CHRONICLES OF THE MAGIC USER'S THE AWAKENING BOOK 1

"Alun, is your father?" Kenif asked, his brows furrowing in disbelief.

"Yes, and I am the keeper of this land. My name is Maxwell and I have no time for games. Why did my father send you here?"the man asked, his voice steady and commanding. "

"We are seeking allies to fight alongside us," Yontin declared, determination igniting within him.

Maxwell's gaze hardened, a fierce glint flashing in his eyes. "If you truly seek my aid, you must prove your worth."

"What do you want us to do?" Yontin asked, his spirit unyielding.

Maxwell smiled, but it was a smile that hinted at a challenge. "There is a beast that has been terrorizing my lands—a creature I suspect is a dragon. Defeat it, and I will lend you my strength. Fail, and you shall leave my territory empty-handed."

A sense of resolve surged through the group. This was their first test, and they would not back down.

"Okay! So where can we find that beast you speak of?" Kenif asked, a frown deepening on his face.

"Deep within the Ashen Mountain, where the shadows dwell," Maxwell replied, pointing towards the distant mountains that loomed ominously in the twilight. "But be warned, the path is treacherous, and many have perished trying to face the beast."

As they set off towards Ashen Mountain, a sense of camaraderie blossomed among the group. Each member contributed to their shared goal, and Yontin felt the familiar warmth of friendship enveloping him, a reminder that he was not alone in this newfound life.

The journey to the mountain was fraught with challenges. They faced treacherous terrain, narrow cliffs, and steep ascents that threatened to separate them. But with every obstacle, they grew stronger—both as individuals and as a team.

"Keep your eyes peeled," Yontin cautioned, his senses heightened as they pressed onward. "We have no idea what we're up against."

Upon reaching the base of Ashen Mountain, the air turned cold, and an eerie silence enveloped them. Shadows danced along the rocky walls, creating a haunting atmosphere that sent shivers down their spines.

"Stay alert," Yontin warned again. "This is where it gets dangerous."

As they ventured deeper into the mountain, the darkness closed in around them. The faint sound of dripping water echoed through the caverns, and the walls glimmered with an otherworldly light. Suddenly, a low growl reverberated through the air, sending chills down their spines.

"Did you hear that?" Simon whispered, his voice barely audible.

"Look over there! I see someone lying on the ground," Kenif shouted, pointing towards a figure slumped against the wall.

"Shhh! Keep your voice down," Jamia urged, raising a finger to her lips.

"But Mom! She appears to be unconscious; we have to help her," Kenif insisted, taking a step forward.

"Wait, there's a poisonous gas around her," Yontin said, rushing forward in a flash. His newfound vampire speed allowed him to reach the girl quickly. He picked her up and brought her back to the group.

"Are those angel wings on her back?" Kenif asked, his eyes wide with curiosity.

As they gathered around the girl, Joss began to perform healing magic. The girl stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Startled, she retracted her wings and sprang into a fighting stance, taking in her surroundings.

"Who are you people, and why are you gathered around me?" she demanded, her green eyes narrowing in suspicion.

"Easy there, we're not trying to hurt you," Yontin said, holding up his hands. "We found you passed out and were trying to help you."

"Oh, I see now. I must have fallen unconscious during my escape from when I was fighting the beast," the girl said, relaxing her stance. "Oh right, where are my manners? My name is Tanya Scarlet. I am half angel, and the villagers of this region hired me to slay the beast that has been terrorizing their crops."

"So you've actually seen the creature? Is it a dragon or something else?" Simon asked eagerly.

"Yes, but not an ordinary dragon. It's an Amphiptere, and it has two Lindwurms and a Zilant with it," Tanya replied, her expression somber.

"Incredible," Kenif said, his eyes wide. "What are those?"

"Amphipteres are serpentine dragons with wings, known for their agility and cunning. They can breathe poisonous gases. Lindwurms are wingless, legless dragons with a long, snake-like body and the ability to breathe poisonous gases and have hard scales. The Zilants are fearsome creatures with two legs, wings, and a fierce temperament. They can also breathe toxic fire and have hard scales," Tanya explained, her voice steady despite the weight of her words.

"Then we are in for a fight," Simon murmured, determination igniting within him. "If we're going to defeat this beast and gain Maxwell's trust, we need to work together."

"Leave the Zilant to me! Let's see how it does against my lightning!" Simon said excitedly, his confidence buoyed by the thought of the challenge ahead.

Tanya nodded, her eyes glinting with resolve. "I don't know you guys that well, but do you mind if I join you?"

"Sure! The more the better!" Joss replied, a smile blossoming on her face.

With the plan set and the stakes laid bare, the group made their way deeper into the heart of Ashen Mountain. The air grew heavy with tension, each member acutely aware of the danger that lay ahead. As they navigated through the winding passages, they could hear distant roars echoing through the caverns, sending shivers down their spines.

The deeper they went, the more the atmosphere shifted. The walls, once adorned with shimmering crystals, began to darken, and the air became thick with a noxious odor. Yontin's heart raced as they pressed on, each footfall echoing in the silence.

"Stay close," he urged, feeling the weight of responsibility for his comrades.

After what felt like hours of navigating the serpentine passages, they reached a vast chamber. At the far end, a massive stone altar stood, surrounded by flickering flames and strange sigils etched into the ground. But what drew their attention was the creature coiled protectively around the altar—a serpentine beast with glimmering scales and wings that seemed to absorb the light around it.

"There it is!" Tanya gasped, her voice barely a whisper.

The Amphiptere lifted its head, eyes glowing like molten gold. The two Lindwurms slithered beside it, their scales shimmering like polished obsidian, while the Zilant perched atop the altar, its fierce eyes scanning the room.

"Now we know why so many have perished," Kenif whispered, his voice trembling with fear.

