Full names: Oasis Volacris
Age: 9 years old
Martial artist
Affinity: Fire and Wind
Clan/Family: Bluemoon Family
Year: 1st Year Practicals
Assigned Instructor: Renald Augustine
---
"That's it, kid. You are now officially a practical student of Verdantial Academy," said a big, muscled instructor at the Snow Blossom Hall.
His voice was deep and commanding.
"I think you are talented, kid. Having two affinities is a great start, so I wish you good luck. I hope you catch up to the others."
"Here..." he attached a strip to Oasis' clothing, symbolizing his status as a 1st-year practical student.
"Oh, thank you," Oasis replied politely.
Now, Oasis was officially a practical student, which meant that the free time he thought he had for the rest of the year was no more.
As a practical student, he was assigned an instructor.
Usually, it was ten students per instructor, but since Oasis was an elite student, he was to be one of three per instructor.
However, due to his late joining, Instructor Renald already had three students, so Oasis was an exceptional fourth student.
"Now go find your instructor. Sir Renald's peak is in the Winter Garden Peak," the instructor informed him.
"Alright, I will head there," Oasis responded.
Without wasting time, Oasis set off to look for his instructor at the Winter Garden Peak.
After few hours of walking, he reached the garden.
---
The Winter Garden Peak was a sight to behold.
The air was crisp, and snow blanketed the ground, creating a serene yet cold atmosphere.
Icicles hung from tree branches, and the entire landscape seemed to be bathed in a silvery glow.
The cold was biting, each breath visible as a cloud of mist.
"Why is this place so cold? What's going on here?" Oasis thought as he reached the garden.
He knocked at the big gate with a signboard on top that read 'Winter Garden.'
Creaaak...
A young man opened the door. From Oasis' perspective, he looked around 12 years of age.
"Oh, you must be our new brother. I'm Tatsuo Vulcan," he introduced himself with a friendly smile.
"Oasis Volacris," Oasis replied.
Tatsuo welcomed Oasis into the Winter Garden.
Despite the cold, the place was nice and isolated, with a training field and several buildings.
The main building stood straight ahead from the gate, with other smaller buildings on the sides.
"Master Renald is waiting for you, so go inside the main hall," Tatsuo instructed.
"Oh, thank you," Oasis said as he entered the main hall building.
---
The inside of the main building was warm, a stark contrast to the cold outside.
The floor was made of polished wood, and there was a large fireplace at the far end, crackling with a comforting warmth.
Renald Augustine stood near the fireplace.
A tall man with a commanding presence, his dark hair streaked with crimson.
His eyes were sharp, and his physique was imposing, indicating a life dedicated to training.
He wore a dark, heavy cloak that flowed around him, giving him an almost regal appearance.
"Greetings, sir," Oasis greeted, bowing his head slightly.
"No need for formalities, lad," Renald replied, his voice firm but kind.
"From today until you leave the academy, you are going to be under my care as long as you pass," he said to Oasis.
"The fact that you are assigned to me is because you are a martial artist with a fire affinity. But I heard you also have a wind affinity," he continued.
"You might be asking yourself why the Winter Garden if we are using fire affinity, right?" he asked.
"Not really, sir. I think I get it," Oasis replied confidently.
"Tell me, lad," Renald prompted.
"This place is a natural weakness to fire, so training where fire affinity is weakest is surely going to bring great results," Oasis explained.
"Hahaha, we've got a smart one, huh?" Renald laughed.
"From today onwards, you are no longer just a student of the academy, but you are my disciple. I am your master," he declared.
"I understand that you might have learned other techniques and martial arts, but since you are my disciple, you have earned the privilege of learning my secret arts," he continued.
"Here..." He threw several manuals to Oasis.
"These are manuals for Blazing Dragon Fist; Scorching Crescent blade ; and Blazing Mirage Step."
"These are all high-grade martial arts, and when you finally master those, I will bestow upon you my ultimate technique, a saint-grade martial art," Renald stated.
"Gratitude, sir," Oasis spoke politely as he received the manuals.
"Finally, I got a close combat technique," Oasis thought, feeling excited.
"You will also be staying here from now on."
"Your room is already prepared in the left building from the gate, the first rule of the Winter Garden. No laziness is allowed," Renald commanded.
"Gratitude, sir," Oasis repeated, bowing his head.
"And lastly, here," Renald said, throwing a set of clothing to Oasis.
"This is the uniform for Winter Garden. Put that strip on this uniform," he commanded.
"Go and familiarize yourself with your room. Only Tatsuo is currently in the garden."
"The rest will come back before sunset; they are on some errands," he said.
"We will have a feast at twilight, so be ready."
Oasis left the main hall and went to where his room was supposed to be.
---
After a few breaths, he reached the room and found it to his liking.
It was spacious and on the upper floor with a nice view from the window and a small study area with some shelves.
The room was warm and inviting.
Time flew by, and as twilight approached, Oasis left his room and headed to the main hall, wearing the new clothing he had received.
As he reached the dining area, he was greeted by a feast to behold.
Master Renald Augustine, Tatsuo Vulcan, and two other disciples were present.
"Come on, lad, and sit. This is the feast to welcome you. Take a seat," Renald spoke to Oasis as he entered the place.
"Hey, Oasis, here. This is Tyla Lumina, and this here is Liora Ashen," Tatsuo introduced.
"Oh, nice to meet you," Oasis calmly replied.
"This girl looks familiar," Oasis thought as he recalled seeing Tyla Lumina about two years ago at Mossy Hollow.
"Who is this brat? He is so young," Tyla thought, hiding her curiosity behind a composed expression.
"Nice to meet you too, Oasis," Liora spoke, bowing her head slightly.