Бесплатный фрагмент - Chronicle of Forgotten Legends

Chapter 1:

Edward had always felt out of place. In a small village surrounded by dense forests and high mountains, he was known as a fragile boy with dreams that seemed too big for his weak body. His peers often teased him, calling him a «coward» and a «loser» because he could not participate in their games of physical strength. Instead of running through fields and fighting imaginary enemies, Edward preferred to spend his time alone, immersed in books about great warriors and magic.

Every morning he woke up with the hope that today would be the day he could prove to everyone that he was capable of more. But usually his dreams were shattered by reality. He watched the other boys throw javelins and shoot arrows while his own attempts failed. Edward felt his heart clench with resentment, but he didn’t give up. Deep down, he knew that his true power was somewhere inside, he just had to find a way to unleash it.

In the evenings, when the sun was setting, Edward often went into the woods to be alone with nature. He loved to listen to the whispering trees and the singing birds, who seemed friendlier to him than his peers. In these moments, he dreamed of how one day he would become a great warrior who could protect the weak and take revenge on those who wronged him.

Chapter 2:

Edward grew more and more confident in his abilities after meeting Darion. His lessons with Darion had opened up new horizons for him, and he could feel his strength growing. Deep down, however, he realized that he needed more than knowledge to become a true mage. He must learn about the world of the dark elves, their culture and traditions.

One day, after a particularly productive class, Darion told Edward that it was time to go to the Dark Elf village. It was a place where magic flourished, and where Edward could gain knowledge that would help him become stronger.

— Are you ready for this journey? — Darion asked, his voice serious. — The Dark Elf Village is not as simple as it seems. You will face many trials there.

Edward nodded, determined. He knew this was his chance.

The next morning they set out on their journey. The forest that had once seemed like home to him now looked different. Every rustle, every sound reminded him that he was on the threshold of something great. Darion led him down winding paths, and soon they were at the edge of the forest where the dark lands began.

As they approached the village, Edward was amazed. The houses were built of ebony, decorated with carvings depicting scenes from the lives of the dark elves. There was an atmosphere of magic and mystery. Edward felt his heart beat faster with excitement.

— Welcome,» Darion said as they entered the village. — Here you can learn more about magic and about yourself.

The dark elves stopped when they saw them and began to whisper. Some of them looked at Edward with curiosity, others with distrust. He realized that his presence here would not be taken lightly.

Darion approached one of the village elders, his face covered with deep wrinkles and his eyes glowing with wisdom. — This is my apprentice, Edward,» he said. — He has come to learn.

The Elder studied Edward carefully, then nodded. — If he wants to learn, let him pass the test. Only those who can overcome challenges can become part of our world.

Edward felt a thrill of excitement wash over him. He knew that this test could be a decisive moment in his life.

— What do I have to do? — He asked, trying to hide the tremor in his voice.

The elder pointed to the dark forest that stretched beyond the village. — You must find and bring me the flower of the night. It only grows in the deepest parts of the forest and is guarded by the spirits. If you can get it, it will prove your strength and determination.

Edward nodded, and, gathering his courage, he set off into the forest. Darion stayed behind, watching him proudly and anxiously.

The forest was full of shadows and rustles. Edward felt his fears begin to return, but he forced himself to keep going. He knew that this challenge was his chance to prove that he was capable of more.

After much searching, he finally found the flower of the night. Its petals glowed in the darkness like stars in the night sky. Edward picked it carefully, feeling his heart fill with joy and pride.

When he returned to the village, the elder accepted the flower with respect. — «You have shown courage and determination,» he said. — Now you can learn from us.

Chapter 3:

Edward stood in the center of the dark elf village, his heart still pounding with excitement after the ordeal. Now that he had proven his resolve, he was ready to immerse himself in a world he had only dreamed of before. The village, surrounded by dense forests and mysterious shadows, was full of life and magic. Every corner of it breathed history, and Edward sensed that there was much more to come.

The Elder, accepting the flower of the night, invited Edward to follow him. They headed towards a large round building made of ebony wood and decorated with carvings depicting scenes from the lives of the dark elves. Inside, the atmosphere was cozy and warm, despite the dark colors that dominated the interior.

