As I absorbed the revelation of Elara's identity and the immense opportunity she represented, a thought emerged from the depths of my determination. She had saved me, recognized my potential, and offered guidance, but there was a greater aspiration that loomed before me. With a mix of courage and humility, I gathered my resolve and spoke up.
"Elara," I began, "I appreciate your guidance but there's something more that I wish to ask. Is there a possibility for me to join the Ignis Aetherial Academy?"
Elara's reaction was not what I had anticipated. She burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the pristine wilderness. Her amusement was evident as she composed herself and looked at me with mirth in her eyes.
"Join the Ignis Aetherial Academy?" she chuckled. "You are far too weak, and your knowledge of Aetherial mastery is rudimentary at best. The academy expects a level of skill and expertise that you do not yet possess."
Her words were a blow, a stark reminder of the vast chasm that separated me from the elite Aetherial Masters. She continued, "To even be considered for entry into the academy, one must display not only a mastery of Aether, but also competence in hand-to-hand combat, weapons training, and the control of one of the elemental forces. Even young villagers in remote corners of the empire have a basic grasp of such skills."
Elara's words were a harsh truth, but I refused to be disheartened. The ambition to join the Ignis Aetherial Academy was not something I could abandon so easily. "Then I shall work tirelessly to acquire these skills," I vowed.
Elara's amusement softened into something akin to approval. "Your determination is commendable," she acknowledged. "You may not be ready for the top four Aether academies of the empire, but there are lesser academies where you can begin your training. Your journey is far from over, and with the right guidance, you might just achieve your dream."
the name "Ignis Aetherial Academy" resonated in my mind. It was a symbol of my ambition, a place where I aspired to hone my Aetherial mastery and become a true force to be reckoned with. The thought of settling for less was a difficult one to accept.
I couldn't help but feel a growing sense of discontent. My heart was set on the Ignis Aetherial Academy, and I couldn't simply divert my course to a lesser institution. I turned to Elara with a determined expression.
"Elara," I began, "I understand that the top academies are beyond my reach for now, but I have a request. Instead of joining a lesser academy, could you teach me the basics and share your knowledge with me? I know it's a selfish request, but I'm willing to give my all, to learn as much as I can in a short amount of time."
Elara regarded me with a thoughtful gaze, her eyes revealing a mix of skepticism and curiosity. She took a moment to consider my proposal, and then she spoke, "Two months to learn the basics is a tall order, Aiden. It's an ambitious goal that most would find unattainable. You're asking for an intensive training regimen, one that would demand unwavering dedication and countless hours of practice."
Her words were not discouraging, and I sensed a glimmer of willingness in her response. "But," she continued, "I can see the determination in your eyes, and I admire your resolve. I am not one to refuse an earnest request, and if you are truly committed, I will do my best to impart what knowledge I can within the time we have."
A wave of relief and gratitude washed over me. It was a chance, a stepping stone toward my dream, and I would not squander it. I expressed my heartfelt thanks to Elara and made a promise to give my all in the upcoming training.
As we journeyed to the secluded training location she had in mind, I couldn't help but wonder what she thought of me. Her initial amusement had given way to a sense of respect, and now, she was willing to invest her time and expertise in my growth. I felt a mixture of excitement and trepidation, knowing that the next two months would be a trial like no other.
Elara's belief in my potential and her willingness to mentor me was a rare gift, one that I was determined to cherish. The path to the Ignis Aetherial Academy, and perhaps even further beyond, had become clearer, and with each day that passed, I would give my all to grasp the secrets of Aetherial mastery, to prove my worth, and to become a force of nature in the world of Aether.