Chapter 8: Echoes of Power

The forest grew darker as Alexander followed Kaelith through the dense underbrush, the faint light of the fading day barely piercing the thick canopy above. Each step felt heavier, the weight of his exhaustion mingling with the lingering heat from the Emberfang's Essence. Despite the healing effect of the orb he had absorbed, his body ached, and his mind swirled with questions.

"What was that thing?" Alexander asked, breaking the silence.

Kaelith glanced over her shoulder, her expression calm yet unreadable. "An Emberfang. Mid-tier among orange Essence beasts. Their cores burn bright but are volatile. Had you failed to strike where you did, it would've exploded, and you'd be ash."

"Exploded?" Alexander's eyes widened, his grip on the makeshift weapon tightening instinctively. "That would've been nice to know earlier."

Kaelith shrugged, her spear resting casually against her shoulder. "And ruin the lesson? No. You're not here to be coddled. You're here to survive, to grow. Consider it a test—one you passed."

He gritted his teeth but let the conversation drop. The fiery orb still resonated faintly within him, its energy swirling alongside the amber Essence from before. He could feel the difference—the Emberfang's power was more volatile, harder to control.

Kaelith stopped suddenly, raising her hand to signal silence. Alexander froze, his senses sharpening as he scanned the surroundings. The forest was eerily quiet, the usual rustling of leaves and distant chirps replaced by a heavy stillness.

"Something's watching us," Kaelith murmured, her golden eyes narrowing as she scanned the shadows.

Alexander swallowed hard, gripping his weapon. "Another beast?"

Kaelith didn't answer immediately. Instead, she crouched low, her spear poised. "No. Beasts don't linger like this. This feels... deliberate."

The silence stretched, the tension thick in the air. Then, a low, almost imperceptible chuckle echoed through the trees, sending a chill down Alexander's spine.

"Well, well. Isn't this a surprise?"

The voice was smooth and mocking, its source obscured. Alexander turned toward the sound, his eyes darting through the shadows.

From the darkness, a figure emerged. Clad in dark leather armor that seemed to blend with the forest, the man carried an air of confidence, his sharp features illuminated by the faint glow of the two Essence orbs floating beside him—one green, one orange.

Kaelith straightened, her posture tense but composed. "Who are you?"

The man smirked, his eyes flicking between Kaelith and Alexander. "Just a traveler... like yourselves. Though I must say, I wasn't expecting to find someone like him in these woods."

Alexander felt the man's gaze settle on him, and it made his skin crawl. "What do you want?" he demanded, trying to keep his voice steady.

The man chuckled again, his expression almost pitying. "Straight to the point. I like that. But you're asking the wrong question, boy. It's not about what I want. It's about what you have."

Before Alexander could respond, the man raised his hand, and the orange orb beside him flared. A burst of fire shot toward them, the heat searing the air.

"Move!" Kaelith shouted, pushing Alexander aside as the flames scorched the ground where they had been standing.

The man laughed, his voice dripping with amusement. "Let's see how much that little spark of yours is worth."

Kaelith didn't hesitate, charging at the man with her spear. He dodged with fluid ease, the green orb beside him glowing faintly as vines erupted from the ground, snaking toward her.

Alexander scrambled to his feet, his heart pounding. He couldn't just stand by. Clutching his weapon, he darted toward the man, aiming for his blind spot.

But the man was faster than he anticipated. With a wave of his hand, the orange orb unleashed another wave of fire, forcing Alexander to retreat.

"You're bold, I'll give you that," the man said, his smirk never wavering. "But you're out of your depth."

Kaelith landed a blow, her spear grazing his shoulder. The man hissed in pain, his smirk faltering for the first time.

"Persistent, aren't we?" he growled, his tone darkening.

Kaelith spun her spear, her movements precise and deadly. "If you think we're easy prey, you've made a mistake."

Alexander took advantage of the distraction, circling around to flank the man. His gaze flicked to the orbs hovering beside him, their glow pulsing with each attack. If he could disrupt them...

He grabbed a rock from the ground, hurling it at the green orb. The impact wasn't enough to destroy it, but the orb flickered, the vines faltering.

Kaelith seized the opportunity, her spear striking toward the man's chest. He barely dodged, his expression now one of frustration.

"You're starting to annoy me," he snarled, the orange orb flaring brighter.

Alexander felt the heat intensify, his instincts screaming at him to move. He dove to the side as a torrent of flames erupted, scorching the ground and sending debris flying.

Kaelith managed to avoid the blast, but the force of it pushed her back. She glared at the man, her golden eyes blazing. "You're strong, but you're not invincible."

The man sneered, blood dripping from the cut on his shoulder. "Neither are you."

Before he could attack again, a distant roar echoed through the forest. The sound was deep and resonant, shaking the ground beneath them.

The man froze, his eyes narrowing. "That's my cue," he muttered, his gaze flicking to Alexander one last time. "Enjoy your little victories while you can, boy. Next time, you won't be so lucky."

With a flick of his wrist, the orbs dimmed, and the man vanished into the shadows, leaving Kaelith and Alexander alone in the clearing.

Alexander collapsed to his knees, his body trembling from the adrenaline. "Who... was that?"

Kaelith didn't answer immediately. Her grip on her spear tightened, her expression grim. "Someone dangerous. And someone we'll see again."

The distant roar echoed once more, and Kaelith's gaze turned toward the source. "But for now, we have bigger problems."

Alexander followed her gaze, his stomach sinking. Whatever was coming, it was big—and it was heading straight for them.