《ENTITY》


 The Exam

    Chapter 1 - The Exam


    Episode 1 - The Hunt in the Forest


    Two young-looking humans walked slowly but steadily in a dense forest. Bernard, fifteen, was of a slim build. His hair was dark green, and he had brown eyes. He was wearing a tiny black tunic and grey pants.


    He stopped to look around him. He enjoyed the fantastic colors and shapes of all nature.


    Giant trees touched the skies, leaving space for thousands of specs of light from the sun. The plants danced very slowly to the rhythm of a colorful, dusty breeze.


    He looked worried about something and kept looking right and left. He took several steps to speak to the person already ahead of him.


    ¡ª "Tyana, wait! We need to wait for Jill. Do you know where she is? ¡ª Bernard asked.


    Tyana was a pretty young woman, seventeen years old. She had blonde hair until the shoulders, sparkling green eyes, and a regal appearance. She wore a green dress that ended in a V shape at the end and red leggings.


    ¡ª "Jill''s alright, Bernard. She said something about going for a dip in the river. "¡ª Tyana replied.


    ¡ª "Wait here, Tyana; I''m going to look for her. "¡ª He said, still looking concerned.


    Tyana rolled her eyes, annoyed, but stopped and sat down briefly.


    ¡ª "Hey, be quick about it! We still need to place the house and wait for Lydia, Chet, and Saphyra! "¡ª Shouted Tyana while Bernard disappeared inside the forest.


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    The river stretched for miles with many rapids and small waterfalls. Near one of these waterfalls, a young girl was swimming, carefree and happy. She looked no more than twelve, with short black hair and eyes.


    A sudden movement on her right side startled her, and it was a giant tail. As it approached the surface, a shadow became more prominent from the river''s depths.


    Before she could think, she saw herself surrounded by a giant monster, an enormous cobra monster. These massive beasts lived in the forest; twenty-five meters long, one of these monsters could swallow a person whole.


    Using all her speed, Jill managed to swim rapidly to the river bank, safely away from the cobra. She was breathing heavily, but with a glance of determination, she decided, "You are going to be dinner tonight," she mumbled to herself.


    Jill started to emanate a red aura full of sparks and with a final smirk before the attack.


    "DESTRUCTION¡­.. RAY!!!!!" ¡ª screamed Jill.


    Jill''s Igeni* was destruction. She had tremendous strength, speed, and agility. She manipulated her energy to create destruction beams, rays, and explosions.


    A beam of red light trespassed the Kobra at the rate of sound, instantly killing the beast.


    ¡°Too easy,¡± Jill muttered, crossing her arms triumphantly.


    <h4>*Igeni ¡ª Source of power used by our adventurers. There are four types of known Igeni ( creation, life, death, and destruction).</h4>


    The clear and unpolluted water from the river became red with the cobra''s blood. A sudden breeze passed, and the giant beast fell in a fraction of a time, causing an enormous stir the moment it hit the water. Jill was delighted with her kill.


    She wanted a juicy fish for dinner but got the "queen of the river."


    Bernard was closing in on her location.


    After hearing and feeling Jill''s Igeni, he rushed through the forest in raised concern.


    Still, he wasn''t expecting to find Jill all relaxed, leaning carelessly at the back of the giant cobra. The beast was dead, and it wasn''t a pretty sight. Nonetheless, he felt relieved to find Jill in a good mood.


    "Hey, big brother! Look at what I caught for dinner! Awesome, don''t you think?" ¡ª said Jill in a pompous tone.


    Bernard stopped admiring the dead monster''s size for a while but suddenly realized Jill''s words. Tyana preferred to cook something other than big prey.


    Last time, she was furious at them for bringing her such an enormous beast to prepare.


    Bernard tried to convince Jill not to take the dead cobra but in vain.


    She was determined to return the monster for their dinner, and Bernard had to carry the giant snake alone.


    He desperately asked for help, but Jill didn''t move a muscle. She implied Bernard needed the training because he was too weak.

 The Camp Preparation

    Episode 2 - The Camp Preparation


    Tyana was lazily flipping through the pages of an old magazine, her eyes tracing the faded images of women in flowing white dresses. The magazine''s edges were worn, and some pages were missing corners. Still, Tyana admired the elegance captured in the photographs ¡ª the delicate lace veils, the bouquets of pastel flowers, and the joyful faces of brides in timeless attire. She adored the ways of the ancients, their traditions filled with symbolism and celebration.


