Spiritual Energy Power (SEP), the unit measuring ruh mastery, had always fascinated users like me. I still recall Jalik's explanation of the ranking system:

"Zayn," he said, his gaze penetrating, "on a theoretical ceiling of 100, promotions occur every twenty levels:

* Awakened (Lvl. 1-20)

* Adept (Lvl. 21-40)

* Elite (Lvl. 41-60)

* Master (Lvl. 61-80)

* Legend (Lvl. 81-100)

I listened attentively, aware that I was starting at level 1, like most Soulbound. Jalik warned me that the Elite rank was considered a ceiling for many nations, with Masters being rare and Legends exceptional.

"Never forget, Zayn," he added, "that a high level doesn't always signify a threat. SEP measures your reserve, not your absolute power."

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The djinns who welcomed us seemed both relieved and curious. They had witnessed the violence with which the poachers had been dealt, understanding it was the result of the hyenas I had released. In their wisdom, they had taken advantage of the situation to free the other imprisoned beasts, incinerating the cages that held them captive.

I turned to the small creature, the sad fennec who had lost its family and was now alone in the world. Understanding its pain, I gently said, "If you feel lonely, you can come with me."

Its ears perked up, and I perceived surprise in its gaze. In a clear voice in my mind, she replied, "Okay, but only if you take me wherever you go."

During our walk back, I got to know her. She's a female, born less than a year ago. Generally, her species matures quickly, but her case seems to be delayed.

In honor of her father, I named her Sahara. She immediately accepted the name, and in return, she decided to call me "Dad," making my heart swell with affection.

Back at the Aether, Jalik was waiting for us. His face remained impassive, but I sensed his curiosity when he laid eyes on Sahara.

"Zayn," he said calmly, "I see you've succeeded."

I nodded, briefly explaining our encounter. Jalik listened attentively, then revealed the particularities of totems.

"Totems grow differently from their species," he explained, "but when they meet their bonds, their lives are immediately linked. That's why their growth is slower from birth. They will live as long as their bonds and can master the same elements and ruh."

These revelations made me aware of my responsibility towards Sahara. In explaining this, Jalik subtly made me understand the gravity of the risk I had taken. "Zayn, I understand you want to defeat injustice, but understand that by risking your life, you also risk mine and now Sahara's."

I nodded before apologizing to my bonds.

Days passed, and my first training arrived.

Jalik taught me the fundamental principles: "It's time to begin your true training, Zayn."

I straightened up, determined. "I'm ready, Jalik. Teach me everything you know."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

A satisfied smile illuminated Jalik's face. "Very well. Let's start with the basics. In our world, Zayn, there are five primordial elements: Fire, Water, Wind, Earth, and Arcane."

He made a gesture, and the air around us came alive, forming symbols representing each element. "Each of these elements can have variants, alternative forms. Ice, for example, is a variant of Water." I drank in his words, fascinated by the complexity and beauty of this system.

Jalik continued: "The Arcane encompasses all energies that don't directly correspond to the other elements. Poison, darkness... all are part of the Arcane."

"And the djinns?" I asked, curious. Jalik smiled, visibly pleased with my question.

"Ah, the djinns... We were born from smokeless fire, but our nature is influenced by our environment and ancestors. That's why you'll see djinns of different types, even within the same family." He straightened up, a glimmer of pride in his eyes.

"I, Zayn, came into being millennia ago. I'm like an ancestor to most djinns you'll meet here. And thanks to my age, experience, and blood, I've mastered all the mystical elements."

I felt my heart race with excitement. "And that's what you're going to teach me?"

"Exactly," Jalik confirmed.

"I've created three forms of mystical skills over the centuries, and I'll teach you these disciplines. I've named them 'Mystical Trinity'.

Your challenge, Zayn, will be to understand and master these three forms in the next eight years."

I jumped up, Sahara clinging to my hair to avoid falling. "Alright, Jalik! I'll work hard and master your techniques in record time!" I exclaimed confidently, still unaware of the difficulty that awaited me.

Jalik chuckled softly. "I like your enthusiasm, young Zayn. You'll need it. Because believe me, the years to come will be the most intense of your life."

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Year 727 (8 years later in the ethereal plane)

The long-awaited day had finally arrived. The air vibrated with electric tension in Aether Haven, the largest coliseum in the invisible world. Its floating stands, suspended between currents of spectral light and wisps of mystical energy, welcomed thousands of djinns who had come to witness the most anticipated spectacle in millennia.

At the center of the coliseum sat Jalik, the king of djinns. His golden aura radiated, captivating the attention of every being present. I stood in the heart of the arena, a ten-year-old boy with eyes of broken glass, with Sahara faithfully perched on my head. Facing me stood three imposing figures: an Ifrit, a Marid, and a Jann.

Jalik rose, his presence alone sufficient to silence the crowd. His voice, powerful and majestic, resonated throughout the coliseum: "O noble children of the Aether! On this blessed day, witness an event that will mark our annals for eternity!"

He made a theatrical gesture towards the arena. "Behold Zayn, my bond, the one who connects me among billions! Today, he will face the ultimate test of his training, a battle that will determine if he is worthy to bear the burden of our destiny!"

The crowd roared with excitement, and I felt the weight of their expectations on my shoulders. Jalik continued, his voice rising above the tumult: "Before him stand our proudest warriors, the elite of our kingdom! Sulfior, the indomitable flame! Corynnor, the relentless wave! Lichenor, the unshakeable rock!"

Each name pronounced provoked a new wave of acclamation. I observed them, these three colossi facing me, each embodying the power of their element. As Jalik subtly revealed, they were each of elite rank, likely around level 40.

"Let the combat begin!" Jalik thundered, and silence suddenly fell over the arena.

Sulfior stepped forward first, his eyes burning with absolute confidence. "Kid," he said, his voice crackling like his flames, "don't hold it against us, but the reward is too precious for us to hold back!"

Corynnor chimed in, his voice as cold as the ocean he embodied: "Your only mistake was rushing into this trial so young. Prepare to be overwhelmed."

Lichenor, the last, surprised me with his almost pleading tone: "Please, be careful not to sustain serious injuries. We don't want a child's death on our consciences."

Their words burned me. Although I was only ten years old physically, I had lived through sixteen years of intense experiences. I fixed my gaze on theirs, feeling determination rise within me.

"Listen well," I said, my voice calm but charged with resolution, "I have only one thing to say to you. Don't underestimate me, or you'll regret it bitterly."

I saw their eyes widen in surprise, then shine with excitement. They didn't expect such assurance from me.

In my mind, I addressed Sahara: "Hold on tight, my daughter. This battle is going to be more than tumultuous!"