Chronicle of Forgotten Legends. Good and evil. Akop Nagabedyan

smiled, but his smile was something unnatural. He realized that his path was drastically different from theirs. He was safe, but all these abilities put him on the borderline-between the world of ordinary people and the world where dangerous forces dwell.

      – Don’t worry, I’ll be visiting soon,» he tried to reassure them, but his heart continued to whimper. Could their ordinary lives be what he wanted? Would he always be a white crow among his own? These thoughts never left him, and soon Edward found himself in his hiding place, surrounded by the silence of the forest.

      Alone, he began to meditate, hoping to find the answers within himself. He closed his eyes and began to focus on his feelings. Edward realized that his fears were not only related to dark magic, but also to his own expectations. He wasn’t just a mage, he was a carrier of hope for others, and that created a heavy burden. He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to live up to it.

      «What if I lose control? What if I hurt the ones I love?» – he asked himself, soon feeling new tears navigating down his cheeks. Edward felt the pressure on his chest intensify. These doubts were like a herbarium of tattered memories of old fears.

      The next morning when Edward came to class, he couldn’t hide his state of mind. Loren noticed that his student’s eyes weren’t shining as they usually did, and his steps were tentative.

      – Edward, what’s wrong with you? You seem somehow… lost,» he asked, looking with concern.

      Edward hesitated, but then made up his mind. He talked about his fears and doubts, about how he felt out of place and how his abilities might do more harm than good.

      Loren listened for a moment, and then with a slight smile he said: – You see, Edward, every great mage faces doubt. It is inherent in our path. Magic is a powerful force, and its nature is one of shadows and light. Your doubts are part of your growth. They make you stronger and make you think about your intentions.

      – But how can I be sure that I can control my powers, that I won’t hurt anyone close to me? – Edward asked, genuinely lost in his fears.

      – Power is not only what we can do, but also what we can be responsible for. You have to be careful of your intentions, mindful of the people you love, and realize that you have to use magic for good. With each new spell, with each step forward, you learn not only to master magic, but to know yourself. Believe in yourself, Edward. You are capable of more than you think.

      Edward thought about it, and Loren’s sincere words filled him with hope. Maybe, despite his inner turmoil, he could still grow and fight the dark forces that threatened his loved ones. He wasn’t alone in his doubts. They were his shadows, and he could conquer them.

      With that thought, Edward felt his confusion begin to subside. He knew that the road to self-discovery and acceptance would be difficult, but he was willing to go along. He had a renewed desire to explore his power and wanted to understand how he could use it to make the world a better place.

      Edward, full of new understanding, went back to class.

      Chapter 11:

      After discussing his doubts with Lauren, Edward felt a new hope ignite in his heart. However, that hope soon collided with a harsh reality. Strange events began to happen in the village, and the peaceful atmosphere he wanted so much to preserve was threatened.

      Rumors of mysterious disappearances and nightly visits from dark creatures began to spread through the village. Edward and Lauren were worried. They realized that it was probably related to Edward’s recent urge to awaken his magic. The dark forces that had been banished could return, and the purpose of their revenge remained unclear.

      – We have to find out what’s going on,» Loren said, gathering his things. – I sense a dark presence in the woods. It’s probably the creatures we encountered earlier.

      Edward nodded, but his heart was racing with anxiety. He had inherited the responsibility of protecting not only his friends, but the entire village. Their journey into the forest was full of anticipation, but in the back of his mind, Edward sensed that real danger awaited them.

      As they entered the forest, the chirping of the birds faded away, and the silence fell. Only the crackling of twigs underfoot and the sound of their footsteps broke the oppressive gloom. Edward could feel his magic becoming agitated, as if it were a harbinger of an approaching storm.

      – Look,» Loren said quietly, pointing to the trees ahead. The pile of darkness was thickening, and the energy exuded a sense of unease. They drew closer, and Edward saw sparse, dim figures moving in the shadows.

      – It’s them,» Edward whispered, his heart racing with fear. Now that he was looking at those dark silhouettes, his powerful magic no longer seemed so sure. The creature that stepped into the light resembled himself, only morally decayed: with burning red eyes, a crooked mouth, and a dark aura emanating from it.

      The dark creatures they had defeated earlier now looked even more menacing. Lauren and Edward realized that they had probably returned to avenge their previous victory.

      – We have to be alert,» Loren said, preparing a spell. – If they’re coming for you, you need to be ready. We’ve been through this before, and we can defeat them again.

      The creatures began to approach, and the darkness thickened around them. Edward, feeling the fear coursing through his body, turned his attention to his powers. It was necessary to remember everything he had been taught. He focused on the warmth his magic radiated, picturing in his mind the protective barrier they had once created together.

      – Defense! – He shouted, and light erupted around them, forming a powerful shield. The dark creatures stopped for a moment, howls and demonstrations of fear crossing their eyes.

      But a little while later, they began to attack, as if sensing Edward’s weakness. Loren beside him also released his light, and their powers began to combine, creating a powerful wave of energy that exploded towards his enemies, but with each blow he felt his magic weakening.

      – I’m not sure I can contain this! – he shouted, noticing that his thoughts were beginning to fill with fear and uncertainty again.

      – Don’t think about it, Edward! Use your fear to turn it into strength! You’re not alone,» Loren shouted, encouraging him. They fought shoulder to shoulder, and with each new attack, Edward felt his magic begin to work to its limit.

      The shadow was coming at them with even greater fury, a force that demanded his full attention. In an instant, Edward remembered his conversation with Loren about intention and the importance of creating light in his soul even in the darkest of times. He closed his eyes, focused on his feelings-his friends, his village.

      – To my friends! To those I love! – he shouted, and his magic burst forth with renewed power. It wasn’t just light; it was a flash of his love and desire to protect. Energy sparked from his hands and caught up with his enemies with devouring force.