    On her pouch, tiny tokens rattled softly with her movements¡ªher library of treasured items. Among them were a miniature house, a modest stack of books, several empty jars, and trinkets. Each had its place and purpose¡ªa reflection of her organized mind.


    Her peace, however, was short-lived.


    Rustling leaves and hurried footsteps broke her focus. Tyana sighed heavily, knowing who it was before she even looked up. Moments later, Bernard emerged from the treeline, sweaty and exhausted, dragging a wooden cart carrying the massive corpse of the slain snake. Jill walked beside him, a victorious grin plastered across her face.


    "Tyana!" Jill called with exaggerated excitement. "Check out what we caught for dinner!"


    Tyana''s eyes widened in horror. "You''re joking." She slammed her magazine shut and stood. "You think I''m going to cook that monstrosity?"


    "Why not? It''s meat!" Jill shot back. "Plenty for all of us. I''d say that''s generous."


    "Generous?" Tyana''s tone sharpened. "You want me to deal with a snake the size of a tree trunk? I''m not wasting my energy on something like that."


    "Oh, you won''t waste energy because you''ll be standing by the fire barking orders ¡ª like always," Jill quipped, folding her arms.


    "Oh? And you?" Tyana scoffed. "You''ll probably try to cook it with your Igeni and leave half the forest in flames."


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    "Hey!" Jill barked back. "At least I get things done. Unlike you, sitting here reading about people dancing in white dresses!"


    "That''s enough!" Bernard interjected, stepping between the two. His face was strained from both frustration and exhaustion. "Look, Tyana... I''ll take care of the snake. I''ll bury the thing myself and help you cook dinner, alright? Just... let''s not start a fight here."


    Tyana exhaled slowly, crossing her arms. "Fine," she muttered. "But no snake on my plate."


    "Deal," Bernard nodded. "But if you and Saphyra could find a good place for camp, that would help."


    "Come on, Tyana," Saphyra said softly, touching her shoulder. "We''ll find somewhere with clean water and decent cover."


    Tyana shot Jill one last annoyed look before grabbing her pouch and heading off with Saphyra. The two vanished more profoundly into the trees, their voices fading as they debated the best camping spot.


    "That could''ve been worse," Bernard muttered under his breath.


    "Pfft. I had it under control," Jill replied smugly.


    "No, you didn''t," Bernard said with a tired smile. "Come on, let''s get this over with."


    The two set to work on the grim task. Bernard dug a wide pit using his Creation Igeni, weaving wooden branches into a makeshift shovel. The process was slow, and the weight of the snake''s body didn''t make it easier. As Bernard strained to drag the serpent into the pit, Jill stood nearby, arms crossed.


    "You could help," Bernard grunted, sweat pouring down his face.


    "I caught it. You bury it," Jill smirked.


    Bernard paused, glaring at her. "Yeah, well... what if I can''t bury it without your help? What if this thing sits here, rotting until every animal in the forest comes sniffing for snake scraps?"


    Jill groaned, clearly not thrilled, but eventually relented. With a grunt, she grabbed a thick branch and helped Bernard maneuver the snake''s heavy form into the pit. Once inside, Bernard used his Igeni to guide dirt and leaves back into the hole, burying the beast completely.


    Both stood quietly for a moment, exhausted and dirt-covered.


    "I''ll say one thing," Jill said between breaths, "That thing''s gonna make a great story when we get back to the Academy."


    "When will it be that?" Bernard wandered before adding.


    "Yeah... assuming Tyana hasn''t throttled you by then."


    They both laughed, their earlier tension forgotten. The forest around them grew quieter as dusk crept in, and the sky turned shades of orange and purple. With the heavy task behind them, the two turned toward the direction Tyana and Saphyra had gone, eager to find their friends and a warm meal waiting.

 SOL Academy

    Episode 3 - SOL Academy


    Nestled deep within the lush, verdant forest stood a magnificent cathedral, its towering walls and spires blending seamlessly with the surrounding foliage. This was none other than the prestigious SOL Academy, where gifted children from all corners of the world convened to hone their Igeni skills.


