Chapter 9 of Elara story

Chapter 9 of Elara story

After the revelation of their bond as twin sisters, Elara and Maya found themselves questioning more than just their past. There was something about the Luminara Institute—something lurking just beneath the surface. Known to the world as a prestigious academy for humans and Arcanian students alike, its halls were dominated by Arcanian achievements. Most called it the "Arcanian Academy," a reflection of its culture: from its top-performing students to the revered professors, the Arcanians overshadowed their human counterparts in every field, from academics to athletics.

Yet there were whispers—rumors among the few who dared to question the true purpose of the Institute. It was said that the chosen few weren't just trained to excel; they were groomed for something far greater. Something secret.

Elara had always been curious, but now, after uncovering the truth about her and Maya's heritage, she felt a deeper sense of urgency. The pieces weren't fitting together. She noticed a peculiar student, Gareth, who seemed different from the rest. He was always alone, quiet, yet strangely confident. Something about him drew her in—his behavior, the way he spoke to certain professors. One night, curiosity overtook her.

Elara was hiding in the shadows, pressed tightly against the cold stone walls of the hallway, while Maya, though reluctant, followed a few steps behind. They watched from the distance as Gareth approached a wall that, to any passerby, appeared solid and unremarkable. But Gareth stood there for a moment, murmuring something under his breath. Then, as if by magic, a door materialized where there had been none. Gareth disappeared behind it.

Elara's heart raced. She turned to Maya, who looked equally shocked. "We have to follow him," Elara whispered.

"But we don't even know how to open it," Maya protested, glancing nervously down the corridor.

Elara's mind was racing, replaying the scene she had just witnessed. *The way his mouth moved*, she thought. She hadn't heard what Gareth said, but she had seen the subtle shift of his lips. Without another word, Elara stood before the concealed door, and mimicked his movements, mumbling the same soundless words she had watched him form.

To their astonishment, the door slid open with a soft groan, revealing a hidden chamber filled with students and teachers in deep discussion. At the center of the group was Professor Liora, her bright red lips curved in a sharp smile that froze when her eyes fell on Elara and Maya.

"Who told them the password to the concealed door?" Professor Liora's voice cut through the murmurs, cold and sharp. Her gaze shifted to the group of students, each of whom glanced at each other nervously, avoiding her stare.

Before anyone could speak, Elara stepped forward. "No one told me," she said quickly. "I saw the last student enter the door. I remembered the movement of his mouth and copied it."

Professor Liora's eyes narrowed, glancing between Elara and the student she referred to—Gareth, who had just arrived in the room, his green cap slightly askew. She raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with icy authority. "You should have entered discreetly, Gareth. Not so obviously that someone would follow you. As punishment, you will not be allowed to travel to parallel worlds for a week."

Gareth's face drained of color. His eyes widened as he stood abruptly, his fists clenched. "No fair!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the chamber.

Professor Liora ignored his outburst and gave a dismissive wave of her hand. "Sit down. We will continue the meeting."

Gareth sat, but his body was tense, his jaw clenched in silent fury. He turned his gaze toward Elara, his eyes filled with disdain. Elara felt the intensity of his stare, but she didn't flinch. Instead, she focused her mind, reaching out telepathically to his thoughts, asking, "What am I doing wrong?"

For a brief second, Gareth's eyes flashed with surprise as he realized Elara was speaking directly into his mind. He said nothing, but the anger behind his eyes lingered as the meeting resumed around them. The world that Elara and Maya had just stumbled into—this secret world of traveling between parallel realms—was one they were never supposed to find. But now, they couldn't turn back.

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Elara and Maya stood in the secret room, surrounded by the elite of the Luminara Institute. All eyes had fallen on them the moment they entered, their presence an anomaly. Every student and teacher in the room was Arcanian, and all at least 15 years old—the minimum age for participation in the clandestine meetings. But Elara and Maya, just 10 years old, had somehow stumbled upon the greatest secret of the Institute: its members were being trained to travel to parallel worlds.

Despite their age, they weren't sent away. Instead, they were handed thick manuals, the crisp pages detailing rules and instructions, warnings about the dangers of parallel worlds, and an introduction to the members who, one by one, studied them with a mixture of curiosity and caution. The hours that followed were filled with intense discussions on strategy, roles within the group, and the ever-present threat of unknown dangers lurking in other realms.

Elara couldn't believe it—she and Maya were in the heart of something unimaginable, something bigger than they had ever anticipated. Even as the meeting came to a close, the weight of the information they had absorbed settled in their minds. The manual felt heavy in Elara's hands, the gravity of the knowledge inside making her palms sweat.

