and she blinked, finding herself back.
"What… what was that?" she murmured, as her body shaken.
Eldin's face was grave. "It seems the Crimson Flame is granting you visions, glimpses of the future or perhaps the challenges you are destined to face in future." Karo placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Whatever it is, we will face it together. You're not alone in this."
His words brought her a sense of comfort, and she nod, grateful for his presence. She knew that her journey was just starting, and the path ahead would be filled with trials, but with Karo and Eldin by her side, she felt ready to face what waits for her.
To Be Continued