Chapter Seven: The Elementalist’s Discipline

The training continued under the night sky, stars flickering overhead like distant embers. Elara stood in the center of the clearing, her breathing steady but heavy. Her body ached from exertion, but she refused to stop.

Rael watched her with sharp eyes, his arms crossed. "You've improved, but raw talent alone won't carry you far." He lifted his hand, and a sphere of wind magic swirled into existence, shifting unpredictably. "Your magic is powerful, but until you understand its nature, you'll always be fighting against yourself."

Elara wiped sweat from her brow. "Then teach me."

Rael nodded. "Magic has three fundamental principles—Flow, Focus, and Fusion."

He extended his hand, and a stream of water flowed between his fingers. "Flow—magic must move naturally. Forcing it disrupts its balance."

The water froze instantly, becoming a dagger in his grip. "Focus—control is key. The more refined your intent, the sharper your magic becomes."

Finally, the ice crackled with electricity, shifting into a glowing blue blade. "Fusion—the true mark of an Elementalist. You don't wield separate forces—you blend them into something greater."

Elara listened intently, her mind racing. "So… how do I do that?"

Rael smirked. "By understanding your elements, not just summoning them." He took a step back. "Try again. This time, don't just create fire or lightning—combine them from the start."

Elara exhaled and closed her eyes.

She reached inside, feeling the familiar heat of her fire and the crackling pulse of her lightning. Before, she had drawn on them separately, allowing each to exist on its own. But now, she envisioned them not as different forces—but as one.

Fire, raw and untamed. Lightning, swift and precise. Two sides of the same power.

A spark ignited between her fingertips.

Flames erupted, but this time, they were different. They crackled with electricity, the fire burning hotter, more intense, as lightning wove through its core.

When she opened her eyes, a sphere of blazing stormfire hovered above her palm. It flickered with golden light, the air around it charged with energy.

Rael's expression shifted ever so slightly. "Good."

Elara grinned, but before she could celebrate—the orb destabilized. The lightning surged too violently, disrupting the balance.

With a sudden burst, the sphere exploded, sending a shockwave rippling through the clearing. Elara barely had time to shield herself before the blast knocked her backward.

She hit the ground hard, groaning. "Damn it…"

Rael chuckled. "You're getting ahead of yourself." He offered a hand, pulling her up. "Remember—Flow, Focus, Fusion. Without control, power is just destruction."

Elara dusted herself off, determination burning in her gaze. "Then let's keep going."

Rael smirked. "That's what I like to hear."

The night stretched on as training continued. Elara had taken her first steps as an Elementalist—but true mastery was still far ahead.