The Sky Temple once one of the four great lands of Elyndra is now nothing more than a legend. A tale told to children about a kingdom that once floated among the clouds. It was known as the Land of Wind, for it was said that the very essence of wind was born there, just as flame came from Velanor, water from Sylvean, and earth from Laranth.
But the Sky Temple vanished long ago. No one knows how or why. That's what the books said, at least.
And yet… here I am. Standing amidst its remains.
Though it lies in ruins, this place still feels alive the air hums softly, carrying whispers of the past. Getting here was nearly impossible, but somehow, I made it.
Well… I'm not entirely sure if this truly is the Sky Temple. But Seraphyra said it was, and if she said so, then it must be true.
A few more days trickled by as Seraphyra meticulously prepared the teleportation circle. Each morning, she would emerge from the cave's deeper shadows, her massive four-horned silhouette barely visible against the faint light streaming from the cave entrance, accompanied by Aphyra the dragon whose immense, shadowy form coiled silently behind her. The dragon's eyes glimmered faintly, like molten gold, yet its presence radiated a quiet calm, never interfering, only observing.
One morning, Seraphyra spoke, her voice unusually soft for someone whose appearance could terrify entire kingdoms. "Vir… the spell will take some time. Safety is paramount. If even a single thread of the circle falters, you could be cast hundreds of meters away from your home. I will not risk such a mistake."
I nodded quickly, trying to focus on her words while glancing nervously at Aphyra. "As long as they're alive… my mother, father, and the crimson moon… I can wait. It's… better than climbing back up the cliff, anyway."
The shadow of Seraphyra's body stretched across the floor as she inclined her head slightly. "Good. Patience is the first lesson you must learn before returning to them. But there is more to your preparation than waiting. Your mana core, though fragile, must be trained. You cannot rely on raw power alone."
The past days had been grueling, both physically and mentally. As I attempted to refine my new mana core, sharp, piercing pains often shot through me. Each time, Aphyra's massive claws would flick me lightly, sending me tumbling over the uneven ground. One particularly painful flick sent me sprawling into a pile of jagged stones. I sat up, groaning, fists clenching. "What was that for?!"
Seraphyra's laughter, low and resonant, filled the cavern. "Vir… your heart is clouded. You speak of the bandits and their deeds, but such thoughts will only corrupt your resolve. Strength is not measured by vengeance, but by your ability to protect those you love. Rage is a tool, yes, but it is also a shackle. Learn to temper it."
I blinked, stunned. The lecture, delivered by a being that could easily crush me with a single claw, somehow stuck. I could only offer a blank nod in reply.
During one intense training session, I coughed violently, hacking up streaks of blood that stung my throat and burned my mouth. I collapsed onto my knees, wheezing, chest heaving as Aphyra's shadowed form leaned closer, eyes glimmering with quiet concern.
Seraphyra's voice echoed from the darkness. "Vir, your body is still adjusting. The strain of your broken mana core is greater than you realize. Do not push beyond your limits, or you will only hurt yourself. Breathe… steady yourself… control it."
I nodded weakly, wiping my mouth. "I… I'll be okay… I just… want to get stronger."
Seraphyra inclined her head, her four horns casting long shadows over the floor. "Good. Resolve without caution is reckless. Remember, endurance is as important as strength. Even Aphyra, mighty as she is, would caution you not to act rashly."
I swallowed hard, glancing at the dragon coiled behind her. The creature's massive form radiated calm power, yet I could feel the weight of its presence, silently judging my every movement.
During another session, Seraphyra's voice guided me. "Vir, focus. While moving, draw the mana flowing around you. Even a fraction of what you would gather during meditation will suffice at first. The goal is to extend the duration of your mana in combat without exhausting yourself."
I paused, memories flickering of a time when I had toyed with similar ideas in a far simpler way, back in my old life. But now, I could experiment in ways I had never imagined. "I… I'll try," I said, determined.
Seraphyra's eyes glimmered in the darkness. "Humans have rigid minds. Most cannot adapt. But you… you are young. Your body and mana core can still adjust. Practice hard. Few awaken with the potential to do this. Many never achieve mastery, even as adults. You… may succeed."
I took a deep breath and began again, this time moving and absorbing mana simultaneously. It was far harder than anything I had done before. I stumbled repeatedly, sometimes tripping over my own limbs. Each time, Aphyra's enormous tail would sweep nearby, reminding me to stay focused without touching me.
Seraphyra's words echoed in my mind. "An exceptional mage splits his mind. One part directs the body, one part monitors mana, another analyzes the environment. Your mind must be sharper than any sword."
I had never thought of mana control like this before. It required me to think on multiple levels at once, all while maintaining balance and conserving energy. Every failed attempt left me sprawled on the ground, muscles screaming, lungs burning. Yet each time, I rose, recalling Seraphyra's gentle but unwavering voice: "Pain is temporary. Resolve endures. Learn from each failure."
By the end of the day, my movements were still clumsy, but I could feel progress. Mana flowed through me more evenly, though every successful step left a dull ache in my chest a reminder of my broken core. Seraphyra watched silently, her four horns casting long, menacing shadows over the cavern floor, yet her red eyes held pride.
Aphyra, still immense and vigilant, lowered her head slightly, nudging me with her snout, a silent encouragement. The bond between us child, shadowy demon, and dragon felt strangely comforting, a trio of power and guidance that was oddly balanced.
I sat on a rock, exhausted, sweat dripping into the dirt. "Thank you… for all of this… for teaching me, for saving me… for staying with me." My voice barely rose above a whisper.
Seraphyra's gaze softened, a rare gentleness in her eyes. "Your path is only beginning, Vir. Remember, strength is measured not by your power, but by your heart and your ability to endure. Soon, this circle will be complete. Soon, you will return home. But until then, train. Prepare. Learn what it means to carry life and hope within your hands."
I closed my eyes, letting the words sink in, the shadows of the four-horned Seraphyra stretching across me, and Aphyra's immense form coiled protectively behind her. This was no longer a test of strength alone it was the shaping of my very soul.
And I would endure.