"Stick to the plan!" Yontin commanded, his voice firm. "We'll take them one at a time. Simon, you focus on the Zilant. Tanya, you and I will handle the Amphiptere. Jamia, Joss, you take care of the Lindwurms."

"Got it!" Simon nodded, cracking his knuckles with a determined grin.

"On my mark," Yontin said, taking a deep breath. "Three… two… one… now!"

In an instant, chaos erupted. Simon unleashed a bolt of lightning towards the Zilant, illuminating the chamber with a blinding flash. The creature roared, its wings unfurling as it took to the air, dodging the strike with surprising agility.

"Now, Tanya!" Yontin shouted, rushing toward the Amphiptere with all the speed he could muster.

Tanya followed closely, her angel wings flaring behind her as she summoned her own magic. She conjured a radiant beam of light, aiming for the beast's eyes.

The Amphiptere hissed, its scales shimmering as it twisted to avoid the attack, but Yontin was already upon it. He lunged forward, his fangs bared as he aimed for the creature's neck. The beast reared back, its wings flapping violently, sending Yontin tumbling across the ground.

"Stay focused!" Tanya cried, her voice cutting through the chaos. "We can't let it get the upper hand!"

As the Amphiptere recovered, Yontin scrambled to his feet, determination blazing in his eyes. He had faced many challenges before, but this one felt different—this was a fight for survival, for their chance to gain Maxwell's trust.

Meanwhile, Jamia and Joss were locked in battle with the Lindwurms. The creatures lunged at them with terrifying speed, their scales glinting in the dim light. Joss cast her magic, summoning vines from the ground to ensnare one of the beasts.

"Hold it steady!" Jamia shouted, channeling her energy into a shield to protect them from the other Lindwurm's venomous breath.

"Got it!" Joss yelled, her face set with concentration. The vines tightened around the creature, immobilizing it momentarily.

Back with Yontin and Tanya, the Amphiptere lunged at them, its jaws snapping dangerously close. Yontin ducked just in time, rolling to the side as Tanya unleashed another beam of light. This time, it struck true, hitting the creature in the wing.

The Amphiptere screeched in pain, thrashing against the stone altar. "Now's our chance!" Yontin yelled, his heart racing.

Tanya took to the air, her wings carrying her above the creature's head. "I'll distract it! You go for the kill!"

Yontin nodded, adrenaline coursing through his veins. He dashed towards the creature, weaving through its thrashing tail and flapping wings. As he closed the distance, he felt the heat of its breath against his skin, the noxious fumes swirling around him.

"Focus, focus!" he muttered under his breath, his heart pounding in his chest. He leaped onto the creature's back, gripping its scales tightly as it bucked beneath him.

"Now!" Tanya shouted, her voice resonating with power.

With one swift motion, Yontin sank his fangs into the Amphiptere's neck, drawing on his strength and willpower. The creature roared in agony, thrashing violently as it tried to throw him off. But Yontin held on, channeling his energy into the beast.

He could feel the creature's life force pulsing beneath his grip, and in that moment, he understood—this was not just a battle of strength; it was a battle of wills. He had to subdue the creature, to show it that they were not its enemies.

As he fought to maintain his grip, he heard the sounds of battle raging around him. Simon was still locked in combat with the Zilant, lightning crackling through the air as he dodged its fiery breath. Joss and Jamia were working together, their magic intertwining to hold the Lindwurms at bay.

The Amphiptere bucked beneath him, and Yontin felt his grip falter for a moment. But just as he was about to be thrown off, Tanya swooped down beside him, her radiant light illuminating the darkness of the cavern.

"Together!" she shouted, extending her hand toward him.

Yontin grasped her hand, and in that moment, they became a unified force. Tanya channeled her magic through him, amplifying his strength and resolve. With a fierce determination, he tightened his grip on the Amphiptere, feeling the creature's energy begin to shift.

"No more!" he roared, his voice echoing through the chamber as he poured everything he had into the beast. "You will not harm anyone else!"

With one final surge of power, Yontin felt the creature begin to relent beneath him. The thrashing slowed, and the Amphiptere let out a low growl, its fierce demeanor softening as it succumbed to their combined strength.

"Now, Tanya!" Yontin urged, his heart racing. "Finish it!"

Tanya raised her hands high, summoning a brilliant light that enveloped the Amphiptere. It glowed with an ethereal radiance, and for a moment, the creature seemed to shimmer as if caught between two worlds.

Then, with a final roar, the Amphiptere collapsed to the ground, its wings folding in surrender. The Lindwurms and Zilant, sensing their leader's defeat, froze in place, their aggression dissipating.

"Did we do it?" Simon gasped, panting as he stumbled over to join them.

"Yes! We did!" Yontin exclaimed, his heart soaring with triumph.

As they caught their breath, the chamber fell silent, the echoes of battle fading into stillness. Yontin looked around at his friends, their faces illuminated by the soft glow of Tanya's magic.

"We did it together," Jamia said, a smile breaking across her face.

"Now we just have to make sure they don't come back," Joss added, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Tanya stepped forward, her wings unfurling gracefully behind her. "Allow me," she said, her voice steady. She knelt beside the Amphiptere, placing her hands on its shimmering scales. A soft light radiated from her, enveloping the creature in warmth.

As she worked her magic, the Amphiptere's eyes softened, and its breathing became steadier. Yontin's heart swelled with hope. They had not just conquered a beast; they had forged a bond of understanding.

With a final shimmer, Tanya stood back, her expression serene. "It will no longer terrorize the village," she assured them. "It has been calmed. We can let it go."

The group exchanged glances, a mixture of awe and relief washing over them. They had faced the darkness together and emerged victorious.

"Let's get out of here," Kenif said, a grin spreading across his face. "We've earned our victory!"