"So." Maya says. "We can't just gloss over the fact you seem to have three affinities. What's wrong with you?"
"Uhm... you mean what's right?"
"No... wrong. I'm afraid to test your wind and earth spells."
"Why?"
"If you can somehow work them all... people will take notice. That's a threat to your safety."
"I know you said that would be legendary, but what does that mean?"
"Well... There's only one student a year that can do that. One."
"What's so weird if I'm the one this time?"
"Usually, it's not an issue. But what you need to understand is none of them begin at your level, five affinities or not. That's what adds to the fuel, and very much so."
She takes a pause, then continues.
"I guess I can't just force you to live in ignorance... come on, wind first."
"Alright."
This time, Renji is aiming at a huge tree.
He clenches his fists, focusing all his energy into the swirling currents of air around him. The air begins to hum and twist, the leaves rustling violently as a fierce gust kicks up from his outstretched palms.
With a sharp, commanding gesture and a new chant, he unleashes a concentrated blast of wind that howls like a hurricane. The force slams into the tree's thick trunk, bending it like a twig. The tree groans, its branches snapping under the pressure.
Then, with a thunderous crack, the trunk splits clean in two, crashing down with a shower of splinters.
Renji steps back, breathing heavy but triumphant. "That's wind." he says, eyes blazing.
"That's... let's do earth now." Maya says.
"What should I imagine for earth?"
"Breaking the ground open."
Renji nods, grounding himself firmly. He closes his eyes and lets his focus drift downward, feeling the weight of the earth beneath his feet. Slowly, a deep rumble vibrates through the soil as energy gathers in his hands.
With a sudden thrust downward, Renji slams his fist into the ground. The earth responds violently. Cracks spiderweb outward, and the soil splits apart with a loud fracture. Chunks of dirt and rock burst upward, forming jagged fissures that gape like a wound in the forest floor.
Renji exhales, the thrill of power coursing through him. "Earth's not so different from muscle, after all."
Maya steps back, eyes wide. She doesn't let out a single word. Totally speechless.
Gudo doesn't know what to say either, but he's thinking to himself.
This... how am I supposed to compete with this?
Renji looks to Maya. "What now?"
Maya tries to gather her voice. She coughs.
"Uhm... now you train. Everyday. For as long as your mana allows."
Suddenly, Renji feels something... a presence. As he gazes into the woods' depth, he barely notices a shadow. Before he can pinpoint a location or understand whatever that was, it disappears into thin air.
"Weird..."
"What's weird?" Maya asks.
"It's... nothing. I think it's enough for today. I need to let reality sink in and start over tomorrow."
"That's a good approach. You don't have to overdo it. Let's all go home. You can pick up training tomorrow. I'll help you whenever I have time."
Renji gets closer to Maya.
"I didn't have the chance to tell you... but thank you for everything."
Maya smiles.
"It's my duty as a teacher, don't worry about it."
Renji grins.
"I think you overstepped your duties at this point... but I appreciate it more than you know."
Maya almost blushes.
Renji looks to Gudo.
"Come on, let's go home."
Gudo was lost in a thought before he heard that.
"Yeah... let's go."