The path was straightforward, devoid of any complications, far removed from being quiet though. Storms thundered and volcanoes erupted amidst the dense greenery. It was a landscape of contrasts, fascinating yet overshadowed by the burning question in my mind. I experimented with some sparks of lighting twirling them around my fingers. The king's control over his element was an ambitious goal I wanted. The monotony of our trip brought me very little else to do.
"Why do I have these powers? How can I learn to control them?" watching the energy dance.
Riya looked back at me, her surprise clear but her voice steady. "You're managing your lightning elemental wonderfully well, given you've just arrived... Your powers likely surfaced because you were an open vessel upon arrival, promptly filled with this world's dense aether, more quickly than natural means. The king's manipulation of the chamber's aether boosted the process, pushing your capabilities to the extreme. It made you susceptible to the Lightning element, which aligned with our nation's affinity for elements of heat."
She hesitated, contemplating her next words.
"Mastering an element is like learning any craft or art of combat. It demands time and patience. While combat is my strength, guiding someone in elemental control isn't my usual role. Nonetheless, try to connect with the surrounding Aether. Remember, lightning flows along the path of least resistance; guide it, don't force it."
She adjusted her stance. "By contrast, fire consumes Aether and its reaction changes according to the type of Aether. It's akin to how different materials burn; some spark, others blaze. The diversity in Aether's reactions offers many possibilities, each with its own outcome."
Her insights prompted another question from me.
"What difficulties should I expect because of being summoned with such significant power as a hero?"
"Not everyone is welcoming of heroes. Now those are heroes congregating in one place. Expect surprises, possibly deceptions..." she trailed off, her expression shifting to one of concern. "Something's not right."
The atmosphere tensed, charged with an ominous energy below us. Even I could sense it. Suddenly, an explosion tore through the carriage in a blinding flash, the deafening roar eclipsing all else. Without hesitation, Riya yanked me close, creating a barrier between me and the powerful impact of the explosion, which sent us crashing through the ceiling of the carriage, leaving me nearly breathless.
The shattering remains of our carriage allowed a view of the forest outside, which was revealed through the debris. Shadowy figures moved among the trees, their intentions clear: we were under attack. Turning to Riya, I saw her dazed expression. Shock mingled with a warrior's resolve, yet hardly aware, her grip on me firm.
The crash that followed was brutal; we hit the ground hard with my shoulder, enduring the impact, flaring in pain as it dislocated.
"UGH, I can't believe this is happening!"
In a moment of desperation, I hastily crafted a tiny orb brimming with explosive aether. With all my might, I flung it towards our attackers. The ensuing blast was colossal, engulfing everything in an overpowering display of sound and light. Despite averting my gaze, I became somewhat blinded. I escaped from Riya's tight embrace and prepared for my next step. I pushed through the pain and popped my shoulder back into place, promptly felt relief but there was still a lingering intense pain.
"ARGH! That worked, but that pain..."
With my arm now inadequately functional, I put Riya into a pack strap carry, dashing for the safety of the trees. Behind us, I left a trail of makeshift stun grenades, their detonations buying us precious time. With my injured arm held close, I clenched my teeth in response to the pain.
Barely two days in this wild new world, and here I am, hauling my bodyguard over my shoulder. If it weren't for my time in the service, I might not have made it out of that mess. Lucky for us, that quick-thinking with the stun grenade paid off. Seems like every skill I've picked up along the way is going to count for something here.
"RIYA! Now's not the time to be dazed!"
Her warrior spirit was rekindling as she prepared to counter our foes. Steeling her feet into the ground, almost dislocating my good shoulder next...
"Tempest's domain! Fury of the winds!"
As the oxygen vanished, the air became suffocating, and I struggled to breathe. The flames erupted, engulfing everything in their path, yet the emerald grass remained untouched, a vivid contrast to the scorching inferno. The towering trees stood tall and defiant, their branches reaching towards the sky, unaffected by the roaring flames. The intensity of the inferno seared my senses, its heat radiating through the air, while the haunting wails of tornadoes echoed ominously in the distance. I stood in awe, overwhelmed by the sheer power before me, as the spectacle unfolded in front of my eyes.
Suddenly, the screams ceased, and the power of destruction dissipated. Her voice broke through the chaos, assuring me with unwavering strength. "Great job, Volkner. They won't trouble us anymore," she said.
Curious about our next move, I asked Riya. Her response was calm and determined. "We walk. There's a village not far. I'll conjure a means for you to rest."
In an instant, a disc of fire materialized beneath me, transforming into a solid platform that emitted a comforting warmth.
"How far are we talking, for this walk?"
"About half a day."
"Can you keep this disc going without trouble for that long?"
"It's nothing. Rest now. Our journey ahead is challenging enough without you pushing yourself further. The academy in itself will be excruciating, even in your best condition." She insisted.
As I settled onto the glowing platform, I took a moment to reflect on the events of the day. The reality of our situation sank in, and I realized the magnitude of what we were up against.