When she opened her eyes, light was seeping through the branches, and the smell of the earth was closer. Above her stood a tall young man, wearing a gray cloak, his hair tied back neatly. His honey-colored eyes held the weight of one who had seen much, and the silence of one who understood more than he said.
The young man's voice was calm as he asked, "Are you all right?"
Sarab sat up quickly, wary. "Who are you?"
His voice was calm, yet it carried an unforgettable tone. "I am Kailen, one of the elders in the tribe… You lost consciousness from overusing the Aynara."
She looked at him, then at her hands, and said in a low voice, "I'm… Nira. One of the new children this year."
He nodded, then looked at the collapsed wall and the moved rock.
"From the traces around you… you were controlling the Earth element, weren't you?" Kailen asked.
"Yes… I tried to connect with it," Sarab said. "I felt a flow… but something was missing."
Kailen sat beside her, took a handful of dirt, and let it sift through his fingers with a strange expression.
"You don't control the Earth, Nira… and you don't connect with it," he said, looking at her directly. "You are the Earth. Immerse yourself in it… don't impose yourself, but vanish within it. Only then… will you know the meaning of power."
He was silent for a moment, then added in a more serious tone, "But don't stand out too much. Be natural… don't attract attention."
Before she could ask, he stood up and said, "You can go as soon as you've recovered."
Then he turned and disappeared among the trees. Sarab remained seated, looking at the dirt he had left behind.
She wondered, "Why is everyone warning me not to stand out? Is something going on…?" She felt that every answer opened a new question. But inside her, a spark had begun to glow again. It wasn't from the Earth element… but from something deeper. Something unseen… but that changes everything.
After days of meditation, reading, and falling, Sarab decided it was time to sharpen her skills. In the days before, by sometimes mingling with the tribe's children, she had learned about the tribe's structure and that there was a training area. She headed to the training building, located on the western edge of the tribe, where the trees gave way to high stone walls decorated with elemental symbols. At the entrance, a plaque carved in stone read: "Here the soul is tested, the body is forged, and the truth is revealed."
She entered and found that the building consisted of four main rooms. Sarab chose the simulation room. She placed her hand on a control stone, and a faint glow appeared, then an internal voice announced, "Level One."
A slow-moving shadowy monster appeared before her. She wanted to defend herself first. She focused her energy (Aynara) into her hands, then pushed it toward the ground. A small stone wall rose in front of her, reaching half her height. A simple wall… but it protected, it blocked the first attack. Her thinking was logical.
Next, she tried to attack. She formed a small ball of dirt, then threw it at the monster, but it was weak and had no effect. This wasn't enough. She tried again, this time shaping the ball into a small, sharp spear. She pushed it with force towards the monster. The spear pierced the phantom creature, and it vanished. "Level One - Complete."
"Level Two." A new opponent appeared, faster and moving in circles. Sarab tried to catch up, but she slipped and lost her balance. She realized that the earth wasn't just a tool for attack or defense—it was the foundation. An attack without stability… was a fall. She sat down again and closed her eyes. The earth gives me roots. She felt her consciousness extend through her feet into the ground. When she opened her eyes, she was deeper within the earth. She realized that stability was the basis of power. She formed a solid support behind her foot to prevent any slipping. She launched a transformed spear through the air, hitting the monster in the chest.
"Level Three." In this level, the monster jumped toward her with a powerful, direct strike. Sarab didn't have time to build a full wall. Instinctively, she formed a thin layer of earth on her arm to absorb the blow. But she didn't just block it. When the blow touched the shield, the energy rebounded back toward the monster. The Earth doesn't just block… it returns. She realized that every attack on the earth generated a counter-reaction.
"Level Four." The new opponent was fast and elusive. Sarab couldn't hit it with her direct attacks. She thought, An attack doesn't just mean to harm… it means to control. She formed a flexible strip of earth and launched it like a hook that wrapped around the monster's leg and immobilized it. This was a new discovery for her: the earth could be a shackle, to hold and to slow.
