Sealed Destinies

As Greg (Ston) and Noa faced the salamander, the ground began to shake beneath their feet. Noa knew something big was approaching...

"Ston, move! I'll handle her, you cover me, understood?"

"Earth that dwells in the depths of this world, assist me in battle, stone spear!"

Instantly, a sharp stone spear emerged from the ground, spinning with impressive speed... and in one swift motion, it was hurled straight at the beast's neck.

"Watch out, Ston, it's going to fall on you!"

The huge salamander collapsed onto Greg (Ston), intending to crush him. But there was no time. Greg was about to be flattened...

Whoosh!

With an acrobatic leap, Noa appeared out of nowhere, wielding his sword with skill. A single, clean and precise cut separated the beast's head from its body. The salamander fell lifeless, just in time to save Greg, who watched in awe at his companion's skill, remembering his father, Aron...

"That was close, you did well, kid."

"Wow, Noa, you're amazing!"

"Haha, how can you say that, kid? You did well too. That spell you cast, what kind of magic was it?"

"Level?"

"Forget it, I'll explain later. For now, help me carry the head to the village."

They both took the salamander's head and headed toward the village, but before they could reach it, a bounty hunter approached, eyeing the decapitated head with gleaming eyes.

"Hello, warriors! I'm Abby, the bounty hunter. Where did you get that impressive salamander head?"

Abby was a slender woman with purple hair, wearing durable armor and holding a sword with a red hue, made of a mysterious, durable material. Her eyes, one purple and the other orange, reflected an unsettling calmness.

"Hello, miss! We got it from the same salamander. My friend decapitated it with a single strike. I'm Greg (Ston), and this is Noa," Greg (Ston) said with a smile, trying to stay calm.

"A pleasure, Ston and Noa. So, how do you think we should arrange the reward?"

"Hmm... How much are you offering for the salamander? I'd say I take 80% of whatever you offer," Noa replied, staring at Abby, looking for a deal.

Greg (Ston) thought Noa was a bit bold, but what caught his attention was that Abby was truly beautiful, which made him feel a bit nervous.

"I see... how about 60%?"

"Mmmm... that's fine..." Greg hesitated but eventually accepted the deal.

"Are you sure it's fair, Ston?" Noa asked.

"Yes, of course! I know what I'm doing," Greg said confidently.

"Alright, accepted. But I don't have the money with me. I'll have to go to the Kingdom of Leynum. Can you wait here while I get the reward?"

"Sure, we can wait."

"And can I accompany you, miss?" Greg asked, a little bolder now.

"If you'd prefer, I don't mind. It will be a long journey, but it will be worth it," Abby replied, looking at Ston with a calm smile.

"Alright, we'll meet at the tavern at dawn. Get everything ready, and we'll leave early."

"Understood!" Ston said eagerly.

That night, Greg was preparing for the journey, and while he was with Noa, the young mage couldn't stop thinking about the sword he desired, but he also felt the need to train and improve. Suddenly, Noa interrupted him.

"How about we train a little more, Ston? I liked your fighting style. Let's see if you can keep up with me."

"Sure, Noa! Where are we fighting?"

"Don't worry, come with me."

Noa led Greg to a nearby river, where there was enough space to train without disturbing the villagers.

"Let's see how fast you are," Noa said with a challenging smile.

Greg (Ston) nodded, determined to show everything he had learned. Noa was the first to attack, launching a series of rapid strikes. Greg, in turn, responded with earth spells, but Noa, with impressive agility, easily dodged them.

"Come on, Ston, you have to be faster!"

"Are you sure?" Greg replied, feeling the challenge in his words.

"Yes! Show me what you've got!"

With determination, Greg recited a fire spell, the same one he had used before. However, now something had changed. He remembered what his teacher, Winston, had taught him. Suddenly, the spell was different—more precise, more controlled. A fire disc shot toward Noa, who prepared to dodge it.

"Impressive!" Noa watched the fire disc spin at high speed toward him, but with absolute calm, he sidestepped with a swift movement, letting the spell pass by without touching him.

"Is that all, Ston? It wasn't hard to dodge, but still, good try!"

Greg (Ston) was wide-eyed, unable to believe that Noa had dodged his spell so easily.

"That's because you still can't cast spells fast enough. You have a lot to learn, but with practice, you'll get there."

"I'll try faster next time!" Greg said with determination, not giving up.

"I like that, kid. Now, go rest. Tomorrow, a long journey awaits."

"Yes, Noa! Thanks!"

"And, Greg..."

"Yes?"

"Study magic theory, and don't forget to tell Abby your real name when you meet her. She's a trustworthy person."

"I will. Thanks for everything, Noa."

The next day, Greg arrived at the spot where Abby had asked him to meet, ready for the journey. He carried a backpack with some food and medicines that he had packed since leaving his house. He also had a blanket rolled over his shoulder.

"Hey, Ston, ready?"

"Hey, Abby, I'm not Ston. That was an alias. My real name is Gregory, but they call me Greg."

"Oh, I see. Well, I'm Abbyris, but they call me Abby. Now we're even," she replied with a smile.

"Hehe, I guess that's true," Greg said, realizing that it no longer bothered him to reveal his real name. He realized he enjoyed Abby's company, with whom he had quickly bonded.

"Hey, Greg, tell me… don't you have a wand to use your magic?"

"Not right now, but I'd like to have one. My teacher had a staff, and he told me he could help me get a wand. So, at some point, I plan to buy one."

"Alright, Greg. When we get to the kingdom, I'll buy you one. What do you think?"

"Really, Miss Abby? I'm looking forward to getting to the Kingdom of Leynum!"

"Hey, Greg, what's in that bag?"

"Oh, the salamander's head. Noa told me you did all the work, Greg."

"A-a-a, it's not a big deal," Greg replied, a little embarrassed.

"What do you say we talk about the fight? We have plenty of time to share stories."

"Yeah, that would be nice. Actually, I also want to know a little more about you, Miss Abby," Greg said, blushing slightly.

"Well, the journey will take about seven days, but my good friend will get us there as fast as possible."

"Your friend?"

At that moment, Abby pointed to her side, where a majestic white horse with black spots stood, covered in shining silver armor.

"Oh, I see. Wow, what a beautiful horse! And that armor is fascinating. Does it have a name?"

"His name is Tersi."

"Alright, Greg, get on. Let's go."

"Yes," Greg responded eagerly.

And so, Greg began his journey with Abby, riding her horse Tersi. His mission was to reach the Kingdom of Leynum, sell the salamander's head... and of course, continue practicing and perfecting his magic.