Flester woke to the weak sunlight filtering into the cave, every muscle in his body screaming in protest. His arms and legs were sore, his bruises throbbed, and his head pounded with exhaustion. He groaned as he pushed himself upright, swaying slightly, then squinted against the dim morning light and stepped outside.
Even from a distance, the battlefield bore the scars of his fight with Kai and Raizen. Trees were splintered, earth scorched, and the once-green forest floor had been reduced to a flat, lifeless expanse. The forest smelled of smoke, burnt leaves, and the faint metallic tang of blood — a mark of devastation that no spell could repair.
"I need to get out of here," he muttered under his breath. A twinge of unease ran through him as he noticed a crowd gathering near the battlefield, curious onlookers drawn by the aftermath of the destruction.
He wasn't fully recovered. This was the first time he'd been injured on such a scale, and he knew staying would be reckless. Anyone strong enough could sense the Flame Marble, and if word of it leaked… death would be inevitable.
Carefully, he made his way through the deadly forest, stepping over roots and fallen branches, moving swiftly yet quietly. "If someone that strong fights me now… my chances are slim," he thought. Even Blazion, his loyal dragon, was too exhausted to fight. Avoiding combat was his only option.
Flester quickened his pace, recalling Kai's warning about the unknown figure approaching. "It could be a trap," he muttered. "But I need to stay alert… maybe he's not after me. I won't provoke him by running."
The forest's paths were treacherous, winding in unpredictable directions. Four large magic sensors were scattered across the area, keeping track of intruders. Starting from the south, Flester could feel all four sensors at equal distances — a sure sign he was near the forest's center.
"That's bad," he thought, glancing around. "Another half of the forest to cross without running into that person… my gut says this won't be easy."
Every step made his muscles ache, every breath reminded him of yesterday's brutal battle. Sweat mingled with dirt, stinging his eyes. His hands shook as he brushed a lock of black hair from his face. He could feel his strength waning, yet he pressed forward, focusing on one thing — survival.
Suddenly, a powerful magical presence surged behind him. Strong — almost as strong as Kai's — yet he hadn't even reached Flester. Tension coiled in his stomach, his senses screaming at him to react, but he forced himself to remain calm.
"Should I run? What if he catches up… No. Stay calm. Don't give him a reason to notice you."
"Kiddo."
The voice was deep, unhurried, yet carried an unnerving calm. Flester's heart skipped a beat as he turned slowly. A man stood there, long white hair tied in a low ponytail, a few loose strands framing his sharp, unyielding face. His black eyes burned with quiet intensity, impossible to read. Though he looked no older than sixty, his skin was flawless, unmarked by age.
"My name is Night," the man said, his tone deceptively cheerful. Flester froze. He had seen the name and face countless times in Frosthold City. Night was the most famous, most powerful mage of the Ruby Kingdom — captain of the Ruby Pillars. A man whose mere reputation made kingdoms tremble.
"Captain of the Ruby Pillars… why are you here?" Flester asked, voice laced with shock and caution. He wasn't just any boy — he was the bearer of the Flame Marble, a treasure Night would kill for.
Night's gaze flicked to him. "You look interesting. Mind a word with me?" The question was soft, almost casual, yet every instinct screamed that refusal wasn't an option.
"Y-yes… I… I've always wanted to…" Flester stammered, trying to appear composed, though excitement and fear warred within him. He sighed, rubbing his forehead, finally meeting Night's unyielding gaze.
"I don't want to drag this out, kiddo. I want you to come with me," Night said casually, as if discussing the weather. Flester's stomach tightened.
"Where?" he asked, voice barely steady.
"You'll know soon enough," Night replied.
"No. I want to know now."
"Kidd—"
"My name is Flester," he interrupted sharply.
Night's sharp gaze didn't waver. "Alright, Flester. Do you really think you get to choose here?"
"Y-yes," Flester replied, his voice trembling. He knew backing down could mean death; Night was the right hand of the king himself.