    The Academy was the brainchild of Lord Haren Brooks, a tall and statuesque figure with flowing blonde locks and a well-kempt beard. Despite his advanced age, he exuded an aura of unmatched vitality and strength. Lord Haren was a stalwart leader of the human hybrids and a member of the illustrious Hexagon Table, a select group of individuals who oversee and maintain order on the entire planet.


    In addition to spearheading the Academy''s operations, Lord Haren also took it upon himself to impart his vast knowledge to the students fortunate enough to learn under his tutelage.


    Haren Brooks, the renowned Grandmaster in the art of Igeni, had earned the respect of leaders from all races across the land. However, he found himself facing a minor issue today. Luisa Fortes, a distinguished teacher at the Academy and a master of Igeni of Life, had called for a meeting with all the masters to discuss some pressing concerns. As a Grandmaster in healing, faith, and sunlight manipulation, Luisa, a Feltian-born priestess, was deeply troubled by the prolonged absence of her students. In frustration, she directed her anger toward Ulric, exclaiming,


    "It''s simply unbelievable! Sending six vulnerable children out into the wild for months under the guise of an examination or test."


    The meeting room at SOL Academy buzzed with tension as Haren Brooks, Luisa Fortes, Ulric Lombardo, and the other masters gathered to address Luisa''s concerns. Haren, the esteemed Grandmaster and leader of the Academy, took a moment to gather his thoughts before speaking.


    "Luisa, I understand your worries and share your concerns for the safety of our students," Haren began, his voice carrying a soothing authority. "But we must trust in the abilities and preparations of our esteemed teachers like Ulric and Oliver. They have been carefully chosen to guide and mentor our top students through this examination."


    Standing tall with quiet confidence, Ulric met Haren''s gaze. As the youngest Master of Igeni of Destruction, Ulric carried the weight of Haren''s expectations. Despite his rugged appearance and austere attire, his expertise in harnessing the destructive power of Igeni was unparalleled. He had trained tirelessly under Haren''s guidance for a decade to reach this position of responsibility.


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    "The examination is not just a test of skill," Haren continued, addressing the entire room. "It is an opportunity for our students to face challenges, discover their strengths, and grow individually and as a team. The world beyond our Academy''s walls is not without its dangers. Still, through these experiences, our students will truly understand the significance of their abilities."


    Luisa, her initial anger softened by Haren''s words, nodded slowly. "You have always been a wise leader, Haren," she said, her voice tinged with admiration and concern. "But we must ensure that the safety measures in place are sufficient. We cannot afford to lose any of our promising students."


    Haren nodded, acknowledging Luisa''s valid point. "You are right, Luisa. Safety must always be our top priority. I will personally review the examination protocols and make any necessary adjustments to ensure the well-being of our students. We will not take unnecessary risks."


    At this point, Ulric added reassuringly, "Oliver and I will supervise the kids throughout their journey."


    Still unconvinced, Luisa looked at the petite teacher, who wore nun attire. Her name was Veronica Doos, and she was the Master of Igeni of Death. Despite the pale complexion of her skin and the blackened eyes with white pupils, she looked young and beautiful.


    "Luisa, you are way too worried about this. Our top students can face any challenge the world outside has for them. Our job is to ensure they will use their powers and abilities to survive and help others."


    The room fell silent as Veronica Doos, the Master of Igeni of Death, spoke calmly yet commandingly. Her words carried an air of authority, backed by her profound knowledge of life''s and death''s mysteries. Though her appearance might have unsettled some, her wisdom and dedication to her students were undeniable.


    Luisa sighed, her initial worry gradually giving way to a glimmer of reassurance.


    "You''re right, Veronica. My concern stems from the deep bond I share with my students. But I trust in your guidance and the capabilities of our young proteges."


    She turned to Haren, her expression softening.


    "I apologize for my outburst earlier, Haren. It''s just that their safety means the world to me."


    Haren offered a reassuring smile.


    "There is no need to apologize, Luisa. Your dedication and protective nature are commendable. We are all invested in the well-being of our students, and it''s important to voice our concerns. That''s how we ensure a safe and nurturing environment for their growth."


    From the other side of the table, a big, very tall, bold man stood stoically, reading the room like a map for the most precious treasure he could find. Silent and imponent stood the Grand Master of Creation, Oliver Pot. He was the oldest and wisest master, besides Lord Haren, and the first teacher at the Academy.


