The sun dipped behind the mountains, casting long shadows over the training grounds. Jin stood before Elder Elliot, his body aching from the intense session but his mind sharp with newfound clarity. The elder crossed his arms, his white-and-golden robe gleaming faintly in the twilight.
"You've done well today," Elliot began, his voice steady. "But remember, Jin, power alone doesn't make a warrior. It's the choices you make, the discipline you cultivate, that will define you."
Jin nodded, still feeling the lingering heat of his awakened fire and the solid connection to the earth beneath his feet. "I'll remember, Elder."
Elliot's gaze softened slightly. "Your dual affinity is rare, even within this clan. It will bring you strength, but it may also bring challenges. Others may envy or fear you. Stand firm, and never lose sight of who you are."
Jin hesitated. "But what if I don't know who I am?"
Elliot placed a hand on Jin's shoulder. "Then forge your own path. Let your actions speak for you. In time, the answers you seek will come."
With that, Elliot dismissed him, and Jin began the walk back to his quarters, the elder's words echoing in his mind.
---
That night, Jin lay in bed, the room dimly lit by the soft glow of a lantern. Sleep came slowly, but when it did, it was anything but restful.
He found himself in a familiar setting—a cozy home filled with warmth and laughter. Faith's gentle smile, Storm's teasing grin, and Zephyr's playful laugh filled the air. They were all there, alive and happy.
But the scene shifted abruptly. The warmth turned to cold, the laughter to silence. Jin watched in horror as dark shadows engulfed his siblings, their faces twisting in fear and pain.
"Jin!" Faith's voice rang out, desperate and accusing. "You let this happen!"
"Why didn't you save us?" Storm and Zephyr's voices joined, echoing in unison.
Jin tried to reach them, his hands outstretched, but the shadows swallowed them whole. He fell to his knees, shouting their names as the darkness closed in.
He woke with a start, his chest heaving and sweat dripping from his forehead. The dream was vivid, more real than any he had before.
"Siblings…" he murmured, clutching his head. "I'll find the truth. I swear it."
---
The next morning, Jin rose early, his determination renewed despite the haunting dream. After a quick breakfast, he made his way back to Elder Elliot. The elder greeted him with his usual stern demeanor.
"You're early," Elliot remarked, raising an eyebrow. "Good. It means you're ready to work."
Jin nodded, the weight of his dream fueling his resolve. "I'm ready. Teach me everything you can."
Elliot smirked faintly. "We'll see how long that eagerness lasts. Let's begin."
Elder Elliot stood at the edge of the training grounds, the early morning sun casting long shadows behind him. Jin approached, his steps steady but his heart eager. The dream from the night before lingered in his mind, sharpening his resolve.
Elliot gestured for Jin to sit on a flat rock nearby. "Today, we're moving beyond combat. If you're to master your elements, you need to understand the foundation of all power—mana."
Jin sat cross-legged, his eyes fixed on the elder. "What is mana, really?"
Elliot's expression softened, a rare look of patience crossing his face. "Mana is the essence of life, the energy that flows through all things—living and non-living. It's in the air you breathe, the earth beneath your feet, and even the fire that burns in your soul."
He crouched down and placed his hand on the ground. A faint golden light shimmered as the earth beneath his palm shifted, rising into a small, smooth sphere.
"Mana exists in many forms," Elliot continued. "It is the bridge between the physical and the spiritual. For us Elemental Warriors, mana allows us to manipulate the elements we are attuned to. For others, it may be used to heal, to protect, or even to create."
---
Elliot stood and extended his hand toward Jin. "Close your eyes," he instructed. "Feel the energy within you. Mana flows like a river. It can be calm and steady, or it can surge like a flood. But to control it, you must first sense it."
Jin hesitated but obeyed, closing his eyes. At first, he felt nothing. Then, as he focused, he sensed a faint warmth in his chest, a pulsing rhythm like a second heartbeat.
"I feel… something," Jin murmured.
"Good," Elliot said. "That's your core. The center of your mana. Every warrior's core is unique, shaped by their affinity and will. Now, try to guide that energy. Imagine it flowing from your core to your hands."
Jin concentrated, his brow furrowing. The warmth spread, traveling through his arms and pooling in his palms. When he opened his eyes, a faint glow of earthy brown mixed with fiery red danced around his hands.
Elliot's eyes narrowed, studying the display. "Earth and fire. Strong, grounded, and fierce. But those elements can clash if you're not careful. You'll need balance to wield them together effectively."
Elliot stepped back and gestured to a large boulder nearby. "Now, let's see how you apply that mana. Use your earth element. Shape the boulder, but don't destroy it. Precision is key."
Jin stood, his hands still glowing. He focused on the boulder, willing the energy in his palms to connect with it. The ground trembled slightly, and the boulder began to shift, its surface reshaping into a rough sphere.
"Good start," Elliot said, nodding. "Now fire. But remember, fire is wild. It hungers and consumes. Control it, or it will control you."
Jin hesitated, then willed the fiery energy within him to ignite. Flames danced along his fingertips, and he directed them toward the boulder. The heat scorched the surface, creating intricate, glowing patterns.
Elliot raised a hand, signaling Jin to stop. "Impressive for your first attempt. But notice how the fire nearly consumed the structure? That's what I mean by balance. Earth is your anchor, and fire is your force. Together, they can create or destroy."
---