Chapter 8: Chapter 8: Transfiguration have no limits.
"Little wizard," Adrian Dumbledore muttered to himself, his eyes lingering on the stone, "you truly are something. In just one week, you've caused quite a stir among the Autarchs... and still, I was the one blamed."
His voice was tinged with frustration, but there was also a hint of awe. The events that had unfolded had set the magical world into an uproar, and though Adrian had been involved, the attention had somehow fallen on him. How could something so small, so seemingly innocent, lead to such massive consequences?
Alvo stood there, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. He had already been scolded by Helena, the family maid, and his mother Fernanda. Now, the serious expression on his father's face only emphasized the severity of the situation. After a brief pause, Alvo hesitantly asked, "Do you see, Daddy? The jade... it worked, right?"
Adrian sighed deeply, feeling a mix of resignation and concern. This little wizard, his son, was already proving to be a handful and was bound to cause more trouble in the future. A small, almost amused smile tugged at the corners of his mouth as he looked at Alvo.
"Alvo," he said firmly, yet with a hint of affection, "you cannot do things like this again. From now on, you'll use this." He handed Alvo a small, simple clock. "It's a marker. When it turns red, it means you must stop using magic until it turns blue again. Do you understand?"
Alvo nodded quickly, eagerly attaching the clock to his wrist. His gaze flickered from the clock to his father, and then, with a quick movement, he pulled something from his pocket. "Look, Daddy," he said with a grin, "while you were away, I made another one. But I wasn't reckless this time! I had to put it in this suppression pouch. If I get too close to it, I'll fall asleep immediately. Haha."
Adrian raised an eyebrow, then took the pouch from his son, his expression softening. The jade inside was carefully crafted, and Adrian made a mental note to analyze it later, in peace. But for now, there were more pressing matters to discuss.
After a brief silence, Adrian spoke again, his tone turning more serious. "Tomorrow morning, you'll wake up early and meet the Keeper of the Hunt. From now on, you will begin survival training in the forest. Your training will take place on the outer edges, where you'll be without magic for the next five months. The only focus will be physical enhancement. When you return, I hope you'll have a different perspective and understand a few important lessons."
Alvo looked up at his father, eyes wide with a mixture of excitement and apprehension. "Yes, Papa."
Adrian nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Good. You may go now."
As Alvo left, Adrian's gaze lingered on him for a moment. This journey would not be easy, but it was necessary. It was time for his son to learn the balance between magic and the world around him, to understand that power wasn't the only path to greatness.
The morning air was crisp and sharp as Alvo awoke before dawn. The sound of birds just beginning to stir in the trees outside the small shelter where he had spent the night was his only company. He had been instructed to wake up early and meet the Keeper of the Hunt, a powerful Level 7 wizard whose role was to train him in the ways of survival. Alvo had barely slept the night before, thoughts of the upcoming trial swirling in his head, but now he was wide awake and ready—or at least, he thought he was.
Alvo stood up, quickly gathering his belongings before heading out into the forest. The journey to meet the Keeper was short, but it felt long to Alvo, his nerves building with every step. When he finally arrived, the Keeper was already waiting, standing tall and silent, his eyes scanning the surrounding woods.
"You're here," the Keeper said, his voice deep and steady, as though he had been expecting Alvo all along. "Come closer."
The Keeper was a tall man with a rugged face, his eyes sharp and observant, reflecting the experience of someone who had lived and survived countless battles with magical creatures. He wore simple yet practical clothing, designed for movement and survival, with a long cloak that blended in with the forest.
"Today marks the beginning of your training," the Keeper continued, his tone calm but firm. "You will learn to survive without magic, relying solely on your wits, physical strength, and the environment around you. Magic has its place, but in the wild, it can fail you. The forest is unpredictable, and you must be prepared for anything."
Alvo nodded, trying to keep his composure. He had been trained in magic, but this... this was something entirely different.
"The first thing you need to understand," the Keeper said, "is that this is not a game. This is real. The forest is home to beasts, many of which are magical themselves. Some can be reasoned with, others cannot. You must learn to read the signs of the forest, the movements of the creatures, and how to stay hidden. We'll begin with theory today, so listen carefully."
The Keeper took a deep breath and began to explain the core concepts of survival in the magical wilderness. Alvo listened intently, absorbing the knowledge that would soon be essential to his survival. The Keeper spoke of the different types of magical beasts they might encounter—some territorial, some hungry, and others simply curious. He taught Alvo about the tracks animals left behind, how to recognize the signs of danger, and how to use the natural environment to hide or flee.
"You must also understand that you will not always be in control," the Keeper added, his gaze intense. "In situations where you're outmatched, your only option may be to escape. Your survival depends on your ability to remain calm and think quickly. Trust your instincts, but more importantly, trust the training. It will guide you when you're lost."
