The path outside the Forward Forces headquarters stretched long and silent beneath a violet sky.
Faint golden lights glimmered through the glass walls of the compound, and the distant hum of
power lines resonated through the crisp evening air. Two figures walked side by side — one tall and
calm, the other with shoulders slightly lowered as if weighed down by something unseen.
Takeshi's coat rippled behind him in the gentle wind. His eyes, sharp yet thoughtful, stayed fixed on
the horizon.
"Alaric," he said finally, breaking the silence. "I want to talk to you."
Alaric turned, startled by the seriousness in his tone. "About what, sir?"
The older man didn't answer immediately. They continued walking, boots crunching lightly against
the stone path. After a moment, Takeshi spoke again — slow, deliberate.
"You're aware of your powers, aren't you?"
Alaric frowned. "I… don't understand what you mean by that."
Takeshi's gaze lifted toward the faintly glowing skyline of the Imperial Province. "You know," he
said, "there are millions of people living on this continent — our only continent. The Imperial
Province, where we stand now, and the Carnile Province beyond the Western Ridge. Out of all
those people, barely 0.01% ever awaken three or more elements. You're one of them."
He looked at Alaric then — eyes steady, voice like a quiet blade.
"Yet your record says you've only used your earth element."
Alaric looked down at his hands, flexing them slowly. "What are you trying to say, Takeshi-sir?"
"I'm saying," Takeshi replied, "that your stats don't add up. You've got potential most recruits would
kill for — but your training reports show no growth. No sign you've even tried to channel your other
elements. You've held back. Why?"
Alaric didn't answer at first. His jaw tightened, and for a moment the sound of the wind filled the
silence.
Finally, he said softly, "Because they never belonged to me."
Takeshi's brows furrowed. "What?"
"When I tried to use any power other than earth," Alaric murmured, "it went out of control. It didn't
obey me. It destroyed things instead of protecting them."
He stopped walking. Takeshi turned, watching as Alaric's eyes clouded over with memory.
Flashback — Years Ago
The dusty streets of a small town shimmered under the afternoon sun. A young Alaric trailed behind
his grandfather, a sturdy man with weathered hands and the calm strength of an earth wielder.
They were returning from the marketplace when a scream echoed from behind.
Two men tore through the crowd, snatching a woman's satchel. Alaric's instincts flared. He stepped
forward, blocking their path.
"Stop!" he shouted.
One of the thieves smirked and turned to face him, a jagged dagger in his hand crackling with blue
electricity."Run ahead," the man barked to his partner. "I'll handle him."
Alaric tried to summon fire. The air shimmered, sparks gathering in his palms — but then it spiraled
out of control. The flames turned wild, lashing at the ground. He stumbled back, losing balance.
The thief lunged. The dagger, blazing with thunder energy, sliced through the air toward his neck —
Then came a blur. A rough hand grabbed Alaric's shoulder, pushing him aside. The dagger pierced
his grandfather's arm instead. Lightning crackled violently — but the old man's eyes glowed brown.
The thunder energy dispersed harmlessly into the ground, absorbed through earth element control.
He slammed his hand down, and the road cracked. A cage of stone erupted, encasing the thief.
Within moments, city guards swarmed in, arresting him.
The scene burned itself into Alaric's heart.
Back to the present
"I couldn't even protect him properly," Alaric whispered. "Every element I touch rejects me. I can't
master them. They... master me."
Takeshi exhaled slowly. "Then you shouldn't have joined the Forward Forces. This isn't a place for
hesitation. A single mistake can doom thousands."
Alaric lifted his eyes, the weight of guilt replaced by quiet determination. "I joined because my
grandfather wanted me to. But that doesn't mean I'm weak. Maybe I'm just not working hard
enough."
Takeshi's expression softened. "Hard work doesn't just make you strong, Alaric. True strength
comes when you surpass the limits that bind you. There are enemies out there who can end you
with a single strike. To survive... you must evolve beyond what you think you are."
A long silence followed. The wind shifted, carrying the scent of iron and dust — the mark of soldiers
and battlefields. Alaric nodded slowly, resolve flickering in his eyes like a flame reigniting after years
of darkness.
"I understand, sir," he said at last.
Takeshi smiled faintly. "Good. Because next week, your real test begins."
---
In the Carnile Province...
A land of shadows and smoke stretched beyond the western borders, where molten mountains
kissed the black sky. Inside a fortress carved of obsidian and metal, a throne glowed faintly under
crimson light.
The Ultimate Head of Carnile leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand. His eyes gleamed with
wicked satisfaction as a cloaked figure knelt before him.
"So," the Head murmured, "you succeeded in your task, Citrel?"
The figure bowed deeper. "Yes, my lord. Phase one has begun."
A slow, chilling smile crossed the ruler's face. "Good. Let the Imperial fools train their heroes. Soon,
they'll realize how fragile their peace truly is."Thunder echoed through the dark horizon as the scene faded — and far away, Alaric's path toward
destiny had only just begun.