Chapter 13: Hidden Sparks

The sharp toll of the academy's morning bell rang out, jolting Axton awake. His body felt heavy, his muscles aching from the tension of yesterday. The weight of the academy's expectations—and his own fears—pressed down on him like a leaden shroud.

Across the room, Elias was already awake, sitting cross-legged on his bed, munching on an apple. "Morning, sleeping beauty," he teased, tossing the core toward a bin and missing spectacularly.

Axton groaned as he swung his legs over the edge of the bed. "How are you this energetic already?"

"Adrenaline," Elias said with a grin. "Or fear. Take your pick."

Axton chuckled weakly, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. The room around them was slowly coming to life as the other students stirred.

Their dorm wasn't luxurious by any means. Rows of simple beds and wooden desks filled the space, each corner personalized with hastily unpacked belongings. Yet there was something intimidating about the environment—something that made Axton feel as though he didn't belong.

A second bell echoed through the halls, signaling breakfast. Elias grabbed his boots and motioned for Axton to hurry.

"You ready for another day of proving we're the weakest links here?" Elias quipped.

Axton smirked. "Speak for yourself. You're the weak one."

The two joined the steady stream of students heading toward the dining hall. The hall itself was enormous, its high ceilings adorned with floating lanterns that bathed the room in warm light. Long tables stretched out in rows, piled high with food that looked far too rich and extravagant for simple recruits.

Axton and Elias grabbed seats near the corner, trying to avoid attention. The whispers and hushed conversations of their peers filled the room, but Axton felt the weight of eyes on him—judging, measuring, dismissing.

The moment was interrupted when a commanding voice cut through the air.

"Quiet."

All heads turned toward the front of the hall, where an instructor stood, her presence sharp and unyielding. She looked over the room with piercing eyes, her expression a mixture of disdain and expectation.

"Training begins immediately after breakfast," she announced. "No exceptions. Today's focus is on combat drills and elemental control. You will be tested not only on your strength but also your adaptability and resilience. Fail to meet the standard, and you won't last long here."

Axton's stomach twisted. Combat drills. Elemental control. He had nothing to offer in either category.

Elias nudged him. "Relax," he whispered. "They're probably just trying to scare us."

But Axton wasn't so sure.

After breakfast, the students were led to the central courtyard. It was a sprawling space filled with sparring rings, obstacle courses, and strange contraptions humming with magic. The air buzzed with energy as more experienced students demonstrated their powers—fire blazing, water flowing, lightning crackling. Axton stood among them, his fists clenched to stop the tremor in his hands. He felt utterly out of place 

"Don't psych yourself out," Elias said from beside him, his easy grin masking his own nervousness. "We'll figure it out as we go."

Axton managed a weak smile. He wasn't sure if Elias' optimism was contagious or just misplaced.

The instructor, a towering figure with a sharp gaze, stepped forward. "Welcome to your first day of training. Here, strength isn't enough. You will be tested on your strategy, resilience, and ability to adapt. Remember, this academy accepts only the best. If you fail to prove yourself, you'll be sent home."

A murmur rippled through the recruits. For some, the stakes weren't high—they had wealth and privilege waiting for them back home. But for others, like Axton and Elias, this was everything.

"Your first task is straightforward," the instructor continued. "You will duel. No killing blows, but I expect you to fight as though your life depends on it. Pair up."

Axton froze. He scanned the courtyard, hoping to find someone approachable. But before he could move, a smug voice called out.

"Guess I'll take the runt."

Axton turned to see Gavin, a tall boy with a cocky smirk, striding toward him. The faint flicker of flames danced around his fingers.

"Great," Axton muttered under his breath.

The recruits formed a loose circle around the sparring area as pairs began to face off. The instructor barked orders, and the sound of clashes echoed across the courtyard.

When it was their turn, Gavin stepped into the circle with a swagger, the fire in his palms growing brighter. Axton hesitated but forced himself to step forward.

"Begin!"

Gavin attacked immediately, launching a burst of fire toward Axton. The heat was overwhelming, and Axton dove to the side, narrowly avoiding the flames.

"Is that all you've got?" Gavin sneered, throwing another attack.

Axton's mind raced. He had no powers, no weapons—nothing but his wits. He couldn't win by brute force, but maybe he didn't have to.

Gavin launched another fireball, and Axton darted to the left, leading him closer to the edge of the circle. He noticed a loose patch of dirt beneath Gavin's feet.

"Come on, fight back!" Gavin taunted, advancing.

Axton kept moving, pretending to stumble. When Gavin closed the distance, Axton feigned a fall, kicking up dirt with his heel. The dust cloud momentarily blinded Gavin, and Axton seized the chance to dart behind him.

Using his momentum, Axton rammed his shoulder into Gavin's side, sending him off balance. Gavin stumbled out of the ring, his flames extinguishing as he fell.

The crowd murmured in surprise. Axton's heart pounded in his chest as he looked around. He hadn't won through strength or power, but he had won.

The instructor's voice cut through the noise. "Victory goes to Axton."

Gavin scowled as he picked himself up, shooting Axton a venomous glare. "This isn't over."

Axton didn't reply. He stepped out of the circle, his legs shaky but his head held high.

Elias met him with a wide grin. "That was amazing! I mean, you almost died, but still—amazing!"

Axton chuckled nervously. "Let's just hope I don't have to do that again anytime soon."

As the duels continued, Axton noticed the academy representatives watching from a balcony above. One of them, a stern-looking woman with silver hair, seemed to linger on him for a moment longer than the others.

He couldn't hear their conversation, but he felt their eyes on him, as though they saw something he didn't.

By the end of the session, Axton was exhausted. The students were dismissed, but the weight of uncertainty stayed with him. He still had no powers, no answers, and no idea if he truly belonged here.

But for the first time, he felt a glimmer of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could survive this.