In the grand hall of the Advanced Elemental Class, an atmosphere of heightened anticipation permeated the air. This was not just another day of lectures; it was a special event that had drawn an unusually large crowd. The expansive room, typically echoing with the lively debates and discussions of magic, was now filled with an eager audience. Students from various years and teachers, some of whom rarely attended classes, had gathered, drawn by the prospect of witnessing a presentation by one of the academy's highest-ranked students, Vance.
Lynna, conscious of the significance of the event, had arrived early to secure a front spot. From her vantage point, she could sense the palpable excitement that resonated through the hall. Her own curiosity was piqued, not just by the subject matter, but by the rare opportunity to see Vance, her new friend, in one of his most important evaluations.
Around her, the murmur of conversations swirled, filled with speculations and expectations. The presence of so many teachers, some with distinguished careers in magical research, added to the gravity of the occasion. It was clear that this presentation was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment that could mark a significant milestone in the study of magic at the academy.
As Vance prepared to take the stage, the chatter subsided, and a hush fell over the hall. Lynna leaned forward, her eyes fixed on the podium where Vance stood, ready to unveil his project.
Vance, tall and somewhat brooding, stepped forward. Unlike the nervous energy that had accompanied previous presentations, Vance exuded a calm confidence. His dark attire seemed to absorb the room's light, adding a dramatic flair to his presence.
"Principal Liora, fellow seekers of knowledge," Vance began, his voice steady and clear. "Today, I present a theory that might challenge our current understanding of elemental categorization."
He gestured to a table displaying various natural elements—crystals, sand, and a small jar of earth. "Consider our main elements: fire, water, earth, wind. We have always regarded ice as a main element. However, I propose that ice is, in fact, a subelement of water."
A murmur rippled through the room. This was a significant departure from traditional elemental classifications to start.
Vance continued unfazed, "In fact, many spells often use elements in their subelement form. For example, ice magic or steam magic. To understand this better, I propose the concept of resonance. Subelements are actually the main elements with a different type of resonance."
Vance paused, allowing the significance of his proposed theory to permeate the room. Sensing the rapt attention of his audience, he turned to his table, where specimens of earth, sand, and crystal were neatly arrayed.
"I will now demonstrate how this new classification applies in practice," he announced. "Observe closely as I use a common spell - the Spike Spell - on these three different forms of the earth element."
With a confident flourish, Vance began his demonstration. First, he focused on a clump of earth. Muttering an incantation, he directed his energies toward the soil. Instantly, a sharp spike of earth erupted from the clump, solid and formidable.
Next, he shifted his attention to a pile of sand. Repeating the same spell, the sand responded differently, coalescing into a spike with a grainy texture, visibly distinct from the first yet unmistakably similar in shape and form.
Finally, Vance turned to the crystal. The whole room fell silent in anticipation. Once again, he uttered the same spell. This time, the crystal transformed into a beautifully clear, prismatic spike, shimmering with a myriad of colors. Lynna was seing this for the first time in her life.
"The spell remains the same, but the resonance changes," Vance explained, his voice steady and clear. "It's not three different spells for each type of spike, but a singular spike spell resonating differently with each form of the earth element."
He then proceeded to detail how this concept of resonance could be applied to the formula of the Spike Spell. Using the hall chalkboard, he sketched out the core formula, illustrating how slight modifications in resonance could alter the spell's interaction with different forms of earth. His explanation was thorough and insightful, demonstrating a deep understanding of the magical principles at play.
As Vance concluded his demonstration, the class sat in stunned silence, absorbing the implications of what they had just witnessed. His demonstration had been flawless, leaving everyone in awe of the potential applications of his theory.
Vance, after concluding his impressive demonstration with earth, turned to address the class with a renewed sense of purpose. "Now that we've seen how resonance alters the properties and effects of earth in spellcasting, let's consider how this principle might apply to the other elements," he said, his voice imbued with hidden enthusiasm.
