“Towan! Over here!” Alira’s voice cut through the chatter as she waved enthusiastically, beckoning them to join her.

“That’s Alira,” Towan said, nodding toward her as they made their way through the rows of seats.

When they reached her, Towan and Elliot took the empty seats next to her. Alira turned her attention to Elliot, her smile bright and welcoming.

“Nice to meet you! I’m Elliot, Towan’s brother,” Elliot said, introducing himself with a polite nod.

“The pleasure’s mine, Elliot,” Alira replied with a grin. “I’m Alira. Your brother and I have already had some fun exploring the academy.”

Elliot raised an eyebrow, his tone playful. “Exploring, huh? Should I be worried?”

Alira laughed, shaking her head. “Don’t worry, I’m just trying to make sure he doesn’t get too lost on his first day. Someone’s gotta show him the ropes.”

Towan smirked but didn’t respond, his attention drifting back to Sylra. She was speaking quietly to Jyn, her expression composed but with an undeniable air of authority. The memory of her earlier wink flickered in his mind, making him momentarily lose focus.

“So, how are you finding the academy so far?” Alira asked Elliot, breaking Towan’s train of thought.

“It’s been interesting, to say the least,” Elliot replied. “Though I have to say, hearing about ranked sparring and this whole points system has me pretty curious.”

“Curious is good,” Alira said with a wink. “Curiosity leads to ambition, and ambition? That’s how you climb the ranks here. Just don’t let Kael get to you—he’s got a bit of an attitude, but it’s harmless.”

Towan gave a slight nod but stayed silent, his thoughts still half on Sylra and the earlier match.

The classroom for Combat Theory and History was nothing short of awe-inspiring. Designed in an amphitheater style, it provided a clear view of the front no matter where one sat. The walls were a testament to the academy's rich history and its reverence for elemental mastery. Banners representing the various elemental factions—fire, water, earth, air, and the rare hybrids—hung proudly, their intricate designs shimmering faintly with infused Essentia. Between the banners were portraits of legendary warriors, their resolute expressions captured in striking detail. Each figure seemed to carry an unspoken challenge: Will you live up to our legacy?

At the front, a massive chalkboard dominated the space, its dark surface dusted with faint traces of past lessons. On either side, towering bookshelves brimmed with ancient tomes and manuscripts, their spines bearing titles that spoke of strategy, legendary battles, and the mysteries of Essentia. The faint scent of old parchment mixed with a hint of something metallic, perhaps from the weapons displayed in glass cases along the room’s perimeter.

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The lively chatter of the students was abruptly silenced by a stern, commanding voice.

“Good morning, class,” boomed a tall man as he strode to the center of the room.

He exuded authority, every step deliberate, his deep red robe swaying with a subtle weight that suggested a mastery of fire Essentia. His graying hair framed a face marked by years of experience, and his piercing gaze swept over the students, seemingly assessing each one in an instant. His presence alone demanded attention.

Alira leaned closer to Towan and Elliot, her voice barely above a whisper. “That’s Professor Elvir,” she said.

Towan and Elliot nodded in unison. “Got it,” they replied softly, their eyes fixed on the professor.

Professor Elvir stopped at the chalkboard, his hands clasped behind his back. His presence was imposing yet not overbearing, a blend of wisdom and power. “I expect focus and discipline in my class,” he began, his voice steady and resonant. “Combat Theory and History is not just about memorizing battles and strategies. It is about understanding the essence of conflict, the decisions that define victory and defeat, and the principles that govern the use of Essentia in combat.”

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle. The room was silent, the air thick with anticipation.

Towan’s eyes flicked to the banners on the walls, his mind racing. Understanding the essence of conflict? he thought. This might be more than just sparring or brute strength.

Elliot, sitting beside him, whispered under his breath, “This guy means business.”

Towan gave a slight nod, his attention returning to the professor. He could already tell this class was going to be different from anything he had experienced before.

“Today, we’ll discuss the legendary Essentia Warriors and their battle against the Corruption,” Professor Elvir announced, his voice commanding the attention of every student in the room. The quiet murmur of conversation ceased entirely as he began pacing in front of the massive chalkboard.

“Open your textbooks to page 21,” he added, gesturing toward the books on their desks.

Towan and Elliot exchanged a quick, uneasy glance. They didn’t have their textbooks yet, a fact they’d overlooked in their rush to prepare for the day.

Noticing their predicament, Alira slid her book across the table toward them. “You can use mine,” she whispered with a smile.

“Thanks,” they murmured in unison, leaning in to share the book.

Professor Elvir’s tone shifted, carrying both reverence and gravity as he began. “The Essentia Warriors were a legendary team of the most powerful Essentia users the world has ever seen. They united for a singular, noble purpose: to halt the relentless advance of the Corruption along the frontiers of our nations.”

Towan leaned closer, intrigued by the weight of the topic, while Elliot’s attention sharpened. He had read snippets about the Essentia Warriors in an old tome he found in the dojo, but those accounts were sparse and cryptic. He had always wondered why such a renowned force was no longer around.

“Their reputation,” Elvir continued, “was unparalleled. The Essentia Warriors were more than soldiers—they were symbols of hope and unity. Their strength was such that they could hold back the Corruption where armies failed. Yet, their numbers were never consistent, as fighters frequently entered and left the team based on their abilities, missions, and, sadly, their survival.”