The First Class

narrated by John

We followed Benji to a garden behind the school campus. He then sat down and motioned us to do the same.

"Okay then. Here we go again," he smiled, "My name is Oliver Benji. I served in the Stronghold Bender Force, and was given Elite status for a brief period of time, before I retired voluntarily and now I'm here to take for my first year as a teacher!"

"Before we begin, we should get to know ourselves better. Why don't you all introduce yourselves?"

Obviously, I was made to go first.

"I'm John," I began, offering a nod of acknowledgment. "I've always been fascinated by the mysteries of energy manipulation, and my goal is to become a member of Bender Elite Force. I believe that understanding and mastering energy is the key to making a positive impact in our city."

"So you want to become an Elite? You know you'll have to work a lot for that yeah?" He said.

"I'm ready for that," I said, and he nodded and smiled.

Alex followed, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Hey, I'm Alex," he declared with infectious enthusiasm. "I'm here to become the best bender this city has ever seen. I believe in pushing boundaries, exploring new possibilities, and, of course, having a blast while doing it. Let's make some energy waves, guys!"

Benji smiled back,"You have a very positive attitude, Alex. It'll help you a lot going forward on your journey as a Bender."

Gordon stepped forward, his gaze focused and his words deliberate. "I'm Gordon," he stated in a no-nonsense tone. "I'm not here to make friends or play nice. I'm here to be the strongest, acknowledged by everyone. You can call it ambition or a burning desire; I call it the path to true strength. So, watch out, because I won't stop until I'm at the top."

His declaration hung in the air, creating a momentary silence. I couldn't help but notice the intensity in his eyes, a fire that burned with determination. Our eyes briefly locked, and in that instant, I could sense the unspoken challenge. Benji, unfazed by Gordon's directness, nodded, acknowledging his intention.

Anne stepped forward, her presence a contrast to Gordon's intensity. "Hi, I'm Anne," she began with a warm smile. "Unlike some, I'm here to explore the wonders of energy manipulation and bending. I've always been fascinated by the possibilities, and this is my chance to dive into a world of endless discovery. So, I'm looking forward to learning and growing with all of you."

"So you don't want to become a member of the Bender Force?" Benji asked.

"Not really, I'm more interested in discovering new things and helping this art prosper rather than using it for violence."

He nodded, and got up.

"Thank you all for your introductions," Benji began with a warm smile. "It's clear that each of you brings a unique perspective and passion to the world of bending. John, aspiring for the elite Bender Force, Alex, aiming to be the best bender ever, Anne, driven by the wonders of energy manipulation, and Gordon, with the burning desire to be acknowledged as the strongest."

He continued, "This diversity is what makes our journey fascinating. We'll learn not only from our successes but also from our differences. As your teacher, I'm excited to witness your growth and guide you on this path of discovery. Together, we'll unravel the mysteries of bending and forge a bond that goes beyond mere skill development. Now, let's embark on this journey together."

Benji gestured towards us with a thoughtful expression. "Let's begin with a simple question. What do you mean by energy?"

I started, "To me, energy is the unseen force that flows through everything, connecting us to each other and the world. It's the essence that empowers our abilities as benders."

Alex, with his characteristic enthusiasm, chimed in, "Energy is like the lifeblood of bending. It's the raw power that fuels our abilities and allows us to shape the world around us. The more we understand it, the stronger benders we become."

Anne, her eyes gleaming with curiosity, added, "For me, energy is the source of endless possibilities. It's the key to unlocking new realms of knowledge and manipulating the very fabric of reality. Exploring its depths is an adventure in itself."

Gordon, adopting a more straightforward approach, stated, "Energy is power. The more you harness, the stronger you become. It's the driving force behind every bender's strength, and mastering it is the key to supremacy."

"Good," Benji said, "You are all piecing it together. Energy, my dear students, is the essence that permeates every inch of existence. It flows through the air we breathe, the ground beneath our feet, and the very core of our being. It's the life force that binds the universe together."

He gestured to the surroundings, as if inviting us to witness the invisible currents that surged around us. "However, not everyone can perceive or wield this force. Only a select few, like us, inhabitants of the seven Bender cities, possess the innate ability to harness and manipulate it. It's a gift and a responsibility—one that sets us apart and opens the door to a realm of incredible possibilities. Have you ever seen energy in action?"

"Only managed to get bits of it." Alex said.

He chuckled, and spread his palm, which began to glow, "Alright then, watch this!"

Benji's fingers sent out soft streams of light, like tiny luminous threads that gracefully wound themselves into an intricate dance. As he moved his hand, the threads swirled and converged, gathering into a radiant ball. It was a subtle and mesmerizing spectacle, the gentle interplay of individual threads coming together to form a glowing orb.

The room was bathed in a soft, pulsating glow as the sphere hovered above Benji's hand.

"Behold," Benji announced, his voice carrying a blend of awe and familiarity, "energy in its purest form. A force that responds to our will, a dance of power that connects us to the very fabric of existence."

Closing his palm, Benji brought the swirling ball of energy to a gentle dissipation, like smoke dispersing in a gentle breeze. The luminous display faded away, leaving only a lingering sense of the energy that had filled the room.

"I think that's enough for the first class," Benji announced with a warm smile. "We'll delve deeper into the world of energy manipulation starting from tomorrow. Rest well, and be ready for a journey that goes beyond what you've known so far."

And that was our first class in the Stronghold Bender Academy.