Three years swiftly passed under Elder Avram's guidance.
Now, it was time for Erde and his crew to conclude their foundational education.
But their time with Avram was far more than just classroom lessons.
Thrice a week, they'd find themselves immersed in intense physical training.
From relentless laps around the village to hoisting cumbersome logs, they honed not just their minds, but their bodies as well, testing their mettle and strength at every turn.
On their "off" days from the whole run-till-you-drop training, the group huddled in Avram's house, diving deep into books and parchments.
Avram tutored them in subjects like mathematics, history, geography, and other basic areas of knowledge.
He maintained a strict rule against using their elemental powers during this period for whatever reason he never tell.
Complaints and groans were most common from Emily, who often whined about the severity of the training.
And every time, Avram would hit back with that saying of his: "Strike the iron while it's hot."
Their dedication bore visible results, as they physically matured beyond their age, surpassing even some older kids in stature.
"Ugh! Finally, the last day with grumpy ol' Avram!" Emily declared, her tone heavy with exasperation, as they made their way to Avram's residence. "Why us? Why him? Everyone else gets the cool, young trainers. This has been hardcore!"
William, playing the big bro role, tried to chill the situation. "Come on, Em. The trainers are assigned as they see fit. We don't get to pick our trainers."
Emily pouted dramatically, "That's exactly what I'm saying! I mean, every single day feels like boot camp. Just look at the others - they're hardly breaking a sweat, let alone doing laps around the village. And the worst part? They're laughing at us!"
Victor chuckled, "Well, thanks to that boot camp, our sleeping beauty here has become an early bird."
She gave him the death stare, "FYI, Victor, that's not cool! I'm all sore, I've lost my voice, and every night I'm haunted by dreams of those exhausting drills. And if I'm a second late? Boom! Grounded! Do you see my arms? Since when did saintesses truly be this muscular?"
Erde grinned, "You're pretty vocal for someone who claims to have lost her voice."
Avan, not wishing to be left out of the reminiscing, interjected, "That reminds me of the time she sobbed throughout our entire session but managed through all that exercises."
The group's laughter filled the air as they neared Elder Avram's house.
Avram and Cedric, chatting away in the training yard.
"Good morning," William greeted formally, signaling the group's arrival.
Avram looked their way. "Morning, young ones! Gather 'round."
They quickly formed a line, and Avram didn't waste a second. "Today marks the culmination of your foundational training. You all have shown commendable dedication."
"Thank you, Elder," the group responded, with Emily's radiant smile particularly noticeable.
However, Avram continued, "But remember, what you've completed is merely the initial phase, a preamble if you will. Main event starts now."
Emily's beaming smile faded instantly. "What's that?!"
William scratched his head, flashing an awkward smile. "Uh, I forgot to mention that earlier. My bad, Emily."
Cedric wrapped up his long-winded speech, and all eyes went straight to Emily.
Her face was a picture, mouth wide open, petrified.
Suddenly, she screamed, loud enough to send some birds scattering from a tree nearby.
"From this moment on, as your instructor, I expect you to address me as 'Sir'," Avram instructed, "Our next training phase commences next week. Use the upcoming week for rest and recuperation."
The group responded with a unified, "Yes, sir." However, Emily seemed to be caught in a daze, trying to process the unexpected twist.
She stammered, sounding all sorts of confused, "Hold up... You mean... There's even more?"
Ignoring flustered Emily, Avram continued, "Before you kids go home, tell me your element affinity."
One by one, they revealed their elemental inclinations, with both William and Emily also disclosing their magical talents.
"That concludes our meeting for today. You are dismissed."
With that, Avram retreated into his house, Cedric trailing close behind him, leaving the youngsters outside to reflect on his words.
The group left the training grounds, pulling along a spaced-out Emily.
Under her breath, Emily grumbled, "I can't even..."
Victor, who overheard her mumble, teased, "What's that, Em?"
She erupted, "I said, enough of this! We've got a free week, guys! Let's party or something! Who cares about the next round of crazy training?"
And just like that, they each went their way, totally milking that sweet week off.