"Let me make this clear. That marble on your neck… it's mine," Night said, calm and certain. Flester's fists clenched, rage simmering beneath exhaustion.
"Why did I think coming to this forest was a good idea?" he muttered under his breath, bracing himself.
"I knew this wouldn't be easy," Night said quietly to himself. Then, in an instant, he was before Flester, his fist aimed with deadly precision at the boy's gut.
"Damn it," Flester cursed, summoning magic to block the strike. The force slammed him into a tree, leaving him dazed and breathless as he landed on the forest floor with a grunt.
"Even without using 5% of his power… he doesn't even seem to try. I have no chance," Flester thought, desperation surging through him. Summoning every ounce of energy, he entered his second stage, ignoring the searing pain coursing through his body.
"Second stage at your age… impressive," Night murmured, almost to himself.
"How I live, what I possess, why I have it… none of your kingdom's business," Flester growled, his teeth gritted. Night only smiled, the faintest glint of amusement in his eyes.
"It wouldn't be… if you belonged to another kingdom. But you're in Ruby territory. That marble is as much ours as it is yours," Night said evenly.
Flester lunged forward, speed noticeably slower than his previous battle, every movement weighted with fatigue. Night moved like water, graceful and unerring, sidestepping effortlessly as if he could anticipate every motion before it even began.
Flame erupted from Flester's hands, forming a sphere aimed directly at Night. With a casual flick, Night deflected it as easily as one would brush off dust. Undeterred, Flester materialized a flame sword, launching a volley of blazing bullets toward him. Night blocked every single one without so much as a shift in his stance.
Finally, he struck. A blinding beam of pure light magic tore through the air toward Flester. "Flame Veil!" he shouted, forming a blue barrier. It held… barely. The beam shattered his sword, forcing him to face the attack head-on.
"Your fight yesterday clearly affected you. You're not in shape to fight," Night said, his tone calm yet cutting. Flester collapsed, his second stage fading as consciousness slipped away, leaving him lying on the scorched forest floor, utterly exhausted, yet unwilling to surrender.
"And with this, our battle is over. Now, I shall escort you," Night said, lifting Flester effortlessly onto his shoulders. Flester's body felt like lead, every muscle screaming in protest, and he could no longer maintain consciousness. Darkness swallowed him, and he drifted into an uneasy sleep.
Nearly an hour later, he awoke to find himself sitting in a high-backed chair. Ahead of him stretched a long, polished table. At its head sat Night, his posture relaxed, his sharp eyes fixed on Flester — calm, watchful, and strangely devoid of hostility.
Flester glanced around. He wasn't bound, nor had his magic been sealed. There were no restraints, no wards suppressing his power. The only thing keeping him from standing abruptly or fleeing was the weight of Night's presence — the silent authority in those black, unwavering eyes.
"Where… are we?" Flester asked cautiously, his voice hoarse.
"Inside the Holy Frosthold Tree," Night replied smoothly. "It stands at the very center of the forest. Reserved for only nobles and the Royal family." His tone was casual, but each word carried weight, as if reminding Flester of the place's significance.
Flester's mind raced. Before my battle with Raizen, I crossed at least half the forest… yet I never noticed this tree. How could I? It's massive, almost… sacred. He furrowed his brow. "Why bring me to a place reserved for nobles and royals? Are they on their way?"
"No," Night said confidently. "I did not mention you to anyone. I can assure you of that." His voice was steady, confident.
Flester's skepticism didn't waver. "And how am I supposed to believe you, Captain of the Pillars?" he asked, a hint of defiance in his tone.
Night leaned back slightly, hands folded before him, his expression unreadable. "For now, I will interrogate you. Afterwards, you will be free to go. I won't mention your presence to anyone unless I deem it necessary. Additionally… I would like to take you as my apprentice."
Flester blinked. "Why? You could simply hand me over to the Royal Family. Why spare me, and go through the trouble of teaching me? What could possibly be in it for you?"
