A year. A whole year had passed since Kael, the fallen god Kaer'Zhul, had reluctantly entered the hut of old Elmsworth. A year filled with relentless routine, physical hardship, and mental exertion, interspersed with moments of deepest humiliation and tiny sparks of triumph.

  The young man who now stood on the bank of the rushing waterfall, watching the play of light on the water, was barely recognizable. The weak, uncoordinated body was gone. In its place stood a figure of wiry strength, the muscles beneath the simple linen clothing defined and hard from countless hours of training. His movements had become fluid and sure, the result of endless exercises with the staff and the constant struggle against the harsh nature of the forest.

  His magical abilities had also developed. The trickle had widened, although the lake of his true power still seemed inaccessible. He could now effortlessly conjure and shape fire, direct the wind into light gusts, levitate small objects, and sense the subtle energy currents of the forest. He had learned the basics of magic in this world, as Elmsworth taught it – intuitive, will-based, without the need for rigid formulas. His divine mind absorbed this knowledge like a dry sponge, and his progress was, as Elmsworth often muttered, "unnaturally fast".

  But beneath the surface of newfound strength and ability, the old fire of anger and pride still smoldered. The humiliations of the past year – the wood chopping, the cooking, the serving – had left deep scars on his soul. Every step forward was merely a means to an end: revenge on Aeliria and the reclaiming of what was rightfully his.

  That morning, the day broke like any other. Kael was jolted awake by Elmsworth's call before the sun even kissed the mountain peaks. He got up, washed in the ice-cold water of the falls, and prepared for the first task: chopping wood. He went to the chopping block in the clearing, gripped the heavy axe that was now familiar to him, and began the work. The rhythmic thwack... thwack... thwack of the axe biting into the wood was the only sound besides the rushing of the waterfall. Kael was absorbed in the monotonous motion, his thoughts already drifting to the upcoming physical exercises and the later meditation sessions.

  Suddenly – a soft hiss in the air behind him. A sound that didn't belong in the forest. Instinctively, faster than he could think, Kael whirled around. His reflexes, honed over the year, reacted automatically. He threw the axe up, not with the blade, but with the broad handle forward, just in time to intercept the blow of a wooden practice sword aimed at his head. Clack! Wood met wood. The impact sent a tremor through his arms.

  Before him stood Elmsworth, not with his usual calm expression, but with alert, scrutinizing eyes and the practice sword held firmly in his hand. "What is this, Master?" Kael asked sharply, his voice rough with surprise and rising anger. He took a step back, still holding the axe defensively. "I'm doing my work!".

  Elmsworth gave a thin smile, an unfamiliar, almost predatory grin. "The work can wait, Kael". He didn't lower the wooden sword. "Today is different". Without further explanation, he attacked again, a quick feint to the left followed by a strike at Kael's legs. Kael parried instinctively, jumping back, the axe whirling in a protective arc. He was surprised by the old man's speed and aggression. This wasn't normal training. "What are you doing?" he shouted, deflecting another blow.

  "I want to see what you've learned," Elmsworth replied, his voice now harder. He increased the pace, his attacks becoming more precise, targeting Kael's weak points. "Not just the movements I've shown you. I want to see what's really inside you. Give it your all, Kael! Don't spare me, because I won't spare you either!".

  A shiver ran down Kael's spine. The master was serious. This wasn't a game, not an exercise anymore. This was a test. A real fight. A spark of old arrogance and battle lust flashed in Kael's eyes. Finally, a chance to show his grown strength, even if it was against his own teacher. He shifted his weight, gripping the axe tighter. The sharp blade pointed backward, away from Elmsworth. He wouldn't kill the old man, not even seriously injure him – not yet. But he would show him that he was no longer a simple student.

  "As you wish, Master," he said with a cold smile and launched a counter-attack with the flat back of the axe. He charged forward, swinging the heavy axe with surprising speed towards Elmsworth's side. But just as the axe was about to reach its target, the master raised his free hand. With a brief gesture and a muttered word, a wall of blazing flames shot up from the ground, right between him and Kael. The heat hit Kael, forcing him to pause. Magic, then? Good! Kael thought grimly. Instead of retreating, he took a deep breath, focused on the wind around him, and unleashed a sharp gust of air from his will. The wall of flames flickered, was pushed aside, and died down almost instantly. Simultaneously, Kael used another gust of wind to accelerate his own movement, shooting through the residual heat towards Elmsworth.

  But the old man was no longer there. With a turn Kael could barely follow, Elmsworth had dodged to the side. Kael braked abruptly, whirled around, ready for the next attack. He swung the axe again, this time in a wide arc, aiming for Elmsworth's legs. Again, he hit only air. Suddenly, Kael sensed a presence directly behind him. He turned, just in time to see the wooden sword coming at him. He ducked under the blow, feeling the whoosh of the sword above his head. As he ducked, he thrust out his hand and unleashed a concentrated stream of fire at Elmsworth.

  The master parried the flames with incredible ease. The wooden sword moved in a fluid motion, deflecting the fire stream as if it were an annoying jet of water. The flames hissed harmlessly past him and extinguished in the damp grass.

