Later that night, they were halfway to the academy.

“Man, this academy is really far, huh,” Towan muttered as he knelt by the campfire, poking at the flames while a pair of fish roasted on a makeshift spit.

“Yeah, I didn’t think the journey would take this long,” Elliot replied, though in truth, they had only been traveling for a day.

Once the fish were cooked, they shared their meal in comfortable silence before setting up their tent for the night. Towan, as always, was the first to fall asleep, his steady breathing blending with the crackle of the dying fire.

Elliot, however, lay awake, staring up at the canopy of stars. He shifted his gaze to his backpack, the edges of a thought tugging at him.

“Hm,” he murmured to himself, reaching for the worn book he had discovered at their dojo. Though not ancient, it had an aged quality, its leather cover scuffed and its pages faintly yellowed.

"Should I read it?" he wondered aloud, finally flipping it open.

The words within drew him in immediately. They painted vivid tales of the rise of Essentia Warriors, the formation of the elemental nations, and the chilling origins of the Corruption. As he turned each page, he felt a strange sense of connection, as though the book spoke directly to their journey. It filled in gaps about the nature of their powers, their world, and the battle they were unknowingly stepping into.

Elliot glanced at Towan, still fast asleep, and returned to the book, the flickering firelight casting dancing shadows across the pages. "This might actually help us," he thought, his resolve growing stronger with every line.

'The universe was a realm without a ruler, and countless gods vied for the throne. None proved worthy, and their ambition ignited a catastrophic war that consumed the heavens. When the dust settled, no god remained to claim dominion over the cosmos. Thus, Year 0 began, a new age marked by the absence of divine rule—and the weight of a prophecy:

“After a thousand years, the chosen few will be born, alongside the return of eternal darkness.”

During the war, the gods faced a formidable adversary: the Corruption. This insidious energy disrupted everything it touched, twisting even the purest beings into destructive forces. Many who sought to wield its power fell victim to its consuming influence, becoming harbingers of chaos. In their final moments, the gods entrusted humanity with the prophecy, a warning of the Corruption’s inevitable return. The message, preserved in ancient drawings and scrolls, has endured through generations, though much of its original language has been forgotten.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

With the gods gone, humanity rose to govern the earth. Aware of the looming threat, they sought to prepare for the coming darkness. Central to their survival was “Essentia”—a vital energy present in all living beings, each individual possessing a unique natural flow. By mastering their Essentia, humans built civilizations, shaping their world and their destiny.

They discovered that harnessing Essentia’s natural flows could manipulate elements, such as fire or wind, for practical and defensive purposes. This elemental mastery became a cornerstone of their society. Others, however, utilized Essentia in more personal ways, enhancing their physical abilities—strength, speed, endurance—to extraordinary levels. These individuals delved into their natural flows, exploring the limitless potential of Essentia beyond elemental confines.

One human transcended all others. By modifying his own natural flow, he achieved unparalleled power, channeling his Essentia to attain feats of extreme strength, speed, and resilience. He shared his knowledge, giving rise to a new class of elite warriors. These “Essentia Warriors” devoted themselves to refining and developing innovative flows of Essentia, becoming humanity’s first line of defense against the encroaching Corruption.

As centuries passed, the Corruption began to reemerge, infecting the land and its creatures, making them more aggressive and formidable. To counter this threat, humanity organized specialized teams of Essentia Warriors tasked with combating the spread of Corruption and protecting their homeland. These warriors became symbols of hope and inspiration. Children dreamed of joining their ranks, asking themselves: “Elemental Essentia or Natural Essentia?” Their choice often depended on their affinity, as most humans exhibited a natural connection to a specific element, such as water or electricity. Those without elemental affinity honed their natural Essentia, achieving mastery in physical prowess.

Among the most revered were the “Grand Masters,” individuals who developed their own unique flows of Natural Essentia.

The chosen ones emerged. These warriors exhibited unparalleled affinity and control over a single primary element—Wind, Fire, Earth, and Water. Each chosen one embodied their element to perfection. Yet, there was another chosen one, a master of Natural Essentia.

An additional chosen one stood apart from the rest: the wielder of Vital Essentia. This rare and perilous form of energy consumed the user’s life force in exchange for extraordinary power. Though anyone could theoretically tap into Vital Essentia, only one individual could wield it with precision and control. This warrior was said to be the strongest of all the chosen ones, a figure of awe and fear whose power eclipsed even the legends of old.

Now, the thousandth-year approaches, and the prophecy stirs within the hearts of humanity. The chosen few will be there to fight, and with them, the return of eternal darkness. In this era of uncertainty, the Essentia Warriors stand as humanity’s shield—and perhaps its final hope.'