Infernal hounds

Kael and Nyssa walked along the dirt path leading away from the village, the warmth of the sun on their backs as they ventured into open plains. The trees thinned and gave way to a barren landscape, with nothing but grass and rocky outcrops stretching toward the horizon. The air felt drier here, the perfect setting for what Nyssa had planned next.

Kael glanced over at Nyssa, a curious expression on his face. "Fire magic, right? I've actually experimented with it a bit before."

Nyssa raised an eyebrow, a slight smirk tugging at her lips. "Oh? Then this should be interesting. Fire is one of the more volatile elements. It requires precision and restraint, as much as passion."

Kael grinned. "Restraint's not really my strong suit, but I'll try."

Nyssa led him to a flat, rocky clearing devoid of vegetation. She surveyed the area, nodding approvingly. "This will do. No trees to catch fire, no nearby streams to extinguish your efforts. Fire is raw power, Kael. It consumes, but it also transforms. Today, you'll learn to wield it with purpose."

Kael stretched his arms, eager to begin. "All right, where do we start?"

Nyssa extended her hand, and a small flame burst to life in her palm, flickering gently. She held it steady with practiced ease, her expression calm and measured. "Fire responds to emotion. Too much anger, and it rages out of control. Too much fear, and it sputters. Find your center. Summon it, but keep it balanced."

Kael focused, holding out his hand. He pictured the warmth of a flame, the way it danced and flickered in the hearths back home. Heat began to build in his palm, and soon, a small flame appeared, steady and bright.

"Good," Nyssa said, her tone approving. "Now, let's refine that. Fire can destroy, yes, but it can also create. We'll begin with something simple: glass."

Kael blinked. "Glass? Isn't that more... earth magic?"

"The creation of glass involves both earth and fire," Nyssa explained. She reached down, picking up a handful of sand from the rocky ground. "By heating sand to extreme temperatures, it transforms into glass. It's a perfect example of fire's ability to reshape rather than destroy."

She placed the sand on a flat rock. "Try it. Focus your flame, keep it controlled, and heat the sand until it melts."

Kael knelt beside the rock, his flame still burning in his hand. He directed it toward the sand, channeling his focus. The heat intensified, and the grains of sand began to glow, turning red, then orange. Slowly, the sand melted, fusing into a clump of glass. It wasn't smooth or polished, but it was unmistakably glass.

"Not bad for your first attempt," Nyssa said with a nod. "With practice, you could refine it, shape it into something beautiful. Fire's power to transform is unmatched when used with care."

Kael picked up the rough clump of glass, examining it with a mix of pride and curiosity. "It's not much, but it's a start."

Before Nyssa could respond, a low growl rumbled through the clearing. Both of them froze, their senses sharpening. From behind a rocky outcrop, a large, wolf-like beast emerged, its eyes glowing with an unnatural light. Its fur was matted, its teeth bared in a snarl.

"An infernal hound," Nyssa murmured, her voice steady. "They're creatures of the Veil, drawn to strong magic. Their strength lies in their resilience and pack coordination."

Kael stepped forward, flames flickering in both hands. "What do we do?"

Nyssa glanced at him, her demeanor calm and commanding. "You fight. I'll intervene if it becomes necessary. This is your chance to test your skills. Focus on what you've learned."

The hound lunged, its claws tearing into the ground as it charged. Kael raised a hand, releasing a ball of fire that struck the hound's flank. The creature howled, the flames licking at its fur but failing to slow its charge. Nyssa remained motionless, her eyes on Kael, observing his technique.

"Aim for its head or heart," Nyssa instructed, her voice unwavering. "Their hides are thick, but their core is vulnerable."

Kael conjured a stream of fire, weaving it like a whip. The hound snapped its jaws, trying to bite the flames, but Kael struck it across the muzzle, forcing it back. He felt the rush of adrenaline as his flames grew brighter, fueled by his determination.

The hound growled and lunged again, but this time, Kael was ready. He sidestepped the attack and sent a concentrated blast of fire toward its chest. The creature yelped and staggered, its eyes dimming as it collapsed to the ground.

"Good," Nyssa said, a faint smile on her lips. "But don't celebrate yet."

A rustling from the nearby trees interrupted their focus. Kael and Nyssa turned in unison as three more hounds emerged from the shadows, their glowing eyes gleaming with hunger. The scent of sulfur and smoke filled the air as they prowled closer, circling the two mages.

Kael tightened his grip on the flame in his hand. "Great... more of them."

