The morning sun cast long shadows across the manor grounds as Cedric, accompanied by a small group of guards and myself, prepared to venture into the forest. Cedric's recent breakthrough in his magical training had filled him with confidence, and he was eager to test his newfound abilities against the beasts that roamed the wild.
As we set off, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and apprehension. This was my first time leaving the manor grounds since I had started working here, and the prospect of facing the unknown both thrilled and terrified me. Cedric, on the other hand, seemed unfazed, his eyes gleaming with determination.
The other servants who accompanied us were busy drawing up a map of the forest, marking the locations where the weakest beasts were known to reside. This information would help us navigate the forest more safely and avoid unnecessary dangers.
The forest was a place of both beauty and danger. Towering trees with thick canopies blocked out much of the sunlight, casting the forest floor in a perpetual twilight. Strange sounds echoed through the woods, and the air was thick with the scent of earth and foliage.
As we ventured deeper into the forest, Cedric's confidence seemed to grow. He practiced his fire magic on small creatures and obstacles, his spells becoming more precise and powerful with each attempt. The guards watched him with a mix of admiration and caution, ready to step in if needed.
Our journey took us to a clearing where we encountered our first significant challenge: a pack of third stage feral beasts known as Shadow Wolves. These creatures, with their sleek, dark fur and glowing eyes, were known for their ability to blend into shadows and launch surprise attacks. Cedric stepped forward, eager to prove himself.
I watched from the sidelines, my heart pounding in my chest. Cedric raised his hand and chanted, "Ignis Orbis!" A sphere of fire formed in his palm, which he hurled at the nearest Shadow Wolf. The fireball exploded on impact, illuminating the clearing with a burst of light.
The Shadow Wolves retaliated, their forms flickering in and out of the shadows as they lunged at Cedric. He quickly cast another spell, "Flammae Murus!" A wall of fire erupted from the ground, creating a barrier between him and the attacking beasts. The wolves snarled and circled the barrier, searching for a way through.
Despite his earlier confidence, it quickly became clear that Cedric was struggling to keep up with the beasts' speed and agility. The Shadow Wolves darted around the flames, their movements almost too fast to follow. Cedric's spells, though powerful, were not enough to keep them at bay.
Just as it seemed the Shadow Wolves would overwhelm Cedric, one of the guards stepped in, using his own magic to create a barrier that protected Cedric from the beasts' attacks. The guard chanted, "Aegis Magica!" A shimmering shield of light enveloped Cedric, deflecting the wolves' shadowy strikes.
Together, they managed to drive the creatures away, but not without sustaining some injuries. The guard's intervention had saved Cedric, but it was clear that the young master was not pleased.
Cedric's pride was clearly wounded, but he tried to hide it. "I could have handled them," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.
As we continued our journey, I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of determination. Watching Cedric struggle had only fueled my desire to unlock my own magical potential. I knew that I had a long way to go.
As the day wore on, we encountered more beasts and obstacles, each one testing Cedric's abilities and resolve. Despite his earlier setback, he continued to push himself, determined to prove his strength. I watched and learned, taking mental notes of his techniques and strategies.
Just as the sun began to set, we stumbled upon a beast that was far beyond our capabilities: a fourth stage Arcane Beast known as a Storm Griffin. Its massive wings created gusts of wind that shook the trees, and its eyes glowed with a fierce intelligence. The guards immediately recognized the danger and formed a protective circle around Cedric.
"Stay back, Cedric!" one of the guards shouted. "This beast is too powerful for us!"
The Storm Griffin let out a deafening roar and launched a barrage of lightning bolts at us. The guards fought valiantly, using their magic to shield Cedric and counter the beast's attacks. Despite their efforts, it quickly became clear that they were outmatched.
"Run, Cedric! Run!" one of the guards yelled as he was struck down by a lightning bolt. The remaining guards continued to fight, buying us precious time to escape.