As dawn broke across Etheria, the golden light of twin suns filtered through the misty canopy surrounding the student camp. Birds with glowing feathers chirped overhead, and gentle breezes danced across dew-laced grasses. Though this world was new, the rhythm of life had already begun to settle in.
The students, though overwhelmed the day before, were now starting to accept the impossible: they were no longer on Earth. They were in a world where magic ruled, where spirits whispered, and where fate had greater plans for them than they could yet comprehend.
Miss Eira stood tall outside the cave entrance that led to the glowing chamber beneath the mountain. Her green cloak shimmered in the sunlight as she gathered the 15 students in a line.
"Today," she announced, her voice clear and commanding, "you will discover what Etheria has awakened within you."
Murmurs spread through the group. Some students exchanged nervous glances; others looked excited, almost eager. The unknown loomed heavy in their minds.
"This cave," she continued, "holds the ancient Circle of Aether. Created by the first mages of Etheria, it can read your soul's resonance with the world's magical essence. Each of you has been brought here for a reason. Today, we take the first step toward understanding why."
She turned and led the group into the cave. Though from the outside it appeared small, once inside the tunnel widened dramatically, opening into a crystalline cavern lit by glowing gemstones embedded in the walls. The air shimmered with ancient energy.
They entered a grand hall, where the floor was etched with a massive circular design—an intricate magic circle pulsing with soft, radiant light.
"In the center," Miss Eira explained, "is the Affinity Seal. Each of you will step forward and place your palm upon the smaller circle at the center. The magic will react, revealing your elemental affinities. Most people have one. A rare few may have two. Even rarer… more."
"Does it hurt?" one student asked.
"No," she said, smiling gently. "But it will show you the truth. And sometimes… the truth is difficult."
First to step forward was Riku Tanaka, the composed class representative. He took a deep breath and approached the circle. As he placed his hand on the center, the runes flared to life. Two colors surged upward—light blue and violet.
"Ice and lightning," Miss Eira murmured, impressed.
Next came Tatsuki, his close friend and council member. Confident and calm, he repeated the process. The runes pulsed green and brown.
"Wind and earth."
Gasps and murmurs followed. Two dual-element users already.
Then came Akari Hoshino. Her steps were slow, deliberate. As she touched the circle, the symbols exploded with light. Red, white, and deep purple flared together.
"Three affinities," Miss Eira said softly, a flicker of surprise on her face. "Fire, wind, and shadow. Remarkable."
Akari stepped back, her expression unreadable.
Yuna Hayakawa approached next. Quiet but strong, she placed her hand without hesitation. The magic circle glowed so brightly that several students shielded their eyes.
"Water… spirit… and light," Miss Eira said, her voice full of awe. "A rare and powerful combination."
The students behind her stared. Whispers ran wild. Even Akari looked shaken.
One by one, the rest of the class took their turns. Some received fire. Others wind. A few glowed with stone, or light, or water. Ten students total—each with one or two elements. None exceeded what had already been seen.
Then came Haruto Toukai. With a grin and his usual swagger, he placed his hand on the circle. The floor trembled. Crimson, gold, and silver spiraled upward in a dance of flame, lightning, and earth.
Haruto blinked. "Whoa."
"Another tri-elemental," Miss Eira confirmed, her tone turning serious. "Extremely rare… and dangerous if untrained."
Finally, only one student remained: Kaito Ryuudou.
The group fell silent.
Kaito stepped forward slowly. He took a breath, glanced once at Haruto, then at Yuna—who nodded gently—and placed his hand upon the seal.
Nothing happened.
The circle remained dark.
Confused murmurs erupted.
Kaito's brows furrowed. He pressed harder.
Still nothing.
Then, faintly, a flicker of deep blue light rippled through the lines… followed by white… then black. The circle crackled, the lights tangled, and then—
They vanished.
The room fell silent. The magic dimmed.
"No element…" someone whispered.
Kaito removed his hand slowly. Miss Eira stepped forward, a strange look on her face.
"This does not mean what you think," she said firmly. "Some powers lie hidden. Some are not born, but awakened through fire and hardship. Do not judge what you do not understand."
Kaito stood still, his hand trembling slightly. Haruto put a hand on his shoulder. Yuna gave him a soft, worried look.
Miss Eira ended the ceremony with a clap. "You have all done well. Rest now. Tomorrow, your real training begins."
End of Chapter 17