The journey to the Headmaster's building, perched atop the academy's sprawling mountain forest landscape, was one Lassim undertook with a mix of trepidation and excitement. The path wound through ancient trees, their leaves whispering little motes of energy from their edges, floating down and touching his clothes and hair, enveloping him in some sort of mystic formation the higher he went. Up he went, up steep, rugged trails that seemed to stretch towards the sky.
Guided by Vice-Headmaster Evelyn, each step took him higher. The climb was arduous, but his enhanced body was providing the energy and stamina to make him not mind too much. The higher he climbed, the more the forest's dense canopy opened up, revealing breathtaking vistas of the academy below and the vast expanse of Myriad Spirit City in the distance.
Reaching the very top, he was greeted by a sight that took his breath away. The Headmaster's abode was a marvel, its architecture a seamless extension of the natural landscape, suggesting a harmony between man, magic, and the environment that Lassim had never before considered possible. The building, while majestic, emanated a power so profound it seemed to radiate ancient secrets and untold strength.
"You must meet the headmaster alone, but we will meet again soon. Don't worry." With a wink, she disappeared from his perception in a blink of his eye.
With Vice-Headmaster Evelyn's departure, standing before the towering doors, Lassim took a moment to gather his thoughts. He was about to meet one of the most powerful elemental masters in existence in the entire Veridian continent. A figure who had shaped the course of the academy and, in many ways, the fate of the city for generations.
'How many thousands of years had he assisted new spirit warriors along the first steps of their path?' He pondered.
The doors opened as if sensing his presence, revealing a grand hall that led to a serene inner courtyard. There, amidst a garden that seemed to embody the balance of the elements, stood the Headmaster. Inside, he found a man in deep meditation, an island of serenity in the midst of metallic elemental energy that swirled throughout the room. Despite his closed eyes and the stillness of his posture, there was an undeniable force emanating from him, a deep, resonant power that seemed to pulsate through the very air.
His attire consisted of charcoal black and silver-gray martial robes, designed for both elegance and functionality. The fabric appeared lightweight, like made of a silk based on the sheen it gave off, yet with how formidable the man appeared it must be quite durable, Lassim thought. Adorned with intricate patterns of silver that resemble flowing metal, his attire symbolized his connection to the metal element.
The robes appeared well balanced and tailored to allow unrestricted movement, crucial for wielding the two-handed axe Lassim noticed at his side. The man's overall appearance is that of a seasoned warrior who has found a balance between the martial and the mystical, this man's figure was a blend of the warrior and the sage.
Hesitant to disturb such peace, he waited, observing the surroundings that were alive with power.
The room's atmosphere was thick with an almost tangible serenity as he slowly stepped inside, his footsteps muffled against the stone floor.
Off to the side, almost blending into the shadowed recesses of the room, a creature lay resting. A gigantic 40 meter long and 20 meters tall steel dragon was slowly breathing as it slept, it's breath causing a short gust of wind that swept through the room with each exhale and disturbed fallen leaves in the garden area with each inhale, truly a breathtaking sight. Its body seemed forged from some kind of elemental steel, shimmering with a metallic sheen that caught the sparse light filtering in. Even in repose, the dragon exuded a sense of indomitable strength, adding an unseen pressure to the surroundings. The sight of such a creature, free and unbound, was both awe-inspiring and slightly terrifying.
For a few moments, he simply stood there, caught in the peace surrounding the man's meditation and the palpable might of the steel dragon. The incense in the air gave way to thoughts of juxtaposition on the balance between power and tranquility. Somehow, a lesson in harmony started to resonate within the twin spirits inside Lassim's heart world, slightly swirling close to each other as they were understanding some concept.
The silence was eventually broken by the man's voice, both startling and awakening him.
"His name is Titanus Ferrox," he said, opening his eyes, a ray of silver energy shot out briefly blinding Lassim. When his vision returned, he saw those eyes again staring directly at him. Their depth capturing the very essence of wisdom earned through centuries.
"A companion and guardian, embodying the essence of metal itself. He is my elemental spirit."
