Martin fixed his sharp gaze on Rayan."Boy," he said, voice low and steady, "show me your dark aura."
Rayan closed his eyes and drew a long, steady breath. Silence fell. Then, the shadows around him began to stir. Wisps of dark energy rose like curling smoke, dancing along his skin in ghostly patterns, as if the air itself responded to the force pulsing within him.
Martin watched closely, his eyes narrowing as he studied the aura. "Level twenty-one," he murmured, almost to himself. "Impressive. How did you ascend so quickly?"
Rayan opened his eyes, blinking as if waking from a dream. There was confusion in his voice. "I… I think the king gave me power, more than I realized. It's like something inside me has been growing on its own."
Martin's expression turned thoughtful. Then he shifted his gaze to Malrick."And you. Let me see your aura."
Without hesitation, Malrick raised his hand and summoned his power. The darkness appeared slower, more controlled. It was less wild than Rayan's, yet steady and unmistakably powerful. A calm, black flame formed around him, flickering with silent intensity.
Martin gave a small nod, though a flicker of curiosity passed through his eyes. "Level fifteen. Just as I suspected." He looked at them both. "I think I understand now. Rayan, you possess the Integrated Side. Three elements are fused within you, and darkness is only one part of that union. Malrick, you hold only the Dark Side, which is why his power has already surpassed yours."
Malrick let his aura fade and nodded slowly. "That explains a lot. I always felt something different about his energy."
Martin clapped his hands once, sharply. "Good. Then it's time to begin your training."
He turned and reached for an apple from a nearby tree, plucking it with ease. He held it up, letting the sunlight catch its red skin.
"Watch closely," he said.
With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the apple high into the air. It spun upward, slicing through the warm breeze. At that exact moment, Martin vanished.
The apple reached its peak, hovered for an instant, and began its descent. Before it could hit the ground, it disappeared as well.
Rayan and Malrick spun around in alarm, scanning the clearing with wide eyes.
Then came a soft crunch behind them.
They turned to see Martin standing calmly, chewing the apple with casual satisfaction, its flesh glistening in the light.
"Today," he said, "you will learn how to disappear."
His expression grew serious. "Lestin, both of you. I want you to feel your dark aura, but keep it hidden. Do not show it to me. Let it build inside."
Rayan furrowed his brow. "And after that?"
Martin stepped closer. "Imagine your darkness being released into the world. But instead of the world seeing it, picture only yourself glowing in its place. The darkness conceals you, while your awareness remains bright."
The boys nodded and closed their eyes. Their breathing deepened. They drew inwards, letting the dark energy well up within, but kept it sealed inside. And then, suddenly, they vanished.
For just over a second, the clearing stood completely still.
Then they reappeared, both gasping as though they had surfaced from beneath water.
Martin tilted his head slightly. "One and a half seconds. Not bad, but too short. If you train your dark side, you'll be able to remain hidden for much longer."
Rayan looked at his hands with wonder. "It felt so natural, like I've always known how to do it."
Malrick nodded. "It's the easiest technique we've tried so far."
Martin gave a faint smile. "As it should be. Disappearing is not about force. It's about control, about trust in your own darkness. With time, it will become second nature."
He paused for a moment, then added, "Now, boys, there is a village not far from here. It is peaceful, and the people there may help you. Especially you, Rayan. Within that village, you may find a weapon suited to your power."
Both of them straightened with interest. Rayan stepped forward. "What's the village called, and where is it?"
Martin looked toward the northern horizon. His voice lowered slightly. "It is called Ironspire. A quiet village in the hills, and the path to it is safe."
He turned back to them. "Go there. Learn what you can. Arm yourselves. There will come a time when knowledge and steel will matter more than raw strength."
A breeze stirred the grass beneath their feet, carrying with it the scent of distant fires and old roads. The journey ahead waited in silence.