Kaelen returned to Port Scab with the morning tide still ebbing. Broken driftwood floated lazily in the water, remnants of the Tide Serpent encounter. A faint, low hum lingered along the shore—the subtle pulse of residual Aura—but Kaelen ignored it, focusing on his next task: investigating disturbances reported by the townsfolk.
"Looks like you've been busy," Bram grumbled from behind him, leaning against a weathered piling. His usual grin was absent, replaced by a trace of unease. "Tide Serpent, huh? Not exactly something you see every morning."
Kaelen gave a small nod. "It wasn't trying to hurt anyone—it was just confused. I guided it back to deeper waters."
Bram shook his head. "You make it sound easy."
Kaelen ignored him and scanned the shantytown. Port Scab was never quiet for long. Reports had mentioned disappearing fishermen, rogue currents, and strange movements near the docks. He didn't need magic to feel that something was off.
A shrill scream cut through the morning air. Kaelen sprinted toward the docks and found a small group of villagers cornered by Gloom Rats—tiny, fast creatures whose dark Aura pulses disrupted minor Aura control. Alone, the villagers were helpless.
Kaelen drew his sword, letting a thin pulse of Aura run along its edge. One strike severed the nearest rat, and a subtle wave of Aura sent the others scattering into the water. The villagers stared at him wide-eyed, silent with gratitude.
"Thanks," muttered an older man. "Most of us aren't strong enough to handle those things."
Kaelen nodded but didn't linger. Master Vorlag had drilled one lesson into him: don't get attached, don't linger, and always stay alert.
As he moved through the alleyways toward the cliffside, a sudden rustle of shadow caught his attention. A Brackenspine Wolf emerged from the darkness, its thorned fur glinting faintly with residual Aura. Its eyes were intelligent, calculating, and it lunged at him without hesitation.
Kaelen's pulse rose. Early Tier-2. He had the skill, but not overwhelming strength. One misstep could leave him hurt—or worse. He adjusted his grip, letting a subtle pulse of Aura flow through his sword, enhancing his reflexes and precision.
The wolf attacked, sharp claws swiping. Kaelen dodged, rolled, and struck at its side, the Aura pulse enough to stagger but not injure fatally. The creature circled, snapping and growling, testing his limits. Each swing required careful timing; raw power alone wouldn't suffice.
After several tense moments, Kaelen feinted to the left and sent a controlled burst of Aura through his sword, pushing the wolf back. It snarled, eyes glowing faintly, and then retreated into the shadows. Kaelen exhaled slowly, aware he had only survived because he stayed focused, agile, and precise.
By the time he climbed back to the cliff overlooking Port Scab, the town was quiet again. The sun glinted off his sword, Aura humming softly along its edge. Early Tier-2. Vulnerable, limited, but learning. Every encounter, every improvisation, every precise swing brought him closer to the mastery Master Vorlag had promised was possible.
"One step at a time," he whispered, sheathing his sword. "Tier-3… someday."