Unraveling the Tides

The sun barely peeked through the stormy skies above the secluded training grounds. The air was thick with the scent of wet earth, and the ground beneath Korir's feet was soft, muddy from the previous night's rain. His focus, however, remained unwavering. He had spent the last six months pushing the boundaries of his abilities — 42% mastery over Time Shift — but Shadow Extraction, the ability he once thought he had a natural affinity for, still remained elusive.

Korir stood in the center of a dilapidated arena surrounded by towering stone walls, his body glowing faintly with the remnants of his Time Shift. Sweat poured down his brow, but it wasn't from the physical exertion; it was the frustration of his inability to fully control Shadow Extraction.

"This isn't how it's supposed to be…" he muttered under his breath, clenching his fists. He had tried everything, from focusing on his emotions to meditating, but each attempt at Shadow Extraction felt like he was trying to force a river to change course. The current always refused to bend.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of footsteps — heavy, purposeful. He turned around just in time to see a figure stepping out from the shadows. It was Sefu.

"You're pushing yourself too hard, Korir," Sefu said, his voice calm but firm. He looked up at the stormy sky, as if weighing the elements against their mission. "That kind of frustration won't get you anywhere."

Korir let out a sigh and lowered his head. "But I can't stop now. I need to master both of them. Time Shift isn't enough on its own."

Sefu nodded. "True. But forcing it won't help either. Sometimes, the greatest challenge isn't in mastering the ability, but in understanding when it's time to step back."

Korir looked up at him. "What do you mean?"

Sefu stepped closer, his presence as commanding as ever. "Look at your mastery over Time Shift. You've pushed it to 42%, but that's still just a small fraction of its potential. The same applies to Shadow Extraction. You don't need to master everything in a short time, Korir. Work on controlling one thing at a time, and the rest will follow. Start with something manageable."

Korir thought about this for a moment. He'd been so focused on controlling both abilities simultaneously that he never stopped to ask if it was even the right approach.

Sefu continued, "It's like climbing a mountain. You don't rush to the summit — you take it step by step."

Korir clenched his fists. "I see… I'll focus on Time Shift. Maybe if I can get that to 100%, it'll unlock the door to Shadow Extraction."

Sefu smiled slightly, impressed by Korir's resolve. "Good. But don't underestimate your limits. Time Shift, when mastered, is a weapon in itself. You may not need to use both at the same time. A single ability can be more than enough if used right."

Before Korir could respond, a sudden gust of wind cut through the air, sending a chill through the arena. The sound of footsteps grew louder, and another figure emerged from the shadows. This time, it wasn't one of the usual trainees.

"Long time no see," a deep voice rumbled.

Korir turned, his body instinctively tensing, but then his eyes widened. It was Sefu's old comrade — Novick.

The man, tall and lean, with unassuming features, stood with a grin plastered on his face. His aura was dark, powerful — the kind of strength Korir only began to understand after months of training. Novick's ability to enhance his physical strength was formidable, and Korir had heard whispers of his legendary speed.

"Novick," Sefu said, with a slight nod. "I wasn't expecting you here."

Novick chuckled. "Well, you know how it goes. Duty calls. The Council sent me to keep an eye on Toma's progress. And I must say, Korir, your progress has been impressive."

Korir wasn't sure whether to be flattered or intimidated. Novick's words had a way of putting him on edge.

"What brings you here, Novick?" Sefu asked, his tone shifting slightly. There was always something about Novick that made him wary — he was more than just a powerhouse; he was a man who could see through others, dissect their intentions.

Novick raised an eyebrow. "The Council has plans, Sefu. Big plans. And you, Korir... you might want to reconsider your place in all of this."

Korir's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by that?"

A smile curled on Novick's lips. "Let's just say there's more at stake than you realize. You're not just a soldier, Korir. You're a pawn in a much larger game."

Sefu's expression darkened, sensing the danger in Novick's words. "Enough with the cryptic talk. If you're here to recruit, then make your intentions clear."

Novick took a step forward, his presence overwhelming the space around him. "You're right, Sefu. I'm here to offer Korir an opportunity. The Council has seen your potential, Korir. They want you for something bigger. Something far beyond Toma."

Korir felt a chill run down his spine. He had heard whispers of the Council's power, but to be personally approached by someone like Novick was a different matter entirely.

"Think about it," Novick continued, his voice low and enticing. "Toma isn't the only path. You could rise higher. The Council will recognize your true potential."

Korir stood there, torn. Sefu's words echoed in his mind: You don't need to rush. Step by step. But was this the right step? The offer was tempting, but was it the right choice?

Before Korir could respond, Sefu spoke, his voice unwavering.

"You know what you need to do, Korir. The decision is yours. But remember — the path you choose is the one that defines you."

Korir nodded slowly, his mind racing. The weight of the decision was too heavy to make in an instant. But one thing was clear: Toma, the Council, and everything in between — Korir was no longer just a pawn in someone else's game. He was becoming something greater.

With a final glance at Novick, Korir turned away, ready to face whatever lay ahead.