After escaping the relic hunters with a dazzling display of his newfound abilities, Kael and Velis found a quiet moment of respite in the ruins of an old watchtower. The tower leaned precariously over the edge of a floating island, its crumbled walls barely holding together after centuries of neglect.
"Not bad for your first real fight," Velis commented, its pages fluttering lightly in the cool breeze. "But don't let the thrill of power blind you. Every burst of magic you use leaves a mark—traces that others can follow."
Kael sheathed his sword and slumped against a broken pillar, exhaustion settling into his muscles. The rune on his palm still glowed faintly, a constant reminder of the pact he had made. "I know. But those hunters… they're not giving up. And it's not like I asked for this," he muttered, flexing his fingers.
Velis hovered closer, its cover glowing softly. "True. But since you're stuck with me, we might as well make you someone they'll think twice about chasing. Let's talk control."
Kael raised an eyebrow. "You think now's the time for a lesson?"
"I think you don't have the luxury of waiting," Velis replied, a hint of impatience creeping into its tone. "Power is useless if you can't wield it efficiently. Harnessing speed takes precision, not just recklessness."
Kael sighed but nodded. He pushed himself upright and drew his sword, the blade catching the fading sunlight. Velis floated behind him like an ever-watchful mentor as Kael began practicing. He dashed forward, testing the magic's boost to his speed, then tried teleporting to a nearby platform. Each attempt left him more drained but also more confident. Velis offered sharp corrections when his movements wavered, its voice an unrelenting reminder to improve.
Hours passed, and the sun dipped below the horizon. Kael sat at the edge of the tower, breathing heavily but feeling a sense of progress. He could now teleport short distances without stumbling and channel his speed into precise attacks.
"Well done," Velis said, its tone approving for once. "You're still a beginner, but at least now you won't trip over your own feet."
Kael smirked, brushing sweat from his forehead. "High praise coming from you."
Suddenly, the ground trembled. Velis's glow flickered, and its voice dropped into a warning tone. "We're not alone."
Kael grabbed his sword and turned to face the darkened ruins. From the mist emerged a hulking creature, its crystalline body reflecting faint moonlight. Its eyes glowed with a malevolent blue light, and its growl reverberated through the stone.
"A Shard Beast," Velis said grimly. "Born from the rifts. Dangerous. Lethal."
Kael's grip on his sword tightened. His heart raced, but not with fear—with resolve. "Let's see if your lessons paid off."
The beast lunged, and Kael teleported behind it in a flash, slashing at its side. The blade struck true, but the creature's crystalline hide was tougher than expected. It roared, spinning to swipe at him with a massive claw. Kael dodged, using his enhanced speed to stay ahead of the beast's attacks.
"Focus!" Velis barked. "Strike where it's weakest!"
Kael nodded, circling the creature and watching its movements carefully. When it lunged again, he teleported to its blind spot and drove his sword into a crack in its armor. The beast howled, shuddering as blue light seeped from the wound. Kael pulled his blade free and finished it with a final strike, the glowing rune on his hand flaring as his magic surged.
As the beast collapsed, Kael stood over it, breathing heavily. The glow of his rune dimmed, and he looked at Velis, who hovered silently.
"That was… intense," Kael admitted.
"And necessary," Velis replied. "This is the world you've stepped into, Kael. You'll face worse than this before long."
Kael nodded, his gaze drifting to the horizon. The fight had left him shaken but more determined than ever. "Then let's make sure I'm ready."