Mira's breath hitched. The War Goddess. The name echoed in her mind like a distant whisper, stirring something deep within her. The visions, the strange familiarity—everything was starting to connect in ways she couldn't quite grasp.
Fengrion's piercing blue eyes studied her, as if weighing her very soul. The massive beast remained bound in its rusted chains, but its presence alone filled the cavern with a suffocating power. Mira could feel it pressing down on her, testing her, waiting for her reaction.
She clenched her fists, steadying her resolve. "You said I carry her flame," she said, her voice firm despite the storm raging inside her. "What does that mean?"
Fengrion huffed, a deep rumble shaking the ground beneath her feet. "You bear the Samadhi Flame," he said, his voice laced with something between curiosity and caution. "A fire that only one has ever wielded before—my master, the War Goddess."
Mira swallowed. She had heard of the Samadhi Flame's power, but the War Goddess? The mere mention sent a strange shiver through her, as if her very soul recognized the name before her mind could process it.
"I don't remember anything about her," Mira admitted. "I'm not some great warrior. I'm just…" She hesitated. What am I? A girl with rare fire magic? The Seventh Devil? The Grandmaster's disciple? None of it felt enough.
Fengrion tilted his head, as if considering her words. "Perhaps," he said slowly. "Or perhaps you are more than you believe."
A heavy silence settled between them. The air crackled with an unspoken challenge.
Then, the tiger's eyes gleamed. "I will not acknowledge you based on words alone."
Mira barely had time to react before the temperature in the cavern spiked. The chains that bound Fengrion shattered, disintegrating into specks of blue light. The beast rose to its full height, towering over her like a god of war. Its silver-and-gold fur bristled as flames erupted around it, scorching the stone floor.
Mira's instincts screamed at her to run. Every nerve in her body told her she was outmatched, but she stood her ground, forcing herself to meet Fengrion's gaze.
"You wish to claim me as your spiritual beast?" Fengrion growled. "Then prove yourself. Survive."
The cave exploded into chaos.
Fengrion lunged.
Mira barely dodged in time. She rolled to the side, flames licking at her heels as his massive claws tore through the ground, sending shards of rock flying. The force of his attack sent tremors through the cave, nearly knocking her off balance.
She gritted her teeth. There's no way I can match his strength. I need to be faster. Smarter.
Summoning her fire, she hurled a stream of blue flames toward Fengrion. But the moment they got close—they vanished.
Mira's eyes widened in shock. What?!
Fengrion let out a low, rumbling laugh. "Your flames are strong, but you lack control." His form flickered, disappearing in an instant.
He's fast!
Mira spun around, but it was too late. A powerful force slammed into her from behind, sending her flying across the cavern. She hit the ground hard, pain jolting through her spine as she gasped for breath.
"Too slow," Fengrion taunted. "Your instincts are dull."
Mira pushed herself up, anger flaring in her chest. She wasn't going to let him look down on her. Not now. Not ever.
She closed her eyes, focusing. The magic inside her was chaotic, untamed. The Samadhi Flame flickered at the edge of her consciousness, waiting, testing her. She had to grasp it. She had to make it her own.
Come on. Ignite.
A familiar warmth coiled in her chest, but before she could call upon it, Fengrion attacked again.
This time, she was ready.
She whispered an incantation under her breath—"Nexira Tha Vanorelle."
The moment the words left her lips, her body blurred—turning invisible.
Fengrion's attack passed right through her.
Mira reappeared a few feet away, her breathing uneven, but a triumphant smirk tugging at her lips. It worked.
Fengrion's eyes gleamed with something close to approval. "Not bad but is that all?."
But he wasn't done yet.
With a deafening roar, he summoned telekinetic force, sending boulders hurtling toward her.
Mira's heart pounded. Move!
She chanted quickly—"Placium Tha Urnowill!"
She shot into the air, narrowly dodging the incoming rocks. Flying had never felt so natural. She twisted mid-air, fire blazing to life in her palms. She couldn't waste this chance.
Channeling everything she had, she unleashed a powerful wave of blue flames down toward Fengrion.
The beast didn't move.
Mira's fire struck, engulfing him completely.
For a moment, she thought she had won.
But as the smoke cleared, her stomach dropped.
Fengrion stood untouched.
Her flames had done nothing.
He exhaled, and the fire dissipated like it was nothing more than a mere spark.
Mira landed on shaky legs, sweat dripping down her brow. I gave that everything I had… and he's completely fine?
Fengrion chuckled. "I told you. Power without control is meaningless."
Mira clenched her fists, frustration gnawing at her. "Then teach me!" she snapped. "Teach me how to control it. You knew the War Goddess, didn't you? Then you know what my flames are capable of! If I'm truly meant to inherit them, then tell me how!"
The cavern went silent.
Fengrion stared at her for a long moment, then let out a slow breath.
"…Very well."
He lowered himself slightly, his massive wings rustling. "You wish to be my master? Then you must prove your worth. Not just in battle—but in spirit."
Mira swallowed, her chest rising and falling rapidly.
This wasn't over.