Chapter 15: A Day at the Academy

The morning bell rang out, reverberating through the dormitories of the academy. Axton groaned, pulling the blanket over his head. The idea of mandatory morning exercises didn't sit well with him, especially after the long day before. Still, he rolled out of bed, the cool stone floor shocking his senses awake.

Elias was already up, stretching near his bed. "Come on, Axton. You don't want to be late. Salazar's morning drills are brutal if you're caught slacking."

The two made their way to the exercise field, a sprawling space surrounded by towering trees and open sky. Students were already lined up, some yawning, others chatting. Axton noticed Corbin at the front, his usual smirk plastered on his face as he flaunted his confidence.

The instructors led them through rigorous drills — sprinting, weightlifting with enchanted stones, and agility courses. Axton struggled to keep up, his body aching, while Elias showed surprising dexterity. Around him, bursts of elemental power punctuated the air — a student accidentally let out a gust of wind that toppled a practice dummy, and another summoned a small flame that fizzled out quickly.

The session ended with sparring practice, though Axton stayed back, observing. Without any powers of his own, stepping into the ring felt pointless.

After the drills, the group moved to the gym, a massive building shimmering with magical energy. Inside, it was a maze of rooms dedicated to every kind of training imaginable.

There was the Chamber where students with awakened powers could practice manipulating their abilities in a controlled environment. Protective barriers shimmered around the chamber, glowing with each elemental blast. Nearby, the Sparring Hall was filled with the sound of clashing weapons and shouts. Axton watched as two students battled, flames meeting a wall of water in an intense display of skill.

Axton stayed in the back, feeling out of place. Watching others wield their powers with ease only deepened the gnawing sense of inadequacy.

By the time they reached the classroom, Axton felt drained. The room was alive with chatter as students discussed their morning training. Elias was talking to a group near the back, while Corbin loudly boasted about his sparring match.

Professor Salazar strode into the room, his commanding presence instantly silencing most of the noise. "Settle down," he said, his voice firm. "Today, we'll focus on the foundations of elemental control."

He began sketching symbols on the board, each representing one of the six primary elements. "Control is everything," he said, his eyes scanning the room. "Without it, your power is useless. And for those of you who have yet to awaken your abilities—" his gaze lingered briefly on Axton, "—this knowledge is just as important."

The lesson was intense but engaging. Salazar explained how each element required a different approach. "Water flows and adapts," he said, drawing a flowing symbol. "Fire demands focus and passion." He paused as a student whispered something, then pointed sharply. "Care to share with the class, Mr. Corbin?"

The class chuckled as Corbin muttered an apology. Salazar turned back to the board, continuing his lecture with a slight smirk.

Axton sat quietly, taking notes but feeling the weight of his lack of abilities. Salazar's words felt like they were directed at him, each one a reminder of what he didn't have.

As the class ended, Salazar handed out an assignment: a meditation exercise meant to help students connect with their potential. Axton lingered as the room emptied, staring at the board.

"You look like you have something on your mind, Axton," Salazar said, his tone softer now.

"I just… I'm not sure what I'm supposed to connect with," Axton admitted.

Salazar nodded thoughtfully. "Not every path is clear from the start. Sometimes, the most uncertain roads lead to the greatest discoveries."

Axton left the classroom with those words echoing in his mind, feeling both comforted and unsettled.

As the day wound down, Axton found himself at the edge of the training field, watching the sun dip below the horizon. The other students were scattered around the campus, laughing, training, or studying. Elias joined him, offering a friendly nudge.

"You're quiet," Elias said.

"Just thinking," Axton replied, his gaze distant.

"Don't overthink it. You'll figure it out," Elias said, clapping him on the shoulder.

Axton nodded, but the unease lingered. Deep down, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was coming — something that would change everything.