Chapter 2: The Academy’s call

The next morning, Axton woke to the dull sound of rain against the roof. It was the same as the night before—drizzling, steady, and unrelenting. He could hear the low murmur of voices outside, the sounds of children running through the streets, practicing their elemental powers.

But not him.

He sat up in bed, the weight of yesterday's conversation still lingering in his mind. The academy was coming to the village soon. Every year, the representatives arrived, selecting candidates to join the prestigious academy in the city. It was an opportunity most couldn't even dream of, a chance to train and refine elemental powers. The kind of chance Axton would never get.

He dragged himself out of bed and looked out the window. The village was alive with the buzz of anticipation, everyone talking about the upcoming trials. A few kids were already showing off their powers in the streets. Fire danced in the air, water spiraled around limbs, and the earth shifted beneath their feet. It was normal here—power was everything, and it was everywhere.

Except, it wasn't for him.

His hands were empty.

Axton stood there for a moment, watching them from the window, the weight of his own insignificance pressing down on him. He could hear Elias' voice in his mind from yesterday, asking if he was going to try out. Elias was always optimistic, always hopeful about the trials. But Axton couldn't bring himself to believe.

He walked over to his desk and started gathering his things for school. The quiet buzz of the village was a sharp contrast to the quiet emptiness inside him. Even his foster parents, William and Evelyn, who usually stayed out of his business, were talking about the trials this morning. They'd always been careful with what they said around him—careful not to mention his past, careful not to ask questions.

But this year, there was a certain tension in the air.

Axton grabbed his bag and walked out the door. Elias was already waiting for him, bouncing on his heels, as if he couldn't contain his excitement.

"Ready for the big day?" Elias asked, grinning from ear to ear.

"Big day?" Axton echoed, trying to mask his irritation. "It's just school."

Elias shrugged. "School, yes. But the trials are coming soon. And you know it."

Axton's shoulders slumped. "Yeah. I know."

"You don't think you'll try out?" Elias asked, his voice dropping with genuine concern.

Axton shook his head. "What's the point? I've got nothing to show. I'm not like the others."

Elias frowned, his brows furrowing in confusion. "What do you mean? It's not just about power, Axton. The academy picks based on a lot more than just that. They look for perseverance, adaptability, things that don't always come from abilities ."

Axton didn't reply. He didn't believe it. Every year, the same kids got picked. The ones who could manipulate their abilities with ease. The ones who stood out. He wasn't like them.

Elias slapped him on the back, lightening the mood. "Come on, you never know. Maybe you'll surprise them."

Axton didn't answer. Instead, he kept his gaze forward, letting the familiar weight of doubt settle in his chest again.

The rest of the morning passed in a blur. Classes came and went, each teacher droning on about elemental theory and history, but Axton's mind wasn't on the lessons. His thoughts kept drifting back to the trials. The whispers around the village, the hushed discussions between his foster parents—something was different this year. But what?

The bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, and Axton quickly packed his things. Elias was already at the door, practically vibrating with excitement.

"So, what do you think? Are you going to try out for the trials after all?" Elias asked again, this time with a hopeful gleam in his eyes.

Axton paused, his hand resting on the doorframe. He knew what Elias wanted him to say, what everyone expected. But the words stuck in his throat.

"I don't know," Axton replied quietly. "I just don't feel… like I belong there."

Elias gave him an exasperated look. "You won't know unless you try."

Axton bit his lip. He didn't know if he was ready to face the academy. To stand in front of the representatives and feel the sting of rejection. But deep down, a part of him—maybe a small, foolish part—wondered what it would be like to step into that world. A world where power was everything.

"Come on," Elias said, giving Axton a friendly push. "Let's get home before it gets any worse out there."

Axton followed him out the door, his mind still heavy with uncertainty. The village was bustling with activity now—everyone preparing for the trials, hoping for their chance to be chosen. But Axton couldn't shake the feeling that he was just… waiting. Waiting for something to change. Something that would finally give him the power he so desperately wanted.

But for now, he was just another face in the crowd. A boy with empty hands.