The morning chill still lingered in the academy courtyard. As young students shuffled toward their classrooms with sleepy steps, Elias walked through the main gate with quiet confidence. Lately, he had advanced his mastery over the light element so much that even the faint glimmers dancing at his fingertips revealed his growing power.
In the first part of the lesson, Master Marwen gestured toward a series of target boards.
"Today, you will work on control and precision," he said. "The more mastery you gain over your element, the more powerful it becomes. Don't rush. Use your mind—and your breath."
Elias drew in a deep breath and began to gather light energy into his palms. He launched small, luminous orbs toward the target boards. With every strike, his aim became faster, more focused, more precise. Sitting nearby, Mira and Seraphine watched his performance closely, nodding to each other in quiet approval.
"He's incredibly focused," Mira whispered.
One by one, the students began sparring with their training partners. Elias, however, chose not to use the boards. Instead, he turned to face Riven—his longtime rival. Riven, with his expert control over the air element, manipulated gusts of wind to deflect Elias's light orbs effortlessly.
"Watch yourself, Thorn," Riven said with a smirk, sending a sweeping current that knocked Elias's energy off course.
"We'll see about that," Elias replied, narrowing his eyes and quickly recalibrating his aim. With a flick of his fingers, a new orb sliced through Riven's defenses and struck the target cleanly.
Throughout the lesson, the two sparred in a continuous exchange of power—testing, countering, adapting. Each tried to read the other's tactics, learning more with every move. Master Marwen walked among them, offering brief but pointed advice.
"Power alone won't do," he reminded. "Your mind and body must move as one. Stay in control."
By midday, word spread quickly—Hanami had submitted a formal request to transfer classes. It had been approved. When the afternoon lesson began, Elias noticed her entering the room. She offered him a soft smile.
"I'm in your class now," she said gently. "We can train together."
Elias returned her smile, a hint of warmth in his usually steady expression.
"I've been hoping for that," he said. "Having you beside me will make all the difference."
They spent the rest of the lesson working side by side. Hanami carefully observed Elias's orb-casting technique, occasionally offering subtle guidance.
"Focus just a little more on the orb," she advised. "Match your breath to its movement."
Elias followed her instructions, and immediately, his orbs launched faster, straighter—more in tune with his intent.
When the lesson ended, the two of them walked side by side through the stone corridors of the academy.
"We learned a lot today," Elias said.
"We did," Hanami agreed. "But now, we'll learn even faster—together."
As they strolled through the familiar halls, a quiet understanding passed between them. Elias felt something shift inside—a calm strength, anchored by her presence. With Hanami at his side, he felt more confident than ever, ready for whatever challenges the new day would bring.