"Infernal hounds are pack hunters," Nyssa explained, her tone calm. "They're connected by a shared consciousness, which makes them dangerous. They'll attack in coordination, exploiting any weakness. Stay focused."

The hounds growled and lunged forward. Nyssa raised her hand, summoning a wall of fire between them and the beasts. The flames roared high, crackling with heat, but the hounds were undeterred, their eyes burning with an almost unnatural fury.

"Kael, reinforce the barrier. Don't let them break through," Nyssa commanded.

Kael thrust both hands toward the advancing creatures. A stream of fire shot from his palms, merging with Nyssa's barrier. The pressure built as the hounds pressed against the fire, snarling and scratching at the flames with claws that shimmered with infernal energy.

Nyssa observed Kael's efforts, her own flames steady and controlled. She channeled a fraction of her power into the barrier, ensuring its strength while allowing Kael to take the lead. "You're doing well," she said. "Remember, control is key. Don't let the fire dictate your actions."

One of the hounds leapt over the barrier, its jaws snapping. Kael reacted instinctively, conjuring a fiery whip and striking the creature mid-air. It yelped and fell back, but another hound was already closing in. Kael released a burst of fire, forcing it to retreat.

Nyssa watched him closely, her own power ready to intervene if necessary. She conjured a small firebolt, effortlessly striking one of the hounds that had strayed too close. The precision of her attack was a testament to her mastery, but she held back, letting Kael handle the majority of the fight.

As Kael battled, Nyssa spoke, her voice steady despite the chaos. "Infernal hounds regenerate quickly. Their strength lies in their endurance. Focus your attacks on their leader. Without it, the pack will falter."

Kael nodded, his heart pounding. He scanned the pack and spotted the largest hound, its eyes glowing brighter than the rest. Summoning his strength, he conjured a blazing spear of fire, the heat searing the air around him. With a roar, he hurled the spear toward the leader. The fire pierced its chest, and the creature let out a final, mournful howl before collapsing into ash.

As the leader fell, the remaining hounds hesitated, their coordination faltering. Nyssa seized the moment, her flames flaring brighter. She released a shockwave of fire, engulfing the remaining hounds in a roaring inferno. When the flames subsided, the clearing was silent, the hounds reduced to smoldering ash.

Kael lowered his hands, his breathing heavy. "That was..."

"Impressive," Nyssa finished, giving him an approving look. "You handled yourself well. Fire magic requires both offense and defense, and you balanced them effectively."

Kael and Nyssa stepped away from the scorched clearing where the remains of the infernal hounds had dissipated. The air still shimmered with heat, and the faint scent of sulfur lingered. Kael rubbed his hands together, the adrenaline from the battle gradually giving way to an aching exhaustion.

Nyssa glanced at him with a faint smile. "You did well. You're learning to channel magic effectively. But fire isn't your true strength, is it?"

Kael frowned, puzzled. "What do you mean? Fire's powerful. I felt like I could really push it."

Nyssa shook her head. "Fire is universal, a tool anyone with enough will can master. But your connection to the Veil makes you different. You don't just wield magic—you create. That's where your true potential lies."

Kael considered her words, his curiosity piqued. "So, what now? More training?"

Nyssa's eyes gleamed with intent. "Yes, but not with fire. Today, we'll focus on creation magic—your magic."

She led him to a quieter spot, a grassy knoll bordered by wildflowers and overlooking a small, serene pond. The scene was a stark contrast to the barren battlefield they had just left. Nyssa gestured for Kael to sit, and they settled cross-legged on the ground.

"Creation magic is about imagination," Nyssa began, her tone measured. "It's the power to bring your thoughts into reality, to shape the world with your will. But it requires clarity of mind and purpose. The more detailed your intent, the more refined the result."

Kael leaned forward, intrigued. "Where do we start?"

Nyssa plucked a small wildflower from the ground and held it between her fingers. "Start with this. Simple, yet intricate. Study it. Feel its essence. Then recreate it."

Kael took the flower, turning it over in his hand. Its petals were a soft lavender, delicate and symmetrical, with a faint, sweet fragrance. Closing his eyes, he focused on the memory of the flower—the texture of the stem, the pattern of the petals, the gentle curve of its leaves. He reached out to the Veil, drawing its threads toward him. Slowly, he opened his palm.

A faint glow emanated from his hand, and a new flower began to form. It took shape petal by petal, its color deepening to match the original. When it was complete, Kael held it up beside the first flower.

