The village council gathered by noon, discussing the creature attack and the strange energy it carried. Talks grew heated, fear spreading like wildfire. Some believed the forest was cursed again. Others thought it was the return of the old warbeasts.
But only Elder Rhun watched Shadow quietly.
Later that evening, as Shadow walked back toward the hill, a faint hum echoed in the air. A swirl of golden leaves rose in front of him, forming a circular pattern. Shadow stepped back, unsure.
Then a man stepped out of the swirl.
Not a villager.
Not someone Shadow had ever seen.
He wore a long, dark robe embroidered with ancient flame symbols. His hair was silver, tied back, and his eyes were sharp — almost too sharp, as if they saw through everything.
"Shadow of the Village Flame," the man spoke calmly. "I have been watching you."
Shadow braced his stance. "Who are you?"
The man smiled slightly. "A traveler. A seeker of lost arts. And perhaps… your new mentor."
Shadow frowned. "Mentor? For what?"
The man raised a hand. A spark of blue flame danced on his fingertip — identical to Shadow's.
Shadow froze.
"You… have this flame too?"
"No," the man said. "But I know its origin."
Shadow swallowed hard. "Who are you really?"
The man bowed slightly.
"My name is Kael. Last disciple of the Azure Order."
Shadow's chest tightened.
The Azure Order… the ancient group rumored to control flame beyond normal cultivation — believed to have vanished a hundred years ago.
Kael approached him slowly.
"The creature you fought today was just the beginning. The forest is changing because the seal that once protected this land is weakening."
"What seal?" Shadow asked.
Kael's gaze sharpened.
"The seal that binds the Shadow Flame itself."
Shadow stepped back. "So you're saying this power is dangerous?"
Kael nodded. "Power is rarely dangerous by itself. But the world wants balance, and when something tilts too far… other forces rise."
Shadow clenched his fists. "Then teach me. If this flame is awakening, I need to control it."
Kael smirked. "I hoped you'd say that."
Suddenly the wind shifted. Golden leaves circled them both.
Kael stepped aside, revealing a glowing path on the ground.
"Come with me, Shadow. Your first trial begins now."
Shadow hesitated for only a second.
Then he followed.