Bo Zhai School, Shanghai
The training hall buzzed with whispers. Teacher Wang Chi's sharp gaze cut through the chatter.
"Pay attention," he said. "Spells are classified into tiers: Whisper, Echo, Resonance, Cataclysm, and Origin. Strength alone isn't enough. Control and foresight are everything."
A curious student raised his hand. "Teacher… how rare is dual-element awakening? Fire and Lightning… like Huo?"
Wang Chi's eyes flickered. "Extremely rare. Across the seas, there's a student—part of a small, disciplined group—whose awakening challenged even the strongest mages of their generation. Such power is not common, and even then… control is the real test."
The room went quiet. Murmurs spread. "A group across the ocean? Imagine…"
Another student leaned forward. "So Huo could be stronger than anyone here?"
Wang Chi's gaze lingered on Huo. "Potential doesn't equal mastery. The rarest gifts can destroy their bearer if misused. Observe closely. Some sparks are quiet before they roar."
Huo tightened his grip on the crimson bracelet. Even across the seas, the underestimated are the ones to watch.
---
Varanasi Institute of Magic, India
At the same moment, Teacher Vir's voice carried across the hall.
"Essence Stages measure a mage's growth: Ember, Pulse, Vein, Core, Crown, and Myth. From Vein onward, each stage has five subclasses: Low, Middle, High, Peak, and Transcendence. Raw strength matters less than control and strategy."
A student's eyes widened. "Teacher… I heard a student far away awakened Fire and Lightning? Is it true?"
Vir nodded slowly. "Yes. Even distant mages can leave their mark on history. That student, though unseen, reshaped expectations of what's possible. Their group is careful, disciplined, and formidable."
Gasps echoed. "Fire and Lightning… unheard of!"
Aarav clenched his fists subtly, feeling a stir of tension. So someone else out there wields dual elements… and people fear them. That could be me one day, if I train hard enough.
Mira crossed her arms, scoffing. "Support mage, Water and Light? You'll barely matter in real combat."
Another student chuckled. "Vein-Mid at best… useless."
Ravi stepped closer to Aarav. "Ignore them. Their arrogance won't last when you show them your strength."
Aarav nodded quietly, letting the river's pulse inside him steady his thoughts. I'll show them… they just don't know how strong I can be.
Chapter 4 :- END