Night's gaze softened, and a kind, almost fatherly smile touched his lips. "I am a warrior of the Ruby Kingdom, not its enemy. I see no reason to kill you. And I do not trust the Royal Family in matters like these — they are too greedy, too blind to understand. Teaching you will not be difficult. You are already ahead of many who are twice your age. And for me… I gain knowledge, and someone worthy to carry it forward."
Flester's eyes narrowed, curiosity tempered by suspicion. "So… you want the Marble, don't you?"
Night shook his head lightly. "No. The Marble itself is irrelevant. What matters is how you came to possess it, your potential, and the choices you make with it. Flester… mind telling me how you acquired it?"
Flester hesitated, fingers brushing the Flame Marble against his chest. It pulsed faintly, a reminder of power, of responsibility, and of danger.
"I… I didn't choose it," Flester began cautiously. "It… it came to me. And… I've been surviving with it ever since." His voice trailed off, uncertain whether the explanation was enough.
Night leaned forward, eyes piercing, but still calm. "Surviving is not the same as understanding, Flester. And potential… without guidance, can become dangerous, for you and for the world around you. That is why I am here — to teach, to protect, and to ensure that the power you bear does not destroy you… or others."
Flester swallowed hard. For the first time in days, he felt a strange mixture of relief and apprehension. Night was not here to kill him. Not yet, at least. But the weight of his presence, the intensity of his gaze, and the unspoken command in his words reminded Flester that freedom here was still limited… and survival required obedience.
"Maybe you could explain to me what happened yesterday?" Night asked, his calm voice cutting through the tension in the room.
Flester paused, taking a slow breath as he gathered his thoughts. "I… I don't know who they really are," he began, his tone steady but tense. "They call themselves the Dark Nemesis. There were two of them, and according to what they said… they are not alone."
His fists clenched slightly at the memory. "The first one I fought yesterday… his name was Raizen Vale. He was young, maybe a year or two older than me. Golden, spiky hair, sky-blue eyes… and he fought like he had no mercy in him."
Flester's gaze darkened. "The other… Kai. He's older — early twenties, I think. Long black hair, piercing purple eyes… and he's a space user. The worst part? He isn't even their leader. That means there's someone even stronger behind them."
Night's expression remained calm, though a flicker of intrigue crossed his eyes. "I see… dangerous opponents, then. And you survived their attack? Against someone blessed by fallen angels and a space user—that's no small feat. Impressive, even by my standards."
Flester exhaled slowly. "Raizen also used the lightning's second stage — Blue Lightning."
Night's eyes narrowed, genuine surprise flashing across his face for the first time. "Blue Lightning… I've heard of Kai, but not of someone like that. Still, surviving that battle is an achievement even for me."
Flester tilted his head slightly. "So… who is he? Who is Kai?"
Night's tone grew heavier. "He's from the Emerald Kingdom," he began. "Once their pride, their strongest mage. But his story… is not one of glory." Night's gaze dropped, shadowed by memory. "He betrayed his own nation. Killed the King and Queen of the Platinum Kingdom while they were under Emerald's protection. The two kingdoms were allies at the time."
Flester's eyes widened.
"He even tried to assassinate his own rulers," Night continued darkly. "He failed, but not without leaving scars—both physical and political. After that, he vanished. Escaped the kingdom. And now… he walks a path none can predict."
Night straightened, his expression cold once more. "Kai was—and still is—the strongest mage the Emerald Kingdom has ever produced. And he's only twenty-three."
Silence filled the chamber. The flickering light from the candles along the table's edge cast faint golden shadows over Night's face. His calm composure made the weight of his words feel even heavier.
Then, suddenly, he moved—stepping away from his chair and circling the rectangular table until he stood before Flester.
"The choice is yours, Flester," Night said, voice firm, eyes sharp. "Either you accept my offer and become my apprentice… or you die here. Even if you escape, the kingdom will hunt you down. There will be no peace, no hiding. Choose."