Nyssa inspected it, nodding approvingly. "Not bad for a first attempt. The petals are slightly uneven, but the essence is there. You're learning to translate thought into form."

Kael grinned, a flicker of pride lighting his features. "What's next?"

Nyssa chuckled. "Patience. Creation magic isn't just about objects—it's about purpose. Try creating something practical. Something you desire."

Kael sat back, his mind racing. His thoughts wandered to simpler times, to lazy afternoons spent fishing by the river with a flask of his favorite juice by his side. The memory was vivid—how the juice tasted, sweet and tangy, cooling him on hot summer days.

He extended his hand, concentrating. The threads of the Veil flowed into his palm, forming a liquid that shimmered like molten gold before settling into a transparent flask. Inside was a deep orange juice, its surface rippling slightly.

He raised the flask to his lips and took a sip. The flavor was perfect—exactly as he remembered. Nyssa raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You've recreated a memory. That's a significant step."

Kael's smile faded slightly as another thought took hold. The battle with the hounds had shown him how vulnerable he was. What if he could enhance himself, make his body stronger? Could creation magic achieve that?

He stared at the flask in his hand, his mind racing with possibilities. Slowly, he began to weave the threads of the Veil again, altering the juice's composition. He envisioned strength—muscles that could endure the strain of battle, reflexes sharp enough to match any foe. The liquid inside the flask shimmered, taking on a faint, golden hue.

Nyssa's expression grew serious. "What are you doing?"

Kael hesitated, then explained his thought process. "I was thinking... if I were physically stronger, I could hold my own better in a fight. Maybe even take on those hounds with my bare hands."

Nyssa frowned but didn't stop him. "Be careful. Enhancing the body through magic is delicate. The balance must be perfect, or it could backfire."

Kael nodded, his focus unwavering. He lifted the flask to his lips and drank deeply. A warm sensation spread through his body, starting in his chest and radiating outward. His muscles tensed, then relaxed, a newfound strength coursing through them. He flexed his fingers, feeling the difference immediately.

"I feel... stronger," he said, his voice tinged with awe. He stood, testing his balance, and threw a few experimental punches into the air. His movements were quicker, more precise.

Nyssa stood as well, her gaze sharp. "Let's see how much stronger."

She raised her hand, and a boulder nearby rose into the air, hovering a few feet off the ground. With a flick of her wrist, she sent it hurtling toward Kael. Instinctively, he lunged forward, meeting the boulder with a punch. His fist collided with the rock, shattering it into smaller pieces that scattered across the ground.

Kael stared at his hand, astonished. "That... was incredible."

Nyssa crossed her arms, her expression a mix of approval and caution. "Impressive, but don't let it go to your head. Strength alone won't win battles. Control and strategy are just as important."

Kael nodded, still marveling at the sensation. "I get it. But it's good to know what I'm capable of."

Nyssa gestured for him to sit again. "Now that you've experienced creation magic's potential, it's time to refine it further. Strength isn't just about raw power—it's about endurance, precision, and adaptability. Let's explore how you can enhance yourself in other ways."

For the next few hours, Kael practiced creating various items and substances. He conjured more flowers, experimenting with colors and fragrances. He created simple tools—knives, ropes, and even a crude fishing rod. Nyssa guided him, pushing him to think beyond utility and consider the essence of what he created.

"Creation magic isn't just about summoning objects," she explained. "It's about imbuing them with purpose. A blade isn't just a weapon—it's a tool for survival, a symbol of defense. The more meaning you pour into your creations, the more powerful they become."

Kael absorbed her words, his understanding of creation magic deepening. He crafted a small shield, focusing on its purpose as a protector. When he tested it against one of Nyssa's firebolts, the shield held firm, glowing faintly with the energy he had infused into it.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky with hues of orange and purple, Kael felt a sense of accomplishment. He had tapped into a side of magic he hadn't fully understood before, and it exhilarated him.

Nyssa stood, brushing grass from her robes. "You've made good progress today. But remember, creation magic is as much about restraint as it is about power. Don't let your imagination run unchecked—it could lead to unintended consequences."

Kael nodded, her words resonating with him. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Nyssa. For everything."

She gave him a rare smile, a glimmer of pride in her eyes. "You've got potential, Kael. Don't waste it."

As they made their way back to the village, Kael couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose. He wasn't just a novice mage fumbling with fire anymore—he was a creator, a shaper of reality. And with Nyssa's guidance, he was beginning to understand what that truly meant.