Capítulo 13: The New Student
As Theos took his first steps away from the headmaster's office, the distant sounds of clashing weapons and blasts of energy drew him toward the academy's training grounds. Curious, he followed the noise, winding through the corridors until he stepped into the open air of a vast practice field.
The sight was impressive—students sparring, spells flaring, and energy resonating through the air. Just as he paused to take it all in, a sudden blaze of heat erupted in his direction. A fierce energy, crackling and hot, shot toward him like a fiery missile. Theos's instincts kicked in. He sidestepped, his movements sharp and smooth, letting the attack streak past him and sear a blackened line into the ground.
Looking up, Theos locked eyes with the source—a boy with fiery red hair and a cocky sneer. The red-haired student scoffed, his gaze dripping with disdain as he appraised Theos. "Is that all you've got?" he taunted. "Show me your power… unless you're afraid I'll break you."
Theos's mind hummed with quiet annoyance. Foolish. Does he really think I'm that easy to break? He tightened his grip on his dagger, though he didn't draw it, his gaze calm but intense as he considered the challenge.
The two held each other's stare, the tension building thick between them, until a third boy approached hesitantly, glancing between them with visible concern. With sandy hair and a gentle expression, he seemed torn, unsure if he should let the challenge continue or intervene.
"Maybe we shouldn't do this here?" the third boy suggested, his voice both nervous and diplomatic. "If you two start going at it, you might end up blowing half the grounds up before the week even starts." He gave Theos an encouraging smile. "There's a tournament soon, you know. You can settle things then."
The red-haired boy, clearly annoyed by the interruption, scoffed. "Back off, Kaz. This guy needs to know his place."
Theos smirked, catching the third boy's name and giving a small nod to acknowledge him. "Kaz, huh?" he said, his gaze flicking back to the red-haired boy. "Well, Kaz might be right. You'll get your chance soon enough… Jarek, was it?"
Jarek's eyes narrowed, but he finally let the flames in his hands die down. "Fine," he spat, though the heat in his eyes promised he wouldn't forget. "But don't think I'll go easy on you when the time comes."
With that, he stormed off, leaving the ground still smoldering from his brief display of power. Kaz sighed, shaking his head.
"Sorry about that. Jarek's… intense. He doesn't take well to new faces, especially if he thinks they might actually be strong enough to challenge him." Kaz smiled, a bit sheepishly. "Welcome to the academy, by the way. I'd say 'hope you enjoy your stay,' but as you can see, things are a little… lively here."
Theos chuckled, giving a slight shrug. "Seems that way." He glanced back at the charred training ground, already plotting out strategies in his mind. He could tell that his time here would be anything but dull Heading back to the dorms after a quick training session he had a restless night back in the academy dorms, Theos opened his eyes to the soft morning light filtering through his window. The bed was softer than he was used to—too soft, really. Years of sleeping on the forest floor had made him feel more at home in rough conditions, so the plush mattress and crisp linens felt strange, almost suffocating. He rose with a sigh, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and preparing himself for the day ahead.
Today, his schedule led him to his first class: Thalia's Weapons and Physical Training. By the time he arrived, other students had already gathered in the training hall, some stretching, others eyeing the selection of weapons laid out across several tables. The instructor, a tall woman with an intimidating presence and a single scar running down her cheek, introduced herself as Thalia.
"All right, everyone," she announced, her voice carrying with authority. "Today, you're choosing a weapon. Each one of these has a unique feel, and you'll train with it until it becomes an extension of yourself. Pick whichever one you're most familiar with or drawn to."
Theos scanned the selection: swords, spears, daggers, axes, and even a few stranger choices. He went straight for a dagger similar to the one he'd trained with before, its weight and balance comforting in his hand. Around him, other students picked up various weapons, inspecting them, some even giving them a few experimental swings.
"Why can't we use our own weapons?" one student finally asked, frowning as he adjusted his grip on a spear.
Thalia crossed her arms, her expression hard but amused. "Because of the grade system. Each weapon here is graded as Class Two or lower—appropriate for your training level. Personal weapons vary too much in strength, and I won't have you tearing up the training ground with overpowered equipment or relying on enhancements. Today's about pure skill and Primal energy. So unless you're willing to hand over a weapon with a fair, Class-Two restriction… you'll use what's provided."
The student looked somewhat dissatisfied but accepted the answer. Thalia then gestured to the middle of the room, where a circular ring had been marked out on the ground.
"All right! Let's see some of that raw strength. I want three of you to step forward. No affinities—just you, your weapon, and your skill."
