The morning mist was still covering the forest when I opened my eyes. The damp soil clung to my shoes, the cold air piercing my skin. The sound of birds and wet leaves dragged by the wind became a faint morning melody. Ahead, Lyona was already prepared, a sword tucked at her waist, her eyes sharply observing the path in front of us.
"You need to focus today. The journey is getting harder. Your reflexes and instincts will be tested," she said.
I swallowed. A week-long journey toward Verlyn looked long, but to me, the real challenge had just begun. The Flux in my hand pulsed faintly, warm, indicating the tension in my body. I took a deep breath and began following Lyona's steady and firm steps.
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The Forest's Harsh Terrain
We walked along a winding path, sometimes descending slippery slopes, jumping over roots and large rocks. Sunlight pierced through the gaps in the trees, forming thin lines on the wet ground. The wind blew the leaves, causing broken branches to fall, and my Flux pulsed rapidly as if giving a warning.
"Pay attention to your surroundings. Every movement, every sound can mean danger," said Lyona. "Not only monsters—sometimes humans or other wanderers can appear without warning."
I stared at the bushes beside the path. Occasionally, I felt shadows move, but so quickly that I couldn't confirm it. My reflex reacted automatically; my body adjusted its steps, the Flux pulsing faster, but this time I was beginning to hold the energy, controlling it in sync with my movements.
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Advanced Flux Training
When we reached a small clearing in the middle of the forest, Lyona stopped.
"Now, Flux training. But this time it's harder: you must use the energy to react to threats that appear randomly. Not to attack, only to defend and adapt."
I closed my eyes, feeling every vibration in my body, regulating my breath. Blue Flux appeared in my palm, dancing and pulsing in sync with my body's movement. A tree branch fell in front of me by accident—without thinking, I deflected it. The ball of blue light shone briefly, holding the branch before it touched my foot.
Lyona gave a slight smile, though her eyes remained serious.
"See? You're starting to understand yourself. Your reflexes, not the explosion of energy, are your real strength. You can survive without destroying everything around you."
I inhaled, feeling relief and pride. All this time I focused on Flux explosions, destructive power. But it turned out that the ability to read situations, instincts, and reflexes could be far more effective weapons, especially when facing unfamiliar environments.
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A Brief Encounter with a Wild Creature
In the late afternoon, as we descended a rocky slope, a small creature appeared suddenly. Its body resembled a dog, but its fur was dark and its eyes glowed red. I was startled, my Flux pulsed rapidly.
Lyona looked at me.
"React!" she said.
My instinct took over. I shifted one step to the side, and blue Flux appeared instantly, forming a thin barrier in front of me. The creature jumped aside, disappearing into the bushes. I stood still, stunned, staring at my hand.
"You're starting to understand. Your quick reaction and Flux control will keep you alive in Verlyn, even before you know who your enemy is," said Lyona.
I swallowed, realizing that this journey wasn't just physical. The forest and sudden threats taught more than any training in the village or an empty field.
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Approaching Verlyn
The day was dimming as we emerged from the forest. In the distance, the large city slowly appeared through the dusk mist. Tall buildings, sturdy walls, and the river flowing around the city created an impression both grand and intimidating.
Lyona pointed toward the city.
"Verlyn. This city will test you more than the forest and the training. Here, people fear mist wanderers, and many want to use you or drive you out. You must stay alert—always use your reflexes, not just your power."
I stared at the city, feeling my heart beat faster. My Flux pulsed faintly, but this time I could calm it, focusing on my reflexes. I began to realize: my greatest strength was not the explosion, but the speed to read situations, reflexes, and intuition—things I only understood during this journey.
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The First Night on the City Outskirts
We stopped on the outskirts of the city to rest. The evening light reflected on the tall walls, thin mist drifting between towers and small bridges. The sound of citizens' footsteps could be heard faintly from afar.
I sat near a small river, staring at my hand that still pulsed. The Flux now felt calmer, controlled. Lyona sat beside me, looking toward the city.
"Tomorrow, you will enter Verlyn. You will learn to face the people there, not just monsters or wild creatures. This city is harsh, but here is where you will sharpen your abilities," she said.
I stared at the faint blue light dancing in my hand. I was no longer a weak mist wanderer. I was beginning to understand my own strength—reflexes, intuition, and Flux control.
And in the distance, the city of Verlyn waited, full of intrigue, social threats, and challenges that would test who I truly was.