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Chapter 7 : The ENCOUNTER
The air shimmered with energy as Paul raised his hand toward the next target.
"Unto the next target," he said, voice steady. "Who should we tame next, Stellavore?"
Stellavore's eyes glowed with faint golden fire. "Flameheart," he replied calmly. "My younger brother."
Sai flipped through an ancient, rune-filled book. "According to this, he's in the Aethonix Realm."
Paul's grin widened. "The Realm of Elves… can't wait to see what he's made of."
A swirling portal formed before them, golden light warping the air.
They stepped through.
Sai gasped as the portal stabilized. "Oh my God… it's beautiful."
Stellavore took a deep breath, eyes softening. "It's been a long time since I've been here."
Paul pointed forward. "To the Flame Forest—we have a flaming beast to tame."
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The Battle of Aethonix
Flameheart stood patiently amid the burning trees, flames flickering along his skin.
"Long time no see, Stellavore," he said. "I can see you've been tamed. Where is this 'Ninth Creation' you spoke of?"
Before Stellavore could answer, Paul stepped forward. "Caught you off guard."
His hand ignited. "Elemental Release — Beast Tamer!"
A burst of flame split the ground. Paul's eyes widened. "What—?! A clone made of fire?!"
"Watch out!" Sai shouted as a torrent of crimson flame roared toward them.
Flameheart smirked. "Horse Breath — Majestic Flame of Sorrow!"
The blast struck Paul head-on. He staggered, clutching his face. "Blood? Wait—wait, I'm bleeding from my eyes!"
"Time to finish this," Flameheart hissed.
---
Meanwhile, on Earth Realm
Maya's voice echoed through the base. "How do we find Maria Badway?"
"Leave it to me." Riley closed her eyes, tracing runes in the air. "Elemental Release — Detection Skill."
Maya crossed her arms. "So you're the genius in your family?"
Riley chuckled. "Genius? Nope. I don't have Ashley's IQ."
Kyle groaned. "Can you both focus, please?"
Riley's expression changed. "I'm picking up something… wait, what?"
"What is it?" Kyle asked sharply.
"She's working for Paul, Mum."
Kyle froze. "What?! That's… bad. Really bad."
"She's alone for now," Riley continued. "Looks like she's already spotted us."
"Riley, you and Maya handle her," Kyle ordered. "I need to go to Xanders to pick up Nick Corros."
Maya frowned. "I'll go with you. Ezra said he's dangerous."
"Stay with Riley," Kyle said firmly. "I'll handle it."
"Promise me."
Kyle smiled faintly. "I promise. Besides, I'm the king's right-hand man. The king told me what to tell him."
Riley sighed. "Be careful."
With a shimmer of light, Kyle vanished through a portal.
---
Across the Realms
"Kyle," Paul's voice echoed telepathically, "where are you now?"
"Just arrived in Xanders," Kyle replied. "You?"
"Still in Aethonix—fighting Flameheart."
"Have you caught any Realm Beasts yet?"
"Yes—Stellavore. Talk later."
---
Back in Aethonix
Flameheart roared, "You better focus, little brat! Elemental Release — Sound Wave!"
Paul smirked, catching the vibration in the air. "Not bad… but can you handle your own attack?"
"Elemental Release — Sound Wave!"
The sonic waves collided and rebounded, sending Flameheart crashing into the ground.
Paul raised his palm. "Elemental Release — Beast Tamer!"
Flameheart grinned weakly. "Cheater. Well done, winning against me. I, Flameheart of Aethonix, shall serve you till eternity."
Sai clapped, amazed. "That was cool! I should probably get ready for school—summer break's almost over."
Paul laughed. "Let me open a portal for you, then."
As the portal rippled open, Sai waved. "See you later!"
"Take care," Paul replied. He turned to Stellavore. "So—who's next?"
"To the Zenithor Realm," Stellavore said with a sly grin. "Frostgard is our next prey."
Paul nodded. "All right then."
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The Search in Xanders Realm
Kyle stepped into a land covered in silver mist and burning stars. "Can't believe it… so this is Xanders Realm. Where's Parma City?"
"Oi!" a farmer shouted. "It's those freaks again! They've come to take our children!"
"No—you've got it all wrong," Kyle said quickly. "I'm looking for a man named Nick Corros."
The farmer went pale. "Oi! No one says that name again."
"Why?"
The farmer's wife whispered, "He led his entire group to death."
"Where can I find him?" Kyle asked.
"Check the forest," the farmer said reluctantly, "where those pop-sticks shine the brightest. Be careful—the last mage who went there didn't come out alive."
Kyle nodded. "Thanks for the warning."
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Aethoria Realm — Flashback
"Hey Kyle," Paul had said, his voice echoing through the royal hall. "You will search for Nick Corros. And you're going alone."
"Alone? Why?" Kyle asked.
Paul's eyes darkened. "He led his entire squad to challenge the ruler of Xanders. They betrayed him for rank and power, leaving him no choice but to run for his life."
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Back to Present
"Pop-sticks shine the brightest," Kyle muttered. "That's bad—he wants the enemy to find him."
A shadow emerged from the flames. "I knew you rankers would come again."
Kyle raised his hand. "Rankers? No. I'm not one of them. So—you're Nick Corros."
Nick narrowed his eyes. "If you're not one of them, how do you know my name?"
"I came to offer you an opportunity."
"That crest…" Nick's gaze hardened. "No way. You're a Creation."
"Yes," Kyle said simply.
Nick laughed bitterly. "What do you Creations want with a useless man like me?"
"My king, Paul, promised to find your mother's killer."
Nick's hand shot out, gripping Kyle by the neck. "What did you just say?"
"I'll tell you—if you let me go," Kyle said calmly. "Because you're dying first."
A spike of energy formed at the back of Nick's head. He froze.
"Join our king," Kyle continued, "in his quest to rule the realms."
Nick's voice softened. "What's in it for me?"
"Xanders Realm will be yours—and your generations' to rule. I'm curious, though."
"About what?"
"Your story."
Nick looked away. "After the death of Luke Stark, a madman appeared in our realm. He divided the people into rich, average, and poor, creating Jendova—the floating city. I gathered my childhood friends and attacked the capital. Everything changed when we saw him."
"Who?" Kyle asked.
"A man inside a giant ball," Nick whispered. "That's all I remember. So, this Paul… he's your new head?"
Kyle smirked. "It's called Creations, dumbass. I was expecting a fight."
Nick chuckled. "I was saving my strength for my last attack."
"Boulders?" Kyle scoffed. "Why? The city's impenetrable. I can't even break through without a massive strike."
Nick exhaled. "I guess I'm not dying yet. So, where can I meet this Paul person?"
"Soon," Kyle replied. "He's busy capturing Realm Beasts."
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Aethoria Realm
A portal opened with a hiss of white flame.
Ezra stood by the steps. "You're back, right-hand man."
Kyle stepped through, brushing dust from his Cloak."Aye. Wait—did you catch Maria Badway already?"
Riley smirked. "Told her what you told me."
Maya stepped forward. "Is the king back yet, Ezra?"
"Not yet," Ezra said with a knowing look. "But he will be soon."
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To Be Continued…
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