The next morning, the team was awake early at the secluded training area, except for Vara.
"Where is Vara?" Kaelan asked, stretching out his arms.
"She must still be sleeping," Zathis replied, his eyes shining with anticipation. "Anyways, let's start training, I'm itching to go."
While the others began their routines, Kaelus was deep in thought. He had two S+ cores—Earth and Fire—and the decision would fundamentally shape his future path. He sought out Zane and Sylva, the two members whose elemental fusions aligned most closely with his dilemma, to request advice.
The Obsidian Phalanx featured a diverse set of high-rank mages, showcasing complex elemental combinations: Kaelan and Grund both wielded the Wood Element (Earth + Water), operating as Initial 7-Star Mages. Jian specialized in Lava Element (Fire + Earth), and Zathis commanded the Geyser Element (Fire + Water), both Initial 7-Star Mages. Vara was a Peak 6-Star Mage using a semi-deviant version of Wind and Water. Zane had the Petrify Element (Wind + Earth) and was a Mid-Rank 7-Star Mage, while Sylva utilized the powerful Plasma Element (Wind + Fire) and was also a Mid-Rank 7-Star Mage.
"I need your honest advice," Kaelus said, holding both cores. "The paths of the two of you align with mine, so I need your insights. My next choice will determine my elemental foundation."
Zane spoke first, advocating for strength and defense. "As a swordsman, you should choose the Earth Element. The enhanced element of Earth is Gravity. It will help you add immense force and density to your swordsmanship. You'll hit harder, be more stable, and the defensive applications are unmatched."
Sylva offered the counter-argument. "I agree with Zane, but let me give you the argument for Fire. As the strongest basic element, Fire can greatly support you as a mage, since Wind can naturally amplify Fire. You'd get an enormous jump in damage output."
She continued, "If you are focusing on mobility, the enhanced element of Fire, which is Lightning, can help you become much faster in wielding your sword, turning you into a kinetic blur."
Zane conceded, "I also agree with that. For me, if I were choosing my next element, I would take the Fire Element core just to enhance my mobility. As for my deviant element, Petrify (Wind/Earth), it doesn't help much with speed, but it can quickly immobilize your opponent. If the elemental resistance of your opponent is low enough, it can instantly kill them."
"As for my Plasma (Wind/Fire)," Sylva picked up, "it cannot actually help you as a swordsman, but as a mage, it is a huge boost. Plasma is pure, concentrated kinetic energy. You also have a skill set that doesn't actually align with your swordsmanship, so I guess you can invent new techniques that fuse Wind, Fire, Lightning, and Plasma. Actually, a Wind Mage is generally a support mage, but your skill set and unique insight make your Wind magic so powerful. Honestly, any element you choose will be a huge boost to our party."
Kaelus suddenly recalled the core element of the Verdant Dragon and his Viridian Sword. "May I ask what is the element combination for Plant Element?"
Sylva frowned slightly. "Plant Element? There is no Plant Element. Are you talking about Wood Element? Wood Element is a deviant magic of Earth and Water. But if there were a Plant Element, I think it would be fundamentally different than Wood Element."
"Why is that?" Kaelus pressed.
"Because the properties of Wood are that it has no life to it, just like the other elements. If you take a Plant for example, if you cut a plant, it will eventually die because you just cut its life source, just like humans and demi-humans. Also, a plant is dependent on soil, water, and sun—that's basically three elements. Additionally, it can produce oxygen. I don't know if that can be considered Wind Element," Sylva reasoned. "But Wood is an exception. If you cut a piece of wood, it can still retain its form and be used as a versatile material. Wood may have originally had life as a plant, but the deviant magic doesn't have a life of its own. One of the basic magic theories is: Magic is dependent on its caster's will. So there should be no Plant Element because it has its own life."
Perhaps Grolnuk's ancestor was mistaken, and the Verdant Dragon's element was Wood, not Plant, Kaelus thought, though the reverse scale felt far more complex than simple Wood magic. The possibility that the Dragon Element itself bypassed mortal magical laws was high. If the Verdant Dragon had a Wood Element, that meant Earth and Water were its base elements. Combining with his Wind, he would have Wind, Earth, and Water—leaving Fire as the best choice to achieve a full elemental spectrum.
"I will choose Fire as my next element," Kaelus announced, deciding to embrace speed and offense.
"Well, I guess we have a new Plasma deviant element user soon," Zane said with a wide smile. "I will congratulate you in adva—"
Zane's congratulations were cut short by a deafening blast. In one of the newly constructed rest houses, a room exploded with tremendous force, sending debris flying. A massive surge of Wind and Water Element magic radiated from the ruined structure.
"It's the Typhoon Deviant Element!" Jian yelled, recognizing the powerful fusion.
"Who is in that room?" Grund asked, shielding his eyes.
"It's Vara!" Sylva exclaimed, instantly recognizing the unique mana signature. "She has successfully broken through into a 7-Star Mage! That's the Typhoon Deviant Element!"
From the wreckage of the room, Vara emerged, an aura of violently swirling Wind and Water Element radiating from her petite body.
"Congratulations, Vara! You are now a 7-Star Mage!" Zane shouted, cheering for their youngest member after Kaelus.
Vara looked relieved but firm. "Thank you. In our last battle, I couldn't help much, and as a result, we nearly faced annihilation. I need to be stronger for this party."
Sylva shook her head gently. "It's good you're thinking that way, but if you hadn't been there, we would have already been dead in the monster wave. You are the reason why we are all alive right now." (Sylva was referring to how Vara's timely notification to the Adventurer's Guild and the Neutral Zone had mobilized the necessary help.) "We also have our own jobs in this party, and you did yours in flying colors."
Vara blushed at the praise. "Thanks to all of you."
"Now, it's your turn, Kaelus," Zane said, gesturing to the Fire Core in Kaelus's hand. "Refine your S+ Fire monster core and show us your new element!"