Flester managed a dry, humorless laugh. "That's pretty unfair… but I wouldn't complain having you as my master."
Night's lips curved slightly. "So, the first option, then."
He turned and clasped his hands behind his back. "Good. Get ready. You'll be returning to Frosthold—then traveling to Emberhold."
"Emberhold?" Flester blinked. "I came to this forest to reach Windspire. Why turn back now?"
Night glanced over his shoulder, his tone calm but commanding. "Your second stage is riddled with flaws. Before you advance further, you need refinement and control. At Emberhold, you'll face the Flame Champion, Kael Agni."
"Kael Agni…" Flester repeated quietly.
"Champions are the bearers of Symbols," Night continued. "You'll need at least five of them to qualify for the Ruby Tournament. Your task is simple—challenge Kael, defeat him if you can, and learn from him if he allows it. Only Kael must know that you are my apprentice. No one else."
Flester nodded slowly, determination flickering in his weary eyes. "I see… Alright then. I'll head to Emberhold right away."
Night gave a single approving nod. "Good. Then let's see how far you can go, Flester. From this moment onward… your true path begins."
The great chamber's doors groaned open with a deep, resonant echo that seemed to hum through the wood itself. A faint shimmer rippled across the air — the veil of enchantment that cloaked the chamber from the outside world. As Night stepped forward, the invisible barrier peeled away like a curtain of mist, revealing the outer heart of the Holy Frosthold Tree.
Flester followed close behind, his footsteps echoing softly on the smooth, ancient roots beneath him. The inside of the massive tree pulsed faintly with life — veins of pale emerald light ran along the walls, each glow carrying the gentle rhythm of a heartbeat.
When they finally emerged from the hollow's opening, Flester was greeted by a cool gust of wind. The forest stretched endlessly before them, cloaked in morning fog. From outside, the Holy Frosthold Tree looked nothing like what it contained within — just an enormous, age-old titan with vines coiled around its trunk. But Flester could feel it… the powerful wards and illusions woven around it, bending space and perception to keep its secret hidden.
"Hard to believe something that big could stay hidden," Flester murmured, glancing up. The tree's crown was so tall it vanished into the clouds, its leaves shimmering faintly with silver dew.
Night stepped beside him, his cloak rippling gently in the wind. "That's the power of the Elder Magic, Flester. Few remember it even exists. This chamber will conceal itself again once we leave — not even the most skilled mage will find it."
Flester turned to face him. "So… this is it, then?"
Night nodded once, his black eyes steady and unreadable. "For now. You've chosen your path. Emberhold awaits you — and your next challenge."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The air between them carried a quiet weight — not of tension, but of respect.
Flester adjusted his cloak, the faint shimmer of the Flame Marble glowing beneath his collar. "I don't know what lies ahead," he said, voice steady, "but I'll make sure you don't regret teaching me."
Night's lips curved slightly — not a smile, but close enough. "I never regret my choices, only wasted potential. Don't be one of those, Flester."
Flester gave a light nod, his eyes burning with resolve. "I won't."
Night raised his hand, and the faint hum of space magic rippled through the air, distorting the view for a moment before settling again. "Remember what I told you — trust no one with your truth. Kael Agni will recognize your strength, but the world won't forgive your secret."
Flester stepped back, the wind tugging at his cloak. "Understood… Master Night."
Night's expression softened ever so slightly. "Good. Then go — before the forest realizes it's letting you leave."
Flester gave a faint, almost playful smile at that, then turned and began walking down the forest path, the morning light spilling across the leaves like liquid gold.
As he walked away, the ground beneath the Holy Frosthold Tree shimmered once again. In the blink of an eye, the entrance to the hidden chamber vanished — swallowed by illusion, leaving behind nothing but bark and roots.
Flester paused once, glancing back at the towering tree in the distance. "Thank you… Night," he whispered.
Then he pulled his cloak tighter and continued down the path toward Emberhold.
"The next time I cross paths with Kai and Raizen, I will be much stronger than I'm now."