The failed trial weighed heavily on Kael as he returned to his chamber that evening. Every misstep, every moment of lost control played over and over in his mind. The other Conduits had moved on to their own trials, but Kael couldn't shake the feeling that he had somehow fallen short—not just in front of the others, but in his own eyes.
Dinner in the communal hall was a subdued affair. The usual chatter and energy were replaced by a tense silence, each Conduit lost in their thoughts, no doubt reflecting on their own performances in the trial. Kael picked at his food, barely registering the taste. Lira sat across from him, her presence a silent reassurance, though she didn't force conversation. She knew Kael well enough to understand that he needed time to process his failure.
Afterward, Kael retreated to the solitude of his chamber, hoping that some time alone would help clear his head. He sat by the window, staring out at the distant mountains bathed in the soft glow of the twin moons. The air was cool, a gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the nearby trees. It was a peaceful scene, but Kael found no peace in it.
He was still sitting there when there was a soft knock on the door. Startled, Kael turned to see Lira standing in the doorway, her expression unreadable.
"Can I come in?" she asked, her voice quiet.
Kael nodded, grateful for the distraction. "Sure."
Lira stepped inside, closing the door behind her. She hesitated for a moment, as if considering her words, before finally speaking. "You know, it's okay to be disappointed," she said, taking a seat beside him. "But you can't let it consume you."
Kael sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know, but it's hard not to. I was supposed to be ready for this, Lira. I've been training for weeks, and I still couldn't control the elements. What if I'm not as strong as I thought?"
Lira shook her head. "It's not about strength, Kael. It's about understanding—understanding yourself, the elements, and how they interact. You've always been powerful, but power without control is dangerous. The trial was meant to show you that, to make you aware of what you still need to work on."
Kael frowned, her words striking a chord. "But how do I control something that feels so wild, so… unpredictable?"
"By not fighting against it," Lira said softly. "The elements are a part of you, but they have their own will, their own nature. You have to work with them, not against them. Find the balance, the harmony between them. That's the key."
Kael was silent, digesting her words. It made sense, but putting it into practice was another matter. "I just… I don't want to fail again," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.
"You won't," Lira said firmly. "Because you'll learn from this. And because you're not alone. We're all in this together, Kael. We're all learning, growing, and facing our own struggles. You don't have to carry this burden by yourself."
Kael looked at her, the sincerity in her eyes comforting. "Thanks, Lira. I don't know what I'd do without you."
She smiled, a warm, reassuring smile that made Kael's worries seem a little less overwhelming. "You'd be just fine, eventually. But I'm glad I'm here to help."
They sat in companionable silence for a while, the weight of the day's events slowly lifting. Kael felt a renewed sense of determination. He wasn't going to let this setback define him. He would find a way to master his powers, to prove that he was worthy of being a Conduit.
"I need to get back to training," Kael said after a while. "I can't afford to waste any more time."
Lira nodded, her expression thoughtful. "There's one more thing you should know," she said, her tone serious. "The Trials of Ascendancy aren't just about proving your strength. They're also a test of your resolve, your ability to push through even when things seem impossible. The Crucible designed them to weed out those who aren't ready, but also to shape those who are into something greater."
Kael's brow furrowed. "Something greater?"
Lira nodded. "The Conduits who succeed in the trials don't just gain power—they gain understanding. They learn the true nature of the elements, the balance that exists within them. It's not just about wielding the elements—it's about becoming one with them."
Her words lingered in Kael's mind long after she had left. The idea of becoming one with the elements, of finding that elusive balance, seemed almost impossible. But if that was what it took to succeed in the trials, then he would do whatever it took to achieve it.
The night was long, but Kael's resolve was stronger. He spent hours meditating, reaching out to the elements, trying to understand their nature, their will. He felt the heat of fire, the freedom of wind, the fluidity of water, and the stability of earth. They were all different, yet connected, each one a part of a greater whole.
As the first light of dawn began to filter through the window, Kael finally rose, exhausted but with a newfound clarity. The next trial would be different. He wouldn't approach it with brute force or desperation. He would find the balance, the harmony that Lira had spoken of.
Because deep down, Kael knew that his journey was just beginning. The Trials of Ascendancy were only the first step on a path that would lead him to the farthest reaches of Terranox, to the hidden realms, and beyond. To succeed, he would need more than just power—he would need wisdom, patience, and the ability to adapt.
And most of all, he would need to trust in himself.