Chapter Four: The Seeker’s Name

The wind settled, but the air still crackled with energy. Elara's breath came in ragged gasps, her body humming with the aftershocks of her unleashed power. Across from her, the Seeker stood with an unreadable expression, his silver eyes reflecting the glow of her dying flames.

Then, he laughed.

It wasn't mocking, nor was it arrogant. It was the kind of laugh that spoke of amusement, of recognition.

"You learn quickly," he said, crossing his arms. "And you don't hold back when you decide to fight."

Elara straightened, wiping sweat from her brow. "I didn't have much of a choice, did I?"

The Seeker smirked. "No. You didn't."

He took a step closer, his presence as heavy as the storm lingering in the air.

"It's time you knew my name," he said. "I am Rael Solmir. A Seeker of the Arcane Order."

Elara narrowed her eyes. "The Arcane Order? I've heard of them in past lives."

"They've heard of you, too." Rael's gaze flickered with something unreadable. "You've been a phantom in history, Elara. A soul reborn, a force unshaped. The Order has spent centuries trying to understand what you are."

Elara crossed her arms. "And what do you think I am?"

Rael studied her for a moment. "A storm waiting to break."

Elara scoffed. "That's vague."

"It's the truth." He turned away, moving toward the center of the clearing. "Come. You have raw power, but raw power alone isn't enough. If you want to control fire and lightning without destroying yourself, you need technique."

Elara followed, her body still buzzing from their fight. "Where do we start?"

Rael raised a hand. In an instant, the elements answered.

A sphere of water formed above his palm, swirling in a perfect, controlled spiral. At the same time, his other hand crackled with lightning, the currents weaving effortlessly through his fingers. The two opposing forces balanced, neither overtaking the other.

"Magic isn't just about unleashing power," Rael said. "It's about balance. Control. Mastery."

He closed his fists. The water dissipated into mist, and the lightning vanished into the air.

"You, Elara, are an Elementalist."

Elara's breath caught. "Elementalist?"

"You can wield multiple elements, but if you don't master their flow, they will consume you." He gestured for her to step forward. "Try again. But this time, don't just summon fire or lightning—command them."

Elara exhaled and raised her hands.

She reached inward, feeling for the fire coiled deep in her core, the lightning crackling beneath her skin. She pulled on both forces at the same time—and immediately, they clashed.

Flames erupted too wildly, while arcs of electricity crackled uncontrollably. The elements fought against each other, unstable.

Rael moved in an instant. His hand touched her wrist, and suddenly—everything settled.

"Breathe," he murmured.

Elara inhaled. Her magic responded. The fire softened, shifting into a controlled glow. The lightning steadied, its arcs no longer wild but precise, humming like a pulse of pure energy.

Rael stepped back. "Good. Now, hold it."

Elara kept her focus, the two elements coexisting in her grasp.

She looked up at him, determination burning in her golden eyes. "What's next?"

Rael's lips curved into a knowing smile.

"Now," he said, "we teach you how to fight like a true Elementalist."