Rising gracefully from his meditative stance, he introduced himself formally. "I am Caelum Ferrum, Headmaster of Myriad Spirit Academy," he stated, his voice carrying a blend of warmth and solemnity. "And you, Lassim, stand at the threshold of a journey few have the privilege to embark upon."
In that moment, with the enigmatic Headmaster before him and Titanus Ferrox at his side, Lassim felt overwhelmed.
"Lassim, approach," Master Ferrum's voice broke the silence, carrying an authority that seemed to resonate with the elements themselves. Lassim stepped forward, each movement measured under the weight of the moment.
"Thank you, Headmaster. It's an honor to meet you," Lassim replied, bowing respectfully. The honor of being summoned here was not lost on him; it was a rare privilege afforded to few.
The Headmaster motioned for Lassim to walk with him through the indoor garden, each step a passage through an area meticulously cultivated to reflect the harmony of the elements.
"My level of cultivation has allowed me to have observed your progress, Lassim. Everything within the academy, and even within Myriad Spirit City is within my spirit sense's range. Your duel with Edric revealed not only your strength but also the potential depth of your cultivation that appears to be unhindered by the limits others are bound to. It's quite remarkable," the Headmaster began, his voice contemplative as they strolled.
Lassim listened intently, the serene beauty of the garden contrasting with the storm of emotions from learning that he'd be watched this whole time and of the questions swirling within him.
"The duel got a bit out of hand, "Lassim stated quickly, then continued, "Yet, I'd do it again if someone said harmful things about my family like that again. Also, I must grow stronger quickly. I've... been told it will be important soon...," he shared, pausing at the end, leaving his words to linger in the air, a true reflection of his inner turmoil.
The Headmaster nodded, stopping beside a tranquil pond that mirrored the sky above. "Your intentions are noble, and it is the goal of every spirit warrior to be the strongest possible in the face of the scourge that is the Dragal. It is precisely for those reasons I've taken a particular interest in your training. The path of an spirit warrior is fraught with challenges, Lassim. Power, especially of the potential magnitude you possess, must be wielded with wisdom. We must also force your body to catch up to your unrestrained ability to advance in cultivation rapidly. I can already see that your body is a bit weaker than it should be based on your SI5 cultivation level. You have the vessel of someone at SI2 but are like a vase overflowing from the top with mana."
He turned to face Lassim, his gaze piercing yet not unkind. "Also, your dual affinity for storm and lightning is both a gift and a responsibility. Why is it that the gods have gifted someone two elemental spirits and removed some worldly laws from your body? For whatever the reason, we must learn not just the extent of your powers, but train you to master them. I must first help guide you to understand them. The first lesson being, your powers are not just forces to be controlled, but are represented as your partners in a dance that predates us all. The first spirit warriors and their elemental spirits."
Lassim absorbed the Headmaster's words, feeling the weight of his responsibility even more acutely. The mention of a partnership with the elements resonated deeply, as he was looking forward to the hatching of his spirits. He could hear and feel their emotions and hunger for mana constantly, and even during the battle with Edric he felt their rising anger as well. It was like they had a feedback loop during that time and responded excessively to his own anger, multiplying it, which led to the excessive power released.
"To aid you on this path, If you are willing to accept me as your master, I will personally oversee your training," the Headmaster continued, a decision that underscored the gravity he placed on Lassim's development. "We will explore the nuances of your elemental affinities, refine your control, and expand your understanding of the natural world. I will personally forge you into a weapon to face the abyssal legion and eventually, once you attain enough power, fight back against the Dragal themselves."
The offer left Lassim speechless, a mix of gratitude and awe flooding him. To be mentored by the Headmaster was an opportunity beyond his wildest dreams, a chance to dive deep into the mysteries of elemental mastery under the guidance of not only the academy's most revered figure but of one of the main guardians of the entire continent.
He quickly got on one knee and bowed his head. "Thank you, Headmaster. I am ready to learn and grow under your guidance," he responded, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions he felt.