*"To whom this reaches,
I do not know what the future holds, but I sense that challenges are approaching, challenges I must face head-on. My training has made me stronger, but I feel the weight of expectation, of duty, and of the legacy that surrounds me. I do not seek power for its own sake, only the strength to protect those I care about. There are forces at play beyond my understanding, and I know that I must be ready.
If you receive this letter, know that I am prepared for what is to come. I will not run from my fate."*
Lita sealed the letter after folding it with the Valliere family crest. Lita then called one of the messengers who served the household, instructing them to deliver the letter discreetly.
Sylana walked back and forth in her room because she still felt frustrated about her situation. She had watched Lita from afar, her icy stare betraying her growing disappointment.
"She's slipping further away,"
Sylana murmured to herself. Flare interrupted the powerful magic that she tried to use against Lita because the maid blocked her path.
Sylana found herself irritated because she spoke to herself about Flare, using the words
"Flare... always Flare. Meddling, protecting, keeping her away from me."
One of Sylana's most trusted servants entered the room after bowing low.
"My lady, you have been summoned by the Lord. He requires your immediate presence for a conversation."
Sylana focused on her plans for Lita as she stared through narrowed eyes. The unexpected summons to appear before me lost its shock value after I had been living underground too long.
The test involves examining your ability to control elemental powers that you have already learned for elemental summoning. The elements respond to your control training, but actual power exists in your complete control of these elements.
Lita used her palm to create a small flame, which she had learned to control. Flare required her to develop complete control of fire because she had already become skilled at handling this element.
The next few hours involved their training for energy channeling. Lita created a controlled cyclone of flames by combining wind and fire through his efforts. The process demanded extreme dedication, which pushed her concentration to its absolute maximum capacity, yet she wanted to succeed in learning it.
Her mother observed everything while she drank tea, as Lita worked hard. Lita looked at her mother to see if she had reached a point of maternal pride. The stoic gaze of her mother demonstrated little emotional response.
Flare ended the training session for the day.
"You've improved greatly, Lita. Your magic is becoming more fluid, and your swordsmanship is sharp. You need to remember that power that lacks control creates risks. You are very close to a major achievement because I can sense it. Keep pushing."
Lita smiled faintly, wiping the sweat from her brow. Flare
"Thank you, Flare. I'll keep going."
The two of them stopped talking because they heard a distant rumble of wheels, which produced a faint sound. Lita turned to see a carriage approaching the mansion. The memory of Sylana's last visit made her heart race because she recalled it, and she started to feel anxious.
The expression on Flare turned dark when she realized that another person had arrived at their location.
"Another visitor?"
Lita spoke in a low voice while she watched the carriage come to a stop. After recent events, she now maintained constant vigilance because her trust in others had faded.
Her mother came down the stairs from their home after she opened the entrance door.
"Lita," she called, her voice firm yet composed, "come with me."
Lita followed her mother inside the building after she shared a look with Flare. The mansion showed a quieter atmosphere because of the upcoming event, which created an atmosphere of waiting.
Lita saw a man who emerged from the carriage when they reached the main entrance of the building.
The man hid his face behind a hood, which made it hard for Lita to see his face clearly, yet she found something about him to be disturbing.
Her mother showed trust in the person who entered the hall with them, but her mother warned him to stay alert about others.
The people who seek to manipulate you will try to use you for their own interests. The people whom you will meet now, but the secret to your power lies within yourself.
Lita didn't understand her mother's message, but she nodded anyway because she wanted to keep her calm.
The man moved toward her, making his way ahead with careful and slow steps. The man who walked toward her finally showed his face after he removed his hood. The man who removed his hood showed a calm face, yet his eyes displayed an anxiety that troubled Lita.
The man introduced himself to Lita using the name Belros. The man who spoke to Lita arrived to assess her development according to her mother, who had praised her accomplishments.
Lita bowed her head to show respect, but she didn't know how to react.
"Thank you," she said in a hesitant manner.
Belros showed a smile, but his eyes remained empty.
"I'm sure we'll see great things from you, young Valliere. The world is watching."
The words that he spoke created a mysterious atmosphere that caused Lita to feel fear. The man carried a dangerous quality, but Lita struggled to understand the reason for her fear. Her mother faced Lita, yet her face remained hidden behind a mysterious expression that made it impossible to read.