Elliot’s eyes lit up, eager to prove himself. Towan, meanwhile, rolled his shoulders and nodded, ready to shift gears from theory to action. “(Combat Techniques… this is where I’ll really start learning what this academy has to offer.”) Towan thought

“We haven’t had this lesson yet,” Alira said, her tone laced with curiosity. “This one, along with Elemental Mastery Techniques, is taught by the guest professor. They’re supposed to start today.”

“Who’s the guest professor?” Elliot asked, his interest piqued as he adjusted the strap of his bag.

“I’m not sure,” Alira admitted with a slight shrug. “The student council probably knows, but unfortunately, I’m not part of that circle.” She glanced at Towan and Elliot, a hint of frustration in her voice. “They like to keep these things mysterious until the last minute.”

“Well then, where is this class held?” Towan asked, looking ahead, already imagining what this guest professor might be like.

“At the west-side training hall,” Alira replied, motioning for them to follow as she picked up her pace.

The three began walking through the academy’s winding corridors. The air buzzed with energy as students passed by, some practicing techniques in small groups, their Essentia briefly flickering in bursts of light, flame, or shadow. Others were deep in conversation, speculating about the guest professor’s identity.

“What’s the big deal about the guest professor anyway?” Elliot asked as they turned a corner, his tone casual but curious.

“Oh, it’s a huge deal,” Alira replied, her voice brimming with excitement. “Each year, the academy brings in a renowned Essentia user to teach us advanced techniques. They’re usually legendary fighters, scholars, or even former warriors who’ve achieved something extraordinary.” She paused for dramatic effect. “Rumor has it this year’s guest is someone really special.”

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

“Special how?” Towan asked, his brow furrowed in thought.

“No clue,” Alira said, smirking. “But the professors seemed extra excited this year, which is saying something.”

Towan and Elliot exchanged a glance. Elliot was clearly intrigued, but Towan’s expression was more guarded, his mind already racing with possibilities.

As they neared the west-side training hall, the hum of activity grew louder. The sound of clashing weapons, bursts of Essentia, and spirited shouts echoed down the corridor. Alira stopped just outside the grand wooden doors, turning to the brothers.

“Whatever happens, be ready to learn,” she said, her tone a mix of excitement and seriousness. “The guest professors don’t hold back. They expect the best from us.”

Towan nodded, a small smirk playing on his lips. “Good. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

With that, they stepped into the hall, eager to see what awaited them.

They stepped into the training hall, expecting to find the typical sparring platforms and open space for combat practice. Instead, the room was transformed. A massive chalkboard stood at the front, its surface clean and ready for notes. Rows of tables and chairs were neatly arranged, giving the hall an academic feel.

“Is this supposed to be a training hall?” Elliot muttered, his eyes scanning the unexpected setup.

“Looks more like a lecture hall today,” Towan remarked, raising an eyebrow as he took in the scene. Students were already filling the seats, murmuring in confusion.

“Where’s the guest professor?” Towan asked aloud, his voice carrying a hint of impatience. He wasn’t the only one curious; many students were craning their necks, looking toward the front of the room or the doors, searching for any sign of the professor.

Alira took a seat at a nearby table, motioning for Towan and Elliot to join her. “Guess they’re making an entrance,” she said with a smirk, resting her chin in her hand. “Or maybe they’re testing our patience.”

The room buzzed with speculation.

“Do you think they’re late?” Elliot asked, glancing at Towan.

“Not likely,” Towan replied. “Someone important enough to be a guest professor probably doesn’t care to follow our schedule.”

“I heard it might be someone from the old Essentia Warriors,” a student whispered nearby, drawing attention from several others.

“No way,” another student replied, shaking his head. “They’ve all disappeared or retired. It’s probably just another retired combatant looking for glory.”

The tension in the room grew as the minutes passed. Just as a wave of impatience began to ripple through the students, the large doors at the back of the hall creaked open.