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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYSMRHVT6d
“Stay behind me,” Tay whispered to New, his body tensing.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJy2W5erW2z
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.”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGelFmSQTQy
New’s heartbeat quickened, his fear rising. “What does that mean? Is it dangerous?”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQUzLL7BBU
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqiYV6QlZg
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.”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu2fOfaoLC
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?”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiI3L6yZvtl
“Time and patience,” the guardian said. “But more importantly, trust in your bond with Tay. You are not alone in this.”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEGRsklSAC
The creature took a step closer, and Tay’s jaw clenched. “We’re leaving now,” he said firmly, his eyes never leaving the beast.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlCfpEZEy9
The guardian gave a nod of agreement. “Go, but be aware. The further you go, the more the mist will respond to your presence.”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKIbsAq7KGn
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOP65AWc7DH
“I’m sorry,” New whispered, his voice trembling.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDPeyauZzo
Tay stopped and turned to face him, his expression softening. “Sorry? For what?”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5DoI57fK8
“For dragging you into this,” New said, his eyes lowering. “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t be in danger.”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTpYki7Kwb
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?”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4W5AnX8i5
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIfoqi7VLZ
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.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr9EECfDw6
“Back already?” Ryu asked. “I thought you two were adventuring.”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvUAyjj3Pf
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.”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJSu76IF2y
Ryu raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. “Creatures? Like what?”176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9DovqCIFP
“Like nothing you want to meet,” Tay said, his tone serious.176Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTFB5B4kjh
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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