Mystical Fantasy : The Analogi

The night grew deeper.

Distant sounds of nocturnal beasts echoed in the background. Zeo sat beside the hut, his back leaning against the cracked wooden wall, a result of the brutal battle earlier. His breath was heavy. Every inhale stung his chest muscles, but his gaze remained sharp.

He had just dissolved the man's corpse using magical mist, burning away the remains before wild beasts could catch the scent. Yet, the tension in his chest wouldn't subside.

I think I need to reinforce the mist's density, he thought.

His eyes drifted to Ravyn, who still lay unconscious.

Suddenly, a bright light descended from above, blinding him momentarily.

The Agent had arrived.

"It's been long enough. You finally show up," Zeo said flatly.

"How could I come if your previous mission wasn't complete? This time, I bring a message from The True Divine."

"A message?"

"Gather your party immediately, because a great calamity will soon strike the west," the Agent declared.

"A great calamity in the west? What do you mean?" Zeo asked, confused.

"I can't say more than what The True Divine instructed," the Agent replied.

He glanced toward Ravyn and extended his hand from a distance.

"This should make things easier."

A golden light emerged from the Agent's hand, drifting toward Ravyn. It enveloped her body and—through divine intervention—healed all her wounds instantly.

"I didn't really want to do this. But think of it as a small favor to help you complete your grand mission. Oh, and don't tell The True Divine about what I did tonight," he added casually.

"Wouldn't He already know?" Zeo muttered.

"You're right... Well then, time for me to go."

In a flash, the Agent vanished from Zeo's view.

"Huh... always like that. Comes with vague messages and disappears just as fast," Zeo grumbled, shaking his head.

"M-Master Zeo."

Ravyn's voice broke the silence.

"Oh, you're awake."

"Master Zeo, where are the beasts? And… that evil man?" Ravyn asked in panic.

"Ah, they've all run off," Zeo replied calmly. "How are you feeling?"

"Master! My wounds? They're gone..." Ravyn exclaimed, stunned to find her body uninjured.

She stood up and stretched. Her body moved freely as if nothing had ever happened.

"Master, what happened? Why did I heal so fast? And it feels..."

"Maybe the medicine you've been drinking finally took effect. Your demi-human body must be more compatible with it, hence the accelerated regeneration," Zeo answered, omitting the Agent's divine aid.

Ravyn suddenly dashed over to Zeo, grabbing both his hands.

"Thank you, Master Zeo. Thank you," she said with shining eyes, her sincerity clear.

"Okay, okay. Now, have you decided? Will you return to your home?" Zeo asked. "Hmm, you can answer tomorrow. For now, get some sleep. Your body still needs rest."

"I want to stay here, Master. I... I have no home to return to. Please let me stay here... with you."

Zeo paused. He looked at her seriously, then… smiled faintly.

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure, Master Zeo."

"In that case... follow me."

Zeo walked toward the large stone covering the hole and began moving it.

"Master Zeo, isn't that dangerous?" Ravyn asked, alert and ready for a fight.

"Just follow me."

Zeo jumped in.

"B-But… Master! Ugh… fine."

Ravyn followed him down.

The underground tunnel was pitch dark. But with her Beastkin vision, Ravyn could see through heat signatures.

Grab!

Zeo took her hand. Ravyn flinched slightly.

"M-Master."

"Walk carefully," Zeo said, leading her forward.

"Yes, Master…" she replied with a shy smile.

Moments later, they reached the heart of the underground chamber. The room was illuminated by glowing green crystals. A small river, gentle waterfall, and various magical plants of different colors filled the space—a hidden paradise… or hidden prison.

"Wow! What is this place, Master Zeo?"

"Meditate on that stone. You can absorb energy here. It'll be your training ground."

"But Master… aren't there lots of beasts here?"

"Exactly... that's why it'll be a great training spot."

"Master..."

"You're powerful. Most beasts here can't match you. Use them as training dummies to refine your combat techniques."

"Huh... Um... Master, I think my wounds are acting up again. Maybe I should rest a bit more—" she turned to flee.

But Ravyn forgot... Zeo was still holding her hand. With one swift motion, he flung her into the waterfall.

"Waaahhhhh… Maaaasteeerrrr!!"

Zeo merely smiled and walked away.

---

One week later…

Ravyn emerged from the hole.

Covered in mud, hair disheveled, and clothes torn in many places. But her eyes—her eyes gleamed with determination.

She walked confidently toward the hut, carrying two sacks filled with magic cores from the beasts she defeated. Her breathing was calm. Her ears and tail swayed lightly in the evening breeze.

"Master, I'm back."

Zeo gazed at her with his dimensional eyes. A faint smile formed on his lips. He could sense it clearly… Ravyn's energy had grown significantly.

Without a word, Zeo set down his bowl, stood up, and walked toward her.

He stared at the girl for a few seconds, then said softly:

"You've worked hard. Take a few days to rest."

Ravyn simply nodded. The spoiled attitude was gone. Her gaze was firm.

---

A few days later, far from the misty zone…

Screams echoed among the dark trees. Footsteps mixed with wild roars. Five individuals—a party of adventurers—ran frantically through the undergrowth. Their light armor was torn, and blood stained their trail.

"Hurry!" shouted a red-haired man at the front, pulling one of his teammates.

"I-I'm stuck…!" cried a petite girl behind.

They turned around—a small girl with long brown hair had fallen. Her ankle twisted, and a beast's claw was already swinging toward her.

"ALICE!!"

Too late.

The beast lunged, aiming for her face—

SLAAASHH!!

A silver-blue flash struck. The beast split in two.

A silver-haired girl stood before Alice. Her eyes were cold, hands stained with blood. Her white tail swayed gently. Five more beasts leapt in—only to fall one by one, taken down with swift, precise, and merciless movements.

Blood splattered, but the girl said nothing.

Ravyn looked up. Toward the highest tree branch.

There stood a man in a black cloak, one hand in his pocket.

Zeo.

Zeo sighed deeply.

"I told you... don't play around too much when fighting."