After several hours of theoretical lessons, the Keeper took Alvo deeper into the forest. The landscape shifted as they ventured further, from open fields to dense, shadowed underbrush. The Keeper stopped in a small clearing and motioned for Alvo to sit.
"We will now begin the practical portion of your training. Close your eyes and clear your mind," the Keeper instructed. Alvo obeyed, and soon, he felt something strange—a sensation, like a whisper in the back of his mind. The Keeper was teaching him the basic movements of survival, embedding them into his consciousness. Alvo could feel the knowledge being planted there, deep within his mind, like a series of instructions encoded into his very being. These movements would guide him when needed, and though he couldn't yet understand them fully, he knew they were there, waiting to be called upon.
"These movements will become part of you," the Keeper said quietly. "You must trust them when the time comes. Remember them. They will keep you alive."
Over the next month, Alvo's life became an intense regimen of survival training. Each day was more challenging than the last. The Keeper pushed him harder, testing his physical limits and his ability to adapt. They encountered magical creatures—some small and elusive, others large and dangerous. Alvo learned to read the signs of danger, the subtle shifts in the air that indicated a predator was near. He was forced to move quietly, to camouflage himself, and to avoid unnecessary confrontation.
There were moments of extreme cold, where Alvo had to build shelters from nothing but the resources around him. He learned how to start fires with flint, how to forage for food, and how to make the most of the land's offerings. When his body was bruised and battered from falls or encounters with creatures, Alvo learned to heal himself using the natural remedies of the forest—plants, herbs, and the quiet meditation that focused his mind on his body's recovery.
But it wasn't just physical endurance that was tested. The Keeper forced him to confront his own fears, to navigate the forest at night without the safety of daylight, to survive the harshest conditions without relying on magic. At times, Alvo felt alone in the vast wilderness, as though the world had forgotten him. Yet, the Keeper was always nearby, watching, ready to step in if Alvo's life was truly in danger—but never interfering unless absolutely necessary.
One night, as the month drew to a close, Alvo found himself sitting in a cave, staring into the flickering fire before him. The flames danced, casting long shadows on the cave walls. His body ached from the training, his muscles exhausted, but his mind was sharper than it had ever been before. He had learned much, both about the forest and about himself. He had faced creatures that had challenged him, survived storms that had nearly broken him, and learned to heal wounds that once might have been fatal.
As Alvo gazed into the fire, he thought about everything that had happened so far—the lessons, the struggles, and the isolation. He wondered what the future held, what the next phase of his journey would bring. One thing was certain, though: he was no longer the same person who had entered the forest a month ago. The lessons he had learned, both physical and mental, would stay with him forever.
The Keeper's voice broke through his thoughts. "You've done well, Alvo. You've survived your first month. But this is just the beginning. You're ready for more."
Alvo nodded, feeling a sense of pride mixed with uncertainty. He had survived, but now, he knew, the real test was only beginning.
The next two months were a crucible for Alvo. With the Keeper watching from afar, observing his every move but never stepping in, the young wizard had to rely solely on his wits, body, and the wisdom embedded deep in his mind. Adrian's gift—the Survival Mark—was all he had as he ventured deeper into the heart of the forest, a region teeming with magical beasts that tested him in ways he had never imagined.
Alvo stood at the edge of the inner forest, where the trees were larger, older, and the shadows longer. The air was thick with the scent of earth and decay. The creatures that roamed here were different from those he had faced before—more dangerous, more cunning. His body ached from the constant training, and his mind raced with the lessons he'd already learned. He had one advantage: the Survival Mark that Adrian had placed within him—a guide that would help him survive the impossible. It wasn't magic, but an imprint of knowledge. Every move, every tactic was now encoded in his bones, ready to surface at a moment's notice.
I can do this. Focus on what you know, Alvo thought as he took his first step into the unknown. Don't rely on magic. Rely on the forest and your instincts.
It didn't take long for the first beast to find him. The rustling of leaves was all Alvo heard before the creature leaped from the thicket. A massive, thorn-covered beast, the Thorn-Tiger was known for its speed and camouflage. It struck with lightning reflexes, its claws slashing through the air.
Stay calm, Alvo told himself as he dodged, his heart hammering in his chest. Don't panic. It's faster than you, but you're smarter. Use the terrain.
The Thorn-Tiger was fast—its claws like daggers—but Alvo had learned how to think under pressure. He ducked behind a large boulder, using it as cover while the beast circled, searching for him. The Mark stirred in his mind, guiding his actions with instinctive clarity. He waited until the creature lunged again, then leaped to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike. The tiger's claws missed, and Alvo saw his chance. Using the momentum of the creature's own strike, he grabbed a sharp rock from the ground and jammed it into the beast's throat. It fell, twitching in its final moments, and Alvo stood over it, panting.