As the students began filing out of the room, chattering about their next training sessions, Professor Liora's voice cut through the hum of conversation. "Elara, Maya. Stay behind."

Both girls exchanged nervous glances but did as they were told, remaining in their seats as the room emptied. Professor Liora's sharp eyes never left them. Her red lips curled into a thin smile that didn't reach her eyes.

When the room was finally empty, Professor Liora spoke again, her tone measured and deliberate. "Do you know why I asked you two to stay?"

Elara and Maya shook their heads, unsure of what was coming next.

"This," Liora said, her voice calm but firm, "is because you now hold knowledge of the most dangerous secret within Luminara Institute. This is not something you can reveal to anyone—not your friends, not your family. The existence of the parallel worlds must remain hidden."

The weight of her words settled like a stone in their chests. They both felt the enormity of what had just been thrust upon them.

"The reason I kept you two behind," Professor Liora continued, her expression softening slightly, "is because I want to offer you a chance. A chance to prove whether you are worthy to join us."

Elara's heart skipped a beat. She glanced at Maya, whose eyes were wide with both excitement and apprehension. They were only ten years old, after all—how could they possibly measure up to the older Arcanian students, who had years of training and experience? 

Seeing their worried expressions, Professor Liora added, "Don't worry. The selection process is designed to be both suitable and balanced. It will test your intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility—key traits we value in our members."

Elara's mind raced. A selection process? She had never expected anything like this. But despite the nervous flutter in her stomach, excitement began to bubble up inside her. This was her chance to prove herself—to show that, despite her age, she could stand among the elite of Luminara Institute.

Professor Liora dismissed them, sending them back home to rest. As they walked down the long corridors, Elara's excitement grew. She couldn't wait to start preparing for the test. Her powers were strong, but she knew they needed honing. She was determined to push herself further than ever before.

That night, Elara stayed up until 4:00 a.m., training her telepathic abilities. She focused her mind on extending her reach, trying to read the thoughts of others across greater distances—first 50 kilometers, then 100, until she could reach as far as 500 kilometers away. Her concentration was fierce, every ounce of her willpower poured into sharpening her skills.

Maya, on the other hand, struggled with a different challenge. Knowing the selection process would likely include elements of logic and problem-solving, she spent the night tackling difficult mathematics problems, pushing herself through complex equations well beyond her current level. Matriculation-level math was a weakness of hers, but Maya was determined to overcome it, training her mind until the early hours of the morning.

By the time they finally crawled into bed at 4:00 a.m., both girls were exhausted but fueled by the determination to succeed. They slept until 8:00 a.m., waking groggily but with a renewed sense of purpose.

Elara couldn't stop thinking about the test. What would it involve? How would they be judged? She wasn't sure, but one thing was clear: she and Maya would have to give everything they had to pass the selection process and join the ranks of those destined to travel to parallel worlds. 

As Elara drifted back to sleep, she knew that the real challenge had only just begun. 

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The night before the selection process, Elara and Maya could hardly contain their excitement. The introduction to the Luminara Institute's secrets had left them both eager to prove themselves. Though they were only ten years old, younger than the usual candidates, they had been given a chance to take part in the selection process. Elara had been practicing her telekinesis at an intermediate level, while Maya, whose unique transformation ability allowed her to change colors at will, had been honing her skills in her own way.

At dawn, they arrived at the testing grounds, where older students—Arcanians—were gathered. Some students smirked at the sight of the two young girls, but Elara and Maya stood resolute, ready to face whatever challenge lay ahead.

Professor Liora stood at the front, her piercing gaze sweeping over the room. "Today begins your selection process. There are six phases, each testing your intelligence, adaptability, and flexibility. The faster you complete each phase, the greater your rewards in the future."

Elara and Maya exchanged a determined look. They were ready for whatever came next.

**Phase One: The Shifting Puzzle**

The first phase took place in a large circular chamber. Suspended in mid-air was a glowing, complex puzzle, its pieces constantly shifting in different directions. The challenge was to restore the puzzle to its original shape using their abilities.

Maya stepped forward first. As she concentrated on the puzzle pieces, something unexpected happened—her transformation ability kicked in. Without realizing it, she had changed the colors of the glowing pieces as she tried to manipulate them. The entire puzzle shimmered, each piece radiating in hues of blue and gold. Startled, she paused, but the puzzle itself began to react.