"Level Five." She closed her eyes, and her feet sank into the earth. She no longer relied on sight. She felt subtle vibrations on the ground, telling her the location of her opponent who was approaching from behind. She jumped to the side at the right moment, then launched an earth spear that struck with precision. "The Earth speaks… but in silence."
"Level Six." This monster stood still, preparing for a head-on attack. Sarab did not attack it directly. Instead, she changed the ground beneath its feet. She turned the solid earth into a soft area, then suddenly opened a small pit. The monster fell and lost its balance, and she launched an earth fragment at it. "The Earth isn't a battleground… it's a tool."
"Level Seven: The Living Shield." A new opponent appeared, with multiple, swift attacks. Sarab formed a net of small rocks that spun around her and blocked the blows. Then she launched the net as a storm of fragments, hitting the monster from every direction. "Protection doesn't mean stillness… but movement."
After this level ended, Sarab sat on the ground, her body exhausted, but her mind alert. She looked at her hands, then at the ground beneath her. She realized that everything she had done so far was only the outer layer of using the Earth element.
"Level Eight." As soon as she entered, a surprise attack came… she didn't even notice how or from whom. You have been defeated…
Sarab left the training room, her body drained, her spirit burdened. It wasn't a defeat… it was exhaustion. She walked slowly, passing between the huts, not looking at anyone, not searching for anything. She reached her hut on the outskirts of the tribe, where the trees were denser and the light was less curious. She opened the door, fell onto the bed, and couldn't even move her eyelids.
Sarab slept… through the night and into the next morning. She was only woken by the sound of children running and laughing outside. She sat up, washed, fixed her hair, then stood in front of the small mirror. She looked at herself and said in a low voice, "This isn't my world… and it's not my place. I don't have to follow its rules. I have to leave… but first, I need to know where to go."
She put on her cloak and went out. She passed between the huts, approached a woman who was filling a bowl with a blue plant, and asked hesitantly, "Where is the Narissa tribe?"
The woman stopped, looked at her, then gave a short laugh. "What's wrong with you, Nira? Did you run into a tree in your sleep?"
Sarab thought, No… nothing. It seems my question is unusual here… as if they consider my existence natural, even though I don't feel that way.
She decided to go to the library to understand this place… its history, its customs, and maybe a way to get out. The library was like an ancient temple, its walls made of blue stone, and the books were stacked on high shelves, some of them bound with metal chains. She went in and was greeted by the smell of old paper and manuscripts.
She didn't ask anyone, but began searching between the shelves. She found a book titled "Arthea: A Civilization Between Worlds" and opened it. The Arthea civilization consists of several tribes, each with its own rituals and council. A figure called "the Nafy" ruled the civilization. He was like a high shaman, who communicated with rare elements. The Narissa tribe was known for its calmness and meditation, and it was where souls with an unusual spark were chosen. Anyone with a rare element was treated preferentially… and might go to receive an education from one of the elders in the Arthea ruling council. A shiver ran through her.
Sarab thought, Everything here is based on rituals… on secrets… and I'm in the middle of them, but I'm not one of them.
She asked the librarian for a map and looked at it carefully. The tribe was surrounded by a mountain on one side, and a river and a waterfall on the other. The only exit was at the Eastern Gate, where the guards stood.
Sarab thought, I can only leave with a permit… and the guards are powerful. I've barely started learning control… but they are masters.
She wondered if she could ask for help. Then a question came to her: "Is there an element that allows for invisibility?"
She searched the books and found that the most prominent element for invisibility was Darkness. But learning it required one of three things: an inheritance from a parent, a legacy from a master, or the rare and preserved Crystal of Darkness. And I don't have any of them… So, I have to become stronger.
