GRACIIOUS !!!

As the moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the forest, Master Smith exchanged glances filled with bloodlust with the fierce beast in front of him. The creature howled loudly, its voice echoing through the trees, and Master Smith stood his ground, seemingly unfazed by the taunting noise. A wave of terror and fear echoed through the this region of forest while unknown beast that reign supreme over the other region frowned in amusement and gaze of wonder.

With a powerful leap through the air while emitting a ominous aura, the lozes landed on its back feet, ready to attack.

Master Smith enchanted, "Graciious!"

Ezekiel had seen axes and scythes before, but this time it was different. A ring attached itself to Master Smith's chest, enveloping him in armor and revealing a long sword. He looked like a character straight out of a fairy tale. "This attire is rather tight " Master Smith added with a wry smile.

Ezekiel's eyes sparkled for the first time at the sight of his mentor. Just then, as if propelled by the wind, the lozes attacked Master Smith. He effortlessly stopped it with his long sword. "Hey buddy! Easy, easy," he said calmly as the beast growled in response. 

As Master smith kicked him .he added " let me have A word with my disciple , we will surely get back to you "

After exchanging blows, the mighty beast realized that it couldn't overpower him by strength alone. It resorted to another tactic, while drooling, it closed its eyes, and in an instant, a purple mist enveloped them.

Master Smith quickly moved back next to a tree near Ezekiel to protect him. "You got tricks up your sleeves ? Something more then child's play ? " he asked.

Ezekiel nodded, his expression serious. "It's the last one. After casting it, I will pass out."

"What I want to ask is—do you have a barrier or something that can protect you?" Master Smith inquired.

"It's a one-time counter shield," Ezekiel replied.

Just then, the lozes charged at Master Smith "Rather persistent !" Master Smith called out.

Ezekiel cast his spell and collapsed onto the ground. As soon as he did, Master Smith began hovering within the mist as if he too were a beast. Even the beast that was radiating murderous aura all this time got hesitated for a moment as the sound of his longsword clashed against its razor-sharp claw echoed through the forest.

---

Meanwhile, on the other side of camp, Yin Li had successfully captured Vizz in some eivy ropes. With a maniacal smile creeping across her face, she pondered how best to punish him. As their conversation unfolded, they struck a deal that would lead to something unexpected.

Yin Li began drawing intricate symbols on the ground for her magic circle. Vizz watched curiously and couldn't hold back his question: "What are you doing?"

Yin Li explained that she was preparing to summon the power of the Mother Forest. As she finished her explanation, she floated into the center of the magical circle and began her incantation: "Ô! Mère bien-aimée, accorde-moi ta grâce pour le bien de mes proches."

With those words spoken, her eyes turned green as an enormous shadow emerged from within the mist before her. The ground shook violently as vines erupted from it, ripping apart the earth. Four enormous magical beings formed from those vines and sturdy rock: two resembled giant orcs with wings while the other two were muscular and bore resemblance to lobos.

One of them rushed toward Vizz. In fear, he screamed, "Oi! Old lady! We had a deal!" as he ran away.

Yin Li didn't respond; she was focused on her spellwork. The magical summon grabbed Vizz by the leg just as he thought he was safe. Suddenly, its body disintegrated and enveloped Vizz in sturdy armor.

He could even fly using the wings that sprouted from his back! "Phew!" he exclaimed. "You could've explained this more nicely!"

Yin Li teased him lightly and replied with a smirk, "Then I wouldn't get to see your face look like a frightened cat!"

Vizz stared at her in confusion and curiously asked, "How do I use these wings?"

"Still so naive," she sighed playfully. "You just need to flow mana through your pores or even use a mana circle if your pores aren't open."

Vizz nodded eagerly and took off into the air but quickly crashed into a nearby tree as he struggled to control his flight.

Rubbing his head in frustration, he said, "I can control it! But the mist around me is being sucked into my mana pores!"

Yin Li encouraged him gently. "You just need to focus enough." Secretly impressed by how easily Vizz had opened his mana pores and absorbed mana, she wondered about his potential for the future but didn't mention it aloud.

---

Back in the forest clearing where Master Smith faced off against the lozes—he felt confident despite Ezekiel's absence. With each swing of his sword and every movement through the mist—he embodied both strength and grace.

"Let's see what you've got!" he taunted as he prepared for another strike against the creature looming before him…

Suddenly—Master Smith noticed movement in his peripheral vision; Ezekiel had snuck away while everyone else was distracted!

"Ezekiel!" he shouted but it was too late—the boy was already engaged with another lozes!

Ezekiel had seen an opportunity and dashed toward it with determination. He swung his dagger fiercely but found himself overpowered by sheer size and strength of this magical beast!

"Get back!" Master Smith yelled as he rushed toward them both—his heart racing at seeing Ezekiel in danger again!

---

Meanwhile—Yin Li felt something shift in her heart as she watched Vizz struggle with his newfound powers; she couldn't help but admire how brave he was despite being so young…

As she prepared herself for whatever awaited them next—she felt an unexpected warmth spread through her chest—a connection forming between them amidst chaos surrounding them all…

---

Back at camp—Master Smith finally caught up with Ezekiel just as he stumbled backward from another blow dealt by one of those beasts!

"You need to be careful!" Master Smith scolded while swinging his sword expertly against their foe!

"I'm fine!" Ezekiel insisted breathlessly but there was no denying how exhausted he looked already…

Just then—the lozes lunged at them again—but this time Master Smith stood firm—his presence radiating confidence that seemed to bolster Ezekiel's resolve too!

"Let's finish this together!" Master Smith declared as they prepared for one final stand against their enemies…