As Ari begins her light magic training, her hidden potential stuns the elder, revealing she wields powers far beyond a beginner's level. Meanwhile, during their journey south, Imperial reveals that Ari can read ancient text—confirming she's tied to a deeper mystery linked to the words: "Follow the lightning."
Scene Transition: Two Days Later
While Imperial and Tracey carefully searched the depths of the southern forest, following the locket's faint glow for guidance, Ari continued her training under the watchful eyes of the old elder.
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Cut to: A Dark Room
In a dimly lit chamber, lit only by flickering blue flames in wall sconces, a man sat alone at the head of a long stone table. Shadows cloaked his face, but the authority in his voice was unmistakable.
Leader: "According to my sources, Imperial Alden and that girl haven't reached the royal capital yet."
One hooded figure replied, puzzled, "That's strange. It's already been a week since they left. Even by cart, the journey shouldn't take more than three days."
Another muttered, "Maybe they're traveling on foot? Or perhaps… he never intended to reach the capital at all."
The leader tapped his fingers on the cold table. "If he's not heading to the capital, then what's he doing in that southern empire for this long?"
He looked up, eyes glowing faintly in the darkness.
Leader: "That brat… I think my trusted agent can handle him and extract the truth. But for now, keep a close eye on Kai Alden. I believe he may be... persuadable."
A third figure asked cautiously, "Persuade him? But how?"
A smirk curved across the leader's lips.
Leader: "Because I know something about him—something none of you do."
He whispered something to the group.
The moment the figures heard it, silence consumed the room. Shock flickered across their faces, even beneath the cloaks.
Figure: "If that's true… then we may have the perfect opportunity."
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Back to: Southern Forest – Imperial and Tracey
Branches cracked underfoot as the duo pushed deeper into the heart of the forest, the air growing denser with silence and mist. The glowing locket around Imperial's neck pulsed faintly.
Imperial: "Hey Tracey, where exactly are we right now?"
Tracey, glancing at the sky and his handmade map, replied, "Based on the time we left the village… it's been about a week. I'd say we're somewhere in the middle region of the southern forest."
He looked around cautiously. "I've only heard stories about this part. No one from my village's ever dared to explore it."
Imperial raised an eyebrow. "Why not?"
Tracey: "Because… they say people who enter this part of the forest either don't return alive—or they come back twisted, like their minds have shattered. That's why you'll never see any villages or even camps in this area."
Imperial gave a small grin. "Then I guess we're exactly where we need to be. A cursed forest hiding a forgotten pillar? Sounds just about right."
Tracey chuckled nervously. "Great… that makes me feel so much better."
They pushed deeper.
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Meanwhile: Ari's Training
In a small clearing behind the elder's cabin, Ari stood with sweat clinging to her brow. Her hands glowed with warm light as she chanted a spell under her breath.
Old Elder: "Good… you're improving. You can cast the spell now, but your control is still weak. You're losing energy too fast. You need something real to focus on—something to give the spell meaning."
Ari tilted her head. "What do you mean, 'real'?"
The elder stepped inside and returned with a small, injured bird cradled gently in his hands. One wing hung limp, clearly broken.
Old Elder: "Try healing this little one. It's wounded and can't fly. Focus your light magic. Heal it—not just with power, but with intent."
Ari's eyes widened in sadness as she saw the bird's condition. She dropped to her knees and immediately began channeling her magic.
Minutes passed. Then an hour.
By the time she was done, the bird stirred gently, tested its wings, and flew weakly into the air before perching nearby. Ari, however, collapsed onto the grass, breathless.
Ari: "Why am I… so drained? I used to train with Imperial and Master Kaien for hours and still feel fine."
Old Elder: "That's because combat training and healing magic are vastly different. Healing consumes far more mana. Think of it like this: an hour of sword training is one bowl of water. Healing magic? That same hour might take four bowls."
Ari nodded slowly. "I get it now…"
Old Elder: "But don't worry. With practice, your energy consumption will decrease. You're doing well. Your gift is rare—even among light mages."
From then on, Ari continued practicing her healing by tending to injured animals—some wounded by nature, others by villagers. Each session drained her, but she grew stronger.
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Back to the Forest: Discovery
As the forest grew darker and more silent, Imperial suddenly stopped. His locket pulsed brighter.
He jumped off the monster they were riding and crouched to examine the earth.
Imperial: "Tracey. Come here."
Tracey dismounted, cautiously approaching. "Did you find something?"
Imperial didn't respond at first, simply brushing away leaves and soil. Then he looked up.
Imperial: "I… I think so. I'm not entirely sure yet, but… there's something beneath this."
Tracey frowned. "Something? Come on, man. Guessing doesn't help."
Imperial narrowed his eyes, serious now.
Imperial: "No. It's not a guess. I can feel it. The air… the ground... something's different here. The locket's pulling harder than before. This is it, Tracey. We're close."