The human encampment sprawled across the mountainside, a bustling hive of activity nestled among the craggy peaks. As Ryan and Eleanor were led through the camp, they marveled at the intricate network of fortifications - earthen bulwarks, wooden palisades, and cleverly disguised lookout posts. The air thrummed with purpose; soldiers drilled in formation while scouts darted in and out of the perimeter, their movements precise and coordinated. There were blacksmiths constantly at work, a couple of food halls scattered around and much, much more. This place was less of an outpost, and more of a bustling town.
Captain Lyra guided them to a large tent near the center of the camp. "Wait here, Ryan. Gren, go bring Eleanor to the medical tent" she instructed, disappearing inside. Ryan could hear muffled voices engaged in heated discussion.
Gren turned to Ryan and explained, "You won't have to worry anymore, Eleanor will be in the care of some of the best healers the human coalition can provide!" Gren slowly brought Eleanor, who was still clutching onto her wound, to the tent.
Before Ryan could thank Gren, Lyra emerged from the tent, accompanied by a tall, distinguished man with graying, dark black hair and a commanding presence. His piercing black eyes scanned Ryan and Eleanor, assessing them quickly.
"I'm General Aldric," he introduced himself, his voice deep and authoritative. "Captain Lyra has briefed me on your situation as well as who you claim to be."
"Walk with me," he commanded, setting off at a brisk pace.
Ryan fell into step beside him, acutely aware of the curious and sometimes suspicious glances from the soldiers they passed.
"So," Aldric began, "you both are the heroes we've been hearing about. The ones who appeared in elven territory."
Ryan nodded, "Yes, sir. It's... it's been a difficult journey."
Aldric's expression softened slightly. "I can imagine. We've received reports about your encounters, including..." he hesitated, "an incident with a rebel group. A man named Toris was mentioned."
Ryan felt his stomach drop. "I... that was an accident. I didn't mean to. I think it was my dad. I believe it was a spell that lets your parents control your body for-"
Aldric held up a hand, silencing him. "We've already held an investigation, Ryan. You do not have to worry. What's important now is keeping you safe and determining how best to use your abilities in this war."
They reached a small, fortified building near the edge of the camp. "This is where you'll be staying temporarily," Aldric explained. "It's quite a secure location. You'll have a team of our best guards watching over you at all times."
Ryan frowned, "I feel more like a liability than a hero."
Aldric's expression was stern. "You're too valuable to risk, Ryan. The human race needs heroes like you and Eleanor. For the near future, your safety is our priority."
Before Ryan could continue, a group of six guards approached, led by a broad-shouldered man with a scar across his chin.
The sun had set, and now it was becoming night.
"This is Sergeant Vance," Aldric introduced. "He and his team will be responsible for your protection."
Vance nodded curtly, his dark eyes scanning their surroundings constantly. "We'll keep him safe, sir," he assured the general.
As Aldric departed, Ryan was ushered into the building by Vance and his team. The interior was sparse but comfortable, with a small bed, a table, and a few chairs.
"Make yourself comfortable," Vance grunted through the open door. "We'll be right outside if you need anything."
As the door slowly swung closed, Ryan observed the group of guards. Suddenly, a unsettling feeling crept up his back.
Ryan shook away the feeling of dread, hoping it was simply a lingered feeling from earlier with the shapeshifter.
Ryan turned away from the door, surveying the small room that would be his temporary sanctuary.
So what now? The thought echoed in his mind as he paced the confined space. His body felt drained, his mana depleted from the long journey and numerous confrontations.
Well, I guess there's only one thing to do.
Taking a deep breath, Ryan settled into a cross-legged position on the floor. He closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing as he had been taught. Gradually, he felt his racing thoughts slow, his awareness turning inward.
As he meditated, Ryan could sense his mana replenishing, flowing like a cool stream flowing through his body. He focused on this sensation, nurturing it, encouraging it.
In this state of deep concentration, a memory surfaced – Jake, the being he had encountered in that liminal space between life and death. Ryan recalled the sphere of light he had wielded, so unlike his own raw bursts of energy.
Why is it that when I cast Lux, a burst of uneven energy spurts out of my hand. While Jake's Lux was a compact ball of light, much stronger than my own.
Inspired, Ryan began to experiment. He gathered his mana, shaping it not into the familiar burst of his Lux spell, but into a compact, swirling orb. It was challenging, requiring intense focus to maintain the shape, but he could feel the power condensing, becoming more compact and efficient.
Opening his eyes, Ryan saw a small sphere of light hovering above his palm. Unlike his usual Lux spell, this felt much more potent, even though he was only a tier one apprentice, this spell could rival any one Eleanor's spells in power.
Wow this spell is extremely expensive, nearly all of my mana is gone… or maybe that was due to me learning how to form the spell?
A name for this new spell came to him, bubbling up from some deep, instinctual part of his being: "Globus Lucis" – Sphere of Light.
As the glowing orb faded, Ryan closed his eyes once again, and continued meditating, hoping to replenish his mana and reach tier 2 soon.
Hours passed, and Ryan began opening his eyes.
It feels like my mana is at its capacity. Hmm but I haven't progressed much in increasing my mana capacity.
I wonder how Eleanor is. It seems like it's turning dawn soon and since we arrived here at dusk, it must have been around 12 hours since we last talked.
A sudden shout startled Ryan out of his reverie.
What was that?
A few seconds later, a knock came followed by the door being pushed open, revealing the lean guard from earlier.
"Everything alright in here?" the guard asked, his voice oddly melodic.
"Yes, thanks." Ryan replied, "Actually, You wouldn't happen to have news of my friend, Eleanor?"
The guard stepped inside, closing the door behind him. "I'm afraid I don't have any updates. But I do need to tell you something."
Ryan took an involuntary step back, his heart beginning to race. Ryan's eyes fell upon a stain on the guards left leg. Blood. Fresh blood.
"Who are you?" Ryan demanded, lifting his hand slightly.
The guard's lips curled into an unnatural smile, revealing teeth that seemed too sharp, too numerous. "Oh, Ryan," he purred, his eyes suddenly blazing a vivid green, "I think you know exactly who I am."