Chereads / Earth's Power / Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: The Aspirations of Pleo

Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: The Aspirations of Pleo

In the vibrant Realm of Calamity, where the legacy of King Trallod resonated through the very earth, a young student named Pleo was making his way through the bustling halls of the Earthward Academy. At just 15 years old, Pleo possessed the gift of Earth Manipulation, a talent that ignited hope and ambition in his heart. However, unlike the legendary king who had once wielded the earth with formidable strength, Pleo's abilities were still in their infancy.

As he walked past his classmates, he could hear snippets of their conversations filled with excitement and enthusiasm. Some students were discussing their latest triumphs in mastering advanced techniques, while others spoke of the powerful golems they had summoned. Pleo couldn't help but feel a pang of envy as he remembered his own limitations. His power was modest, limited to creating small stone spikes, which, while useful in a pinch, were far from impressive in a realm celebrated for its earth-shaping prowess.

"Look! It's Pleo, the Spike Kid!" one of the older students called out, eliciting laughter from a group gathered nearby. Pleo felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment. Although he had learned to brush off such remarks, they still stung. He had always admired King Trallod, dreaming of one day harnessing the same power that had allowed the king to create grand structures and reshape the landscape itself.

Determined to improve, Pleo often spent his evenings practicing alone in the academy's training grounds. He would gather stones of various sizes, using his concentration and willpower to form them into spikes. The thrill of seeing even the smallest rock respond to his command brought him joy, but frustration soon followed as he realized that his progress was painstakingly slow. He had watched his classmates summon boulders and create intricate barriers with ease, while he struggled to manifest even a single spike in rapid succession.

One afternoon, as Pleo practiced, he caught sight of a familiar figure observing him from a distance. It was Elysia, a fellow student known for her talent in water manipulation. Unlike the others, she was kind-hearted and often offered her help to those struggling. She approached him, her gentle smile bringing a glimmer of hope to his otherwise gloomy day.

"Pleo! You're making progress!" she said, her voice bright and encouraging. "I can see how hard you're working!"

"Thanks, Elysia," he replied, trying to hide his disappointment. "But it feels like I'm stuck. I can only create these little spikes, and it seems like everyone else is getting so much stronger."

"Don't compare yourself to others," she advised, sitting beside him on the grassy knoll. "Everyone has their own pace. Remember, King Trallod didn't become the King of Calamity overnight. He faced challenges and doubts just like you."

Pleo pondered her words, feeling a flicker of inspiration. "You think I can become strong like him?"

"Absolutely!" Elysia replied enthusiastically. "You just need to find your own style. Maybe you can focus on perfecting your spikes. What if you tried making them different shapes or using them creatively in battle?"

Her suggestion resonated with Pleo, who had always viewed his ability as a limitation rather than a foundation. Perhaps he could take what he had and transform it into something unique. He decided to challenge himself by creating different types of spikes—sharper, longer, or with varying angles—experimenting with his limitations instead of feeling bound by them.

From that day forward, Pleo approached his training with renewed vigor. He began to envision his spikes as extensions of his own will, crafting them not just as weapons but as tools for defense and strategy. Under Elysia's watchful eye, he developed new techniques, incorporating his spikes into defensive formations and learning to use them in conjunction with her water magic for enhanced effects.

As the weeks turned into months, Pleo noticed a significant improvement in his abilities. He could now summon multiple spikes in quick succession, forming barriers to protect himself and even experimenting with launching them at targets. The more he practiced, the more confident he became, and the initial embarrassment he felt gradually transformed into pride.

One day, during a training session, Pleo was selected to participate in a friendly competition against other students. It was a chance for him to showcase his progress, and he felt a mixture of excitement and nerves as he stood before his peers.

"Remember, just do your best!" Elysia encouraged him, giving him a reassuring smile.

The competition began, and Pleo faced opponents who wielded their powers with skill and finesse. He focused on what he had learned, drawing upon his experiences and newfound creativity. As he entered the arena, he felt a surge of determination.

The first match saw Pleo using his spikes defensively, blocking incoming attacks and countering with a flurry of sharp stone projectiles. To his surprise, his unconventional techniques garnered cheers from the audience, and he felt a sense of camaraderie with his fellow students.

As the competition progressed, Pleo advanced through the rounds, surprising both himself and his peers. The final match pitted him against a talented earth manipulator who was known for his control over larger boulders. Despite the odds, Pleo refused to back down. He drew upon his training and creativity, utilizing his spikes in new and unexpected ways.

With each passing moment, Pleo felt the legacy of King Trallod igniting a fire within him. He realized that strength wasn't solely measured by power; it was also about resilience, creativity, and the determination to rise above one's limitations. In that moment, he understood that he was not just imitating the king; he was carving out his own path.

As the final match concluded, Pleo stood among the cheers of his classmates, a sense of accomplishment swelling within him. He had not only proven himself but had also discovered the true essence of his abilities. He may not have been the strongest in the realm, but he was determined to grow and evolve, much like the land he had learned to manipulate.

That day marked the beginning of Pleo's journey—not just as a student of Earth Manipulation but as a future protector of the Realm of Calamity. With the support of his friends and the spirit of King Trallod guiding him, he was ready to embrace the challenges that lay ahead, forging his legacy in the very earth beneath his feet.