Ascar's eyes snapped open, and he found himself back in the room he had been in before he returned home. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, wondering if it had all been a dream. But as he looked around, he knew that it was real.
He scanned the room, taking in the familiar surroundings. The stone walls, the wooden furniture, the small window that let in a sliver of light. It was all so familiar, yet so different from his own world.
Ascar stood up, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that he had to get out of there, to explore this new world and find out what was going on. He walked over to the door, pushed it open, and stepped outside.
The air was cool and fresh, filled with the scent of grass and earth. Ascar took a deep breath, feeling invigorated. He looked around, taking in the rolling hills and towering trees. It was a beautiful landscape, one that seemed to stretch on forever.
As he walked, Ascar noticed a figure in the distance. It was a minotaur, its body a mix of human and bull. Ascar's heart skipped a beat as the minotaur charged towards him.
The minotaur was huge, its muscles rippling beneath its skin. Ascar could see the fury in its eyes, the desire to destroy him. He knew that he had to act fast, to defend himself against this monstrous creature.
The minotaur attacked, its horns glinting in the sunlight. Ascar dodged and weaved, avoiding the minotaur's blows. But the creature was relentless, striking again and again.
Ascar stumbled backwards, his heart racing with fear. He knew that he couldn't keep this up for much longer. He needed a plan, a way to defeat the minotaur and escape.
But as he looked around, Ascar realized that he was alone. There was no one to help him, no one to turn to. He was on his own, and he knew that he had to rely on himself if he was going to survive.
Ascar thought about Thorne, about the lessons he had taught him. He remembered the way Thorne had moved, the way he had used his magic to defeat his enemies. Ascar knew that he couldn't do the same things that Thorne could do, but he also knew that he had to try.
He remembered his mom's words, about standing up for himself and being brave. Ascar took a deep breath, feeling a surge of determination. He was going to defeat the minotaur, no matter what it took.
With newfound resolve, Ascar charged forward. He used his magic to create an earth wall under the minotaur's legs, making it unbalanced and causing it to fall. Ascar took advantage of the minotaur's momentary distraction, striking it with all his might.
He used the lightning element to enhance his speed, punching and kicking the minotaur repeatedly. The creature roared in pain, its body stumbling backwards as Ascar continued to attack.
Ascar's fists and feet moved in a blur, striking the minotaur with precision and power. He could feel his magic coursing through him, guiding his movements and giving him strength.
But as he fought, Ascar began to have flashbacks of the time he was getting bullied. He remembered the way the bullies had laughed at him, the way they had called him weak. Ascar's anger grew, fueled by his memories.
Flames covered his fists and arms as he punched the minotaur repeatedly. The creature stumbled backwards, its body crashing to the ground. Ascar stood over it, his chest heaving with exhaustion.
The minotaur lay motionless at his feet, defeated. Ascar felt a surge of pride and satisfaction, knowing that he had defended himself against this monstrous creature.
As he stood there, catching his breath, Ascar heard a voice behind him.
"Ascar, where have you been?" Thorne asked, his voice filled with concern. "You've been missing for three days."
Ascar turned to face Thorne, feeling a mix of emotions. He was happy to see Thorne, but he was also confused. Three days? How was that possible? Ascar had only been gone for a few hours, or so he thought.
He looked at Thorne, trying to process what was happening. But before he could ask any questions, Thorne's expression turned serious.
"We need to talk, Ascar," Thorne said. "There's something you need to know."
Ascar nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. What did Thorne want to tell him? And what did it have to do with his disappearance?
Ascar's mind was filled with questions, but he knew that he would have to wait for answers. For now, he was just happy to be back in Brindlemark.