— This is our home,» the elder said, pointing to the walls covered with paintings and symbols. — This is where we keep the knowledge and traditions of our people. Each of these symbols tells a story about our ancestors, how we learned to use magic and live in harmony with the darkness.

Edward scrutinized the images. He saw scenes of dark elves communing with the spirits of the forest, using magic to protect their village, and celebrating important events. He felt his interest in the culture of the dark elves grow.

— We are not just mages,“ the elder continued. — „We are the keepers of balance. Darkness is not evil, but part of nature. We are learning to use its power to protect our world and maintain harmony.

Edward nodded, realizing that his understanding of magic was beginning to change. He had always thought of dark magic as something dangerous, but now he saw that it could be both a power and a defense.

The Elder led him to a hall where other dark elves were gathered. They looked at Edward with curiosity, and he felt embarrassment overwhelm him. But the Elder introduced him as a new apprentice, and soon the atmosphere lightened. The elves began to share their knowledge, talking about different aspects of magic, how they interacted with nature and spirits.

Edward was amazed at how deeply the dark elves respected nature. They explained that every magic required sacrifice, and that it was important to understand how to use power without upsetting the balance. He listened with bated breath, absorbing every word.

Soon Edward was invited to the traditional ritual that was held in honor of a new apprentice. He was filled with excitement as he was led into a circle surrounded by dark elves who began to sing ancient songs. The music was mesmerizing, and Edward felt the magic fill the air.

— It is a ritual of acceptance,» the elder explained. — It symbolizes your connection to our people and to magic. You must be willing to accept whatever it gives you.

Edward closed his eyes and focused on the sounds and sensations. He felt his energy connect with the energy of those around him, and in that moment he realized that he was part of something bigger. He wasn’t just a student, he was part of a community that valued magic and nature.

Chapter 4:

Edward awoke early in the morning as the first rays of light broke through the leaves of the trees, illuminating the dark elf village. A spark of hope still burned in his heart, and he felt that this morning would be the beginning of a new phase of his life. After the ritual of acceptance, he was determined to learn and grasp the secrets of magic that the dark elves held.

The Elder, noticing his willingness, invited Edward to see a great dark mage named Loren. Loren was known for his wisdom and power, and was considered by many to be one of the most powerful mages of his time. Edward knew that learning from him would be a real challenge.

— Loren is waiting for you,» the elder said, pointing to a path that led to a secluded spot in the forest. — He will be your mentor. Be prepared for hardship, but remember that each lesson is a step toward becoming you.

Edward nodded, and, pulling himself together, headed toward where Loren lived. On the way, he pondered what awaited him. He knew that magic required not only knowledge but also inner strength, and he was ready to overcome any obstacles.

As he approached Loren’s hut, his heart beat faster. The hut was surrounded by magical symbols, and a light scent of herbs and flowers filled the air. Edward knocked on the door, and soon it opened. Loren stood before him, a tall elf with long black hair and penetrating eyes that seemed to be able to see into his very soul.

— Welcome, Edward,» Loren said, his voice deep and melodic. — I’ve been waiting for you. Are you ready to begin your training?

— Yes, I’m ready,» Edward replied, trying to hide his excitement.

Loren nodded and invited him in. It was dark but cozy inside the cabin. The walls were covered with books and scrolls, and in the center stood a table with various magical artifacts on it.

— The first thing you must understand,“ Loren began, „is that magic is not just power. It is an art that requires respect and understanding. You must learn to feel the magic around you and within you.

Loren led Edward through many lessons, starting with the basics. He taught him how to focus and use his inner energy to interact with the world around him. Edward learned how to meditate, how to feel and control magical flows. Each lesson was challenging, but he could feel his power growing.

One day, during class, Loren offered Edward a challenge. He had to create a magical shield that would protect him from negative energy. Edward concentrated, feeling the magic fill him. He closed his eyes and visualized a glowing shield forming around him. Suddenly he felt his energy begin to waver, and the shield emerged around him, glowing brightly.

— Good,» Loren said, watching his student’s success. — But remember that magic requires wisdom as well as strength. You must use it with care.