Professor Liora raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Interesting," she murmured under her breath.

With the colors shifted, the puzzle pieces began to align themselves, as if Maya's transformation had revealed a hidden layer of the challenge. In just ten minutes, she had unknowingly unlocked a surprise reward for the future. The puzzle gleamed in its new form, and Maya, now fully aware of her unique contribution, smiled proudly.

Elara, watching from the side, knew she had to be precise. She approached the puzzle with her telekinesis at the ready, focusing intently on the shifting pieces. With controlled and measured movements, she used her mind to guide each piece back into its perfect position. Her concentration was intense, her telekinetic force so precise that the puzzle clicked into place as if it had never been altered.

She had finished in twelve minutes, only slightly behind Maya, but her perfection earned her an additional reward for the future—one that reflected her mastery over telekinesis.

Professor Liora nodded in approval. "Both of you have exceeded expectations. But this is just the beginning."

**Phase Two: The Illusory Maze**

The next challenge took them into a vast, ever-shifting maze filled with illusions and traps. The walls moved constantly, creating false exits and dangerous paths. It would take more than just their powers to navigate this one—it would take strategy.

Maya led the way, moving cautiously but quickly. She relied on her transformation ability, subtly altering the color of her surroundings to differentiate between real walls and illusory ones. She was able to avoid many of the traps and misleading paths. After twenty minutes, she emerged from the maze with a triumphant grin.

Elara, close behind, used her telekinesis to push walls aside and sense the vibrations in the air for hidden dangers. Her intuition guided her, and though she took a bit longer—twenty-two minutes—she navigated the maze with skill and precision.

**Phase Three: The Elemental Challenge**

The third phase brought them to a courtyard filled with swirling elements: fire, water, earth, and air. Their task was to manipulate the elements and overcome the chaotic forces around them.

Maya, using her transformation ability in a new way, shifted her body's color to blend in with the elements around her. This gave her an edge, allowing her to move undetected through the fire and water barriers. She directed the elements with her telekinetic force, creating a balance that allowed her to complete the challenge in just 25 minutes.

Elara approached the challenge with a more controlled focus. Her telekinesis allowed her to manipulate the elements directly—holding back the flames, redirecting the water, and guiding the rocks through the air. It took her 28 minutes to finish, but her command over the elements left a lasting impression on the observers.

**Phase Four: Mental Agility Test**

In the next phase, Elara and Maya were brought to a quiet room filled with logic puzzles and riddles. This test was designed to challenge their intelligence and problem-solving abilities without relying on their powers.

Maya worked quickly through the puzzles, using her adaptability to adjust her approach to each new question. She completed the phase in thirty minutes, her mind racing as she solved each riddle.

Elara, though slightly slower, used her telepathy to sense the underlying logic of each puzzle. Her analytical mind worked through the challenges methodically, finishing in 32 minutes. The test may not have required their powers, but both girls proved their mental agility.

**Phase Five: The Trial of Perception**

The fifth phase took place in complete darkness. The girls had to rely on their heightened senses to find hidden objects and avoid invisible obstacles within the room.

Maya, using her transformation ability to attune her body to the faint light and shifts in the air, moved gracefully through the space. Her ability to blend into her surroundings allowed her to navigate quickly, completing the phase in 25 minutes.

Elara, relying on her telepathy and telekinesis, sensed the objects and obstacles with precision. She moved carefully, ensuring she didn't trigger any traps. It took her 28 minutes to finish, but her focus and control were undeniable.

**Phase Six: The Parallel Worlds Simulation**

The final test thrust them into a simulated parallel world, where the environment was unpredictable and filled with dangers. They had to use their abilities to navigate and survive in this strange new place.

Maya used her transformation to blend into the environment, making herself nearly invisible to the creatures that roamed the simulation. She adapted quickly to the challenges, using her telekinesis to manipulate the objects around her. She finished in 30 minutes, exhilarated by the experience.

Elara, while slower at 35 minutes, used her telepathy to understand the creatures' intentions and predict their movements. Her telekinesis allowed her to manipulate the environment to her advantage, giving her the upper hand despite the slower pace.

When the final phase was over, Elara and Maya stood together, exhausted but victorious. Professor Liora approached them, her eyes gleaming with pride.

"You have both exceeded every expectation," she said. "And because of your unique abilities, you have unlocked rewards that others could only dream of. But remember, this is just the beginning. The true challenges lie ahead—in the real parallel worlds."

Elara and Maya exchanged a glance, their bond stronger than ever. They knew the journey ahead would be difficult, but they were ready to face it together.