This is what survival is. Using the environment to your advantage, he thought. I need to keep my mind sharp.
Alvo didn't have much time to rest. Only hours later, he encountered the Venomspike, a creature with long, venomous quills that could pierce skin from yards away. Alvo spotted it before it saw him—its sleek, snake-like body coiled in the brush, waiting to strike.
Think. You can't take this head-on, Alvo reasoned. The quills... they're its primary weapon. You have to get close, but not too close.
Alvo moved quietly, staying low. He had learned from the Thorn-Tiger that stealth was just as important as strength. The Venomspike launched its quills as soon as it sensed him, but Alvo was ready. He ducked and weaved, using the trees for cover, waiting for the right moment. When it paused to reload, Alvo sprinted forward, diving into the underbrush and closing the gap. With a swift, well-placed strike, he impaled the creature's heart with a sharp branch. It collapsed, twitching, and Alvo stood over it, breathing heavily.
One more down. This is getting easier, he thought, though he knew better than to let his guard down.
The days blurred together as Alvo fought his way through the forest. He faced more creatures—each one more challenging than the last. His next encounter was with the Emberclaw, a fiery, clawed beast capable of setting the forest ablaze with a swipe of its paws. The heat from its fiery aura was enough to sear Alvo's skin.
Control your breathing, Alvo thought, taking shallow breaths as he crouched low. You need to keep your distance. Use fire against fire.
The Emberclaw charged, its flames trailing behind it. Alvo darted to the side, using the heat to his advantage. He found a small pool of water nearby, and when the creature charged again, he lured it into the trap. As the beast lunged, Alvo rolled to the side, using the water to douse the flames and momentarily disorient the Emberclaw. With quick reflexes, Alvo grabbed a nearby stone and hurled it at the creature's eyes, temporarily blinding it. The beast roared in fury, but Alvo wasn't finished. With a swift attack, he drove his spear into its heart.
This is how you survive. Always think ahead, Alvo told himself, wiping sweat from his brow.
As the days passed, Alvo's encounters grew more brutal. Each battle taught him something new: how to face the relentless Windrazor Beasts, whose screeching winds could cut through flesh; how to fight the Mirror Serpents, which could reflect his own movements against him. There was the Grumbletusk, a massive, boar-like creature with tusks as thick as trees, and the Razorwing, a bird-like creature with blades for feathers that could slice through the air at the speed of sound.
Alvo's body bore the marks of each battle: bruises, scratches, cuts. His muscles burned, his clothes shredded. But his mind... his mind was sharp. The Survival Mark, planted in his consciousness, guided his every action. It was like having a second instinct, one that told him where to move, when to strike, when to retreat.
He had learned to use the terrain more effectively, luring creatures into traps, using rocks and trees as shields. His body was in peak condition, able to move with the fluidity of someone who had spent his entire life in the wild. His heart raced in every fight, but it no longer controlled him. He had become the hunter.
I'm getting better, Alvo thought during a brief moment of rest. But there's more to learn. I need to stay focused. Every battle is different. Keep moving forward.
After two months of relentless combat, Alvo found himself facing the greatest challenge yet—the Shadowfang, a massive creature, part wolf, part shadow, that could phase in and out of existence at will. It moved with terrifying speed, attacking from all directions, and Alvo knew he could not fight it directly.
The creature struck first, its jaws snapping shut inches from his throat. Alvo rolled to the side, barely escaping, and drew his dagger. The Shadowfang vanished into the shadows again. Alvo's mind raced. He couldn't rely on sight. He could only trust his instincts.
The Survival Mark flared to life in his mind, showing him how to counter the creature's attacks. Alvo used his surroundings, baiting the Shadowfang into a trap. With a loud yell, he sprinted to a nearby tree, climbing it swiftly and pulling the beast into range. With a precise leap, he grabbed a vine and swung down, stabbing the Shadowfang just as it phased into the tree.
The beast howled, but Alvo was ready. With one final strike, he drove his dagger deep into its heart.
I did it, Alvo thought as he stood over the beast, chest heaving. I survived. Not by magic, but by everything I've learned. Everything I've become.
The battle was over. Alvo climbed higher into the forest, reaching a tall tree with a small flat area large enough to build a shelter. He had used the knowledge he had gained over the past months—how to find the best location, how to use the natural materials around him. His small house was simple but sturdy, a symbol of his transformation from a boy relying on magic to a young man who had mastered survival.
As Alvo stood atop the tree, looking out over the vast forest, he realized he was no longer the same person who had entered. He was a survivor. And as the sun set on another day, he knew that the forest held more challenges ahead, but he was ready.