He began to outline his current findings, meticulously explaining the potential of each element and its sub-elements:
1. Air
- Main Element: Air
- Sub-Elements: Vacuum, Solid Air
- Potential Spells:
+ Spells creating areas of void or high pressure (Vacuum)
+ Spells that solidify air to create barriers or platforms (Solid Air)
- Applications:
+ Control over air pressure
+ Manipulation of sound waves
+ Enhanced defensive and mobility spells
2. Water
- Main Element: Water
- Sub-Elements: Ice, Steam
- Potential Spells:
+ Ice-based spells for defense or immobilization
+ Steam for obscuration or thermal attacks
- Applications:
+ Adaptability in combat
+ Utility in various environments
+ Control over temperature and phase changes
3. Earth
- Main Element: Earth
- Sub-Elements: Sand, Metal, Crystal
- Potential Spells:
+ Sand manipulation for area control
+ Metal for enhanced durability or weaponry
+ Crystal for precision attacks or communication
- Applications:
+ High defensive capabilities
+ Resource manipulation
+ Geologic understanding
4. Fire
- Main Element: Fire
- Sub-Elements: (Unspecified)
- Potential Spells:
+ Exploration needed for sub-elements
+ Traditional fire spells excel in offense and energy manipulation
- Applications:
+ Intense power
+ Destruction and renewal
+ Energy conversion
Vance continued, "As we delve deeper into the concept of resonance, we find that each element presents a spectrum of possibilities. For instance, while fire's sub-elements are still subject of unknown, we can hypothesize potential variations might exist, each with distinct properties and applications. The same principle that turned earth into crystal can be applied to explore these uncharted territories of elemental magic."
Lynna, absorbed in the presentation, felt a spark of inspiration. The concept of resonance opened new pathways in her understanding of magic. It was a groundbreaking perspective that could redefine their approach to elemental manipulation.
As Vance concluded his presentation, he looked around the room, his eyes meeting Lynna's. In that moment, she realized the depth of his research and why he has been so sure of himself. This was more than just a theory; it was a new lens through which to view the magical world.
Principal Liora stood up, her expression one of thoughtful contemplation. "Vance, your theory on elemental resonance is intriguing. It challenges us to rethink our approach to elemental magic and opens new avenues for research and exploration. This is the kind of innovative thinking that drives our academy forward."
As soon as the judgment was out, the class erupted into applause, acknowledging the significance of Vance's contribution. Lynna clapped enthusiastically, her mind already racing with the possibilities this new theory presented.
As the room gradually calmed down from the enthusiastic applause, Principal Liora continued her evaluation. "Vance, for this groundbreaking theory, I rate your presentation a 95 out of 100." Her voice, clear and authoritative, echoed through the hall, causing a stir of mixed murmurs among the audience.
She paused, her gaze sweeping across the room. "I would have awarded a perfect score had you managed to identify at least one subelement for fire. That remains an elusive piece in your otherwise well structured theory."
From her front-row seat, Lynna watched as Principal Liora prepared to demonstrate something. The prelude to the spell was intricate and complex, the energy in the room shifting noticeably. The temperature across not just the hall, but seemingly the entire academy, began to drop. Liora's focus was intense, her eyes narrowed in concentration.
With a final, fluent gesture and incantation, Liora summoned a small flame in her hand. It was not the typical orange or red of a standard fire, but a mesmerizing white-blue. "This," Liora announced, "is the Ignis spell. It's challenging and, practically speaking, not very useful. However," she continued, her voice taking on an excited edge, "it could very well fit into the subelement category of fire in your theory."
Lynna watched the flame, captivated as Liora expounded on Vance's theory. "Fire's subelements could be linked to the different states and effects of heat and flame. Each resonance of the main elements must be considered uniquely. Your theory, Vance, opens the door to this understanding."
As Liora spoke, it almost seemed as if she was building upon, even appropriating, Vance's theory, extending it with her own insights and knowledge. The room was silent now, every student and teacher hanging on her every word.
Finally, Liora addressed Vance directly. "Are you prepared to invest your life in pursuing this research, to delve deeper into the mysteries of elemental magic?" Her tone was serious, yet encouraging. "If so, you have my full support. This kind of exploration is what drives our academy, and I believe your work could lead us to remarkable discoveries."
The room remained silent for a moment, absorbing the weight of Liora's proposition. Lynna felt a surge of excitement and respect for Vance, and all eyes were fixated on the Principal and her captivating blue flame.
Then, with a fluid motion, the principal slowly directed the white-blue flame towards the hall's chimney. Upon contact, it produced a loud bang, echoing through the hall. The impact was so intense that it not only left a deep, blackened mark on the whole chimney but also sent a sudden wave of heat sweeping across the room. This dramatic display served as a wake-up call, instantly reigniting the energy in the room as the audience felt the tangible power of the spell in the warmth that briefly enveloped them.
As the echo of the bang faded, a renewed round of applause burst forth from the audience. Students and teachers alike began to stir, their minds racing with the implications of Liora's addition to Vance's theory. The excitement was palpable as people started leaving the hall, their conversations animated and eager. Many were already planning how they might apply this new discovery to their own fields of study.
Lynna watched the flurry of activity around her, feeling a sense of wonder and inspiration. The demonstration had not only validated Vance's work but had also opened a door to a world of new possibilities in elemental magic. The academy was abuzz with a renewed spirit of inquiry and discovery.
Lynna playfully nudged Malay, who was seated beside her. "Looks like we've got some exciting experiments ahead of us," she said with a grin.