Edward nodded, realizing that every action he took had consequences. He continued to learn from Loren, and his confidence grew with each passing day.

Chapter 5:

With each new day, Edward became more and more immersed in the world of magic. Studying with Loren had become his passion, and every minute spent in the dark magician’s hut brought new discoveries. His confidence grew, and with each lesson he became more and more aware of his abilities.

One day, Loren suggested that Edward do some practical exercises to solidify his new knowledge. It was early morning, and the sunlight was shining through the leaves of the trees, creating magical patterns on the ground.

— Today we’ll be practicing elemental magic,» Loren said, pointing to a small pond reflecting the bright sky. — Your task is to control the water elemental. It may seem simple, but it requires a great deal of patience and feeling.

Edward listened intently as the mage explained the basics of working with water. He realized that this was an important step in his journey to becoming a powerful mage. He crept to the bank of the pond and closed his eyes, focusing on his senses. He could feel the coolness of the water and its movement, as if the magic itself was calling to him.

— Start with a small stream,» Loren suggested, watching Edward. — Let the water become an extension of you. Open your mind and heart.

Following the instructions, Edward began to raise his arms slowly, imagining the water in the pond rising with him. He could feel the energy flowing through him as he focused on his intentions. Suddenly, to his surprise, small drops of water began to rise from the pond, forming a sparkling rope that coiled around his hands.

— Very good! — Loren said admiringly. — Now try to create a water balloon. Concentrate on the shape and close the stream.

Edward nodded, his heart overflowing with excitement. He sank into meditation, visualizing the crystal clear water gathering into a rounded shape, as if nature itself were responding to his call. He felt the energy gathering in his palms and, concentrating, he opened his eyes. A transparent ball the size of a grapefruit appeared in his hands, glistening in the sun.

— Perfect! — Loren exclaimed. — You’ve found the connection to the water element. Now try to control it. Let’s make the ball change its shape and dance in the air.

Edward moved his hands with confidence, directing his will, and the water ball began to move smoothly, changing its shape-it turned into sparkling drops that gathered into a waterfall and then returned to its previous form. Edward marveled at the effect, feeling the joy of successfully completing the task.

— You did it, Edward! — Loren said with satisfaction. — Each success brings you closer to understanding magic. It is important that you do not forget the importance of harmony with nature and, above all, with yourself.

A few days later, Edward continued practicing applied magic. Loren’s training covered different elements — he mastered sound, light, and learned to interact with earth and air. Each new lesson left a deep imprint on his soul, and he felt his powers begin to develop like a flower blooming in the sunlight.

Loren noticed that Edward was not only absorbing the knowledge, but was becoming more and more confident in his individuality in magic. One day, when they were practicing in the forest, Loren offered him a challenge: create a spell that combined several elements.

— This will be your first test in creating a complex spell,» the mage said, his voice full of anticipation. — Start with what you know and let your imagination lead you to a new result.

Edward felt excited, but also energized. He began to focus on a kind of visualization of magic-a mixture of water, light, and earth. He visualized all the elements coming together in one space, creating bright sparks dancing in the air.

Gathering his strength, Edward began to recite the words of the spell. Each time he spoke, he added a new element, linking them together. Suddenly, multicolored lights sparkled around him, creating a unique effect in the air-a water cocoon, glittering and shimmering.

Loren stood proudly, watching his apprentice’s progress. Edward felt the magic overwhelm him, causing excitement and delight. In that moment, he realized that his efforts were beginning to pay off-he had gained the ability he had dreamed of.

— Wonderful, Edward! You’ve created something unique,» Loren said, his voice deep with respect.

Chapter 6:

Edward grew more and more confident in his abilities and immersed himself more and more in learning magic. His progress was attracting attention, and it wasn’t always positive. In the dark elf village where he lived, attitudes towards magic were mixed. Many considered mages special, but not everyone shared their enthusiasm.

One evening, as the sunset flared the sky with red and gold lights, Edward returned to the village after a class with Loren. He was full of inspiration and joy, noticing his confidence growing within him. But soon his optimism was dampened.