    "Ladies, the children will be in good hands; you don''t need to worry so much," he said calmly.


    Haren looked at Oliver directly into his eyes. He knew the fundamental objective behind the elaborate exam. Oliver nodded, acknowledging his master, and spoke with the tranquility of a river.


    "Our students will be searching for something significant to us, both as humans and hybrids. The challenges will be tough, but I and Ulric will supervise their endeavors."

 The Academys Past and Future

    Episode 4 - The Academy''s Past and Future


    The soft murmur of conversation in SOL Academy''s meeting room faded as boots echoed down the hallway. The rhythmic stomp was accompanied by a faint metallic distortion ¡ª a distinct beat that seemed to pulse through the walls. Moments later, Lydia Norton strolled through the open door, headphones perched over her afro hair. She wore her usual attire ¡ª a black leather jacket, ripped jeans, and sturdy boots that clunked against the floor. Her purple eyes flicked across the room with cool detachment as the low growl of distorted guitars pulsed faintly from her headphones.


    "I see you¡¯re still adding noise to your head," Ulric muttered dryly, crossing his arms.


    Lydia smirked as she pulled her headphones down. "Noise? This is vintage metal! You wouldn¡¯t get it, old man."


    From across the room, Lord Haren chuckled warmly. "Actually..." He reached into a leather-bound folder on the table, withdrawing a small metallic disc. "I came across some new noise for you." He handed the disc to Lydia, his smile widening. "The archives called it ''Top Heavy Metal.'' Something about the guitar solos felt like a storm in your bones ¡ª figured you¡¯d appreciate that."


    Lydia¡¯s eyes widened with excitement. "You¡¯re kidding! This is real?" Her voice betrayed rare enthusiasm as she turned the disc over. "You¡¯ve officially earned ''cool grandpa'' points for this."


    "I¡¯ll cherish that title," Haren said with mock pride.


    Before Lydia could respond, a figure silently entered behind her ¡ª Chet Doos, small and pale, blending into the shadows like a forgotten whisper. His thin frame made his black hooded outfit look oversized. His black eyes, surrounded by faint grey irises and ghostly white pupils, swept across the room, studying everyone in quiet observation.


    "There¡¯s my boy," Veronica Doos greeted softly from her seat. Chet¡¯s gaze immediately softened. He crossed the room with calculated steps, moving directly to her side. Veronica patted his shoulder affectionately before slipping a small cookie from her pocket. Chet¡¯s serious expression melted into a shy smile as he took the treat.


    "Don¡¯t spoil him too much," Ulric teased.


    "Oh, please," Veronica retorted with a grin. "He deserves it."


    The warmth in her voice spoke volumes, a reminder that while Veronica''s presence could be unsettling, her love for her nephew was undeniable.


    Once everyone was settled, Haren rose from his chair. "Before we discuss the students¡¯ journey," he began, "there¡¯s something I want to show you."


    He opened a reinforced chest beside his seat and carefully retrieved a stone about the size of a fist. It was rough-textured and pulsated faintly with deep green light. Strange symbols twisted and flickered across its surface. The air in the room seemed heavier the moment the Rune emerged.


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    "This..." Haren¡¯s voice took on a reverent tone. "...is one of the Runes of Terra. This is what our students will be seeking."


    Chet¡¯s eyes locked onto the Rune, his curiosity sharpening. Lydia leaned forward, fascinated by the eerie glow.


    "These Runes are powerful," Haren continued. "They hold the key to unfolding Igeni''s secrets across our world. But they¡¯re scattered ¡ª lost to time and guarded by unknown forces. Each Rune is protected by a powerful guardian or buried in treacherous terrain." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Finding them will take strength, wisdom... and courage."


    "And you¡¯re sending us after these things?" Lydia asked skeptically.


    "You are more than prepared," Ulric cut in. "Each one of you has been on multiple missions before. These field tests are nothing new ¡ª this is just the first time you''ll be alone."


    "So they¡¯re ready?" Luisa pressed. "Even Bernard?"


    Ulric¡¯s face tightened briefly before relaxing. "Bernard... has improved. But we¡¯re still cautious. His chaotic power has become more stable, and he¡¯s learned control."


    "He¡¯s not the boy who lost control three years ago," Veronica added, her voice firm. "He¡¯s stronger now."


