Chapter 73 The First Step in a New Life!
After their encounter in Blackscale Grove, Alera followed Pyris through the twisted paths, away from the Grove's dark influence. She followed quietly, her steps slow and tentative, still shaken from the betrayal and the battle that had almost cost her life.
As they walked Pyris couldn't take it anymore; he asked why she was following him only for her to express her wish to stay with him, she had no home and going back to the guild would only cause trouble, how will she explain the sudden disappearance of her party member?
After a long discussion for another five minutes he let her be, he would take care of her, train her, give her everything she needed to grow.
She had potential!
Pyris didn't say much as they walked. He didn't need to. His decision had already been made, and he wasn't the kind to explain himself.
As they reached the outskirts of the Grove, a sleek black vehicle awaited them—a sport car that Pyris had called for once they were clear of the danger. Alera stared at it, wide-eyed.
She had never seen anything so luxurious before. To someone like her, raised in the slums and abandoned by her so-called allies, the concept of such wealth seemed almost alien.
"Get in," Pyris said, opening the door for her. She hesitated for a moment but finally stepped inside, her eyes still wide as she took in the polished interior.
"You're taking me back?" she asked quietly, unsure it was actually happening.
Pyris shook his head her surprise, taking his seat across from her. "I'm taking you to my home. You need rest, food, and… training. You're not going back to that life."
Alera blinked at him, confused. "But… why? Why help me?"
Pyris studied her for a moment, his eyes unreadable behind the mask. "Because you asked me to and...
I see something in you, something dangerous but worth saving. You have a gift, Alera, and you don't even know how to use it. Left unchecked, it'll destroy you. But under my banner, you could become something more." He paused before adding, "That's why."
Alera looked down, unsure of what to say. No one had ever said something like that to her. No one had ever believed in her. It felt strange, but for the first time in years, she felt a flicker of hope.
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The ride back to Pyris's estate was silent, but when they arrived, Alera's eyes widened once again. The sprawling mansion Pyris stood before her, an architectural marvel of glass, stone, and steel. It was one of the grandest estates in the city, befitting the heir to the powerful Obsidian family.
"This… is your home?" Alera asked, barely able to comprehend the wealth and luxury that surrounded her.
Pyris gave a small nod as they stepped out of the car letting Song go his own ways, he deactivated the mask. "It is. I'm Pyris Obsidian, heir to House Obsidian and CEO of Obsidian Tech." He glanced at her as they walked toward the entrance. "Welcome to a new life."
Alera followed in stunned silence as they entered the mansion. The hallways were vast, lined with priceless artwork and technology she could barely understand. The staff moved quietly, offering respectful bows to Pyris as they passed, but he waved them away, his focus solely on Alera.
"You'll be staying here for now," Pyris said as they reached a large, beautifully furnished room. "But that's not why I brought you here. Starting tomorrow, your training begins. I'm going to teach you to control your magic and master the shadows that haunt you."
Alera nodded, though her mind still reeled. Everything felt so unreal. She had gone from being a forgotten girl in the slums to standing in a mansion belonging to one of the wealthiest families in the empire. It was overwhelming, but if Pyris believed in her, maybe she could believe in herself too.
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Experience tales with empire
The next morning, Alera woke early to the sound of soft knocking on her door. A staff member entered quietly, leaving clothes for her to change into—simple but practical training gear. Alera dressed quickly, her body still aching from the battle in the Grove, but she knew there was no time to waste.
When she stepped outside, Pyris was already waiting for her in the mansion's private training grounds—a sprawling courtyard surrounded by tall stone walls for privacy. His sword was sheathed at his back, and he stood with his arms crossed, watching her approach.
"You slept well, I assume?" Pyris asked, his tone even.
Alera nodded, her heart pounding. "Yes. Better than I have ever in my time."
Pyris motioned for her to step forward. "Good. You'll need to be well-rested. Today, I want to see what you can do with those shadows of yours. We'll begin with sparring, then work on control." He unsheathed his sword, the dark steel gleaming in the morning light. "Defend yourself."
Alera's eyes widened. "Wait… we're fighting now? But—"
"You have power, Alera," Pyris interrupted, his voice firm but not unkind. "But power without control is nothing. You'll learn faster by doing. Now, summon your shadows."
She hesitated, fear flickering in her dark eyes. The shadows always frightened her. They were wild, unpredictable. But under Pyris's gaze, she couldn't back down. With a deep breath, Alera closed her eyes and summoned the darkness that lived inside her, the Living Shadows!
The shadows rippled around her feet, rising like smoke, forming tendrils that moved of their own accord.
"Good. Now use them," Pyris commanded, his sword ready.
Alera focused, trying to direct the shadows toward him. But as always, they moved erratically, lashing out without precision. Pyris dodged easily, his movements fluid as he sidestepped their attacks.
"You're letting them control you," he said, his voice calm despite the flurry of shadowy strikes. "You must assert your will over them. They are an extension of you."
Alera clenched her fists, frustration bubbling up. The shadows responded to her emotions, growing wilder, more chaotic. Pyris moved in, slashing through the tendrils with his sword. Alera stumbled back, struggling to keep her footing as the shadows surged around her.
"Enough," Pyris said suddenly, lowering his sword. Alera fell to her knees, panting, the shadows dissipating. Pyris walked over, his expression thoughtful. "You have strength, but no control. We'll need to break through that fear." He knelt beside her, his tone softening. "I know what it's like to be afraid of your own power, but the only way to master it is to face that fear."
Alera looked up at him, her face pale but determined. "I'll try again. I… won't give up."
Pyris nodded, standing. "Good. Again. This time, focus."
*****
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