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Chapter 15: A Year Later

  The sun hung high above the forest canopy, casting dappled shadows on the ground. Lian stood at the edge of a vast clearing, his body poised and steady. Sweat glistened on his brow as he exhaled sharply, channeling mana through his core. The air around him shimmered with raw energy, a testament to the power he now commanded.

  A deep pulse echoed through the forest as the crystal embedded in his wrist glowed faintly. It had become a part of him, inseparable from his being. Over the past year, Lian had trained relentlessly, pushing himself beyond his limits. Every dawn was met with rigorous exercises to strengthen his body, and every night was spent mastering the intricacies of mana flow.

  The transformation was undeniable. His once frail frame had become lean and muscular, honed by countless hours of physical and magical training. Scars traced faint patterns on his arms and legs—marks of battles fought and lessons learned. His dark hair had grown longer, framing a face that now carried a resolute determination.

  Lian raised his hand, mana swirling around his fingertips. With a flick of his wrist, a surge of energy shot forward, splitting a massive boulder in two. The ground trembled as dust and debris filled the air.

  He lowered his arm, his chest rising and falling with steady breaths. The sight of the shattered boulder brought a sense of satisfaction, but it was tempered by the weight of memories.

  A year had passed since he had disappeared from Eldralis. A year without his parents, without Riven, without Serina. The ache of abandonment lingered in his heart, though he knew it wasn’t their fault. They had believed him lost, perhaps even dead.

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  "But I survived," he murmured to himself. "And I’ve become stronger."

  The dragon's words echoed in his mind.

  "True mastery requires patience."

  Lian had embraced that lesson, finding strength not just in his body but in his spirit. The connection to the mana crystal had deepened, revealing secrets about his potential and destiny. The crystal was ancient, imbued with knowledge and power that few could comprehend. Through it, Lian had glimpsed visions of a future where he stood as a beacon of hope—or a force of destruction.

  "I choose hope," he whispered, clenching his fist.

  Despite his progress, doubts still crept into his mind. Would his parents recognize him now? Would the villagers who had once doubted him see the strength he had gained? And what of Serina and Riven? Did they still think of him, or had his memory faded like the passing seasons?

  Lian shook off the thoughts. He couldn't afford to be weighed down by the past. The future awaited him, and it was time to prove that he was no longer the weak boy who had struggled to summon even a spark of magic.

  His path was clear: the kingdom's magic tournament. It was the perfect stage to show the world how far he had come. The tournament was renowned throughout the land, a gathering of the strongest mages and warriors. Victory would not only earn him recognition but also a chance to secure a future where he could protect those he loved.

  "I’ll make them proud," Lian vowed. "I’ll make myself proud."

  As he prepared to leave the forest, the dragon's presence flickered in his mind.

  "You have come far, Lian. But remember—strength alone is not enough. Wisdom, compassion, and courage will guide you."

  "I understand," Lian replied. "Thank you for everything."

  The dragon's voice softened. "This is only the beginning."

  Lian took one last look at the clearing where he had spent countless days and nights training. The forest had become his sanctuary, a place where he had shed his old self and emerged anew. But it was time to leave it behind.

  With renewed determination, he set off toward Eldralis, the path ahead filled with both uncertainty and promise.

  As he walked, the wind carried with it the scent of wildflowers and the distant hum of life. The world was waiting, and Lian was ready to face it.

  His journey was far from over, but one thing was certain—he would no longer be underestimated.

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