    "He¡¯ll need to be," Oliver Pot muttered, finally speaking. "The last time students went into the wilderness for a test like this, one never returned." His words settled in the room like a cold breeze.


    Luisa, sitting silently beside Oliver, finally spoke. "That¡¯s why I was worried," she murmured. "Three years ago, Bernard¡¯s power nearly destroyed him. And before that... that poor boy vanished on his journey."


    Haren nodded gravely. "Which is why we¡¯ve doubled the safety measures. Oliver and Ulric will observe from afar. Veronica will provide spiritual guidance. And..." he turned to Chet, "...you¡¯ll have this."


    Haren handed Chet a small metallic token engraved with glowing blue symbols. "This will signal us immediately if you or the others are in danger."


    Chet¡¯s fingers closed tightly around the token, his gaze flicking to Veronica for reassurance. She nodded, giving him a proud smile.


    "You¡¯re stronger than you know," Veronica whispered to him.


    "We all are," Haren added, addressing the room. "Our students have proven themselves in smaller missions before. This is their chance to show they can carry our hopes forward."


    Lydia clutched her new music disc tightly. "Fine," she muttered, "but when Bernard accidentally levels a mountain... "


    Oliver chuckled dryly. "If Bernard levels a mountain, I¡¯ll stand there to fix it."


    The room filled with quiet laughter, easing the tension. But beneath the warmth lingered an unspoken truth¡ªthe dangers ahead would test all of them. Bernard¡¯s struggle to contain his chaotic power could prove the most significant risk.


    Chet and Lydia walked silently through the empty corridor to the rooftop. The sound of their footsteps echoed memories for each one of them. This was Lydia''s last year; as she was 17, Chet still had a couple of years to stay at the academy. At the rooftop, they both look at the horizon with different expressions.


    "Well, this is it, ghost boy. Are you ready for this?" Lydia asked as dragon wings sprang from her back.


    "Of course!" Chet answered, fixing his feet on his board.


    "I will sense where they are. Let''s hope they aren''t too far." A dark aura emanates from Chet. He keeps his eyes closed for a while before opening them. "Good, they are only 11 kilometers east of here."


    "Yeah! Lead the way, kid!" shouted Lydia, raising the volume on her headphones.

 Bonds and Burdens

    Chapter 2 - The Journey Begins


    Episode 5 - Bonds and Burdens


    The golden afternoon light flickered between the leaves as Tyana and Saphyra walked along a narrow forest path. Birds sang from distant branches, and the soft crunch of twigs underfoot filled the air.


    "How do you keep your hair so perfect?" Tyana asked, glancing at Saphyra''s sleek brown curls.


    Saphyra grinned, flicking her hair over her shoulder. "I make this rose balm using my Creation Igeni. It''s simple ¡ª I extract the oils from fresh petals. Smells nice, too."


    "I figured," Tyana replied. "I do something similar ¡ª but instead of just extracting oils, I mix herbs and plants into a proper shampoo." She paused, then added proudly, "It''s all about balance. Too much rosemary and you end up smelling like a garden."


    "I¡¯d rather smell like a garden than smoke," Saphyra chuckled.


    Tyana sighed dramatically. "That''s Jill¡¯s influence. If she gets her way, we¡¯ll scrub soot out our hair for days."


    The two laughed before the trees thinned, revealing a perfect clearing. The ground was flat, nestled beneath a broad canopy of trees that shielded the area from strong winds. A gentle stream gurgled nearby ¡ª ideal for washing and collecting water.


    "Looks perfect," Tyana said, already reaching for her pouch. Her fingers brushed over the familiar token inside ¡ª the miniature house crafted by Oliver Pot. With a breath to steady herself, she activated her Creation Igeni.


    The token trembled in her palm, pulsing with golden energy before shooting from her hand to the center of the clearing. In an instant, the air warped, and the token expanded into a full-sized wooden cottage¡ªlarge enough to house six people comfortably.


    The house was cozy yet practical, with earthy tones and wooden paneling. The entrance hall was wide enough for boots and jackets to hang neatly, while the spacious living area boasted a large table for the group to gather. A small kitchen stood to one side, fitted with an ancient electric stove, a gift from one of Oliver¡¯s successful expansions. Two rooms on one side were set for the girls, while the other held a shared room for the boys. The second floor contained two bathrooms and a tucked-away storage area. Soft lanterns adorned the walls, casting a warm glow across the interior.


