—Master, why do we have to look for The Madremonte? —asked Sarah curiously as they walked through the forest.

  —There have been reports of strange incidents in this area —Yianiss replied calmly—. Apparently, some villagers have started behaving violently, and the Foundation asked us to intervene.

  —That’s strange… according to legend, The Madremonte only punishes those who harm nature. Also, if thaumaturges are supposed to remain secret, how do people even learn about these things? —Layla asked, visibly intrigued.

  —Step by step —the master said patiently—. You’re right about the first part: if The Madremonte is acting like this, something unusual must be happening. As for the second… when strange stories spread, thaumaturges from the Foundation investigate and send us the details. Normally, they go alone, but this time they thought it would be good training for you two.

  —And what about the others? —Layla added—. I imagine Damien and his group were sent on a similar mission. But… isn’t it risky for regular people to know about us?

  —It is —Yianiss replied with a serene smile—, but most people think we’re just charlatans. Ironically, that’s what keeps us safe.

  —And if someone sees beyond that? —Sarah asked, slightly uneasy.

  —Then we offer them a place in the Foundation —the teacher explained.

  —And if they refuse?

  —We tell them they were right —Yianiss laughed softly—. That we are charlatans. Then they go back to their ordinary lives, and everyone stays happy.

  The girls laughed nervously, the tension easing.

  —All right —the master continued—. Our mission is simpler than the one given to the group in Apalacide. We must first locate the elemental spirits of this region: The Sombrerón of wind, The Madreagua of water, The Hijo Rayo of light, The Candileja of fire, The Tunda of darkness… and of course, The Madremonte, guardian of the earth.

  —I didn’t know there were so many elementals in our country —Layla said, amazed.

  —Those are only the higher-ranked ones —Yianiss explained—. They’re neutral beings: they don’t love humans, but they don’t hate them either. There are older ones… much darker.

  The girls swallowed hard. Sensing their unease, the teacher smiled warmly.

  —Don’t worry. I’ll be with you. Besides, you’re thaumaturges now —stronger than you think.

  They continued until they reached a burned village. The houses were reduced to ashes; the air, heavy and suffocating.

  —Strange… there’s no sign of life —Layla said—. I feel something odd.

  —It’s Koa —Yianiss replied—. You’re beginning to sense it even from afar. That’s a good sign. This way.

  They ran through the trees until the heat became unbearable. Before them stood a woman-shaped figure of pure fire, thrashing wildly amidst the ruins.

  —Oh… it’s The Candileja —murmured the master, watching cautiously—. So she’s the one who burned this place.

  The girls froze at the blazing sight.

  —I’ve never felt Koa this strong… —Layla whispered, trembling—. What class is that thing?

  —Mega… almost Giga —Yianiss said gravely—. Be careful. Something has disturbed her.

  At that moment, the creature turned toward them, her eyes two burning embers.

  —DO NOT DEFILE THE PURITY OF THE FOREST! —the woman of fire roared, charging at them.

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  —ENOUGH! WE HAVE TO FIGHT! —Sarah shouted—. Torrent!

  Her Bestial Koa burst forth, sending a surge of water that struck the fiery creature head-on.

  —Nice one, Sarah! —Layla cheered.

  —Stay behind me! —Yianiss ordered—. Iccha Mrityu!

  A barrier of pure energy flared before them, barely withstanding an explosion that would’ve turned the clearing to cinders.

  —That was close —Yianiss muttered steadily—. Don’t rush it.

  —What the hell? Sarah hit her with water! —Layla exclaimed.

  But from the steam emerged The Candileja, unharmed, her flames roaring wilder than before.

  —THE FOREST MUST BE PRESERVED! HUMANS POLLUTE IT!

  —Why doesn’t the water work?! —Sarah shouted, ducking behind the shield.

  —Because it’s not ordinary fire —Yianiss replied—. It’s sacred flame, like that of Dragon Koa. Simple water won’t stop it. We must calm her, not destroy her.

  —A prayer! Maybe that will help! —Layla thought aloud and began reciting one.

  —No, Layla, stop! That makes her stronger! —Yianiss yelled.

  Too late. The fire flared brighter with each word. The Candileja grew, her form blazing like a small sun.

  —Prayers make her stronger! —Yianiss warned—. She’s not evil; she’s a guardian!

