Jin stood on the edge of a rugged cliff, the cool mountain air biting at his skin. Elder Elliot had led him to this desolate peak, far from the bustling heart of the Golden Lion Clan. The elder stood a few paces away, his arms crossed, his piercing gaze locked onto Jin.
"You've fought before," Elliot said, his voice carrying a weight that demanded attention. He circled Jin, scrutinizing him like a hawk eyeing its prey. "Your stance, your balance—they're not traits of someone untrained."
Jin frowned, his mind clouded with the ever-present fog of amnesia. "Maybe I have. But I don't remember any of it."
Elliot's lips curled into a smirk. "Good. Then there are no bad habits to unlearn. But words mean nothing. Show me what you can do."
Before Jin could respond, Elliot surged forward, his fist slicing through the air. Jin barely managed to dodge, the elder's knuckles grazing his shoulder. The force behind the strike sent him staggering.
"What are you doing?" Jin shouted, regaining his balance.
"Teaching you," Elliot replied, his tone calm yet firm. "Lessons in life are rarely gentle. Now, defend yourself!"
---
Elliot's attacks were unrelenting, his movements fluid and precise. Jin's instincts took over, his body reacting to the onslaught without conscious thought. He ducked under a sweeping kick, blocked a jab with his forearm, and sidestepped a powerful hook.
"Not bad," Elliot remarked, his strikes never ceasing. "But you're holding back."
Jin gritted his teeth, frustration boiling within him. He retaliated with a punch, which Elliot deflected with ease, countering with a sharp jab to Jin's ribs. The impact knocked the wind out of him, leaving him gasping.
"Pain sharpens the mind," Elliot said, stepping back momentarily. "Stop thinking. Trust your instincts. Fight me!"
Jin steadied his breathing, his fists clenched tightly. He charged forward, his movements more deliberate this time. He parried, countered, and struck with a ferocity that surprised even himself.
Elliot's eyes gleamed with approval. "Good! Now let's see how you handle this."
The elder raised his hand, and the air shimmered with heat. A sphere of white fire materialized before him, hurling toward Jin at incredible speed. Jin dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the searing projectile.
"You're using magic now?" Jin yelled.
"Your enemies won't play fair," Elliot retorted. "Neither will I."
---
The battle intensified. Jin dodged and countered, each exchange pushing him to his limits. Sweat poured down his face, his muscles burned, but he refused to back down. As he moved, something deep within him stirred—a dormant power yearning to be unleashed.
Elliot conjured a barrage of flames, each one larger and fiercer than the last. Jin raised his arms instinctively, bracing for impact. But instead of striking him, the flames halted midair, trembling as if caught in an invisible force.
Elliot's brows lifted in surprise. "So, it's true."
Jin opened his eyes, confusion etched across his face. The flames dissipated, scattering harmlessly into the wind. He stared at his hands, a mixture of awe and disbelief coursing through him. "What… was that?"
"Earth," Elliot said, his tone filled with both pride and caution. "One of the most steadfast and enduring elements. But I sense there's more."
Elliot thrust his hand toward the ground, and a ring of white fire erupted around Jin. The flames danced menacingly, their heat almost unbearable.
"Focus!" Elliot shouted. "The fire will either consume you or obey you. Which will it be?"
Jin closed his eyes, shutting out the heat and Elliot's voice. He reached inward, searching for the source of the power he had just tapped into. He felt it—the solid, unyielding strength of the earth and the fierce, untamed energy of fire. Drawing on both, he extended his hands. The flames parted, creating a clear path around him.
Elliot's smirk returned. "Earth and fire. A rare combination indeed. You have the potential for greatness, Jin. But potential is meaningless without control."
---
Jin dropped to his knees, his chest heaving and his body trembling with exhaustion. The realization of his dual affinity left him both exhilarated and overwhelmed.
"That's enough for today," Elliot said, extending a hand to help Jin to his feet. "Tomorrow, we begin your cultivation training. Learning to harness both elements won't be easy, but it's the only way to master your abilities."
Jin nodded, determination shining in his eyes. "I'll do whatever it takes."
Elliot's expression softened slightly. "Good. But remember this, Jin—power without discipline is a path to ruin. Never forget that."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the mountains in hues of gold and crimson, Jin stood tall despite his exhaustion. His journey was only beginning, but for the first time since awakening in the Golden Lion Clan, he felt a sense of purpose.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but Jin was ready to face them.
After parting ways with Elder Elliot, Jin's body felt like it had been through a war. Every muscle ached, his clothes were damp with sweat, and his mind swirled with thoughts about his elemental affinities. The path back to the clan's residence wound through a serene forest, the air cool and refreshing. As he walked, the faint sound of trickling water reached his ears.
Curious, Jin followed the sound until he came upon a small, hidden pond. The water shimmered under the soft light of the setting sun, surrounded by lush greenery and wildflowers. A faint mist clung to the surface, giving the place an almost ethereal quality.
Jin couldn't resist. He glanced around, ensuring no one was nearby, then shrugged off his shirt and boots. Stepping into the water, he let out a relieved sigh as the coolness enveloped him.
The pond was shallow enough to stand but deep enough for him to float on his back. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, he allowed himself to relax. The water washed away not just the grime of training but also the lingering tension in his heart. He closed his eyes, letting the gentle ripples of the pond soothe him.
"This isn't so bad," Jin murmured to himself, a small smile playing on his lips.