Sasha narrowed his eyes and clenched his fists, feeling the warmth of his energy circulating within. The presence in the bushes moved again, rustling the leaves. Without hesitation, he stretched out his hand and channeled a small portion of the power he was gathering.
— "Who's there?" he said, in the firmest voice he could muster.
There was a brief silence, and then a figure stepped into the light. It was a slender boy, about his age, wearing simple clothes and with a frightened look. He was carrying a couple of branches he had been gathering.
— "W-wait! I didn't mean to scare you!" the stranger stammered, raising his hands. "My name's Lien. I live in the village. I was just collecting firewood."
Sasha slowly exhaled the breath he'd been holding and relaxed his stance. The story he remembered didn't mention Lien, so he figured this was just a common villager who happened to be there.
— "Sorry," Sasha said, lowering his gaze. "I thought it might be a beast. It's dangerous to be alone around here lately."
Lien gave a small smile, though he still looked nervous.— "It's okay. You scared me too."He paused for a few seconds, then added:— "Are you a mage? It looked like you were… training."
Sasha felt his heart beat faster. He could lie, but what was the point of hiding it?— "Something like that. I'm just a beginner. That's why I came to this remote place."He looked at his palm, where the amulet's energy still pulsed.— "I want to get stronger before something bad happens."
Lien squinted as if trying to understand what he meant.— "Something bad? You mean the beasts from the forest?"
— "Among other things," Sasha replied without elaborating.
The two fell silent for a moment. Finally, Lien let out an awkward chuckle.— "Well, I hope it goes well for you. I just wanted firewood for my house."He lifted the small bundle he was carrying and waved awkwardly.— "See you in the village, I guess."
Sasha watched him leave, then took a deep breath of fresh air.Maybe he was just any villager, or maybe — in a world where everything could change — their destinies were intertwined without either of them knowing.
He sat back down under the tree. He had to focus on his progress.The threat he knew was drawing closer.