    Tyana swayed slightly as she expanded the house, exhaustion washing over her. Earlier that day, she''d spent precious energy using her Life Igeni to heal a wounded deer she''d found limping through the woods. With the house expanded, her head ached, and her limbs felt heavy.


    "You alright?" Saphyra asked, placing a hand on her shoulder.


    "Yeah... just drained," Tyana murmured. "I''ll be fine."


    <hr>


    Meanwhile, Bernard and Jill walked along a separate path, the air rich with pine and damp earth.


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    Bernard paused mid-step, his gaze narrowing. "They¡¯re close."


    "Who?" Jill asked.


    "Chet and Lydia," Bernard said, frowning. "Let''s wait for them. Look there in the sky."


    Moments later, Chet and Lydia arrived. Lydia''s wings disappeared inside her back, and Chet''s flying blackboard reunited with Chet''s shadow. "I knew you were close, too," Chet said with a rare grin.


    "It''s like you guys are magnets or something," Jill mumbled.


    "I just know where Bernard is," Chet shrugged.


    "So... what were you two doing back there?" Lydia asked, strolling behind them. "Smells like you were dealing with something nasty."


    Bernard hesitated. "We... buried something."


    "What?" Lydia asked, stepping closer.


    "A snake," Jill added casually. "Big one. Cobra."


    Lydia¡¯s smile dropped, her posture stiffening. "You killed a snake?"


    "It attacked Jill," Bernard added quickly. "She had no choice."


    Lydia¡¯s voice turned sharp. "That¡¯s still a reptile. That¡¯s... like killing part of me."


    "You¡¯re not a snake," Jill shot back. "You¡¯re part dragon. Big difference."


    "To you, maybe," Lydia growled. "To me? It¡¯s not."


    "I didn¡¯t mean¡ª" Jill began, but Lydia held up her hand, her expression tight with frustration.


    "Forget it," Lydia gasped. "Let¡¯s just get to camp."


    The girls stood in silence along the way. Bernard and Chet discussed the exam calmly, and soon enough, they were at the clearing where the house was.


    <hr>


    At SOL Academy, Ulric and Oliver stood near the Academy''s entrance, preparing for their journey. Oliver stood before a small metallic cube ¡ª one of his most prized Tokens. He channeled his Creation Igeni, and the cube expanded outward, transforming into a sleek, ancient vehicle. Its metallic body hovered slightly above the ground, powered by glowing Igeni crystals embedded within the frame.


    "The old relic¡¯s still got some life," Oliver said proudly.


    "We¡¯ll need it," Ulric muttered. He turned to see Luisa standing at the doorway. Her concerned gaze met his.


    "Watch over them," Luisa said firmly. "Especially Bernard."


    Ulric paused, memories pulling him back.


    Three years ago¡­


    Tyana, Bernard, and Ulric had been exploring old ruins when Tyana screamed¡ªvines shot from the earth, twisting around her arms and legs. A monstrous plant pulsating with red veins coiled tightly around her, leeching the life from her skin. Tyana¡¯s breathing had grown ragged, her skin pale as wax.


    Bernard had tried desperately to free her. Fire burst from his hands, scorching the plant, but it kept tightening. Stone spikes from Bernard¡¯s Destruction Igeni crumbled before they could strike true. His panic grew. His Igeni lashed out, wild and unstable.


    "Don¡¯t hurt her!" Bernard had shouted, his energy spiraling out of control. The air shimmered as destruction spread wildly. Vines snapped, crumbled, and disintegrated, but Bernard¡¯s power surged. Tyana tumbled free, gasping, yet Bernard remained lost in the chaos, energy pouring from him in violent waves.


    Ulric arrived just in time, leaping between Bernard¡¯s destructive storm and Tyana¡¯s unconscious body. He knocked Bernard out cold with a precise strike. The raging storm of Igeni died immediately... but the devastation it left behind was haunting ¡ª a path of scorched earth and crumbling stone carved by Bernard¡¯s uncontrolled power.


    In the present, Ulric sighed and turned back to Luisa. "He¡¯s stronger now. Bernard knows what¡¯s at stake."