A murmur passed through the students as three volunteers stepped into the ring: a tall girl with a staff, a boy with twin daggers, and another with a short sword. Thalia nodded approvingly, then took a step back, signaling them to begin.
Theos watched closely as they squared off, assessing one another. With no abilities to fall back on, it was a battle of reflexes, strength, and instinct. The girl with the staff took a defensive stance, her grip steady as she kept her opponent at bay, while the boy with the daggers darted in and out, his movements quick but calculated. The student with the short sword waited for his chance, his stance low and balanced, his eyes never leaving the other two.
Thalia's voice rang out as they fought, offering feedback and encouragement. "Good stance! Stay grounded. Don't overextend!" she called, her eyes flicking between the students with a sharp gaze that caught every misstep, every moment of hesitation.
Theos felt his own excitement building as he watched, his hand unconsciously tightening around his dagger. Here, stripped of affinities, it was down to raw, primal strength and precision. Just watching the exchange felt like a lesson in itself. In a way, he was glad for Thalia's restriction—forcing them to fight without relying on any advantages other than skill alone felt right, grounding even.
Finally, after a few intense minutes, Thalia called the match to a close, her eyes bright with approval. "Well done. You've all got potential. But remember—there's always room for improvement. Raw skill will only get you so far without focus."
She turned to the rest of the class, nodding with a spark of intensity in her eyes. "Now, who's next?"
Theos stepped forward, his expression calm but intense, gripping his dagger with a practiced ease. As he took his place in the ring, another student—a tall, muscular boy with a broad stance—stepped forward to face him. He wielded a massive greatsword, the blade gleaming under the light, its edge sharp enough to cut through stone.
Theos relaxed into his fighting stance, his posture low and animalistic, like a predator ready to spring. His instincts sharpened, his mind falling into that familiar place where all that mattered was movement, timing, and survival. Around him, the other students watched with bated breath, their eyes flicking between the slender dagger in Theos's hand and the towering greatsword in his opponent's.
The boy with the greatsword didn't hesitate. He charged forward, lifting his blade overhead with a shout, the sheer force of his strike enough to split the air. Theos sidestepped in a fluid motion, slipping just out of reach as the greatsword came crashing down, embedding itself in the earth with a powerful thud that sent dust flying.
With lightning speed, Theos closed the gap, his body moving low and fast. His movements were instinctive, almost feral, as he darted to the side, his dagger poised to strike. The greatsword student yanked his weapon free, pivoting to swing it in a wide arc meant to keep Theos at bay, but Theos was already one step ahead.
He ducked under the swing, his body coiling like a spring as he leaped forward, bringing his dagger up in a quick, precise slash that grazed his opponent's side. The blow wasn't deep—just a warning cut. But it was enough to make the other boy stumble back, his face registering a mix of surprise and frustration.
The greatsword wielder scowled, regaining his footing and lifting his weapon again. This time, he approached with more caution, his gaze locked on Theos, analyzing his movements. Theos smirked, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. He could sense the shift in his opponent's strategy, the resolve to overpower him with force, but also a newfound wariness in each step.
They circled each other, the greatsword wielder taking slow, measured steps as Theos prowled, his posture low and agile, as though ready to pounce at any second. The onlookers watched in tense silence, some leaning forward, transfixed by the duel.
Finally, the boy lunged again, sweeping his sword with a downward slice meant to corner Theos. But Theos was already in motion, sidestepping with a graceful, almost inhuman fluidity. This time, he didn't wait for his opponent to recover. He darted forward, his dagger flashing as he aimed for an exposed gap between the boy's armor and arm guard.
The strike landed cleanly, a calculated blow that didn't draw blood but demonstrated precision and control. His opponent took a sharp breath, stumbling back, his greatsword lowered. He seemed to realize that Theos hadn't been fighting to win by brute force, but by sheer instinct and skill.
Thalia, who had been observing closely, clapped her hands once, her voice cutting through the silence. "Enough!"
Theos took a step back, lowering his dagger, his gaze still sharp but his posture relaxed. His opponent's chest heaved as he looked at Theos, a hint of reluctant respect in his eyes.
"Impressive work, both of you," Thalia said, her eyes lingering on Theos with a knowing gleam. "It's not just about strength; it's about control. Remember that."
Theos gave a small nod, stepping out of the ring as a few other students murmured to each other, casting glances his way. He didn't mind the attention, though—he'd learned long ago that the forest never judged him, only taught him to survive. Here, in the academy, it felt like those instincts might finally find a true test. Theos had barely finished his intense weapons training when he moved on to his next class, Primal Theory. He kept his Delusion powers closely guarded, conscious that any use of his true abilities could draw unwanted attention, especially the secret aspect of his power—Time, a force he hadn't revealed to anyone.
