Part II: Fire and Will
The roots of the Forest of Illusions bent under the wave of heat. Enchanted flowers withered, illusions shattered like glass. Varkan landed with a thunderous crash, raising a spiral of fire around him. He was tall, muscular, his red eyes glowing like live embers. Every step he took left the ground charred.
"You… are nothing but a pack of rats hiding in the mist."
His gaze swept over Ayame, then Alexander, lingering for just a moment.
"And you… you look like someone who's seen war. Don't worry—you'll soon join the ashes."
Alexander stepped forward, masking all emotion.
"I've never liked fire. Too loud."
Varkan laughed, a harsh, savage sound.
"Then you'll be the first to die."
Before he could charge, an explosion of ice burst from the ground. A barrier rose between him and the group—thin, but solid. Kayla was in position, her hands woven into a complex gesture.
"Not so fast, impatient salamander. Class begins now."
Yuri stood behind her, feet trembling but firm. She was whispering the spells Kayla had taught her just minutes before. The power was there, like a spark beneath her skin. She felt the magic respond—confused, but alive.
Ayame moved with grace, summoning forest spirits to reinforce the protective illusions. Each summoned creature was a reflection: foxes, deer, wolves—ethereal images that distorted sight and distracted focus.
"Yuri, now!" Kayla shouted. "Channel the energy! Don't fight it—guide it!"
The girl stretched out her hands. She felt the pressure. The heat, the fear, the weight of expectations. But also, the determination. She closed her eyes.
And the wind changed.
A magical surge rose from her—unstable, but powerful. Varkan turned just in time to see it coming. The impact pushed him back, tearing his cloak. He wasn't wounded—but he was hit.
"Ah…" he sneered. "Interesting. There's a bit of courage in this little pack."
Then he raised his hands to the sky. The flames around him gathered into a blazing sphere as large as a house. The ground trembled.
"Let's see how much of that courage remains after this."
Alexander turned slightly toward Yuri.
"Get ready. It's really starting now."
And with that thought, the sphere came crashing down.