Prodigy

The first thing I noticed about Ember Capital was its sheer size. From a distance, the city radiated power and refinement, its towering walls standing like sentinels of polished stone. Vibrant banners adorned with noble family insignias fluttered in the breeze, declaring dominance and pride to all who approached.

As we entered the bustling streets, I felt like I had stepped into a different world. The air buzzed with life—merchants shouting to outdo one another, the clinking of coins exchanging hands, and the rhythmic chatter of hundreds of people.

Street vendors crowded the roads, their stalls overflowing with exotic wares—fragrant spices, shimmering silks, and weapons that looked sharper than most people's wits. The aroma of freshly baked bread and sizzling meat hung in the air, making my stomach growl despite the long hours of travel.

Among the crowd, samurai moved with a quiet authority, their gleaming armor catching the sunlight. Ronin, those masterless warriors, roamed with a more casual yet wary demeanor, hands brushing the hilts of their swords as if daring anyone to cross them. Mercenaries walked with purpose, their weathered faces betraying lives spent in battle.

Everything here felt alive, every corner filled with ambition, tension, and opportunity. Ember Capital wasn't just a city—it was a living, breathing organism that thrived on the dreams and conflicts of its people.

Jin strode ahead calmly, seemingly unbothered by the chaos, while I struggled to take it all in. The towering buildings with their upward-curving roofs seemed to scrape the sky, some even boasting rooftop gardens of cherry blossoms and trickling streams.

I paused briefly at a square where a group of young men and women sparred with katanas. Their movements were sharp and disciplined, their swords gleaming with every strike. An older samurai watched them with sharp, calculating eyes, correcting their stances with quiet authority.

Their precision reminded me of my past life—the relentless pursuit of perfection. My fingers twitched as I watched them, itching to test myself.

"Keep up, Hanzo." Jin called over his shoulder, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Coming!" I jogged to catch up, forcing my focus back on the real reason I was here: Ember Academy.

Ember Academy was unlike anything I had ever seen. The massive building loomed ahead, its dark stone exterior standing in stark contrast to the lively streets of Ember Capital. It was imposing, its towering structure radiating strength and prestige.

As we stepped inside, I couldn't help but feel out of place. The hallways were stunning, with polished marble floors reflecting the soft glow of hanging lanterns. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the space with sunlight, highlighting the ornate carvings on the walls. Students my age—and some older—walked in groups, their conversations a mix of laughter and serious debate.

It felt more like a palace than a school.

Jin led me through the main building, pointing out key areas as we walked. The academy was divided into three main sections: the Main Building, which housed lecture halls and the library; the Training Grounds, where sparring arenas and various equipment awaited; and the Dormitories, where students could rest or study.

"This isn't just a school, Hanzo." Jin said as we approached his office. "It's a proving ground. The students here are the future leaders of this world. If you survive here, you'll leave as one of the strongest warriors alive."

No pressure.

The real test came soon after. After a brief stop in Jin's office, we headed straight for the training grounds—a sprawling complex filled with students practicing techniques under the watchful eyes of their instructors.

In the middle of the grounds stood a strange contraption, a glowing orb encased in dark roots that twisted around it like an ancient tree. An instructor stood nearby, adjusting the device with careful precision.

"Takeda." Jin said, gesturing toward the orb, "this will determine your elemental affinity. Put your hand on the panel and channel your Ki. The orb will show your dominant element: red for fire, blue for water, brown for earth, and silver for air."

I stepped forward, my heart pounding with anticipation. Placing my hand on the panel, I focused my Ki, letting it flow through me.

At first, nothing happened. Then the orb began to spin, its colors shifting wildly—red, blue, brown, silver, and then… all of them. The orb exploded into a rainbow of light, the colors swirling together in chaotic harmony.

System Notifications:

I pulled my hand back, glancing around nervously. The instructor adjusted his glasses, his face pale with shock. Jin, on the other hand, chuckled softly, shaking his head in disbelief.

"Takeda, you're a damn prodigy." he said, his voice filled with pride, mouth agaped.

"What does it mean?" I asked, still unsure.

Jin crossed his arms, his smirk widening. "It means you can control all four elements. That's beyond rare—not even one in 150,000 students has that ability."

All four elements? How was that even possible?

Before I could dwell on it, the instructor stepped closer, his curiosity evident. "Which royal house are you from?"

Jin cut in smoothly. "He's not from any noble family. I found him in Yamigakure—a wandering orphan with more potential than most nobles I've met. I personally sponsored him."

I forced a nervous laugh, scratching the back of my head. "I'm just lucky, I guess."

Jin clapped me on the shoulder. "You're more than lucky, kid. Now let's get you settled in."

Once in my dorm, I finally had a moment to myself. The room was simple but well-furnished, with a sturdy desk, a small bookshelf, and a comfortable bed. I sat down and opened the system menu, eager to claim my reward from earlier.

System Notification:

"Killing Intent?" I muttered, curious.

"Inspect."

Skill Description:

The effects were staggering—fear induction, paralysis, and even pressure on stronger opponents. The skill's range was 30 meters with no cooldown. It wasn't just powerful—it was terrifying.

I let out a low chuckle. The system never ceased to surprise me. This skill was more than just a tool—it was a reflection of my past life. A life of blood and shadows that now gave me an edge in this one.

As I left the system menu, I leaned back against the wall, staring at the ceiling. The academy was grand, filled with opportunity, but it was also dangerous. The people here had no idea what I was capable of. And that was just how I liked it.

System Notification:

I smirked, a familiar determination settling over me.

Tomorrow, the real journey would begin.

And they wouldn't see me coming.