Outside, a group of young elves walked past Edward with disgruntled expressions on their faces. He heard one of them let out a mocking chuckle.

— Look who’s back! — He said to his companion. — It’s the same guy who thinks he can become a mage just because he found some powers.

Edward felt irritation overwhelm him. He realized that his successes might have caused envy and resentment among his fellow villagers, but he hadn’t expected such an open attack.

— I’m not a ’lad,»» he replied restrainedly, trying not to give in to emotion. — My name is Edward, and I’m studying under Loren to become a real mage.

— A real mage? — the other elf repeated ironically. — You’re just out of touch with reality! We live in fear and hardship here, and you’re dreaming!

The conversation attracted the attention of the other residents, and soon a small crowd gathered around. Edward felt the tension building. He knew that the magic he was learning frightened many people, and it could cause conflict.

— I’m just trying to learn magic to help our village,» he said, trying to be reasoned. — Magic can give us new opportunities, protect us from threats, and improve our lives.

— There is no magic that can change our destiny! — shouted one of the fiercest opponents, a tall elf with a sullen face and shrewd eyes. — You are only playing with forces you do not understand! You are putting us in danger!

As if on cue, the crowd supported his shouts, and discontent erupted. Edward could feel his emotions running high, and it hurt him terribly to see his loved ones turn their backs on him.

— I know that not everyone can understand my purpose,» he said loudly enough to block out the noise of the crowd. — But teaching magic is my way of making the world around us a better place. I’m not going to impose my ideas, but don’t let fear control you! We can band together and create something great together!

But instead of calming the situation, his words only fueled the anger of the crowd. The elves began shouting accusations and threats, some even whispering incantations as if they could drive him away from the village.

Edward felt his own fears begin to manifest. He realized he wasn’t acting the way he wanted to. He didn’t want conflict, but he wasn’t going to give up his ambition either.

At that moment, a village elder emerged from the crowd. Despite his years, his voice sounded loud and confident.

— Enough! — He said, drawing everyone’s attention to himself. — Edward, you have chosen your path, and it is your destiny. But remember that magic is a powerful tool that carries both good and evil. This road requires responsibility.

The Elder looked at the crowd, causing silence with his presence.

— Let us not divide our village into supporters and opponents,» he continued. — Everyone has the right to make their own way. Edward may be the one to help us, but you must also remember your rightness and respect for each other.

The Elder had eased the heat, but the tension was still in the air. Edward took a deep breath and realized that this conflict may have just begun to bring to the surface what was hidden in people’s hearts.

— Thank you, Elder,» he said, trying to remain calm. — I will continue my journey and hope that in the future I can prove to everyone that magic can only do good.

The crowd slowly began to disperse, but there was still animosity in the eyes of some.

Chapter 7:

At night, back at his cabin, Edward couldn’t shake off the intrusive thoughts of the conflict with his fellow villagers. All sorts of images and emotions were intertwined in his mind, and he wondered how far he had come since he had discovered magic. To calm his mind, he decided to think back to his childhood.

Edward closed his eyes and sank into his memories. He was a young boy living in a village full of joy and simple pleasures. The sun shone brightly in the sky, and shone on his face as he played with other children in the flood meadows surrounding their home place. Images of delicate flowers, fragrant herbs, summer-smelling meadows, and good friends with whom he shared all his dreams came to mind.

A few highlights from that time left a deep mark on his heart. He remembered once catching butterflies with his friends, laughing viciously when one of them accidentally landed on his nose. They laughed amicably and shared funny stories, knowing nothing but happiness.

— We will be best friends forever! — With those words, they shook hands in childish naivete, promising that nothing could ever keep them apart.

Edward remembered his very first encounter with magic. It had been when he had accidentally stumbled upon a small lake in the woods, full of sparkling fireflies. He was struck by their beauty and, feeling the wind blowing, expressed his desire to catch one. To his surprise, as if understanding him, the firefly flew to his hand and stayed there for a moment before disappearing again into the night. In that instant, he realized that there was something more than a simple life, and that was the beginning of his love for magic.