She left and walked towards the outskirts of the tribe, where the river was. She stood in front of the water, which flowed calmly, not asking where it came from or where it was going. The water began to flow around her feet, as if it were responding. She opened her eyes, looked at the river, then at her hand. The earth was silent… and the water whispers. But both of them… they respond when I am calm.
She began to meditate again—not searching for an element, but for a principle. Every element had its own nature, yet all followed the same law: don't impose yourself… merge.
She felt the Aynara inside her begin to harmonize with her surroundings. The earth gives me stability… the water gives me flow. If I understand every element… I can use it, not own it. She then whispered, I'm not looking for power… but for freedom.
Sarab remembered Elder Kailen's words: "You don't control the Earth, Nira… and you don't connect with it." "You are the Earth." "Merge with it… don't impose yourself, but vanish within it. Only then… will you know the meaning of power." She felt a shiver. Can I… merge with it?
She sat on the ground, placed her palms on it, and closed her eyes. She began to meditate, not asking for anything, just listening. The earth didn't speak, but it pulsed. It didn't move, but it held everything. I'm not asking to control it… but to be a part of it. She felt her body become heavy, not from exhaustion… but from merging. Her limbs began to dissolve into the soil, as if they were being absorbed gently. She opened her eyes, but she saw only brown darkness. She was inside the earth… no pressure, no fear. She was breathing, but the air came from the pulse of the earth. I'm not hiding… I'm transforming.
She began to move slowly, as if her body had become part of the lower layer. The small rocks made way for her, and the roots did not obstruct her, but guided her. This isn't a tunnel… this is a merging. Sarab moved slowly inside the earth, feeling its pulse, hearing faint sounds above her. Can I cross the gate underground? Sarab moved toward the gate, passing through the entire tribe….
But before she reached the gate, she felt a shiver run down her spine. She stopped abruptly. A person appeared above ground, their footsteps heavy. "Elder Three!" She held her breath, freezing inside the soil, no movement, no sound. Moments later, another person appeared, running behind him. "Elder Four: What's going on?"
"I felt something… someone was here, then suddenly disappeared. Something is not normal," Elder Three said.
The two began to examine the area, looking around, touching the ground, and smelling the air.
"It seems they moved just now. They either have speed… or an ability," Elder Four said.
The two exchanged a strange look, then smiled.
"We'll be watching the tribe… closely," Elder Three said.
After they left, Sarab was about to emerge… but suddenly, Elder Four returned. He stood in the same spot, looked around, then said, "I thought the one hiding would come out after we left… it seems I was overthinking it."
He finally left. Sarab remained motionless until she was absolutely sure he was gone. Then she began to move slowly, through the earth, until she reached her hut. She sat on the ground, breathing deeply, her heart still pounding.
Sarab sat on the ground, breathing deeply, her heart still pounding.
She wondered, What did he mean? Were they looking for me? Or for something else? She didn't find an answer. But something had changed inside her… she was no longer afraid, but curious.
She stood in front of the window, feeling a light breeze enter the hut. She closed her eyes and began to meditate. Water was flow… Earth was an embrace… So what is the wind? She raised her hand, not asking, but listening. Her hair began to move, then the curtains, then the papers on the table.
She thought, The wind… it doesn't hold, it doesn't touch, but it feels.
She began to breathe slowly, then she felt the air around her begin to swirl. It wasn't a storm… but a dance.
It seemed that all the elements flowed with them… they only needed a command… but to truly communicate with them, the road seemed long.
Her meditation was cut short by a knock at the door.
Sarab opened the door and found Ryan standing there, his hands on his hips.
"Why did you miss the lesson yesterday?" Ryan asked.
Sarab said calmly, "I wasn't feeling well."
"Alright… come on, the Elder is waiting for you with everyone. Today she'll test you again," he said.
"Ah… I've already awakened it," Sarab whispered.
"What?!" Ryan laughed. "Haha, as expected… Alright, let's go."
Sarab arrived at the square, where Sirana stood among the students, explaining in a calm, steady voice.