  The fight continued, a rapid exchange of blows, parries, dodges, and magical attacks. Kael used fire and wind, trying to throw Elmsworth off balance with quick gusts or surprise him with sudden bursts of flame. Elmsworth countered with precise sword strikes, unexpected movements, and occasional, subtle magical defenses – a small shield of air, a sudden gust of wind deflecting Kael's attack.

  After a while, Kael felt the exertion taking its toll. Not only did his body ache, but magic was also draining his reserves. Every spell cost him concentration and energy, and he noticed the "trickle" of his power thinning. He couldn't keep up this exchange forever. Elmsworth, on the other hand, seemed tireless. I only have one chance left, Kael thought desperately. A feint. All or nothing.

  He feigned another frontal attack. Gathering his remaining wind magic, he unleashed a strong gust at Elmsworth to distract him and force him to parry. At the same moment the master cut through the gust with his sword, Kael dropped, sliding lightning-fast on the damp grass under Elmsworth's defense, right between his legs. He whirled around while still on the ground, raised his hand, and focused the last great wave of his inner fire into a single, powerful blast of flame, aimed directly at the master's unprotected back. Now!.

  The fireball shot from Kael's hand with furious energy. He saw Elmsworth turn in surprise, too late to dodge completely. The flames hit him with full force.... But instead of a scream or the smell of burnt flesh, Kael only heard a loud Woosh! as the flames hit an invisible barrier and were deflected outward, fizzling out in the grass. Elmsworth stood unharmed, only his clothes slightly scorched. Kael froze. He had given everything, poured his last strength into that attack – and it had dissipated uselessly. Exhaustion and despair threatened to overwhelm him. Then he heard the old man laugh. Not a mocking laugh, but a deep, genuine laugh that seemed to come from his chest. "Not bad, Kael! Really not bad! The feint was good, the attack powerful". Elmsworth lowered his wooden sword. "But you forget the first rule of magic in combat: Always expect the unexpected". He made a small gesture, and Kael momentarily felt the swirling energy of a wind cloak still surrounding the old man. "A small precaution". Elmsworth stepped back and looked at Kael, panting on the ground. "The fight is over, boy". He gestured towards the hut. "Come. Time for tea".

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  Kael struggled to his feet. Every muscle ached, his energy reserves completely depleted. He followed Elmsworth silently into the hut. While the old man put water on and prepared a particularly aromatic spiced tea, whose scent filled the hut, Kael sat on his stool and stared into the fire. He had lost. Once again. Elmsworth handed him a steaming mug and sat opposite him. They drank in silence for a while. "It's time, Kael," Elmsworth finally said softly but firmly. "A year has passed. Your training here with me is over". Kael looked up in surprise. "But... I failed. I couldn't defeat you". Elmsworth chuckled. "That wasn't the point, boy. It was about seeing how far you've come. How you fight, how you think, how you use your magic. And how you handle your limits". He grew more serious. "I can't teach you much more physically. You've become strong and fast. And your magic..." He paused, his blue eyes fixed on Kael. "I've noticed it in recent months, Kael. You've been holding back. You haven't shown me everything you can do. Your 'trickle' has become wider than you admit, hasn't it?. There's more power in you than you let me feel". Kael tensed, ready to defend himself, but Elmsworth raised a calming hand. "Don't worry, I'm not angry with you. Every mage has their secrets". He sighed lightly. "But it also shows me that you've hit a limit, haven't you?. You've held back, yes, but for about a month now... I sense that you're stuck. You're not progressing, despite your efforts". Kael lowered his gaze into his teacup. It was true. He had tried to reach the next level, to make the trickle swell into a stream, but the invisible wall was unyielding. He had more power available than at the beginning, but access to the lake of his power remained blocked. "Yes, Master," he admitted reluctantly. "I feel the blockage more clearly than ever. I can't get past it. I don't know what to do". He looked up. "Where should I go? What does 'out there' mean?". Elmsworth nodded understandingly. "I know the feeling. Every mage hits such limits eventually. Sometimes it takes a new impulse, a different environment, an unexpected challenge to break through them". He smiled encouragingly. "But don't underestimate what you've achieved, Kael. You are already a capable mage. Your control over fire and wind is considerable, your physical condition solid. With what you can do now, you'd be a sought-after man at any royal court. Your strength easily matches that of a court mage of the highest rank". This assessment surprised Kael. Court mage of the highest rank?. So he was already among the more powerful mortals in this world?. A small spark of his old pride flickered. "But you want more," Elmsworth continued, as if reading Kael's thoughts. "You want to break through this blockage, reach the full power of your 'lake'. And that, my boy, you can only achieve out there". He made a gesture encompassing the world beyond the clearing. "You must face the world". "But where first, Master?" Kael asked, the uncertainty genuine despite his pride. "What should I do?". Elmsworth considered for a moment, stroking his beard. "About a two-day march downstream from here lies a town called Silverford. Big enough to have an adventurer's guild, but not so big that you'll get overwhelmed immediately". He looked at Kael scrutinizingly. "Go there. Register with the guild. Take on jobs – simple ones at first, then more difficult ones. Fight monsters, solve problems for people. You'll see new things, have to overcome new challenges. That will force you to develop your skills further, perhaps even find new ways to use your power". He smiled knowingly. "In time, through these trials, you will figure out how to proceed. Maybe you'll find a clue, a teacher, a place of power. The day will come, Kael, when you feel the blockage yield. I'm convinced of that". Elmsworth leaned forward slightly. "You can join a group if you want. Learn from others, use their strengths. Or you can go your own way alone". He winked. "I know you're not the most sociable type and have... well, your difficulties with other people. The choice is yours". The old man reached beside him and brought out a small, simple leather pouch. He placed it on the table in front of Kael. "Here". Kael opened the pouch. Inside jingled a single, shiny gold coin and ten silver coins. "It's not much," said Elmsworth. "But it should be enough for the beginning. For lodging, food, maybe better equipment. Consider it your starting capital. And my farewell gift". Kael stared at the coins, then at Elmsworth. A gift?. From this man who had humiliated and tormented him for a year?. It was a strange feeling. "I... thank you, Master," he mumbled, the words difficult for him. Elmsworth just nodded. "Pack your things, Kael. You leave tomorrow morning".