This love of magic was noticed by his mother, a kind soul who always told him stories of great mages and their wisdom. She talked about how magic connects people, how it helps find dreams and hopes. Those stories left an impression on Edward that stayed with him for the rest of his life.

But soon his memories began to include more than just happy moments. Edward also remembered the worries that had begun to flood his childhood years. There were rumors of dark entities in the village, and his friends began to show fear. Some of them simply walked away, leaving a place that had once seemed safe for them.

Edward maintained his curiosity despite these worries. He continued to explore the forests around him, but increasingly felt that his dream of magic was becoming something unattainable in the eyes of those around him. He felt himself slowly losing intimacy with his friends due to growing fear and misunderstandings.

Returning to reality, Edward opened his eyes. Feelings arose within him that helped him understand why he so desired to become a mage. Magic was not just a power to him, but a way to connect with those he loved and those he had lost. He couldn’t let fear control his life and the lives of his fellow villagers.

Understanding his own past helped him gain clarity. Edward knew his path would not be easy, but it was his calling. He had to fight prejudice and fears to someday bring his village back to understanding and accepting magic.

Inspired, he felt a surge of strength again. Edward picked up his journal and began jotting down thoughts of the future. He dreamed of creating a space where magic would be a part of their lives, not something to be bewildered or feared. He described his hopes in his journal — to bring people together, to break down barriers, and to show that magic could be a source of light and inspiration.

This night was unusually inspiring. Edward decided that he would be wise to share his thoughts with Loren at the next class. Perhaps his ideas about unity and the use of magic would help him to create a dialog with his fellow villagers, and then they would see magic in a new light.

Chapter 8:

The next morning, Edward looked forward to his class with Loren. There was a combination of excitement and anxiety in his heart, for he felt that the learning process itself was becoming more and more serious and in-depth. Today they were to explore dark spells, an area Edward had heard many troubling stories and warnings about, but also one of stopping magical potential.

When he arrived at Loren’s cabin, he was already waiting for him. The room was in semi-darkness, and old, worn books lay on the table. Loren, dressed in a long, dark cloak, looked at Edward with a faint smile.

— Good morning, Edward. Today we will be exploring dark spells. They can be dangerous, but in the hands of a wise mage, they can be useful for protection and salvation.

Edward nodded, feeling a mixture of interest and fear growing inside him. Loren opened one of the books, and his voice drowned out the rustle of the pages.

— Dark spells are often thought of as evil and dangerous, but they are really just a tool. Like any tool, they depend on the intentions of the person using them. A mage can use them for good or for harm.

Loren began to explain how the spell he was going to teach Edward worked. It allowed him to temporarily bind the enemy’s forces, creating isolation and allowing him to escape danger. Edward listened carefully, realizing that this spell could be useful for both defense and attack. But with each new word, he became more and more aware of the risks he was taking in learning such things.

— «Remember,» Loren continued, ’with such power comes great responsibility. You need to be well aware of the consequences of your actions before you use a dark spell. This is not a game.

Realizing the seriousness of the moment, Edward concentrated and began to study the spell. He repeated the words that came out of Loren’s mouth and tried to capture their power. Soon he felt the energy begin to gather around him, as if the magic itself was responding to his intentions.

Loren was watching him, and there was obvious pride in his eyes. Edward continued to practice, and soon the spell he had cast began to manifest. A translucent shield appeared, surrounding him like an invisible wall between him and the outside world. It was like fencing his soul from the fears and doubts that had overtaken him.

But the moment he grinned with the joy of success, a shadow moved outside the window, and a rush of fresh air engulfed his shield. Edward felt a kind of cold breath envelop him. A sense of unease swept over him the instant it occurred to him that dark magic could attract dangerous forces.

— Edward, focus! — Loren shouted, seeing the panic gripping his student. — Don’t lose control of the spell! It’s your power, and only you can decide how to use it!

Edward closed his eyes and concentrated. He focused on his thoughts, his intentions. He remembered his village, his friends, and why he was learning magic. Edward gathered himself and felt his energy regain control. The shield was restored, and now it was even stronger than before.

— Good,» Loren said with relief. — You’ve passed the test. Dark spells can test your will, but they can also open new horizons for you.

