As the last pairs managed to stabilize their Essentia orbs—or at least come close—Professor Velaryn clapped her hands once, the sound cutting cleanly through the murmurs of effort and concentration.
“Enough,” she announced. The swirling Essentia globe in the center of the room pulsed, and in an instant, every remaining unstable orb dissipated harmlessly into the air.
The students let out a mix of sighs—some of relief, some of disappointment.
Velaryn took a slow step forward, her gaze sweeping over the class. “This exercise was not about power. It was not about control alone. It was about understanding. The elements, though different, are not meant to be forced together. They must be guided—harmonized.”
Her eyes flicked to a few notable students. First, Sylra and Towan, whose combined orb still hovered, the faint breeze of Wind Essentia spiraling around the solid core of Natural Essentia. Then to Elliot and Alira, whose stabilized flame flickered warmly between them.
She nodded approvingly before continuing. “Some of you succeeded in balance. Others struggled. That is natural. What matters is not how quickly you mastered it, but how well you listened. The more you force your Essentia into harmony, the more it resists. True mastery comes when you learn to guide it, not dominate it.”
A student from the back hesitantly raised a hand. “Professor… does this mean all elements can be combined like this? Even opposing ones?”
Velaryn considered the question for a moment before speaking. “Not all elements coexist peacefully. Some are naturally opposed—fire and water, earth and air. And yet, within conflict, there is always a way to create harmony. Steam is born from fire and water. Lightning dances in the space between air and earth. The challenge lies not in forcing them together, but in discovering their meeting point.”
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
She turned, walking slowly past the students. “This is why understanding Essentia is more than just wielding power. It is philosophy. It is patience. And most importantly, it is respect—for your element, for yourself, and for those who wield something different from you.”
A pause. Then, she clasped her hands together once more. “That will be all for today.”
The tension in the room broke as students exhaled, stretching and shifting in their seats. Some turned to their partners to discuss what they had learned, while others simply looked relieved to be done with the exercise.
Towan and Elliot exchanged glances.
“She’s… definitely different from Rheon,” Towan muttered, running a hand through his hair.
Elliot smirked. “You mean she actually makes you think?”
Towan scoffed. “Shut up.”
Nearby, Alira let out a satisfied sigh. “That was actually kind of fun,” she admitted. “Hard, but fun.”
“Better than just reading about it, huh?” Elliot pointed out.
Alira nodded. “Yeah. It makes me wonder how else elements interact beyond just fighting.”
Before Towan could make a sarcastic remark, Velaryn’s voice called from the front of the room one last time.
“Oh, and one more thing.” She turned, her gaze settling briefly on Towan and Elliot. “Natural Essentia is a rare path. Those who wield it must understand not just balance, but purpose. Keep that in mind.”
Then, with a graceful motion, she turned and strode toward the exit.
As soon as she left, the students began gathering their things, their conversations filled with energy—some excited, some confused, some frustrated.
Towan frowned slightly, watching the door where Velaryn had disappeared.
“…Purpose, huh?” he muttered under his breath.
Sylra, passing by, glanced at him with a knowing smile. “You’ll figure it out,” she said simply, before walking ahead.
Towan blinked, caught off guard, before shaking his head.
“Alright,” he sighed, standing up. “Let’s get some food before we head to Rheon’s class.”
Elliot grinned. “Now that’s something you actually care about.”
With that, the trio left the classroom, heading toward their next challenge.