The Original Realm

Aldric's beady eyes glinted with mischief as he leaned back on his stubby legs, puffing out his fur. "Alright, boy. You want me to train you? You'll have to land a single hit on me. Just one. If you can manage that, I'll do as you ask. But," he said, raising a paw dramatically, "when you fail, you'll have to call me Master Visionweaver for the rest of your pathetic existence. Deal?"

Luke scoffed and cracked his knuckles. "Deal."

Aldric chuckled, his voice filled with a theatrical flair. "This is going to be entertaining."

The fight began with Luke lunging forward, aiming a quick jab at the diminutive creature. Aldric didn't move until the very last second, his tiny form effortlessly swaying out of the way. Luke stumbled forward, recovering just in time to launch another series of punches and kicks.

Aldric evaded each one with unnerving ease, dodging as though he could predict every movement before it even began. "Is that the best you've got?" he taunted. "For someone who's supposedly chasing vengeance, you're a tad... underwhelming."

Luke growled in frustration, throwing a particularly wild punch that Aldric sidestepped, causing Luke to crash into the dirt.

"Humans. Always relying on brute strength," Aldric said, shaking his head mockingly. "Did you even listen to a word I said earlier about Advent? Or were you too busy plotting your next spectacular miss?"

Luke froze, Aldric's words hitting him like a bolt. Advent. The strange term had stuck with him. If this fluffball could dodge with such ridiculous precision, it wasn't just skill—there had to be something enhancing him. Luke's mind raced.

"Advent... it's got to be some kind of boost, right?" Luke muttered under his breath.

He thought back to Aldric's earlier bragging about his ability to "see everything." Maybe Advent wasn't about raw strength—it was about finding and using energy within himself. Luke focused all his attention on his legs, imagining energy pooling there.

At first, he felt nothing. But as his frustration and determination blended, he noticed the faintest spark—an unfamiliar warmth flickering in his muscles.

Keeping his discovery subtle, Luke darted forward again, this time with a burst of speed that even caught him off guard. He closed the gap between him and Aldric faster than ever before.

But Aldric merely twirled out of reach, clicking his tongue. "Impressive. You tapped into Advent—barely. It's a weak and impure form, but it's there. You think that's enough to catch me off guard? Fool." Aldric smirked. "Didn't I tell you? I see things. You can't hide anything from me."

Luke gritted his teeth. He sees things. That was Aldric's ability, right? Then he couldn't rely on stealth or speed. His eyes darted to Aldric, who stood there smugly, puffing up his chest with pride. A sudden idea formed in Luke's mind—a gambit that was both risky and ridiculous.

Stopping in his tracks, Luke straightened up, breathing heavily from the effort of the fight. "Alright," he said, forcing a smile. "I have to admit, you're amazing. That ability of yours, seeing everything... It's incredible."

Aldric's ears perked up, his expression shifting to one of immense satisfaction. "Well, well! Finally, some recognition for the great Visionweaver!" He closed his eyes, basking in the praise. "Yes, it is quite the ability, isn't it? Kings, generals, entire armies have sought my wisdom, my unmatched brilliance—"

Aldric's boast was cut off as he felt a strange sensation—Luke's fingers closing around his tiny body. His eyes shot open, and he saw Luke grinning at him triumphantly."

I win," Luke said.

Aldric sputtered, his fur puffing out to twice its usual size. "You cheating little brat!" he bellowed, squirming furiously. "You have no honor! Who wins with flattery? I wasn't even paying attention!"

Luke laughed, holding Aldric at arm's length to avoid the tiny creature's surprisingly sharp claws. "You said I had to hit you. Never said I couldn't use my brain to do it."