Hurt.

Like, a missile Azhriel tore through the forest with a neck-breaking speed. The air whipped past him, almost stinging his skin. Proof of how fast he was moving.

"Fuck, is this what we call instant regret" he muttered, his mind racing, thinking on how to keep his bones intact, from the upcoming landing or rather crashing.

As he moved through the cutting branches and leaves, a big cave came appeared in front. It's inside glowing slightly. Seeing the cave, he understood Solas previous words, though now that wasn't important for now.

Multiple thoughts, past by however he couldn't find the way to save himself from the crash. His body is strong he understood that much, after sensing the seal's power.

But that doesn't mean it's at it full power. After all, his power had just been unsealed. Plus, let's not forget his embarassing attempt to attack an Archon while being in that state.

However, just as he was mere twenty meters from slamming into the cave wall, an idea struck him—quite an absurd one at that, but it was the only option he had right now. Thus, with nothing else coming to mind, he gambled.

Soon closing his eyes, he focused.

Bam! Crash!

A deafening impact echoed through the cave as Azhriel struck the wall with full force, the entire cavern trembled from the sheer power of the collision. A moment later, his body fell back, landing with a much softer thud on the ground.

For a brief second, he simply lay there, blinking up at the cave ceiling, his body screaming in protest. Then, despite the pain shooting through every inch of him, a small smile spread across his face.

'Yes! I did it.' he cheered inwardly—though, immediately after that, a pained groan escape his mouth. "Ahh… it really hurts, though."

Yet, even through the lingering pain, Azhriel couldn't help but feel a spark of pride. What he had just done now—while reckless—was nothing short of astonishing.

Apparently, he wasn't the only one who thought so.

From the shadows of the tress, Solas watched him, his usually carefree expression breaking for the first time, as his eyes widened in disbelief.

Though what Azhriel had just accomplished was, at its core, simple mana manipulation. But the truly incredible part in it, was that he had instinctively mimicked the exact way mana moved through Solas' body—despite having never been taught, or never even attempting it before. Just from observing it once.

On his first try.

"This guy…" Solas started, but the words died on his tongue. A slow, almost feral grin stretched across his face as a tremor of excitement ran through him.

A genius.

A truly gifted prodigy.

The mere thought of teaching someone like Azhriel sent a thrill through him. Somehow, it felt like teaching his first disciple is going to be real fun.

Thump! Tremble!

As Azhriel lay, the ground beneath him trembled, as something heavy moved towards him. Turning his face, towards the entrance of the cave, he watched as a large shadow charged towards him nimbly.

A sense of foreboding came over him, as his instincts screamed at him to move.

To move and run.

And run he did, he rolled towards his right, and stood up wincing from the pain, however his focus never wavered from the beast coming towards him.

Then, without warning, the ground where Azhriel had been lying moments ago collapsed inwardly.

Boom.

A deep crater formed in the exact spot, as dust and debris erupted into the air. Azhriel stared at the crater, a chill running down his spine.

Had he not moved from that spot, he wouldn't be any different from a crushed corpse, buried within the earth.

Azhriel swallowed hard, his gaze on the crater. The sheer force of the impact had been enough to shatter the ground—and that obviously, is the beast's doing, as perhaps it used a skill.

Solas chuckled, his voice carrying effortlessly through the air as he hovered above Azhriel, arms crossed, watching the scene unfold with clear amusement.

His presence was almost regal—like a king sitting on his throne, sipping wine, as he watched gladiators tear each other apart in the arena.

"Well, at least you've got good reflexes and instincts, pretty boy."

Azhriel's brow twitched at the nickname, irritation flickering across his face. But he knew, now wasn't the time to argue. Swallowing his retort, he focused on the beast, that came out from the shadows of the cave.

Roar!

A loud, guttural roar tore through the cavern as a hulking beast emerged from the shadows.

It was a giant bear, its massive frame covered in thick, shadowy black fur that seemed to writhe like living smoke. Its eyes glowed a deep crimson, burning with primal fury.

Muscles rippled beneath its dark hide, every step sending tremors through the ground. Massive, jagged claws, each as long as a dagger, scraped against the stone, leaving deep gouges in the ground.

Its canines, sharp and glistening, jutted from its maw, capable of crushing bone with a single bite. Scars littered its massive frame, a testament to countless battles he must have fought—and won.

As it exhaled, a thick mist curled from its nostrils. It's eyes locking on Azhriel. Then without warning, the bear slashed it's hand towards Azhriel.

Out of thin air, a dark black claw materialized and move towards him at frightening speed. Azhriel breath hitched, his eyes widening at the speed of the razor sharp claw that moved towards him, creating a whistling sound.

He sidestepped, barely avoiding the beast's massive claw as it sliced through the air, severing a few strands of his hair. But before he could even catch his breath, his instincts flared—louder, sharper, more urgent than ever before.

His gaze snapped to the right.

A massive, clawed hand was already descending upon him.

Even from inches away, he could feel the sheer force behind it, a crushing pressure that sent a cold chill down his spine.

"Fuc—"

BAM!

The blow connected before he could even finish cursing.

The impact ripped the air from his lungs, pain detonating through his ribs. His ears rang violently as his body became weightless for a fleeting second—before he crashed hard into a tree.

The trunk splintered on impact, bark exploding around him as he slumped to the ground. His head spun, the world tilting dangerously as pain flared from every inch of his body.

'Damn, that hurts like hell.'