"Whoever has controlled their element will begin the practical training… and the rest will go to meditation," Sirana said. "Don't rush, for the element doesn't like haste."
The students one by one began to use their elements. Water scattered, the earth trembled, and the wind swirled slowly. But their control was… weak.
Sarab thought, Is this considered training…? This is less than a beginner's level. She decided to lower her level, not wanting to attract attention.
Even when Ryan used the Fire element, he seemed average, neither bad nor brilliant.
Sarab thought, Okay, I'll be a little less than him.
She focused her hand… an uneven ball of dirt formed, and she threw it a few meters in front of her. Sirana looked at her with a cunning expression that no one noticed.
"Well done, Nira," Sirana said. "Keep going and it will be smoother."
"Thank you, Elder," Sarab said.
At that moment, Kailen, one of the elders, passed by the square. He suddenly stopped.
"As expected… my training has borne fruit," Kailen said with an artificial smile.
"You're the one who taught her?" Sirana asked, suspiciously.
Sarab thought, What training?! He's trying to cover up my control over the Earth… something is wrong. I should go along with it for now.
"Nira! Is Elder Kailen really teaching you?!" Ryan asked excitedly. "Amazing!"
Lyra said, surprised, "How lucky you are… I'm going to start being jealous of you."
The rest of the students were impressed. How had Nira managed to convince an elder like Kailen to train her personally outside of lessons?
"May I have your permission to take Nira today?" Kailen asked.
"Of course," Sirana said. "I don't think she needs today's lesson. She can skip it… but she should not skip any more."
"Thank you, Elder," Sarab said.
Then Kailen took her away from the square. He asked her calmly, "Have you mastered control of your element?"
"Yes," Sarab said calmly.
Then she asked him with some caution, "If anyone found out… they'd take me to be an apprentice in the Capital, wouldn't they?"
Kailen laughed, but his laughter was bitter, as if it hid something deeper.
"Fool… did you really believe that?" he asked. Sarab was shocked and took a step back, looking at him with questioning eyes. "Do you think the Capital looks for talented people to honor them?"
"But why do you say I'm talented…?" Sarab asked.
Kailen said sharply, "Stop being ridiculous. The elements are drawn to each other… and when someone uses an element, we feel something internally. Since the first day… I felt you… and I was surprised you were training with the earth."
"But I thought you were smart… hiding something," Kailen said. "But it seems you are just… a fool."
Sarab felt something break inside her. It wasn't fear… but disappointment.
"I just… wanted to understand them," she said in a low voice. "I wasn't looking for power… but for harmony."
Kailen looked at her, and his silence this time was not anger… but confusion.
"Harmony…?" he asked slowly.
Sarab stood in front of him, contemplating him, trying to understand why she felt safe with him. Why was she not afraid of him? And why did he not seem to be afraid of her?
"How far has your training in the Earth element come?" Kailen asked.
"I've merged with it, in a way," Sarab replied.
"…" Kailen paused.
"What?" Sarab asked.
Kailen sighed. "Don't tell anyone and stay hidden as much as you can…"
"Why are you helping me? Why didn't you tell anyone?" Sarab asked.
Kailen came closer to her, looked into her eyes, then whispered, "Because I saw something around you… something that cannot be seen."
"What do you mean?" Sarab asked.
"The element of the soul… it gives me clairvoyance," Kailen said. "I can see auras, feel the vibrations that surround people. And when I saw you… your aura was not normal."
"An aura?" Sarab whispered.
"It was confused… but it was strong. As if it was trying to form… to merge. I couldn't ignore it."
"Is that… what you felt?" Sarab asked.
"Yes," Kailen said. "And since that day, I decided to watch you."
Sarab felt something strange… it wasn't fear, but comfort. It was as if someone finally saw what she couldn't explain.
"Hey everyone, the early chapters might feel a bit slow since they set up the world, but don't worry—things will get more exciting soon! I'd love to hear your honest feedback along the way."