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Chapter 8: The Stranger in the Forest
The ripple struck Miguel's senses like a pebble dropped into a still lake.
His eyes snapped open.
"Nick."
He shook his friend.
"Wake up. Something crossed the outer barrier."
Nick's eyes flew open instantly. Crimson flames flickered around his fists before he was even fully awake.
"...Someone's here."
Without another word, both boys climbed onto the unfinished roof of their wooden shelter, crouching behind the stacked logs.
Moonlight poured into the clearing.
At the very edge of Miguel's translucent barrier stood a lone figure.
A man.
Tall.
Motionless.
Simply watching.
Miguel slowly raised both hands.
Water gathered from the surrounding air, spiraling together into a massive sphere above his head.
"There!"
With a sharp thrust, the sphere shot forward.
The stranger merely shifted one step to the side.
The water crashed into the earth behind him, exploding into mist.
"...He dodged it."
Nick didn't hesitate.
He leapt from the roof, flames roaring around his right fist.
"Fire Fist!"
His body shot forward.
Just before his flaming punch landed...
The man calmly caught his wrist.
Nick's eyes widened.
"What?!"
Without giving him time to react, Nick twisted his body and drove his left elbow toward the man's temple.
"Fire Axe!"
A burst of fire erupted.
Smoke engulfed both of them.
When it cleared...
The old man stood exactly where he had been.
Not a scratch.
Not even a burn.
Nick quickly jumped backward, putting several meters between them.
His fists remained engulfed in flames.
"What are you?"
The stranger smiled faintly.
"Calm down."
"Don't move!" Nick shouted. "Take one more step and I'll finish what I started."
The old man simply folded his hands behind his back.
"I have no intention of fighting children."
Miguel climbed down from the roof, a sphere of water hovering beside him.
Nick spoke first.
"Then why are you here?"
The old man glanced around the clearing before answering.
"I was passing through this forest when I noticed something unusual."
"What?"
"Two children."
He looked at both of them.
"Living alone in one of the most dangerous forests in this region."
Miguel blinked.
"...That's why you came?"
"I was curious."
Nick's expression didn't soften.
"Or maybe you're lying."
The old man chuckled.
"A healthy amount of caution."
Miguel looked between them.
"If he wanted to attack us..."
"...he had plenty of chances."
Nick kept his flames burning.
"Strong people don't need to rush."
The old man nodded approvingly.
"You think before trusting. Good."
Nick narrowed his eyes.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Krogas."
Miguel crossed his arms.
"And how did you stop his attack?"
Krogas smiled.
"Experience."
Nick frowned.
"That's not an answer."
"No."
"It isn't."
He brushed a lock of long black hair away from his face.
Moonlight revealed a pair of long, elegant pointed ears.
Miguel's eyes widened.
"...An elf."
Krogas inclined his head.
"Correct."
Nick stared at him with open curiosity.
"I thought elves were famous for magic."
"They are."
"Then what are you doing wandering around alone?"
"A journey of my own."
His smile carried a hint of nostalgia.
"One that has lasted many years."
Nick remained cautious.
"So why approach us?"
Krogas looked directly at the two boys.
"Because seeing children survive alone in this forest is unusual enough."
"But what interested me even more..."
"...was watching the way you cast magic."
Nick and Miguel exchanged a glance.
"You used no incantations."
"No chants."
"No magic circles."
"You simply willed your spells into existence."
Krogas's voice became more serious.
"Do either of you realize how rare that is?"
Neither answered.
"Across the entire Valtheria Continent..."
"...only twelve known individuals can cast magic without incantations."
Silence filled the clearing.
Krogas continued.
"Power like that attracts attention."
"The wrong people would hunt you for it."
Miguel spoke quietly.
"So... what are you suggesting?"
"I suggest you leave this forest."
He looked toward the southern horizon.
"Far to the south lies the Glarian Kingdom."
Nick tilted his head.
"Glarian Kingdom?"
"A nation ruled by elves."
"It is one of the safest places on this continent for gifted children."
The two boys stood silently, absorbing everything they had just heard.
The night breeze stirred the leaves as Krogas waited for their response.
To Be Continued...