Still out of breath from his spar he walked around the academy until he reached a build label as Primal theory he walked in.
The Primal Theory classroom was unlike any other. High, arched windows let in beams of soft, ambient light that seemed to hum with energy. The room was lined with ancient symbols and sigils, their meanings lost to all but a few of the academy's oldest professors. His instructor, a stern but sharp-eyed woman named Professor Eryne, was already there, observing each student who entered with a calculating look.
As the class began, Professor Eryne guided them through the essence of Primal energies and their influence on affinities. She spoke of how each power had a "pure state"—a raw, undiluted essence that only the most skilled could access. When she discussed Delusion, she met Theos's gaze momentarily, as if sensing the power he held within.
"Delusion," she stated, "is the art of bending perception, not brute force. It is subtle, intricate—a skill that thrives on deception and finesse."
Theos maintained a neutral expression, nodding along, aware of how true her words were to his own power. Delusion was his weapon, one that allowed him to create shadows of reality, illusions that left opponents struggling to determine truth from fiction. Though others might have dismissed Delusion as a minor art, Theos understood its depths, its potential to alter not just appearances but one's grasp of the world itself.
Throughout the class, Professor Eryne encouraged practical demonstrations. Some students created flickering images or blurred their forms, modest attempts that earned murmurs of admiration. When it came time for Theos to display his abilities, he subtly adjusted his Delusion energy, allowing it to ripple around him in faint waves. Shadows flickered in the corners of the room, and for a brief moment, his outline seemed to shift, merging with the background in a way that unsettled everyone watching.
The students stared, eyes wide with disbelief. One muttered, "Is he even still there?" Another looked to Professor Eryne, who wore a rare expression of approval.
"Interesting technique," she remarked. "Mr. Theos, it seems you understand Delusion well. But be wary—a power without control becomes its own danger."
Theos nodded respectfully, choosing to hold back any greater display. He had shown just enough to satisfy Professor Eryne without giving away too much. He could have easily done more—woven in elements of Time to create a truly breathtaking illusion—but he was mindful to keep that side of his power hidden.
Professor Eryne paced through the room, gesturing with elegant movements as she explained the primal forces each affinity could command. Her voice was steady, rich with authority, each word drawing the students deeper into a world most had only glimpsed in passing. She held a ruby-tipped wand in her hand, and as she spoke, she pointed it to each corner of the room, conjuring elements to illustrate her teachings.
"Primal forces are the foundation of all our abilities," she began. "Every affinity you possess has its own primal energy, unique in essence yet bound by the same cosmic laws."
With a flick of her wand, a flame burst forth in the air before her, crackling and leaping like a living creature. It swirled, transforming from a small spark into a roaring blaze that filled the air with intense heat. "Fire, a primal force of passion and destruction. It is wild, hard to contain, but if you master it, you can control that raw power—unleash it as a weapon, or contain it as a shield."
The students watched in awe as she then brought her wand down, and the flames cooled, shrinking into a single, shimmering orb of ice that hovered before her. The room turned cold, their breaths forming small clouds. "Ice," she continued, "a force of stillness, endurance. It can freeze time in its own way—slow down, conserve, preserve. But it can also harm as fiercely as fire if wielded by a skilled hand."
Theos observed closely, captivated. He could see the potential of each element she summoned, noting the intricacies of how she controlled each form.
Next, Professor Eryne gestured again, and a sudden gust of wind swept through the room, rustling papers and lifting a few locks of hair from the students' faces. It howled softly, then gained force, spinning into a whirlwind that circled around her. "Wind—versatile and ever-changing. It can support, uplift, or tear down. It's not only a force of nature but also one of adaptability, flexibility." She let the wind disperse with a wave of her hand, and the room settled.
Following that, she drew a shadow from the corner of the room, a wisp of darkness that took shape at her command. "Shadow," she said, as the darkness coiled around her fingers. "Shadow is subtle yet profound. It can be a veil, a weapon, an ally that grants the user concealment, or a force that drives fear. Shadows are always present, lurking in every corner, waiting to serve the one who knows how to call them."
Professor Eryne's expression shifted to a contemplative one as she raised her hand again, and a pulse of energy vibrated through the room. A deep, low hum reverberated around them, so powerful it seemed to echo within their very bones. The students shifted uncomfortably as they felt the primal force of sound, which carried a weight that resonated within them. "Sound," she said, her voice louder to be heard over the hum, "is a primal force that transcends all other senses. It can be subtle or overwhelming, a wave of destruction or a whisper of secrets. A skilled user of sound can bend it to their will, making it as precise as a blade or as blunt as a hammer."
