RISE OF THE ELEMENTAL HERO

ELEMENTAL TRAINING: AIR

Shiro and Korin walked through the tall gates of the Serevaal Training School, the largest structure Shiro had seen since arriving. The buildings looked old but strong, with stone walls covered in vines that sparkled faintly.

Inside the grounds, the supernaturals moved in groups, practicing their abilities with bursts of energy crackling in the air. Water splashes, flames flickering, and gusts of wind were everywhere as students honed their skills.

Korin glanced over at Shiro. “This is where you’ll be learning to control your elements. Since you’ve got all four, you’ll have to go through each one step by step.”

Shiro’s stomach churned. “And how long will that take?”

Korin shrugged. “Depends on how fast you learn. The levels here are Beginner Novice and Intermediate before you reach the advanced stages. It’s a lot of hard work Shiro, but I think you’re up for it.”

As they walked toward the entrance, Shiro couldn’t help but notice the whispers and stares from other students. Some looked at him with curiosity, others with doubt. The news about him being a human summoned by the council must have spread quickly.

“Don’t let them bother you,” Korin said, reading his expression. “Once you start training, they’ll be more comfortable with you.”

Shiro nodded, but he could still feel the weight of all the attention. The school was really big and filled with power he hadn’t even begun to understand. As they neared the front of a somelike hall, Shiro took a deep breath.

They then approached the entrance, its heavy wooden doors creaked open, revealing a bustling space filled with supernaturals; students and instructors.

A tall woman emerged towards Shiro and Korin, her movements precise and deliberate, as if every step carried meaning.

It was Rena. Rena was an instructor and also head of the elemental training at Serevaal. Her eyes were as sharp as a sword. It was clear that nothing escaped her notice.

“You must be Shiro,” Rena said, her voice smooth but firm. Her gaze swept over him, steady but not unkind. It was obvious she's never seen a human this close to her.

Shiro straightened awkwardly, unsure of how to respond.

“We’ll see how you fare,” Rena continued, turning her attention briefly to Korin with a subtle nod. “Your training will be tough. Mastering even one element is difficult—four will be a test like no other.”

Before Shiro could respond, a girl stumbled out from behind Rena, nearly tripping over her own feet. She fumbled with her cloak, tugging it close as if it could shield her from embarrassment. Her dark hair fell over her eyes, and frustration was written across her face.

“I'm so sorry, Mrs Rena,” Mei said as she stood up. Mei looked over at Shiro, studying his face, she knew he wasn't from here.

“This is Mei,” Rena said, glancing down at the girl. “One of my students. She’s still working on controlling her abilities.”

Mei shot Shiro a timid glance, her cheeks burning as she mumbled, “Hi.”

Shiro gave a small, friendly smile. “Hi.”

Korin leaned closer to Shiro, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Looks like you won’t be the only one confused about things.”

Mei shifted awkwardly, brushing her hair out of her face. “I’ll get better,” she muttered under her breath, half to herself.

Rena’s eyes softened briefly. “We all start somewhere,” she said, her gaze flickering between Shiro and Mei.

"This is where I have to leave you now, Shiro" Join said as little bit sad," And Shiro, you'll be fine" he said as he walked away.

Shiro and Mei followed Rena through the training school grounds. The air buzzed with energy—fire crackled from distant corners, water splashed rhythmically, and gusts of wind twisted playfully in the open spaces. Shiro felt the weight of curious stares from students scattered across the field, their whispers trailing behind him.

Rena led them with calm authority, speaking without needing to turn back. “This is where students learn to control and master their elements. Everyone begins as a novice and works their way up. Mastery is not rushed—it’s earned.”

They reached an expansive training area where students grouped according to their elements. Shiro’s nerves tightened. He had to learn not just one element but four, and right now, he barely knew where to start.

"All right, listen up!" Rena clapped her hands, her voice cutting through the noise. The students stopped talking instantly, gathering closer. Shiro stood among them, trying not to feel out of place, but he noticed his breath quicken under the weight of the task ahead.

Rena raised her hands, demonstrating a simple but essential movement. "Today, we’re going over the Elemental channel. As much as this is a Class for those with Air Element, every beginning student needs to know this. It’s a grounding technique that will help you connect with the energy inside you. Without control, your power will always be unstable—so learn this well.”

She extended her right arm, her palm facing outward, and exhaled slowly. As she did, the ground beneath her feet shifted, and a small pillar of earth rose, smooth and precise. “Breathe in... Focus... And allow the energy to flow. Whether it’s fire, water, air, or earth—it begins with control.”

The students mimicked her stance, including Shiro. His heart thumped as he stretched his hand forward, trying to focus. Rena gave them a nod. “We’ll go one step at a time. Start with breath—slow and steady.”

Around him, students began to manifest their elements: flames flickered from fingertips, small gusts of wind swirled at their feet, pebbles floated into the air, and droplets of water formed small circles. Mei stood nearby, fidgeting with her hands. Shiro noticed her brow furrowing in frustration as tiny stones wobbled weakly only to stop moving.

Shiro focused again, exhaling deeply as Rena instructed. He stretched his arm forward, reaching for the wind, and for a moment, he felt it respond—a breeze stirred at his fingertips. But the connection wavered, and the wind suddenly lashed out, scattering some training supplies across the field.

Laughter erupted from some students, while some looked at him with pity and shock.

Shiro held his hand over his face, embarrassment tightening his chest.

Before he could try again, Mei whispered beside him, “It’s okay... It took me weeks to even move a pebble.”

Rena walked among the students, observing their progress with a critical eye. When she reached Shiro, she offered a slight smile—not unkind, but measured.

“I'm so sorry, Miss Rena, I didn't..” Shiro said.

"It's fine Shiro, It’s not about perfection today. It’s about learning to listen to your element. There will be time to master it—if you commit to the work."

She paused and addressed the group again. “Now, let’s try again. This time, focus not on controlling the element but on understanding it. Connect with it like an old friend.”

The students resumed their stances, and Shiro inhaled slowly. He knew this wasn’t going to be easy. There was still a long way to go—but he was ready to take the first step