Chapter 20: The Path of Earth and Spirit

The sky was clear, with a gentle breeze pushing through the floating city of Zephyria as Master Aerion approached Xalin with a wide grin. In his hands, he held something that made Xalins eyes light up a glider. It wasn't just any glider. The wood was smooth, polished with intricate carvings of ancient wind patterns, and the fabric stretched across it was a deep orange, vibrant and lightweight. At the center, the glider had a sturdy staff base, its tips fanning out into graceful wings.

"This," Master Aerion began, "is an ancient tool passed down by air masters. It will help you manipulate the wind and give you more control in the air. Think of it as an extension of your abilities. With this, you'll be able to fly."

Xalin's excitement was palpable, his fingers tracing the delicate engravings on the glider. "Thank you, Master Aerion. This... this is incredible!"

Master Aerion chuckled. "You'll need this on your journey. But remember, Xalin, you're not yet a full Luminary. There are still parts of you that remain incomplete. You cannot reach your full potential until you master earth manipulation and spirit magic."

Xalin nodded, gripping the glider tightly. "I know. And Im ready to learn."

"Good," Master Aerion said with a nod. "The path to the Eclipse Caverns is treacherous. But before you go there, you must find an earth master who can teach you. Earthbending will help ground you. Only then will you be prepared to face the darkness of the caverns."

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On the Road

Xalin, Kell, and Lira set off from Zephyria, making their way through the mountains. The journey was long and winding, and the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon as they found themselves at the entrance of a large cave system that cut through the mountain.

"Looks like well need to pass through here to reach the next city," Kell said, peering into the caves dark mouth. "Its faster, but I don't like the looks of it."

"I've read about these caves," Lira chimed in, her voice tense. "They're known for strange occurrences and creatures that lurk in the dark."

Kell smirked. "Well, I guess well just have to rely on Xalin's glowing Luminary markings to guide us."

Xalin shot him a look, his expression deadpan. "That's not funny."

Kell and Lira chuckled, but Xalin just shook his head. "I can barely stay in the Luminary state, let alone glow on command. I was lucky last time."

As they ventured deeper into the cave, the air grew colder, and the darkness became almost suffocating. The only sounds were their footsteps echoing off the walls. 

Suddenly, a low, guttural growl echoed from the depths of the cave, causing Lira to jump and cling to Xalins arm. 

"Hey!" Kell said, his voice full of mock indignation. "Aren't I strong enough to protect you?"

Lira glanced at him, still holding onto Xalin. "No offense, but... y'know."

Xalin blushed, looking away as they continued to walk, trying to focus on the task at hand. Another growl reverberated through the cave, louder this time. Xalin gripped his staff, readying himself for whatever was lurking in the shadows.

"Everyone, stay sharp," Xalin warned, his voice steady but tense. "I cant tell where the sound is coming from."

Suddenly, Kell frowned and looked behind them. "Uh... did the direction we came from just change?"

Xalin and Lira stopped, realizing that the entrance was no longer where they had come from. The cave seemed to shift and twist, as if it were alive. 

Before they could make sense of it, boulders crashed down around them, and from the earth emerged massive creatures, Dugmoles, giant, mole-like beasts with thick, armored bodies and powerful digging claws. Their large, blind eyes glowed faintly in the dark.

"Looks like we've got company!" Xalin shouted as he spun his staff, sending a gust of wind toward the Dugmoles. But the wind barely moved them. Their sturdy bodies were built to withstand the harshness of the earth.

Kell immediately summoned his shadow, attempting to bind one of the creatures. His shadow wrapped around the Dugmole, but it was useless. The creature was far too strong, and the shadow slipped off like water.

"I've heard about them," Lira said, stepping forward. "They respond to emotions."

Xalins eyes narrowed. "Emotions?"

Lira nodded, her tone more serious than usual. "Yes. If you're calm and show no threat, they wont attack."

Kell glanced at Lira. He had noticed a change in her ever since the battle at the air temple. She had grown more confident, more in tune with the world around her.

The Dugmoles, sensing no immediate threat, began to retreat, burrowing back into the earth. 

"Wait," Xalin said suddenly, "they're earthbenders."

Kell rolled his eyes. "Took you long enough to figure that out."

Without hesitation, Xalin broke away from the group, his body moving quickly as he bent the air around him. He sprinted toward one of the Dugmole tunnels, using the wind to propel himself forward with incredible speed, his movements swift and agile. He dove into the tunnel, following one of the Dugmoles deeper into the earth.

The creature seemed to sense Xalins presence but did not react aggressively. Instead, it simply sniffed the air and continued burrowing, creating tunnels as it moved. Xalin, slowing his pace, observed the creature in awe.

Soon, shadows flickered behind him, and Kell and Lira popped up from the ground. Kell had used Shadow Transport to follow Xalin.

"Would you mind asking the giant mole to make us a way out of here?" Kell quipped.

Lira shot him a sarcastic look. "Oh yeah, that's sure to work."

Before anyone could say anything else, the tunnel began to lighten. Ahead of them was the exit, where daylight streamed in. The Dugmole had led them outside all along.

As they emerged from the cave, the Dugmole turned and burrowed back into the earth, sealing the tunnel behind it. Xalin watched as the ground closed, his mind racing.

"Earthbenders... I need to learn from them," he muttered.

Just then, in the distance, a young man, not much older than Kell, was moving large boulders with ease. He was training, his muscles straining as he manipulated the earth around him.

Xalins gaze focused on the man, excitement bubbling within him. His markings had now covered both his arms and stretched from his head down his back. Only two elements remained for his Luminary tattoo to be complete.

"This is my chance," Xalin whispered as he stepped forward, determination in his eyes. He had found his next teacher.

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