When I woke up that morning, I felt my inner flame pulse in a strange way. It wasn't pain… but it wasn't calm either. It was as if something out there was calling to me, insisting that I go after it.
I tried to ignore it, like I always do when my flame decides to act on its own, but this time the feeling didn't fade. On the contrary, it grew stronger.
Vespera noticed it before I said anything.
"You're… weird today," she commented, putting the band in her hair and trying to look serious, even though she was holding her bow the wrong way.
"I'm fine," I replied. "It's the flame that's restless."
Elara stepped closer, with that worried look she tries to hide, but that I always notice.
"Again? Ever since the festival this has been happening. Something is triggering it."
"I know," I murmured. "But I can't figure out what it is."
Liriel, on the other hand, seemed far too excited for the situation. She raised her hands and her light magic flickered so weakly it almost went out.
"I can light the way if it's something dangerous!" The light vanished. She coughed. "I mean… partially light it… maybe…"
I took a deep breath. Despite everything, it was comforting to have them nearby.
Soon after, we decided to investigate the source of the sensation. The Guild was already talking about strange movements in the Northern Forest, so it made sense to check it out. It would just be a calm patrol… or so I believed.
When we reached the entrance to the forest, the first thing I noticed was the silence. Not normal silence, but that heavy kind, where even the wind seems afraid to make noise.
"There's something wrong here," I said. "I don't feel any animals nearby."
Elara touched the trunk of a tree. "There's ancient mana soaked into this place… but it's weak, as if it's been drained."
Vespera pointed to some signs on the ground. "Footprints. Recent. And… they disappear up ahead?"
"They disappear?" I asked.
"Yes. Just like that."
Liriel rubbed her eyes. "Could it be some kind of invisible creature? Or a spirit? Or maybe—"
"Or maybe it just stopped walking," Vespera interrupted, clearly wanting to sound more rational than she really was.
We followed the trail deeper in. With every step, the pressure on my flame increased. It was as if it were preparing for something… like a warning.
At a certain point, the trees began to grow denser, twisted, as if shaped by some energy that didn't belong there.
I stopped.
"Did you feel that?"
Elara nodded. "Yes. It's like… something is watching us."
"Oh, great," Vespera whispered. "Now the forest has eyes."
"Maybe it really does…" Liriel said, with genuine fear.
I took a deep breath and moved forward. The sensation was coming from farther ahead. Something vibrated in the air.
When we reached a small clearing, we saw deep marks in the ground — cuts that resembled claws, but far too large for any local creature.
"This isn't normal," I said. "It's not from here."
Elara examined them closely. "The mana left in these cuts… is cold. Very cold."
"Cold like snow?" Vespera asked.
"Cold like… demonic ice."
My muscles tensed instantly.
I knew that feeling.
I felt it in the dream.
"Takumi…" Liriel called, noticing my expression. "You're pale. What is it?"
"These marks… they're the same ones I saw."
"Saw where?" Elara pressed.
I hesitated. I didn't want them to worry. But hiding it any longer would be impossible.
"In a dream. Or rather… a nightmare."
The three of them fell silent. The wind passed quickly, as if in a hurry to leave that place.
"A dream may not be just a dream," Liriel whispered. "Gods often communicate that way… and demons too."
"Great," Vespera muttered. "Now even my sleep is going to be dangerous."
I touched one of the marks on the ground. It was cold enough to hurt.
There was no visible ice… but its presence was there.
"Something is emerging in this forest," I said. "I don't know what it is, but the flame is reacting. Maybe we should warn the Guild."
"I agree," Elara said immediately. "This isn't something we should investigate alone. Not without more information."
"Yes," Vespera added, taking a few steps back. "I also vote for leaving. Preferably fast."
Liriel raised her hand. "I vote too! And if needed, I can cast a protective light."
The light she tried to conjure flickered twice… … and popped with a weak crack.
She smiled awkwardly. "Well… the intention counts."
"Let's go," I said. "Before something decides to show itself."
We retreated carefully. The forest seemed to watch our every step. The feeling of being observed grew stronger, as if something huge was hidden in the darkness, waiting.
When we finally left the forest, I was able to breathe more easily.
But the flame was still restless. Very restless.
"Takumi," Elara called. "That nightmare of yours… can you tell me more about it later?"
"I can," I replied. "But not now. Not here."
Vespera crossed her arms. "I don't like this. But… you're not alone in this, okay?"
Liriel gave a small smile. "Whatever it is, we're with you."
I looked at them.
They had no idea of the size of the threat that was approaching. Neither did I.
But one thing was certain: that forest hadn't shown everything.
And something told me that the so-called demonic general… was closer than anyone imagined.