The journey to Argovarn proved to be more adventurous than expected. The path led them through dense forests, over steep mountain passes, and along raging rivers. Theron, the experienced coachman and steadfast companion, steered the wagon with a confidence that never ceased to amaze Seth. Despite the bumpy terrain and constant dangers, he always seemed calm, as if guided by an invisible hand. Seth couldn't remember the last time he had sensed such serenity in a person.Beside him sat Eldric, whose infectious smile was a beacon of light, even in the darkest moments. It was astonishing how well they had blended together throughout the years. Seth and Eldric had known each other since childhood, and their friendship was unshakeable. They had stuck together through the toughest of times, and now, venturing into unknown territory, that bond was stronger than ever. They were like brothers, not only supporting each other but understanding each other without words."Remember how often we used to trek through the woods as kids?" Eldric said, playfully clapping Seth on the shoulder. "This is just another adventure we can tell stories about later, right?"Seth smiled faintly, but his gaze remained fixed on the gloomy forest ahead. Something about this place felt different. The forest seemed ancient and wise, yet it also seemed to conceal mysterious dangers. Seth could feel the tingling in his fingers, growing stronger the deeper they ventured into the woods. It was a feeling he knew all too well – the undefined pull of magic in the air. But this time it was different. The forest didn't just seem permeated with magic, but with a power that far exceeded anything he had experienced before."Eldric, something's not right here," Seth finally said, looking around. "The forest is too quiet. It feels like it's watching us."Eldric laughed uncertainly. "You and your premonitions, Seth. Maybe it's just the atmosphere. An old forest can send shivers down your spine."But Seth was sure. The air was heavy and charged, as if concealing a secret. Theron, who held the reins of the wagon firmly in his hands, had also become alert. "Listen to your instincts," he said in a deep, calm voice. "This forest is more than just a place where trees grow. It's a place of magic, and not all magic is friendly."Eldric looked around nervously, but Theron continued, "This forest belongs to the Lythar'kuul, an ancient and magical wolf that is considered the guardian of the forest. It is said that only those who have the honor of being accepted by it can wander safely within its boundaries. All others... well, they disappear without a trace."Seth felt another pull in his chest as Theron uttered the word "Lythar'kuul." It was a name he had heard many times – in stories told by old shamans, of the power of a being beyond anything he could imagine."Lythar'kuul? What kind of creature is that?" Eldric asked, his voice betraying a mixture of curiosity and concern.Theron nodded slowly, gazing at the darkening forest. "The Lythar'kuul are no ordinary animals. They are magical wolves, capable of influencing the elements. Their fur shimmers in the colors of the rainbow, as if they command light itself. Their eyes burn like fire and are able to recognize the deepest fears in a person. It is said that their hunt never ends. If a Lythar'kuul chooses someone, the fight is inevitable."Eldric gasped. "So it's a... hostile creature?""Not necessarily," Theron replied calmly. "The Lythar'kuul is not an enemy in itself. It tests the souls of those who enter its realm. But whoever challenges it or gets too close will be relentlessly pursued. It can only be defeated or driven back by a special kind of magic that very few possess. The danger is real."Seth heard the words, but something inside him began to throb, as if the magic Theron spoke of was about to manifest. He couldn't explain it, but he knew they weren't alone.Suddenly, a sharp clap of thunder echoed through the sky like the wrath of a god. Lightning flashed through the dark forest, and Seth immediately felt a stabbing pain in his temple, as if someone had stuck a needle in his head. The pain was so intense that he held his breath for a moment. The horses in front of the wagon reared, and Theron struggled to calm them while steering the wagon safely."What's that?" Eldric cried, clutching the side of the wagon. "What's happening?""Magic," Theron whispered, the tension in his voice unmistakable. "Dark magic."And at that moment, the ground beneath them began to shake. It was a jolt so strong that Seth had to cling to the wagon to avoid being thrown out. Trees swayed, branches snapped and fell, while stones rolled down the slope. A cold, electric feeling permeated the air, and the sky darkened to a dense gray that swallowed the entire forest.The pain in Seth's head intensified as he sensed the magic around him, and then – a shadow, large and menacing, emerged from the thicket.Before them, in the middle of the path, stood a giant, wolf-like creature. It was larger than any wolf Seth had ever seen, and its fur shimmered in all the colors of the rainbow. The creature's eyes burned like fire and seemed to look directly into his soul. It was a Lythar'kuul – the legendary magical wolf."The Lythar'kuul," Theron murmured with an expression of respect and fear. "The guardian of this forest. We have come too close."The creature bared its teeth, a deep, menacing growl rumbling from its throat that made the ground vibrate. The wolf had seen them, and its hunt was now open."We have to stop it," Seth shouted, his heart pounding in his chest. "Or it will tear us apart."Eldric, panicked, grabbed Seth's arm. "What are we going to do, Seth?""I'll try," Seth said firmly. He reached for the vial Theron had given him – the vial with the luminous, magical liquid. The pain in his head was now only a distant urge, for the energy within him began to flow. The liquid in the vial began to glow, and Seth felt the magic unleashing within him."Hold on tight!" Theron shouted.Seth stretched out his hands, and with a powerful surge, he sent a beam of pure magical energy towards the Lythar'kuul. The beam struck the wolf in the chest, and the magical wolf was hurled through the air with a piercing howl. The creature reeled back, its rainbow fur flickering, and then the Lythar'kuul vanished in a cloud of colored smoke that the wind carried away.Seth sank back, exhausted. The fight had taken everything out of him. His hands were shaking, and he could barely breathe. Eldric, his eyes wide with amazement and admiration, patted him on the shoulder. "You did it, Seth. You defeated the Lythar'kuul."Theron nodded slowly, looking in the direction where the wolf had disappeared. "You have great potential, Seth. But you must learn to control your powers. Otherwise, they can become dangerous to you and everyone you love."Seth nodded, sweat beading on his forehead. He knew Theron was right. The magic he had unleashed was strong and unpredictable. If he didn't master it, it could destroy him and his friends. But a new resolve burned within him – he would learn to control this power to protect himself and his friends.The rest of the journey to Argovarn passed without further incident. But a new goal now burned within Seth: to gain the knowledge he needed to survive – and to defeat the Lythar'kuul and the dark forces that threatened the world.