After the class, Edward, full of emotion, stepped out into the fresh air. He knew that not only had he mastered a new spell, but he was closer to understanding himself. He should know his power and strive to use it for good. Though dark spells can be alluring, he must stay on the path of light.

On the way home, Edward pondered how what he had learned about dark magic could change his relationship with his fellow villagers. He realized that learning dark spells was not only a test of strength, but also an opportunity to prove that magic could be used to protect his loved ones, not just to create fear.

Edward looked up at the stars glittering overhead with a smile and felt a renewed sense of hope within him. He knew that with each spell he learned, he was getting closer to his goal of changing the minds of his fellow villagers and showing that magic could be a force for a brighter future.

Chapter 9:

Learning dark spells opened new horizons for Edward, but with each new dose of knowledge, he felt more than just magical power awakening inside him. It was like an inner flame, its sparks lighting up even the darkest corners of his soul.

It had been a few days since his session with Lauren, and Edward was once again gathering in the forest to reflect and practice his skills. In the past month, he had risen to a new level of magical prowess, and his faith in himself was growing stronger. He sat by the very lake where he had first met the fireflies, and immersed himself in meditation, trying to focus on his emotions and thoughts.

The sun was slowly setting over the horizon, and the luminous shadows of the forest were beginning to close in around him. Edward could feel the energy of nature filling him. He breathed quietly, feeling the magic permeating every cell of his body. With each inhale he gathered strength, and with each exhale he let go of his fears and doubts.

— I’m ready,» he murmured, and at that moment it was as if a powerful rumbling resounded in his soul. A flash of light pierced him, and he felt the magic begin to flow through him, awakening hidden abilities he hadn’t realized he had.

Edward opened his eyes, and a new understanding burned in them. His mind became clearer, and the world around him became brighter and more intense. He could feel the energy pulsing, and it resembled the rhythm of his heart. It wasn’t just magical knowledge; it was a merging with the very essence of magic.

At that moment, he remembered what Loren had said about the power of intention. Edward closed his eyes again and focused on one thought-he wanted to use his power for good. He reached out with his hand and began to create a magical barrier around himself, exploring its boundaries. With a gentle motion of his hand, he adapted the shape and size of the barrier until a transparent protective sphere surrounded him.

But that wasn’t the only challenge. Suddenly the wind rumbled and clouds began to gather in the sky. Edward sensed something powerful and dark waking up in the forest. The sensation was like a warning, and he instinctively activated his barrier, protecting himself from the unknown.

— Edward! — A voice rang out, and Loren appeared in front of him. His face was gray with worry. — You must be careful! The awakening of the power may attract the attention of dangerous creatures.

Loren looked around at the situation and saw that darkness was overtaking the forest. Edward felt his heart beat faster. This was not only a test of his strength, but also an opportunity to use everything he had learned.

— I’m ready to fight,» he said, pulling himself together. He couldn’t let fear get the upper hand. Together with Loren, they stood shoulder to shoulder, ready to face what awaited them.

The wind howled, and shadows emerged from the forest, dark, ghostlike creatures with burning red eyes. Edward sensed their evil intent and realized that they were temptations of the dark world. He remembered his friends and what he was fighting for. Gritting his teeth, he concentrated and channeled his power into the spell he had learned.

The light around them began to flicker, and waves of magic rippled through the air. Edward cast the spell from the book, his voice sounding confident. As soon as the words were out of his mouth, the shield around them strengthened, and a powerful stream of light shot into the air, colliding with the dark creatures.

The creatures screamed and recoiled, but did not retreat. Edward and Lauren continued to fight, one creating defenses and the other attacking. Edward realized that his power reflected love and light, not aggression and vengeance. He directed a stream of power toward the creatures, turning it into bright pulsing streams. This light held back the darkness, and they began to retreat.

With each passing moment, Edward became more and more confident in his powers. His inner flame burned brighter, and he realized that together with Loren, they could overcome the dark forces. Finally, a powerful stream of light completely engulfed the space, and the dark creatures disappeared in terror into the shadows of the forest.

