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Caelum led the way as he and Sera entered the training ground, an open expanse within the academy's depths. The space was shadowed with an air of mystique, lit only by the soft blue glow from crystals embedded in the walls. The crystals pulsed lightly, their glow casting rhythmic patterns across the smooth stone floors and giving the space an almost dreamlike quality. Above, polished arches arched overhead, like a starlit sky within the academy, adding depth and a sense of quiet grandeur.
The training ground was vast, enough to accommodate numerous dueling pairs, yet tonight, it was just the two of them. Sera marveled at the delicate shimmer from the crystals, finding their gentle light mesmerizing, almost calming. She reached out, brushing her fingers along one nearby. The crystal was cool to the touch, and as her skin met the surface, a faint surge of energy pulsed through her, reminding her of the power locked within these walls.
Caelum, standing beside her, observed her reaction and nodded, as if he too could sense the energy lingering here. "These crystals," he began, "they're not just for lighting. They resonate with magic. They're part of what sustains the academy's protective wards." He paused, admiring the flicker of blue light along the walls. "But tonight, they're here to remind us of what we're working towards."
Turning to face Sera, he explained, "I thought we'd start with some basic sparring today. Just close-contact, nothing too intense." Caelum rubbed his fingers together, and, almost instinctively, a few faint sparks flickered along his fingertips. The light was dim, nothing like the flashes they'd both experienced during their elemental awakening, but enough to give a hint of his lightning affinity. The sparks danced lightly before fading, and Caelum let his hand drop. "This," he said, glancing at his fingers, "is about as much as I can do right now."
"So, we can't really use our elements yet?" Sera asked, a note of curiosity mixed with disappointment in her voice.
Caelum shook his head, his expression thoughtful. "Not like we did during the awakening. That surge of power—it wasn't ours alone. It was the crystal's energy amplifying our potential. In reality, we're still novices. Our powers will grow, but for now, we focus on refining our basics."
Sera nodded, her resolve hardening as she stepped into a defensive stance. "Alright. Let's do this."
They circled each other, each step calculated, and neither willing to make the first move. Their training was limited to close-range combat, but it was essential for honing their reflexes, timing, and endurance. Caelum lunged first, quick but cautious, his movements fluid as he attempted to reach Sera's defenses. Sera sidestepped swiftly, mirroring his intensity as she swiveled, bringing up her arms to deflect his next move. Caelum grinned slightly, impressed by her reaction time.
Their sparring was a dance of dodges and light strikes, both of them staying alert and mindful of their limits. Caelum adjusted his stance, aiming a quick swipe at Sera's shoulder, but she ducked with agility, countering with a low sweep toward his legs. He stepped back just in time, his smile widening as he realized that, even as a basic novice, Sera had an instinctive feel for combat.
As they exchanged blows, neither pushed with full strength, aware that any misstep could lead to injury. Caelum noted the way Sera moved—her stance grounded, and her strikes calculated, a reflection of her earth affinity even if she couldn't yet manifest it directly. There was an underlying determination in her, a drive to withstand his blows and match his pace.
They continued, gradually increasing the pace of their strikes and counters, challenging each other without breaking the careful restraint they'd both maintained. The blue glow from the crystals highlighted their movements, casting shifting shadows that made each feint and dodge appear more dramatic.
Sera ducked as Caelum moved in with another swing, a playful gleam in his eyes, but she quickly stepped in to block, planting her feet with solid precision. The sparring felt fluid, almost natural, as though their energies were balancing each other in every step, strike, and dodge. But despite the intense focus, there was a lightness in the air—a sense of camaraderie that extended beyond training.
Finally, they paused, each catching their breath as they took a step back, smiling slightly at one another. Sera's face glowed faintly, her cheeks flushed from the exertion, and Caelum couldn't help but admire her resilience.
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