The world of Xandria is a realm unlike anything Maya and Elara could have imagined. Upon stepping through the portal, they were greeted by an endless sky, alive with swirling hues of green and purple. The air itself felt alive, humming with an energy that permeated everything around them, as if the very atmosphere carried the weight of ancient magic.

The Claw Peaks

To the west, the towering **Claw Peaks** rise abruptly from the earth, their jagged summits resembling the talons of a colossal beast. This mountain range is known to be the domain of the *Lupari*, a tribe of fearsome wolf-like creatures that roam the ridges and valleys in packs. These creatures are cunning, larger than wolves on Earth, with silver fur that blends seamlessly with the snow, and glowing red eyes that cut through the thick mountain mist. Though the Lupari are territorial, they are also deeply intelligent, often seen forming complex hunting strategies. The peaks are treacherous to traverse, with shifting ice and hidden crevasses, making this region one of the most dangerous for any outsider.

Isle of Dragons

Beyond the **Lutheran's Strait**, to the southwest, lies the fabled **Isle of Dragons**, where the sky is often darkened by the shadow of immense wings. The island's craggy, volcanic landscape is dotted with fiery chasms and molten rivers. Massive dragons, some as old as Xandria itself, make their home here. The dragons are not just beasts but ancient, sentient beings with knowledge of the world's deepest mysteries. Their lairs, hidden within the mountains, are said to contain treasure beyond imagination, though few have ever returned to tell the tale. The very air on this island seems to vibrate with raw, untamed energy.

Storm Peaks

In contrast, the **Storm Peaks** to the north are gentler but no less wondrous. These massive peaks are home to great herds of creatures known as *Alpacornes*. With the long necks of giraffes and the wooly bodies of alpacas, these peaceful herbivores graze on the highland grasses, their thick fur helping them weather the frequent storms that roll through the mountains. The peaks get their name from the perpetual cloud cover and thunderstorms that rumble overhead, though the locals have learned to live in harmony with the tumultuous weather.

The Fangs

Nestled in the central regions are **The Fangs**, a rugged area named for the sharp, spire-like rocks that punctuate the landscape like the teeth of a massive beast. This is a contested land, where the borders between the human settlements of **Rhodia** and the wild territories of Xandria blur. The **Fell**, a dense, dark forest, lies on the northern border of The Fangs. It is home to creatures of shadow, lurking in the gloom, their shapes only partially visible through the thick canopy. Many say that the trees themselves whisper, telling stories of forgotten wars and hidden dangers. It's said that the closer you venture to the heart of the forest, the more likely you are to lose your way, as reality seems to bend and twist within.

The Dragon's Spine

Running through the center of Xandria is the **Dragon's Spine**, a towering mountain range that splits the continent in two. Along its jagged peaks, dragons have carved their homes, turning the cliffs into sprawling nests. The skies above are frequently filled with the sight of them circling lazily or hunting for food. At dusk, the mountain glows red, illuminated by both the setting sun and the molten rivers that flow down its sides. There is a belief that a hidden city of the dragons exists deep within the mountains, a place where even the bravest adventurers dare not venture.

The Wastes

To the south, **The Wastes** stretch as far as the eye can see. This barren land is ruled by *Blackrun*, a decaying city inhabited by undead skeletal warriors. The Wastes are desolate, with cracked, red earth and ash-filled skies. Occasionally, a whirlwind of sand reveals the remnants of past civilizations, buried under centuries of neglect. The skeletons, once loyal soldiers, now march eternally under the curse of a forgotten king, their empty eye sockets glowing with an eerie blue light. No living soul resides here, and any who attempt to traverse The Wastes risk becoming one of the cursed themselves.

Isle of the Lost

Off to the southeast is the **Isle of the Lost**, a place once home to a thriving elven civilization. Now, it stands abandoned, overrun by vines and crumbling stone towers. The legend says that a single magician, once an advisor to the elves, betrayed the entire kingdom, allying with a powerful dragon to obliterate the elven population. Though no one has set foot on the island in centuries, travelers sometimes report hearing elven songs carried on the wind, or catching glimpses of figures darting through the overgrown forests. Some say a remnant of the elven people may still be hiding there, waiting for the right moment to reclaim their home.

