The rustling grew louder, and Tay tightened his grip on New’s hand, his eyes scanning the surrounding mist. The guardian stood tall, unflinching, as the leaves parted to reveal a large, dark creature emerging from the forest shadows. Its eyes glowed faintly, similar to the one they had seen earlier, but this one seemed more ominous, its presence radiating an undeniable threat.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpynrcU6gbB
“Stay behind me,” Tay whispered to New, his body tensing.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQwWBXE89a5
The guardian stepped forward calmly, his voice steady. “This creature isn’t here to harm you—yet. It’s a watcher, drawn to the power inside you, New. It senses the imbalance in the mist.”178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5I2KMVpmH
New’s heartbeat quickened, his fear rising. “What does that mean? Is it dangerous?”178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6QFBU9Yx5u
The creature let out a low growl, its red eyes fixed on New as if testing him. Tay’s protective instincts flared, and he stepped forward, placing himself fully between New and the creature.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4QeJgvwjI
The guardian raised a hand. “It’s here as a warning. Your power is growing, New, but with it comes danger. The mist is reacting to you, and if you do not learn control soon, others—far more dangerous than this—will come.”178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhCokFcpqe
New’s mind raced, the weight of his powers feeling heavier with each passing moment. “How do I stop it? How can I control something I barely understand?”178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ1H1sMA5ZY
“Time and patience,” the guardian said. “But more importantly, trust in your bond with Tay. You are not alone in this.”178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTZ8OtABB5
The creature took a step closer, and Tay’s jaw clenched. “We’re leaving now,” he said firmly, his eyes never leaving the beast.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6J9B8Cf0JA
The guardian gave a nod of agreement. “Go, but be aware. The further you go, the more the mist will respond to your presence.”178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDSiwnkfu1
Tay led New back toward the village, their steps quick but steady. New’s mind swirled with uncertainty. His powers, the mist, the creatures—they were all too much. He glanced at Tay, who was walking ahead, ever vigilant, ever protective.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgoIzh2Xqey
“I’m sorry,” New whispered, his voice trembling.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWIcfhwNLyx
Tay stopped and turned to face him, his expression softening. “Sorry? For what?”178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCIQQJ4wo3D
“For dragging you into this,” New said, his eyes lowering. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be in danger.”178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMrgPgf7X1f
Tay stepped closer, lifting New’s chin gently so their eyes met. “Don’t say that. I’m here because I choose to be. We’re in this together, remember?”178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoYayxUCIC
New felt a wave of warmth wash over him, the fear momentarily replaced by the comfort of Tay’s words. He nodded, his heart lightening a bit.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNmUPcia7Wl
They continued in silence until the village came into view, the familiar buildings offering a small sense of security. Ryu greeted them with his usual carefree grin, unaware of the encounter they had just survived.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywt8bpU6C6
“Back already?” Ryu asked. “I thought you two were adventuring.”178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dw9n8JeDD
Tay gave him a look, but before he could respond, New spoke up. “Something’s happening with the mist. It’s reacting to me, and there are… creatures out there.”178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHuz02lhRD
Ryu raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “Creatures? Like what?”178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC3G9oDwONG
“Like nothing you want to meet,” Tay said, his tone serious.178Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWK9GfaeJY
The three of them sat down, and New explained everything, from the growing connection he felt with the mist to the guardian’s warnings. As he spoke, Ryu’s expression shifted from amusement to concern.
“So, what’s the plan?” Ryu asked, glancing between Tay and New.
“We need to figure out what’s causing the mist to react this way,” Tay said. “The guardian thinks New’s power is at the center of it all.”
New sighed, feeling the weight of responsibility once again. “I don’t want to hurt anyone… but I don’t know how to control it.”
Ryu leaned back, a thoughtful look crossing his face. “Well, you’ve got us. We’ll help however we can.”
Tay nodded, his resolve clear. “We’ll face whatever’s coming together. But we have to stay alert—this is only the beginning.”
New felt a small glimmer of hope. Despite the uncertainty ahead, he knew he could rely on Tay and Ryu. Together, they would uncover the secrets of the mist and the true extent of New’s power. Whatever dangers lay ahead, they would face them side by side.
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