When silence enveloped them again, Edward and Loren stood in thoughtful silence, their breathing like a storm. Edward felt a surge of strength, and his heart was filled not only with the joy of victory, but also with the realization that he had awakened his true power. Edward realized that he was no longer just an apprentice; now he had the power to protect and defend those he loved.

— You did it,» Loren said proudly, hugging Edward. — You’ve awakened your true power. You realize now that magic isn’t just spells. It’s your desires, feelings, and intentions woven into every action you take.

Edward looked at his teacher gratefully. As he looked up to the sky, he felt the light come back into his life.

Chapter 10:

Defeating the dark creatures had given Edward confidence in his powers, but with each day since that event, he felt something else — vague and unsettling — growing. Although his magical abilities continued to grow, he began to have doubts inside him.

Edward often thought about what had happened in the forest. Every time he closed his eyes, he remembered how the dark creatures had tried to devour him and Loren. Like a curse, those memories wouldn’t leave him. He questioned whether he was really ready for that level of responsibility. How would he be able to control such power if one day he could lose control?

During his sessions with Loren, where an atmosphere of focus and success prevailed, Edward did his best to hide his worries. But at night, when he was alone with his own thoughts, the shadows of doubt grew larger and pressed down on his mind.

One day, while returning home after class, he met his friends from the village, who were discussing simple matters and the joys of life. Their laughter was like a reminder of the time when he was just an ordinary boy, unaware of magic and its dark corners. Edward felt his heart clench with nostalgia and longing.

— Edward! It’s been so long since you’ve visited us! — shouted one of the girls he had grown up with. — You haven’t forgotten us, have you? We miss you!

Edward smiled, but his smile was something unnatural. He realized that his path was drastically different from theirs. He was safe, but all these abilities put him on the borderline-between the world of ordinary people and the world where dangerous forces dwell.

— Don’t worry, I’ll be visiting soon,» he tried to reassure them, but his heart continued to whimper. Could their ordinary lives be what he wanted? Would he always be a white crow among his own? These thoughts never left him, and soon Edward found himself in his hiding place, surrounded by the silence of the forest.

Alone, he began to meditate, hoping to find the answers within himself. He closed his eyes and began to focus on his feelings. Edward realized that his fears were not only related to dark magic, but also to his own expectations. He wasn’t just a mage, he was a carrier of hope for others, and that created a heavy burden. He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to live up to it.

«What if I lose control? What if I hurt the ones I love?» — he asked himself, soon feeling new tears navigating down his cheeks. Edward felt the pressure on his chest intensify. These doubts were like a herbarium of tattered memories of old fears.

The next morning when Edward came to class, he couldn’t hide his state of mind. Loren noticed that his student’s eyes weren’t shining as they usually did, and his steps were tentative.

— Edward, what’s wrong with you? You seem somehow… lost,» he asked, looking with concern.

Edward hesitated, but then made up his mind. He talked about his fears and doubts, about how he felt out of place and how his abilities might do more harm than good.

Loren listened for a moment, and then with a slight smile he said: — You see, Edward, every great mage faces doubt. It is inherent in our path. Magic is a powerful force, and its nature is one of shadows and light. Your doubts are part of your growth. They make you stronger and make you think about your intentions.

— But how can I be sure that I can control my powers, that I won’t hurt anyone close to me? — Edward asked, genuinely lost in his fears.

— Power is not only what we can do, but also what we can be responsible for. You have to be careful of your intentions, mindful of the people you love, and realize that you have to use magic for good. With each new spell, with each step forward, you learn not only to master magic, but to know yourself. Believe in yourself, Edward. You are capable of more than you think.

Edward thought about it, and Loren’s sincere words filled him with hope. Maybe, despite his inner turmoil, he could still grow and fight the dark forces that threatened his loved ones. He wasn’t alone in his doubts. They were his shadows, and he could conquer them.

With that thought, Edward felt his confusion begin to subside. He knew that the road to self-discovery and acceptance would be difficult, but he was willing to go along. He had a renewed desire to explore his power and wanted to understand how he could use it to make the world a better place.

Edward, full of new understanding, went back to class.

