Opening:
The last rays of the setting sun illuminated the training ground where Merlin and the children stood. The area was surrounded by ancient stones, set within an enchanted forest. As Merlin continued to teach the children the fundamental principles of magic, each of them had begun to feel the power within themselves. However, something was off. A strange presence lingered in the air—something unsettling, something wrong.
Suddenly, Merlin's eyes focused on something in the distance. Slowly, he raised his head, carefully observing the movement in the sky. The children, seeing the seriousness on Merlin's face, immediately sensed that something was not right.
Merlin (calmly but firmly):
"Children, stay alert. Something is coming. And it's far more dangerous than we expected."
Lina (her eyes reflecting fear, hesitantly):
"Merlin, what's happening? What… what's out there?"
Marlon (his voice trembling with worry):
"Flying… creatures… They're…"
Slowly, dark silhouettes appeared in the sky. The sound of flapping wings grew louder with every passing second. Their eyes, glowing like fire, pierced through the darkness as they rapidly descended toward Merlin and the children.
Merlin (his eyes suddenly glowing with a deep blue light, speaking with a powerful voice):
"Prepare yourselves. The battle begins now."
A terrifying screech echoed through the air. The winged creatures were closing in at incredible speed. Their blazing eyes shimmered like blue flames, and they moved with unnatural agility. The fiery breath of the creatures illuminated the sky as they charged toward Merlin's location.
Lina (covering her ears, screaming in fear):
"Merlin! What do we do?!"
Merlin, his expression unwavering, immediately turned to protect the children. It was time to act. He raised his hands and began to chant an incantation, his voice carrying a commanding force.
Merlin (his glowing eyes intensifying, his voice firm):
"Flumen protectum!"
In an instant, a massive surge of energy erupted around them. A powerful protective barrier surrounded Merlin and the children, forming a radiant shield. The creatures' fire clashed against the barrier and was forcefully repelled. The flames scattered in the air, but Merlin's magic held strong. The children stood within the protective dome, safe for the moment, though their fear remained.
Marlon (hesitating, eyes wide with disbelief):
"I never imagined they'd be this strong… How are we supposed to fight back?"
Merlin turned to them, offering a reassuring smile. His eyes, still glowing with magic, reflected unwavering confidence.
Merlin (taking a deep breath, his voice steady):
"These are merely the first signs of darkness… There is no need to fear. We can repel this attack."
Realizing they couldn't break through the barrier, the creatures let out furious screeches and momentarily retreated. However, their withdrawal was not a surrender—it was a strategy. They were preparing for another assault. Merlin, sensing their intent, knew he had to end this quickly.
He raised his arms higher, his voice dropping to a near whisper as he invoked a final spell.
Merlin (chanting in an ancient tone):
"Electus maximo!"
The sky darkened. Clouds churned violently, and within seconds, a massive bolt of lightning shot down from above. The sheer force of the strike was blinding, splitting the heavens as it crashed directly into the winged creatures. The surge of electricity sent them spiraling through the air. Their screeches turned into pained cries as the lightning engulfed them. The ground trembled with the aftershock of the thunderous blast.
Merlin (his voice booming, his eyes shining even brighter):
"This is only the beginning. Fear… is merely a trick of the darkness. Show them your strength!"
The remaining creatures, now heavily weakened, began to retreat, their eyes still burning with fury and vengeance. Watching them disappear into the night, Merlin gradually relaxed his stance. He allowed the protective barrier to weaken slightly. The children, still standing beside him, had not run. They were still afraid, but something had changed.
With the creatures gone, Merlin lowered the shield entirely.
Merlin (his glowing eyes returning to normal, turning to the children):
"Now we know how strong we are. But this attack was only the beginning. Darkness will always find a way to come closer. Be ready."
Lina (taking a deep breath, her voice steadier than before):
"Merlin… You can trust us. We're not afraid when we're with you."
Marlon (his eyes filled with a mix of determination and lingering fear):
"Yeah… We stand together."
Merlin nodded with a small smile, taking in a deep breath. His gaze shifted toward the distant horizon, where the sky remained dark. He knew the darkness would return—it always did. But for now, the children stood with him, and that was enough.