  The exhaustion after the fight and the intense conversation had pulled Kael deeper into sleep than usual. He slept the rest of the afternoon and through the night, without the usual restless dreams of lost power and burning vengeance. When he woke the next morning, it was already light. The sun cast golden stripes through the small window of the hut. The silence was unusual – no call from Elmsworth tearing him from sleep. Kael sat up, rubbing his eyes. His body still ached from the previous day's test, but it was a dull ache, no longer the sharp exhaustion. He looked around. Elmsworth was not in the hut. Kael heard the familiar, rhythmic sound of wood being split from outside. The old man was already at work, as if nothing had happened.

  Kael stood up. He had quickly packed his few belongings – the simple but now often patched clothes he wore, and the small leather pouch with the coins. He was ready to go, to leave the humiliating place of his training behind and begin the path to power and revenge. He stepped towards the door, intending to disappear silently, just as he had arrived. But something held him back. A strange, unfamiliar feeling. He had spent a year here. This old man, as demanding and sometimes mocking as he was, had helped him. He had imparted knowledge, helped him increase his power, shown him a path. Without Elmsworth, he would still be in the cave, weak and without hope. Humility, Aeliria had said. Was this part of it?. Showing gratitude to a mortal?. The thought was repugnant to him, another betrayal of his divine nature. But the alternative – just leaving, without a word – felt strangely... wrong. Incomplete.

  With a suppressed sigh of frustration, Kael stepped out of the hut into the sunny clearing. Elmsworth stood by the chopping block, the axe resting in his hands. He looked up as Kael approached, his light blue eyes calm and expectant. Kael stopped in front of him. He struggled to find the words. Finally, he forced himself into an awkward, stiff bow – a gesture that caused him physical pain. "Master Elmsworth," he said, his voice thick. "I... I wanted to thank you. For everything. For your teachings... and your patience". It went deeply against his grain to speak these words, yet once they were said, he surprisingly felt a slight relief, not the burning of shame. Elmsworth smiled, a genuine, warm smile this time, deepening the wrinkles around his eyes. "You're welcome, Kael. It was... interesting, teaching you". He set the axe aside. "Go your way, boy. Find what you seek. And try not to burn down the whole world when you find it". A knowing wink accompanied the last words. He knew more than he let on. Kael just nodded silently, unable to reply. He turned, ready to leave the clearing and seek the path downstream to Silverford.

  But as he turned, he froze. A familiar, powerful presence filled the clearing, stronger and closer than ever before in this past year. From the shadows of the trees at the edge of the clearing, Fenrir emerged. The great wolf moved silently, his silver-grey fur seeming to glow in the morning light. He stepped before Kael and then slowly lowered his head and forequarters until he knelt before the fallen god, his muzzle almost touching the ground – a gesture of deepest reverence. "Ancient One," Fenrir's deep voice reached Kael's ear, this time not just as a mental whisper, but as an audible growl. "I have watched your progress from afar. You have passed the trials, your strength has grown". He lifted his head slightly, his golden eyes looking up at Kael. "I congratulate you. And I offer you my services once more. Allow me to accompany you on your further path". Kael was surprised. He hadn't seen Fenrir since arriving at Elmsworth's, though he had sometimes sensed his presence at the edge of his perception. "Accompany me?" he asked. "But what about the forest? Your duty as guardian?". Fenrir rose with fluid grace. "The forest is not unprotected, Ancient One. I have made arrangements. Another guardian, younger, but strong and wise, has taken my role while I am absent. My duty is now at your side". Kael considered. Going to Silverford alone, mingling with humans, was an unpleasant prospect. With Fenrir at his side.... The wolf was fast, strong, and his senses were far sharper than Kael's own in this body. He could be an invaluable asset, especially if he had to take on adventurer jobs that put him in dangerous situations. The thought of travelling through the wilderness alone suddenly became less daunting. "Your speed and combat prowess would be... useful," Kael admitted reluctantly. "Very well, wolf. You may accompany me".