The thoughts in Isamu's head finally quieted, fading into the background as the day's lessons took over. Though his body sat still in class, his mind had been spiraling all morning—trying to remember the fleeting dream, trying to make sense of the tears, and now... trying to grasp something even more elusive.
Power.
He barely understood it.
In this world, most students already knew how to channel their Mindcore Energy. By the time they reached his age, they could already align their energy with one of the Elenvyr—the five elemental forces that shaped one's power and destiny.
But Isamu was different.He could barely feel his own energy, let alone manipulate it. His concentration was weak, his flow inconsistent. And today… was the worst possible day for someone like him.
Because today was the elemental awakening test.
🎯 The Test Begins
The academy courtyard had transformed into a demonstration arena. At its center stood a stone practice doll, worn and cracked from years of elemental strikes. One by one, students stepped forward to channel their Mindcore Energy, revealing their affinity.
"Yumi," said Takao-sensei, the instructor, scanning his clipboard. "You're up."
"Yes, Sensei," she replied with calm confidence.
Yumi stepped forward, her long white hair swaying gently behind her. She closed her eyes, placing her hand over her chest.
The air around her shimmered.
A sudden shift. A low hum vibrated through the courtyard. Water particles from the air gathered around her, spinning like a thin vortex before forming into a condensed spiral. With one swift motion, she extended her palm—and a stream of pressurized water blasted toward the stone doll, striking it dead center.
The crowd erupted in applause.
"Nicely done, Yumi," Takao-sensei said, placing a hand on her shoulder with pride. "A solid water elemental affinity. Controlled, focused, powerful."
"Thank you, Sensei," she replied, beaming at the praise as she returned to her seat.
Then the room grew quieter.
Because only one student remained.
😓 Isamu's Turn
"Alright, Isamu…" Takao called out. "You're next."
A few giggles echoed in the background.
Isamu slowly rose from his chair. His shoulders were slightly hunched, his steps uncertain. Even his smile—the usual goofy one he wore like armor—seemed thinner today.
"Y-yeah… Coming, Sensei…"
He reached the center of the arena and stood in front of the practice doll. His palms were sweating. His heart beat louder than the voices around him.
Come on… just concentrate. You can do this.
"Don't overthink it," Takao encouraged gently. "Focus on your core. Draw your energy inward. Your heart is your center. From there, let your energy choose its path."
"Alright… yeah. Got it."
Isamu closed his eyes.
He stood still.
But nothing happened.
The crowd began to murmur.
No wind. No shift. No pressure in the air. He felt nothing—like trying to catch fog in his hands.
A snicker escaped from the back.
Then another.
And then came the familiar whispers, cruel and sharp like broken glass:
"He's still a zero…""Pathetic. Same as always.""Why's he even here?"
But Takao raised his hand to silence them.
"Quiet. No distractions. Let him focus."
Isamu opened his eyes slowly, his fists clenched at his sides.
He didn't respond to the mockery. He never did.
Instead, he tried again. He reached into himself—not with force, but with calm. With honesty. He didn't pretend to be strong. He accepted that he wasn't.
He just wanted… to try.
And suddenly, something shifted.
A faint flicker of energy stirred within his chest. Like the first ripple of wind before a storm. It wasn't much—but it was there.
A pulse.
Then, a glow.
The energy inside him spiraled downward into the Water Circle of his inner Elenvyr ring. His eyes snapped open, and a small stream of water, no larger than a ribbon, shot from his palm and struck the stone doll.
It wasn't powerful. It wasn't flashy. But it was real.
The laughter died instantly.
A hush fell over the class.
Even those who had come to laugh, stopped—caught off guard by what they saw.
He'd done it.
"…Not bad," Takao said with a proud, knowing smile. "Water elemental. You've taken your first real step, Isamu."
Isamu exhaled and scratched his head awkwardly. "Heh… yeah. I guess."
🧊 A New Presence
The class resumed quietly after the test. Students returned to their seats, whispering about what had just happened—but not daring to speak too loud.
Then, Takao stepped to the front of the room.
"I have an announcement."
Everyone looked up.
"Today, we're welcoming a new student to our class. He transferred here from a prestigious academic institution to pursue power development instead."
He turned toward the door.
"You may come in now."
The door creaked open.
And a boy walked in.
He was tall, lean, and moved with perfect composure. His uniform was spotless. His posture flawless. Cold eyes, like sharpened steel, scanned the room without expression.
The entire class fell silent.
Some students leaned forward in awe. Others sat frozen, tension in their throats. The girls whispered to each other behind cupped hands. Something about him didn't feel… normal.
His presence was heavy. Controlled. Dangerous.
"My name is Shiro," he said flatly. "That is all."
Then he walked to the back of the class and sat without another word.
Even Yumi blinked in surprise.
Isamu, still seated, glanced sideways at him.
That guy… there's something different about him.
He didn't know what it was. But something deep inside told Isamu…
This wasn't just a new student.