Goliath's Bay

To the south of **Goliath's Bay** lies a region dominated by enormous stone structures, each carved to resemble the titans that supposedly once ruled this world. The bay itself is dotted with small islands, and its waters glow faintly at night, lit by the strange creatures that inhabit its depths. The waters here are calm, but the titanic ruins along the coast suggest a violent past. Some say that the titans were defeated by the dragons in a war that spanned centuries, while others believe they simply faded from existence, leaving behind only their stone effigies.

This world is vast, ancient, and filled with both wonder and danger. Every region has its secrets, and the very land seems to pulse with the energy of the unknown. As Maya and Elara explore deeper into Xandria, they find that the beauty of this place hides perils they couldn't have anticipated, but also clues to their own heritage and abilities. Each new discovery brings them closer to understanding the true purpose of their mission and the destiny that awaits them in this strange, awe-inspiring land.

During their specialized Arcanian combat classes, Maya and Elara trained rigorously, focusing on enhancing their unique abilities. The Luminara Institute had a diverse student body, but true Arcanians were rare, and only six were known within the academy. These included Maya and Elara, along with four others: Amelia, Jared, Yagami Light, and Ambiga Abia.

Amelia possessed a photographic memory that allowed her to recall any image or information she had seen, manifesting as a series of influx screens before her. Jared had the unique ability to clone other people's powers for a year after touching them. Yagami Light also had a photographic memory but could lock eyes with others to access their memories. Ambiga Abia's abilities included heightened intelligence and intuition, making him a formidable strategist.

Despite the prowess of these Arcanians, Maya often outperformed her peers. Her high level of telekinesis, honed through her experiences in the parallel world of Xandria, gave her a distinct advantage. Elara, on the other hand, was adept at predicting her opponents' moves by tuning into their future thoughts, particularly those of Ambiga Abia. However, Ambiga was known for his cunning, often using his intelligence to confuse Elara and keep her guessing his next move.

In one memorable combat class, Elara faced off against Ambiga, while Jared was pitted against Amelia. Jared, having diligently touched many people around the city, had a vast array of abilities at his disposal. This made it difficult for Amelia to predict which power he would use next. Her photographic memory allowed her to analyze and prepare, but Jared's unpredictability and creativity kept her on edge.

At one point, Jared used teleportation to nearly strike Amelia, but she managed to create a doppelganger of herself from her memories just in time. In another instance, he simultaneously wielded the elements of fire, ice, earth, wind, and lightning, forcing Amelia to call out to Yagami Light. Yagami's ability to lock eyes and confuse Jared's memory mix provided a brief respite.

Meanwhile, Elara and Ambiga were locked in a mental and physical battle of wits. Elara's ability to predict Ambiga's moves was thwarted by his constant mental tricks. As they engaged, Elara made a swift move towards Ambiga, aiming her rapier at his neck. Ambiga anticipated this and dodged, but Elara quickly shifted her target, landing a slight scratch on his leg instead.

Ambiga stepped back and suddenly teleported behind Elara, thrusting his short sword towards her back. Maya, observing the battle, shouted, "That's cheating! You're not allowed to use any device!" However, Elara remained unfazed, her instincts kicking in. Just as Ambiga's sword was about to make contact, it, along with Ambiga, was suddenly lifted into the air.

"Put me down, Maya!" Ambiga yelled, but Maya responded, "That's not me." Elara smiled, realizing her telekinesis had activated. She used her newfound ability to lift Ambiga and his sword to the ceiling of the massive training stadium, which was high enough to fit a ten-foot titan.

"Please stop this, whoever did this," Ambiga pleaded. Elara, maintaining her control, said, "Thanks to you, I realized I developed this telekinesis ability during the training."

The combat class ended with Ambiga left traumatized by the experience. The other students, including Yagami, Jared, and Amelia, woke their teacher, who had been napping through the chaos, relieved that no one was injured despite the lack of supervision. Maya whispered to Elara, "Glad you developed telekinesis like me."

Elara smiled, eager to share her new ability with their aunt and triplet cousins. As the school day ended, Elara and Maya headed back to their shared apartment. On their way, they noticed their mother heading towards the APGA building and decided to follow her.

With the help of their mysterious aunt, who knew the intricacies of the APGA building, Elara and Maya sought assistance from an elderly lady with teleportation abilities. The old lady, much like an ancient teacher named Merinkle, teleported them to what they believed was the APGA building. However, they found themselves in an entirely different place.

They were in an Arcanian spaceflight facility, near a planet enveloped by a Dyson sphere. This planet, they realized, was inhabited by vampires. The old lady, Merinkle, watched them from a distance and then disappeared, leaving Elara and Maya to face this new and unexpected challenge.