Back at the academy, the storm had passed, leaving the grounds damp and misty. Aren and his friends hurried through the corridors, still tense from their battle with the corrupted wolf. Mira was waiting for them in one of the training halls, pacing with a concerned look.
As soon as she saw them, she rushed over. "What happened out there? I sensed a surge of corrupted energy near the forest."
Aren glanced at his friends before stepping forward. "There was a corrupted wolf—a big one. It attacked us near one of the old seal stones. We barely managed to defeat it."
Mira's expression darkened. "A seal stone? Was it damaged?"
Lyra nodded. "It was unstable. Sharu managed to stabilize it, but the wolf was absorbing its power. It seemed… deliberate."
Mira bit her lip, deep in thought. "That shouldn't be possible. The ancient guardians protect the seals—corrupted beasts shouldn't be able to harness their energy."
Aric frowned. "Maybe someone's messing with them? I mean, this whole thing feels too organized to be natural."
Dorian crossed his arms, frustration evident on his face. "We've faced corrupted beasts before, but this one was on another level. If more show up, we'll need better strategies."
Mira nodded slowly. "You're right. We can't ignore this. I'll report it to the headmaster. In the meantime, you all did well protecting the seal. Aren, Sharu—especially you two. That resonance technique was remarkable."
Aren glanced at Sharu, who was resting contentedly in his arms. "It was teamwork. Sharu just… knew what to do."
Mira smiled softly. "Sharu's potential is still unfolding. His connection to those seals might not be a coincidence. You should all get some rest—you've earned it. I'll make sure the area is secured."
As they left the training hall, Dorian stretched his arms over his head. "Man, I could sleep for a week. That fight was brutal."
Aric chuckled. "Yeah, but it felt good to win, didn't it?"
Lyra remained quiet, her gaze thoughtful. "If someone is targeting the seals, we need to know why. If they break, the corruption could spread beyond the forest."
Liora looked worried. "It feels like we're caught in something much bigger than just academy challenges. Maybe we should look into the academy's archives—find out more about the seals and their guardians."
Aren nodded. "That's a good idea. Let's meet up tomorrow and see what we can find."
---
The next morning, Aren met up with his friends in the academy's library. Shelves of ancient texts and scrolls loomed over them as they sifted through records. Liora took charge, her meticulous nature guiding the search.
After an hour of digging, she held up a faded book. "Here—'Legends of the Primordial Guardians.' It talks about how the seals were established."
Aren leaned in, skimming the pages. "It says that each seal stone was blessed by a guardian beast, tied to the natural balance of the forest. If corrupted energy seeps into a seal, it weakens, and the guardian may either fall or become corrupted themselves."
Dorian scowled. "So if someone's corrupting the seals, they're also targeting the guardians? That's twisted."
Lyra traced a diagram in the book with her finger. "It mentions a purification ritual, but the details are faded. We might need an elder's help to decipher it."
Aric frowned. "But if Sharu could stabilize the seal, maybe he has some connection to the guardians? That light of his didn't just purify—it resonated with the stone."
Liora nodded. "We need to find out why. Aren, do you think Sharu could have a link to these ancient guardians?"
Aren glanced at his companion, who was playfully batting at a loose piece of parchment. "I don't know. Sharu's always been different, but I never thought it was connected to the forest itself."
Just then, a shadow fell over them. They looked up to see Professor Orwin, one of the academy's senior instructors. His sharp eyes flicked from the book to the group.
"Researching ancient seals, are we?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Aren nodded cautiously. "Yes, sir. We encountered a corrupted wolf near one, and we're trying to understand what happened."
Orwin nodded thoughtfully. "Wise. The seals are more than just stones—they are bound to the life of the forest. If one were to break, it could trigger a chain reaction, unraveling the protective barrier around the academy."
Aric paled. "You mean the corruption could spread into the academy itself?"
Orwin's expression remained serious. "Precisely. That is why the seals must remain intact. Long ago, guardians protected them, but as time passed, their presence became more legend than reality."
Aren couldn't help but ask, "Do you know how to purify a corrupted seal?"
Orwin stroked his beard. "It requires a beast with a pure heart—one untainted by darkness. In ancient texts, it's said that the 'Child of Light' could restore balance. It's unclear if that was a specific beast or a title bestowed upon one with the ability to cleanse."
Lyra glanced at Sharu. "That light during the battle—it looked like it came from Sharu. Could he be connected to that legend?"
Orwin's eyes widened slightly, but he quickly masked his surprise. "Perhaps. If so, you must be vigilant. Those seeking to break the seals might also be hunting for the one capable of restoring them."
A chill settled over the group. Aric broke the silence. "If that's true, then Aren and Sharu are in danger."
Dorian slammed his fist into his palm. "Let them come. We'll protect them."
Orwin placed a hand on Aren's shoulder. "Be cautious. Knowledge of Sharu's abilities must remain within trusted circles. If the wrong people find out…" He didn't finish, but the implication was clear.
Aren nodded firmly. "We'll be careful. But we're not just going to sit back—we'll find whoever's behind this and stop them."
Orwin gave a rare, approving smile. "Spoken like a true protector. Just remember—the balance of the forest is delicate. If Sharu truly has the power to restore it, you must guard that secret well."
As the professor left, Aren looked at his friends. Determination burned in their eyes. They weren't just protecting the academy anymore—they were safeguarding something far greater.
Liora squeezed Aren's hand briefly. "We'll figure it out. Together."
Aren managed a small smile. "Yeah. Together."
But as they planned their next steps, Aren couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. Somewhere in the shadows, a presence lingered, unseen but not unnoticed.
The shadows were stirring, and as secrets of the
past resurfaced, Aren knew they couldn't afford to let their guard down—not for a moment.