The Elemental Gauntlet

Kael trailed behind the teacher as they returned to the classroom, a cacophony of excited voices and the crackle of magical energy filling the air. Students were scattered throughout the room, some working together while others practiced solo, each attempting to create their own version of an elemental weave. The atmosphere buzzed with enthusiasm and determination as students focused on their respective tasks.

A pair of students near the back were manipulating water, their weaves forming an intricate dance of swirling droplets that occasionally lost cohesion, splattering the floor with wet puddles. Across the room, another student was attempting to harness the power of air, the elemental weave manifesting as a shimmering, almost invisible barrier. The student's concentration wavered, and a gust of wind burst from the weave, scattering papers and causing several students to shield their faces.

The teacher raised her voice, cutting through the clamor to address the class. "Excellent pro