Chapter Five: The Path of an Elementalis

Elara stood in the clearing, her hands still humming with controlled power—fire in one palm, lightning in the other. The elements pulsed, waiting for her command.

Rael circled her like a predator studying his prey. "You have the raw ability," he said, "but magic is more than just summoning energy. An Elementalist must learn to bend it to their will—shape it."

Elara furrowed her brows. "Shape it how?"

Rael flicked his wrist, and a tendril of water coiled around his arm, then solidified into a sharp blade of ice.

"Magic isn't just a tool—it's a weapon," he said, his voice calm but firm. "Now, try it. Focus on the fire. Instead of letting it burn freely, imagine it taking form."

Elara inhaled and extended her palm. The flames flickered, twisting in the air, but remained formless.

"Don't force it," Rael instructed. "Guide it. Magic flows through you. You are its conduit."

Elara took another breath. This time, instead of pushing the fire outward, she let it fold in on itself, compressing the heat, molding it.

Then, it happened.

The fire swirled, twisting like molten metal—then solidified into a blade. A curved sword of living flame, the edges burning with intense heat.

Elara's eyes widened. "I did it."

Rael nodded approvingly. "Good. Now—defend yourself."

Elara barely had time to react before he attacked.

His ice blade struck like a flash of moonlight. Elara lifted her flame sword, meeting the attack mid-air. Fire and ice collided, sending steam into the night.

Rael didn't stop. He moved like flowing water—each step precise, each strike deadly.

Elara gritted her teeth and responded. Her sword flickered, heat intensifying as she parried his blows. But Rael was faster, more experienced. Within seconds, he knocked her weapon aside and thrust his palm forward—a burst of wind magic sent her staggering backward.

Elara caught herself, breathing heavily. "You could've warned me."

Rael smirked. "Your enemies won't."

He relaxed his stance. "Again."

Elara wiped sweat from her brow and summoned her magic once more.

This time, she would not hold back.