The specialized training class had moved onto the damage output phase of testing, an exercise designed to measure the destructive power of each student's abilities against a stationary wall composed of a specially engineered alloy. This material, known for its resilience, required significant force to show any sign of damage, making it an ideal medium for this phase of the assessment.
Aaron utilized his strength to hurl large rocks at the wall, causing minor dents and chips. Although the physical impact was notable, the overall damage was less than what some of the more elemental powers achieved.
Cassie, with her agility-based abilities, attempted a series of rapid-fire strikes using projectiles she could muster. Her efforts resulted in a pattern of superficial scratches across the surface, showcasing speed over destructive force.
Derek's manipulation of the earth to create a massive fist that pounded the wall resulted in a deep indentation, a testament to his control over his element and the raw power it could generate.
Eva unleashed a torrent of fire towards the wall, the intense heat causing the alloy to glow red and slightly warp, but not quite melting or breaking through.
Lucas, through telekinesis, launched a barrage of debris with precise, focused force, managing to create several cracks in the wall, a display of both power and precision.
Maya commanded vines to constrict and pull against the wall, her plants secreting a corrosive substance that etched into the metal, a creative use of her abilities that resulted in visible damage, though not as extensive as some of her peers.
As Eli's turn approached, the class's anticipation was palpable. The variety of powers and their effects on the wall had set a high bar. Eli pondered his options, the elements of fire and lightning at his disposal through his God Hands. Fire offered widespread destruction, but for sheer penetrative force and precision, lightning was unmatched. Decision made, he opted for lightning.
Among the elemental abilities Eli's God Hands can wield, the one with the highest damage output could vary depending on the context of its use, including the environment, the target, and how creatively the ability is employed. However, if we consider raw power and potential for widespread destruction, the Lightning element often stands out as having a particularly high damage output.
Lightning abilities can harness the immense energy of electrical storms, delivering devastating strikes that can instantly incapacitate or destroy targets. The high voltage and current associated with lightning can cause severe damage to both organic beings and mechanical constructs. Furthermore, lightning can have secondary effects, such as causing fires or power outages, adding to its potential for destruction.
In a combat scenario, a lightning strike is not only powerful but can also be precise, allowing for targeted attacks that can bypass physical defenses. Additionally, lightning's ability to conduct through various mediums can make it unpredictable and difficult for opponents to counter.
Of course, the effectiveness of each element can vary widely based on the user's skill, the situation, and the adversaries faced. Elements like Fire and Space, for instance, also hold considerable destructive potential in their own right. Fire can engulf wide areas, causing chaos and destruction over time, while Space manipulation could theoretically allow for devastating attacks that alter the fabric of reality itself.
Nonetheless, in terms of sheer instantaneous damage output and versatility in combat, Lightning stands as a formidable choice among the elemental abilities available to Eli's God Hands.
Summoning his God Hands, Eli issued the command with calm determination: "Use lightning to destroy the target." The hands, responding to his will, coalesced their energy, crackling with electric power. In a flash, a bolt of lightning surged forth, striking the wall with a thunderous roar. The result was immediate and dramatic; the lightning not only pierced through the alloy but also left a scorched, gaping hole where the target had been.
The class fell into a stunned silence, followed by a murmur of disbelief and awe. Mr. Anders, equally impressed, offered Eli a nod of respect. "Outstanding demonstration, Eli. Your control and power are commendable," he praised, marking the score sheet with a note of distinction.
Eli's classmates were left reeling at the display. They had anticipated a physical assault, perhaps a barrage of spectral fists, but the spectacle of elemental fury was beyond their expectations. "How does he do that?" whispered one student to another, their notions of Eli's abilities thoroughly upended.
As the surprise faded and the class progressed to the long-range accuracy and strategic planning portions of the test, Eli continued to excel, his God Hands proving versatile and effective in every challenge. His scores topped the class in almost every category, except strategy, where he found himself slightly behind his more tactically minded peers.
Eli took the result in stride, acknowledging the area where he could grow. "Strategy is just another skill to master," he mused, already considering how he might enhance his tactical thinking to complement the raw power of his God Hands.
As the day concluded, Eli had firmly established himself among his peers, not just as a late bloomer, but as a formidable ability user with a diverse and powerful skill set.