Unveiled Prophecy

The city of Valor bustled with activity as Honir walked its vibrant streets, determined to uncover any information about Xenon. His steps were purposeful, but he couldn't shake the unease that gnawed at him. He knew he was venturing into the unknown, and the stakes were higher than ever.

Amidst the crowd, Honir, a seasoned traveler with a keen eye, observed Vidar's movements discreetly. Grigori's message had been clear: a young boy named Vidar would soon head his way, seeking guidance. Honir felt a sense of responsibility, knowing that his actions would shape Vidar's path.

As Vidar approached a bustling marketplace, his attention was drawn to a peculiar sight—a guru, draped in vibrant robes and adorned with mysterious symbols, stood beneath a grand, ancient tree. The guru's presence seemed to radiate an aura of wisdom and intrigue.

Intrigued and desperate for any lead on Xenon, Vidar approached the guru cautiously. The guru's voice was soothing as he spoke, "Why, hello there, young one. I sense great power and potential within you. Allow me to teach you before this group rears its head around."

Vidar looked over at the guru, a mix of intrigue and confusion in his eyes. "What do you mean by that?" he asked.

The guru's eyes seemed to pierce through time itself as he replied, "I can see into the near future, my dear boy."

Vidar's surprise was evident. "What? How's that even possible?"

With a knowing smile, the guru explained, "Well, I'm not able to do it as well as I once was, but there is a group plotting to hinder the use of Echo abilities. This world is not ready for such hindrance."

Vidar's confusion deepened. "How is it possible to stop the use of Echo abilities?"

Inside Vidar's consciousness, Sprite, a voice of wisdom, chimed in, "I'm not quite sure how, but I can sense his abilities. He sounds like a prophet. I think we should listen to him."

The guru continued, "This group calls themselves the Lucid Warriors. They hate the use of Echo abilities and want to destroy it, down till there's nothing left. I want to help train you so that this world may have a fighting chance."

Vidar, his voice laced with determination, questioned the guru, "Echo abilities are a natural phenomenon that happens with everyone, right? Why would they want to revert back to nothingness?"

The guru's eyes bore into Vidar's as he responded, "Ah, my young one, there are some who are gifted, and others who are not. I'm too old to be on the front line, but you are not. I want to train and teach you how to defend against this so you can push them back."

Vidar, determined and resolute, said, "Very well, teach me everything you know! What should I call you?"

The guru's smile widened. "Call me Honir."

Vidar extended his hand. "Thank you. My name's Vidar."

Inside his thoughts, Honir pondered, "Now then, what could Grigori truly see in this one?"

Breaking his contemplation, Honir said, "Now then, lesson number one."

In a blur of motion, Honir moved faster than Vidar's eyes could follow and struck his shoulder. Vidar was pushed back, falling to the ground from the force of Honir's attack. He was surprised and shocked. "How did you do that? I couldn't even see you!"

Honir challenged him, "Try to stop me from hitting you if you can manage that. The next lesson shall begin."

Vidar hesitated but agreed, "Okay."

Before Vidar could finish speaking, Honir moved even faster than before, landing a punch to his face. Vidar was knocked down.

Inside Vidar's consciousness, Sprite expressed frustration, "This guy is no joke. We need to focus if we're going to get past this."

Vidar, confused, questioned Honir, "How are you doing this?"

Honir explained, "The enemies you'll face moving forward are not going to let up. Every living being has an energy that can be detected, no matter how small it is. You can sense where someone is, focus, and hone your inner echo. There is a power within you that you do not yet understand. Become one with it, and then block my attack."

Vidar focused once more, attempting to anticipate Honir's moves. Honir blitzed Vidar, grabbing his legs and slamming him to the ground. Vidar was knocked out.

Thirty minutes later, Vidar regained consciousness. Honir greeted him, saying, "Oh, you're awake. That didn't take long."

Vidar, still groggy, asked, "Where am I?"

Honir replied, "You're in my home."

Vidar inquired further, "How were you able to move so fast?"

Honir chuckled, "I may not be well-versed with Echo abilities, but I have mastered the art of hand-to-hand combat. I'm faster on my feet than most elders my age."

Vidar, still bewildered, admitted, "I couldn't even see you."

Honir pointed out, "You weren't trying to focus enough to sense my inner echo."

Honir's voice turned thoughtful as he added, "Your mind is clouded. There seems to be something blocking your concentration, young Vidar."

Vidar glanced at the ground, a shadow of sorrow in his eyes. He confessed, "My sister was kidnapped from me. The man called Xenon took her. I can't rest until I get her back and bring justice to him."

Honir, understanding the source of Vidar's turmoil, said, "Ah, I see. So that's what's blocking your concentration. Very well, I understand now."

Honir locked eyes with Vidar and advised, "You must empty your mind, young Vidar. Only then will you be able to get stronger."

Vidar looked at Honir, puzzled, and asked, "How do you expect me to forget about Reya?"

Honir responded, "Young Vidar, my boy, I never said forget about her. But relax your mind and focus on the energy to sense your opponents and counter swiftly."

Vidar questioned, "So, if I relax my mind, I'll be able to sense where you'll be attacking from?"

Honir confirmed, "Yes, indeed. That is what I mean."

Determined, Vidar declared, "Let's go again."

Honir inquired cautiously, "Are you sure, Vidar?"

Vidar's determination shone through as he replied, "Extremely sure."

Vidar closed his eyes, beginning to focus and relax his mind. He allowed his body to move freely and then opened his eyes again. A subtle glow appeared in his eyes.

Honir wasted no time, swiftly moving toward Vidar to attack. Vidar, determined and relaxed, dodged the attack and swiftly pushed Honir back.

Honir, surprised, acknowledged, "You are a fast learner, aren't you?"

Vidar, sure of himself, replied, "Of course I am."

In the blink of an eye, Honir vanished and appeared behind Vidar. Vidar instinctively looked behind him, grabbed Honir by the arm, and swung him to the ground.

Honir, genuinely impressed, said, "I'm impressed. You were able to counter so quickly."

Vidar, confident, responded, "Well, you are a great teacher."

Honir laughed heartily

Vidar asked eagerly, "What's next?"

Honir smiled and replied, "Oh, nothing for now, my dear boy. Just take a rest. Let's head over to the nearby tavern. You must be hungry by now."

Inside Vidar's consciousness, Sprite whispered, "This guy is really good, and he can see the future now."

Vidar, still curious, asked, "Hey, how did you get the ability to see into the future?"

Honir began to share his own story, "Well, as I said before, I'm not able to do it as I once was, but one day, I was out on a mission sent by Akaris. I'm sure you've been acquainted with him by now, yes?"

Vidar, surprised, stopped himself, realizing it was a naive question. He chuckled nervously and said, "Never mind, haha."

Honir continued, "Akaris sent me on a mission to find the griffons of old. It was there where they taught me how to control it. Of course, I always had the ability; I just never knew I had it until they helped me."

Curiosity piqued, Vidar inquired further, "Why did they choose to help you?"

Honir replied mysteriously, "They told me it was prophesied that I would train a young person who would go on to do great things or terrible evil, depending on how I trained them, that is."

Vidar questioned, "What? How can that be? All I really want is to bring justice to Xenon."

Honir smirked and teased, "Ah, maybe they were old and senile, like I am now."

Vidar looked puzzled, but Honir didn't elaborate further. Instead, he suggested, "Now, my dear boy, let's get something to eat. I'm famished."

The two of them made their way to the nearby tavern.