Zane sat cross-legged within the shimmering Element Comprehension Space. The ambient glow of the fiery dimension danced around him, crackling softly like a distant bonfire. This space, newly unlocked by the system, was a marvel in itself—one hour of training here felt like ten hours, thanks to its uniquely attuned environment that amplified comprehension of the elements. Yet, it was not this feature that fascinated Zane the most; it was the way the fire element resonated with his very being. He could feel its essence in the air, inviting him to master it.
Zeron's voice, calm yet authoritative, echoed in the void. "Focus on the flame, Zane. Feel its warmth, its intensity, and its chaos. The fire element is not just about destruction; it's about creation, persistence, and willpower. Harness it, and you will harness your inner strength."
Zane breathed deeply, settling into a meditative posture. Fire, with its fierce yet captivating energy, had always intrigued him. It represented destruction, but also renewal and transformation. Closing his eyes, he allowed himself to sense the fire element in the space, immersing himself in its vibrant and volatile energy.
The system chimed in, offering guidance. "Fire is not about domination—it's about harmony. You cannot control fire by brute force; you must understand its nature and work with it."
He began with small exercises, visualizing sparks igniting in his hands, trying to coax them into steady flames. At first, the sparks fizzled out almost as soon as they appeared, but as Zane concentrated, they gradually grew stronger. Sweat beaded on his forehead, but he ignored it, letting himself become absorbed in the process.
Hours seemed to pass, each one more intense than the last. Slowly, Zane's connection to the Fire element deepened. He felt the energy around him bending to his will—not perfectly, but enough to form small, controlled bursts of flame.
Finally, the system's voice broke through his focus.
"Training session complete. Fire Element: Elementary Compression has increased by 20%."
A translucent system window appeared in front of him, displaying the update:
[Fire Element Elementary Compression Progress: 20%]
Zane opened his eyes, panting slightly but smiling. The progress was small, but it was tangible proof that he was moving forward.
"Excellent," Zeron commended. "This is the foundation of your fire mastery. With time, you'll be able to use this technique in combat, shaping the fire into weapons or barriers. This is your first step toward becoming a true Elemental Master."
Zane released the flame, letting it dissipate into the air. He opened his eyes, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. "This space… it's incredible. I feel like I'm making progress faster than ever." His words carried the excitement of newfound potential.
"You are," Zeron replied. "But remember, mastery is not just about raw power. It's about control and understanding. Continue to train here, and you'll see the results in no time. Patience, Zane. Even fire must be tempered."
---
Back in the real world, Zane stepped out of the Element Comprehension Space, the faint hum of its energy still resonating in his mind. His uncle, who had been sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of herbal tea, looked up as Zane entered the room.
"You've been at it for hours," his uncle said with a smile. "How was it?"
"Amazing," Zane replied, pulling out a chair and sitting across from him. "The fire element… it's like it's alive. But I've only scratched the surface. There's so much more to learn."
His uncle nodded, his gaze thoughtful. "You've always had an affinity for fire. It's in your blood, Zane. If you keep practicing like this, you'll have a chance to truly excel."
Zane hesitated for a moment before asking, "What about my first beast? I know Beast Tamers usually have to search for their contracts, but with my affinities, I'm not sure what to look for."
His uncle's expression softened. "Don't worry about that. I've already taken care of it. When the time comes, you'll have the perfect companion. Just focus on your training for now."
Though curious, Zane trusted his uncle. He nodded, deciding not to press the issue.
---
A knock at the door interrupted their conversation. Zane's uncle rose to answer it, revealing a tall, lean boy with short-cropped black hair and sharp blue eyes. A wide grin spread across the visitor's face as he stepped inside.
"Mike?" Zane said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"
"I should be asking you that," Mike replied, crossing his arms. "You haven't been to school in days, and the exams are right around the corner. What's going on, Zane?"
Zane scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile on his face. "I… had some things to take care of."
Mike raised an eyebrow. "Things, huh? Well, you'd better get back soon. You're not planning to skip the exams, are you?"
"Of course not," Zane said quickly. "I'll be there."
Mike's expression softened. "Good. I was starting to get worried. You're my only friend at school, you know. Don't leave me to deal with those stuck-up jerks on my own."
Zane chuckled. "You've got it handled. You're one of the top students, remember?"
Mike's face turned serious. "Top student or not, I'm not going to let you fall behind. We've been through too much together for that. Remember when we used to talk about getting into one of the top universities in the planetary system?"
Zane's smile faltered. He remembered those days well. Back then, he had shared Mike's dream of attending the prestigious academies that were renowned throughout Meron and beyond. But his injuries had crushed those dreams, branding him as a failure in the eyes of others. Now, though, things were different. With the Eclipse Core and his newly awakened classes, he had a chance to pursue that dream once more.
"Yeah, I remember," Zane said softly. "And now… maybe I can make it happen after all."
Mike's grin returned. "That's the spirit. Just don't let me outshine you too much, okay?"
Zane laughed, but his thoughts turned inward. Mike was a Combat Mage, a rare configuration that combined the raw physical strength of a warrior with the arcane prowess of a mage. His dual affinities for Earth and Lightning made him a formidable opponent, and his dedication to his studies ensured he stayed at the top of his class. Zane couldn't help but admire his friend's determination and skill.
"You're amazing, Mike," Zane thought. "But I'm not going to let you leave me in the dust. Not this time."
---
As Mike left, promising to drag Zane back to school if he didn't show up soon, Zane sat back and reflected on their conversation. His path was clearer now, and with his training and the Eclipse Core, he felt a renewed sense of purpose. He clenched his fists, determination radiating from his eyes.
"Zeron," he said, his voice steady, "I'm ready to move forward. Let's see how far I can go."
The system's voice, as calm as ever, replied, "Then let's begin the next step."