  The ground cracked under the heat. Sarah clenched her fists.

  —Then we’ll fight her for real!

  —Spear of the Icenos! —Layla called, summoning her Legendary Koa. The spirit of Boudica appeared behind her, shimmering.

  —Excalibur! —Sarah shouted, as Arthur Pendragon materialized with his blade drawn.

  —On three —Layla said—. We strike from both sides; the teacher hits from the front if we fail.

  —Wait! Don’t be reckless! —Yianiss warned, but the girls had already leapt forward.

  —Destruction of Camulodunum! —Layla’s spear spun like a drill.

  —Shining Slashes! —Sarah’s sword cut through the air in streaks of light.

  The Candileja raised a wall of fire, blocking both attacks and throwing them back. Yianiss seized the opening.

  —May this calm your wrath… Paundra Shell!

  Her fists struck the burning chest repeatedly. The flames flickered, dimmed, and the creature collapsed.

  —You’ve won, humans… —she murmured weakly—. Kill me if you must… but don’t harm the forest…

  —We’re not here to kill you, silly —Layla said, catching her breath—. We just want to know what’s going on.

  —Yeah —added Sarah—. Why did you burn all this?

  La Candileja told them everything: humans had started killing forest creatures for no reason, betraying one another, polluting the rivers and soil. The purity of the forest had been defiled —and her rage spiraled out of control.

  When she finished, a small voice echoed through the ruins.

  —Stay away from my master! Flashes!

  Three fireballs flew at them.

  —Iccha Mrityu! —Yianiss deflected them effortlessly—. Calm, little Bolefuego. We don’t mean harm.

  It was a tiny flame-being, trembling but defiant.

  —Silence, human! You won’t take her! Flashes!

  —Enough! —Layla shouted, dodging the blasts—. Silverback Punch!

  Her strike hit squarely, ending the fight instantly.

  —Layla, calm down, he’s just a child —Sarah said, rushing over—. Hey, little one, your master’s fine. We just need her help to understand what’s happening with The Madremonte.

  Later, when everyone had settled down, The Candileja revealed that The Madremonte had vanished months ago. Sometimes she was seen in the distance, but she’d fade away when approached. The forest, meanwhile, had begun to rot from within —animals and humans alike losing their reason.

  —We must speak with the other elementals —Yianiss suggested.

  The Candileja gathered them all. Some were hesitant to cooperate with humans, but seeing the situation, they agreed. The group split up to investigate the corruption spreading through the woods.

  It was The Sombrerón who found her first. He sent his spectral dogs to summon the others. They met in a vast clearing, where she awaited.

  The Madremonte emerged from the shadows: pale skin, light green hair, a crown of leaves, and a wooden scepter pulsing with life.

  —I see you’ve all come looking for me —she said solemnly.

  —Why are you attacking what you vowed to protect? —asked The Candileja.

  —You’re mistaken — Madremonte replied firmly—. I’m searching for the one responsible for this madness in my domain.

  —You mean someone else is behind it? —asked The Tunda.

  —Yes. I’ve tracked her for months. I didn’t want to involve any of you, but the corruption keeps spreading.

  —Fool —growled The Candileja—. We’re your kin! This forest is our home too!

  —And you burned it before asking why —The Madremonte shot back—. Don’t speak of love for the land when all you feel is hatred for humans. You only help these human girls because you couldn’t defeat them.

  Tension filled the air; the ground itself seemed to quiver.

  —Well… she’s not wrong about that last part —Layla muttered under her breath.

  A distorted laugh echoed through the forest.

  —What a lovely sight… a family quarrel.

  —What was that? —Sarah asked, alarmed.

  —The true culprit —Madremonte snarled—. Come out, Patasola!

  From the depths of the jungle, a mocking voice answered:

  —Hahaha… if you want me, come find me.

  The group split up again. The Madremonte insisted on going with the human girls —she didn’t trust her kin— while The Candileja, The Sombrerón, and the others formed another team.

  The Patasola, another earth elemental but born of corruption, waited deep within the roots of the forest.

  —Hahaha… the forest you once swore to protect… will be your grave, Madremonte.

  Her laughter faded into the distance.

  The fire has faded, yet the forest still whispers forbidden names.

  Where purity burns, decay takes root. And among the twisted roots, the Patasola waits.

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