Chapter 11:

After discussing his doubts with Lauren, Edward felt a new hope ignite in his heart. However, that hope soon collided with a harsh reality. Strange events began to happen in the village, and the peaceful atmosphere he wanted so much to preserve was threatened.

Rumors of mysterious disappearances and nightly visits from dark creatures began to spread through the village. Edward and Lauren were worried. They realized that it was probably related to Edward’s recent urge to awaken his magic. The dark forces that had been banished could return, and the purpose of their revenge remained unclear.

— We have to find out what’s going on,» Loren said, gathering his things. — I sense a dark presence in the woods. It’s probably the creatures we encountered earlier.

Edward nodded, but his heart was racing with anxiety. He had inherited the responsibility of protecting not only his friends, but the entire village. Their journey into the forest was full of anticipation, but in the back of his mind, Edward sensed that real danger awaited them.

As they entered the forest, the chirping of the birds faded away, and the silence fell. Only the crackling of twigs underfoot and the sound of their footsteps broke the oppressive gloom. Edward could feel his magic becoming agitated, as if it were a harbinger of an approaching storm.

— Look,» Loren said quietly, pointing to the trees ahead. The pile of darkness was thickening, and the energy exuded a sense of unease. They drew closer, and Edward saw sparse, dim figures moving in the shadows.

— It’s them,» Edward whispered, his heart racing with fear. Now that he was looking at those dark silhouettes, his powerful magic no longer seemed so sure. The creature that stepped into the light resembled himself, only morally decayed: with burning red eyes, a crooked mouth, and a dark aura emanating from it.

The dark creatures they had defeated earlier now looked even more menacing. Lauren and Edward realized that they had probably returned to avenge their previous victory.

— We have to be alert,» Loren said, preparing a spell. — If they’re coming for you, you need to be ready. We’ve been through this before, and we can defeat them again.

The creatures began to approach, and the darkness thickened around them. Edward, feeling the fear coursing through his body, turned his attention to his powers. It was necessary to remember everything he had been taught. He focused on the warmth his magic radiated, picturing in his mind the protective barrier they had once created together.

— Defense! — He shouted, and light erupted around them, forming a powerful shield. The dark creatures stopped for a moment, howls and demonstrations of fear crossing their eyes.

But a little while later, they began to attack, as if sensing Edward’s weakness. Loren beside him also released his light, and their powers began to combine, creating a powerful wave of energy that exploded towards his enemies, but with each blow he felt his magic weakening.

— I’m not sure I can contain this! — he shouted, noticing that his thoughts were beginning to fill with fear and uncertainty again.

— Don’t think about it, Edward! Use your fear to turn it into strength! You’re not alone,» Loren shouted, encouraging him. They fought shoulder to shoulder, and with each new attack, Edward felt his magic begin to work to its limit.

The shadow was coming at them with even greater fury, a force that demanded his full attention. In an instant, Edward remembered his conversation with Loren about intention and the importance of creating light in his soul even in the darkest of times. He closed his eyes, focused on his feelings-his friends, his village.

— To my friends! To those I love! — he shouted, and his magic burst forth with renewed power. It wasn’t just light; it was a flash of his love and desire to protect. Energy sparked from his hands and caught up with his enemies with devouring force.

The creatures screamed, and in the next instant they scattered, expressing their anger and disbelief. The fight continued, but with each passing moment Edward felt his inner doubts begin to fade, replaced by an understanding of his true path. Those who had once threatened were now hostages to the light he himself had created.

After the dark creatures had been defeated, Edward stood, knowing that his inner fears were still there. But now he understood: to overcome his doubts and fears, he had to learn not only to fight, but to embrace his power. This battle was the decisive battle in his journey, and he realized that the enemy could not only be darkness, but also someone who could instill doubts within himself.

The sleepy atmosphere of the forest was silent again, and Edward glanced at Loren, who nodded approvingly.

Chapter 12:

After defeating the dark creatures, Edward and Lauren returned to the village, but there was still a heaviness in their hearts. The realization that their enemies might return at any moment did not leave them. Edward was determined to develop his abilities, but he also realized that he needed to be prepared not only to fight the darkness, but also for the various challenges that lay ahead of him.