She lowered her hand, and the sound dissipated into silence. The students remained entranced, now fully grasping the range of powers the academy would teach them to control.
As Professor Eryne called upon each primal element, Theos noted how students around him reacted, seeing excitement, awe, and some intimidation in their expressions. Many of them had affinities for these powerful elements, but it was clear that controlling primal forces in their purest form was a skill that would take years to master.
Professor Eryne's gaze settled on Theos. She addressed the class, her eyes never leaving him. "Mr. Theos, would you demonstrate your Delusion for us once again? Show the class how subtlety can wield just as much power as brute force."
Theos hesitated, understanding the importance of revealing just enough. He nodded, then closed his eyes, letting his Delusion affinity reach out and fill the room with an unsettling presence. The lights seemed to dim, shadows pooling in places they hadn't before. Whispers echoed faintly in the air, though no one was speaking, and strange, ghostly images began to flicker in the corners of the students' vision—just glimpses, quick enough to make them question if they'd seen anything at all.
With a thought, he conjured faint illusions, subtle enough to seem real—like faint reflections of his classmates' movements, a slight doubling of their images, as if their shadows had grown restless and come to life. The students shifted uncomfortably, some even gasping as they saw their reflections cast distorted forms.
Professor Eryne's eyes gleamed with approval. "Excellent, Theos. The power of Delusion lies in making one question their own perception of reality. In the right hands, it can disrupt, unsettle, even terrify." She turned to the rest of the class, her expression stern. "Remember, this isn't just about flashy displays. True strength often lies in subtlety."
Theos let the illusion dissipate, the flickering shadows and whispers fading into nothingness, and the students' eyes followed him with a new respect. He couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction, knowing he'd shown them a taste of his power while keeping his secret safe.
As the class drew to an end, Professor Eryne left them with a final thought. "In this academy, you will learn the full scope of your primal affinities, but remember: your control over your powers, your discipline—these will define who you become as much as any raw strength."
Theos felt a spark of anticipation stir within him. This place held the potential for him to grow stronger, but he was equally certain that his hidden power would remain his alone. For now, Delusion was enough to keep others at bay, to give him an edge.
One of the students raised a tentative hand. "Professor Eryne, if each of us only has one or two affinities… how are you able to wield all these primal forces? Your affinity isn't all of them, is it?"
A few heads nodded, intrigued, and curious murmurs swept through the class. Theos glanced around, wondering if anyone else shared his suspicion that there was more to Eryne than met the eye.
Professor Eryne offered a knowing smile. "Excellent question," she began, glancing at the flickering embers she'd left hovering mid-air. With a flick of her wrist, the flames vanished as though they'd never existed. "No, my primary affinity is Wind, not all of these elements. But, as a professor and a dedicated practitioner, I've spent years studying each primal force. What I'm doing isn't natural manipulation—it's called primal attunement."
The room fell silent, eager to hear more. Even Theos leaned in, absorbing every word.
"Attunement," she explained, "is the art of borrowing aspects of primal forces beyond one's innate affinity. It requires deep understanding, concentration, and considerable energy. I don't command these elements as naturally as someone who is truly aligned with them. Instead, I temporarily harmonize my energy with each element, using subtle shifts in aura and intense training in primal theory to achieve what you saw."
"So… you're not actually a fire or ice wielder?" a girl asked, awe still evident on her face.
"Correct. I am merely borrowing a fragment of each force's essence," Professor Eryne replied. "However, this ability comes with significant limitations. Attunement takes an incredible amount of focus, and I must constantly recalibrate as I move between elements. Without absolute control, an attempt to wield another force can easily backfire or collapse entirely."
Theos watched her closely, admiration growing. Here was someone who had pushed beyond natural limitations, a reminder that strength wasn't only about raw power but about skill, control, and resilience. Professor Eryne continued, her voice warm and steady.
"Some of you may one day pursue attunement yourselves, but I caution you—first, master your own affinity. Build your foundation. Only when you fully understand your primal nature can you begin to explore others without risking harm to yourself or others." Her gaze swept across the room. "Remember, power is a responsibility, not a privilege."
One of the students next to Theos leaned in and whispered, "Do you think we'll ever be able to do that?"
Theos shook his head slightly, a determined glint in his eye. "One day, maybe. If we're dedicated enough."
Professor Eryne dismissed the class with a final, almost secretive smile. "Let your affinity guide you, but don't be afraid to think beyond it. The greatest strength often lies just outside your comfort zone."
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