Jewel of fire

[Years 18 : The long-awaited moment of awakening finally arrives].

[Years 18 (continued): You are sent to the Royal Academy of the Empire, reserved for jewel masters, the place where the kingdom's best talents are trained].

[Years 18 (continued): Your arrival at the Royal Academy marks a decisive step in your life. The academy, built in the heart of the imperial capital, is a majestic fortress surrounded by lush gardens and training grounds that stretch as far as the eye can see. Every stone in the building breathes the history of the jewel masters who left their mark on the empire. As soon as you enter, you feel a palpable tension: here, everyone is an extraordinary talent. You pass many familiar faces. Indeed, many of these young adults were part of the empire's school tournament, some of whom were eliminated because of you. But these talented youngsters don't mind, and some even went to talk to you].

[Years 18 (continued): The opening ceremony takes place in a huge circular hall, decorated with frescoes depicting the exploits of the greatest jewel masters. At the center of the room, a magic circle carved in marble glitters with golden light. Each student is called in turn to place himself within the circle to awaken his talent. The room was illuminated by flashes of light corresponding to the awakened gems].

[Years 18 (continued): When your name is called, the room falls into complete silence. You step forward confidently, though your heart beats wildly. As you enter the magic circle, you feel a warmth rise within you, as if an ancient force were awakening in every fiber of your being. An intense red light suddenly fills the room. You've awakened the jewel of fire].

"Wait...so now I'm officially a jewel master in the simulation?"

"But that's strange..."

Adam had some questions because they didn't understand everything.

"It was mentioned in the previous simulation that my sister Oriana had defeated an official jewel master in her 3rd or 4th year of study."

"So I guess the title of jewel master isn't awarded when we awaken our talent, but when we graduate."

"So right now, I'm just a student with the potential to become a jewel master."

[Years 18 (continued): After the ceremony, you're assigned to a dormitory reserved for first-year students. The rooms are spacious but plain, and each student shares space with three other students. Your roommates, all from influential noble families, greet you with a simple nod].

[Years 18 (end): Your first days at the academy are intense. You attend theory classes on the history of jewels, the study of the elements and the fundamentals of magic. Although theory is not your strong point, your determination drives you to study late into the night. You also continue to train in swordplay, although progress is slow without a teacher to guide you].

[Years 19 : You scored 550 out of 990, just qualifying you to study in the second year. You discover that you're ranked 153rd out of 157 first-year students and that you're the last student admitted to the second year. This depresses you a little].

[Years 19 (continued): Now, as a second-year student, you have the choice of choosing your specialty. You choose to specialize in fire magic].

"Wait, if we have a choice, does that mean we can practice elements that are different from the jewel we've awakened?"

"No, that's strange...even if it were possible, the effectiveness would have to be really bad compared to its main element."

"Then the only remaining hypothesis..."

"Some individuals awaken a jewel with several magical affinities, or even awaken several jewels at once."

Adam felt he'd grasped an important element, but without living life in the simulator himself, it was complicated to guess.

There was just too much information being given in the simulation, which made him particularly curious, but also gave him a bit of a headache trying to guess certain things.

[Years (continued): You still have theory classes, but they're particularly focused on fire magic. You take part in group practice classes, with a teacher guiding you. You encounter difficulties in these practice classes].

[Years (continued): In fact, during your first practice classes, you struggle to stabilize the flames you summon. Sometimes too weak, sometimes uncontrollable, they attract the mocking glances of some of your classmates. Your teacher, Master Valen, a stern man renowned for his expertise, watches you closely. After each failure, he simply asks you to try again without judging you].

[Years 19 (continued): In your spare time, you isolate yourself in the training grounds, repeating over and over again the exercises you've learned in class. Your lack of control persists, but you begin to feel a deeper connection with the element of fire].

[Years 19 (continued): Your efforts attract Master Valen's attention. After a class in which you manage to hold a flame steady for a few seconds, he summons you to his office. "Fire magic isn't just about power," he says, calmly lighting a small flame in the palm of his hand. "It's a dance between destruction and control. If you want to master it, you'll have to learn to listen to your element." These words resonate within you, and for the first time you understand that fire, though intense and unpredictable, can be tamed by a calm, focused will].

[Years 19 (end): In the following group classes, you apply Master Valen's advice. By calming your mind and concentrating your energy, you are able to summon more stable flames. Although your progress is slow, it is noticeable].