The Hidden Cave, with its vast and echoing chambers, had transformed into a grand training ground. Orin Lakesword, now more attuned to the Earth’s magic, was ready to delve deeper into mastering his newfound abilities. Hilel, the highest priest of Earth magic, was prepared to guide him through the intricacies of harnessing this elemental force.

The cave’s central chamber had been cleared and prepared for Orin’s training. The ground was marked with ancient symbols, and a series of practice areas had been set up to simulate various combat scenarios. Hilel stood at the center, his presence commanding and serene, while Orin took his place at the edge of the training area, eager yet apprehensive.

“Welcome to the next phase of your journey,” Hilel said, his voice resonating through the chamber. “Now that you have connected with the Earth’s essence, it is time to hone your skills and learn to wield this power effectively.”

Orin nodded, his expression one of determination. “I’m ready, Hilel. What do I need to do?”

Hilel began with a fundamental exercise: the creation of weapons from the Earth. “In combat, the Earth can be shaped into various forms, including weapons. This exercise will teach you to create and control these forms.”

He led Orin to a section of the chamber where large boulders and loose soil were piled. “First, you must visualize the weapon you wish to create,” Hilel instructed. “Focus on its shape, its weight, and its purpose.” Orin closed his eyes and visualized a sturdy stone sword. He extended his hands towards the pile of rocks, feeling the Earth’s energy flow through him. As he channeled his power, the boulders began to tremble and shift. Slowly, they rearranged themselves, forming a formidable stone sword.

Hilel examined the weapon and nodded in approval. “Good. Now, practice refining and controlling the weapon. It should be as precise and effective as any forged by human hands.” Orin practiced with the stone sword, experimenting with its weight and balance. With each attempt, his control over the Earth’s magic grew more refined. He learned to create other weapons, including spears and shields, each tailored to his needs and preferences.

The next lesson focused on creating impenetrable barriers. Hilel guided Orin to a section of the chamber where a massive stone wall had been erected. “In combat, you may need to protect yourself or allies. Learning to create impenetrable walls will be crucial.” Hilel demonstrated the technique by raising a stone wall from the ground, its surface smooth and flawless. “To create a wall, visualize its dimensions and strength. Channel the Earth’s energy to shape and reinforce it.”

Orin took his position and visualized a towering stone wall. He extended his hands, feeling the Earth’s energy surge through him. The ground rumbled as a wall began to rise, its surface solidifying into an impenetrable barrier. Hilel tested the wall with a series of magical and physical attacks. The wall held firm, its structure unyielding. “Well done,” Hilel said. “Continue to practice creating and reinforcing walls. The strength and durability of your barriers will depend on your control and focus.”

The next lesson involved using Earth magic offensively by burying opponents. Hilel led Orin to a practice area where a series of targets were set up, each representing an enemy. “In certain situations, you may need to incapacitate or neutralize foes quickly. This technique will teach you to bury your enemies in the ground.”

Hilel demonstrated this by causing the ground beneath a target to collapse, trapping it in a shifting mass of soil. “Focus on controlling the soil’s movement. You must be precise to avoid causing collateral damage.” Orin practiced by targeting the practice dummies, manipulating the soil to entrap and immobilize them. He learned to control the depth and extent of the entrapment, ensuring that his targets were securely buried but not crushed.

The final lesson involved trapping enemies within natural environments, a skill that required both creativity and mastery of Earth magic. Hilel guided Orin to a simulated woodland area within the cave, where trees and undergrowth had been magically created. “Imagine you are in a forest,” Hilel instructed. “Use the Earth’s magic to manipulate the environment, creating traps and obstacles to ensnare your enemies.”

Orin visualized various traps, from entangling vines to falling rocks. He channeled his magic to reshape the forest floor, creating barriers and snares that could ensnare and incapacitate opponents. The practice involved setting traps in different scenarios, ensuring that they were effective and adaptable to various threats. Hilel observed Orin’s progress with a discerning eye and recognized his immense power. “You have demonstrated great skill and potential,” he said. “Remember, mastery of Earth magic requires constant practice and adaptation. Continue to refine your abilities and apply them in real-world situations.”

The Hidden Cave’s chamber was alive with a newfound energy. The walls, once filled with the echoes of Orin's training, now reverberated with a more ominous tone. Orin and Lysandra had spent countless hours refining their skills, but a sense of urgency loomed over them. Whispers of an encroaching darkness reached their ears, hinting at a formidable threat that sought to thwart their progress.

As Orin practiced his Earth magic, creating and manipulating the terrain with increasing proficiency, Lysandra observed with a mixture of pride and concern. The unity of their skills—Earth and Air—had become crucial, not only for their own development but for the battle that lay ahead.

Lysandra approached Orin, her expression thoughtful. “Orin, our combined powers will be essential in facing the darkness that approaches. We must learn to integrate our abilities—my control over the air and your mastery of the Earth.” Orin looked up from his training, his brow furrowed. “What do you mean? How can we combine our powers effectively?”

Lysandra’s eyes sparkled with determination. “By merging Earth and Air magic, we can create powerful new techniques and defenses. This union will enhance our strength and adaptability, allowing us to confront the darkness more effectively.” The training grounds were set for a new challenge. Hilel, having sensed the approaching threat, had given his blessing for Lysandra and Orin to practice their combined powers.

The chamber was prepared with elements that could be manipulated by both Earth and Air magic—boulders, swirling winds, and shifting sands. Lysandra began by demonstrating how Air magic could complement Earth magic. She summoned a gentle breeze that danced around the chamber, its currents playful yet precise. “Watch how the air can influence the Earth. We’ll start with something simple.”

Orin observed closely as Lysandra manipulated the breeze to lift and move a small pile of sand. The sand swirled gracefully, shifting its form and pattern with the subtlety of the wind. “Now, try to create a stable platform using Earth magic,” Lysandra instructed.

Orin channeled his power, raising a sturdy stone platform from the ground. As he did so, Lysandra directed the wind to interact with the platform, creating a dynamic interplay between the solid stone and the swirling air.

The results were impressive. The stone platform became more versatile, shifting and adapting to the wind. It could now change its shape and position, demonstrating how Earth and Air could work in harmony. Encouraged by their success, Lysandra and Orin moved on to more advanced techniques. The focus was on combining their abilities to create offensive and defensive strategies against the darkness that was closing in.

One exercise involved creating a powerful defensive barrier. Orin raised a massive stone wall, while Lysandra summoned a vortex of wind to reinforce and strengthen the barrier. The combined force of Earth and Air created an impenetrable shield, capable of withstanding even the most forceful attacks.

This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

For offensive techniques, Lysandra and Orin worked on creating devastating attacks. Lysandra conjured a fierce windstorm, which Orin enhanced by shaping the Earth into jagged projectiles. Together, their combined assault was formidable, with the windstorm amplifying the destructive potential of the Earth’s projectiles.

The practice sessions continued, with Lysandra and Orin becoming increasingly adept at combining their powers. However, their progress was soon interrupted by an unsettling disturbance. The air grew thick with malevolent energy, and the ground trembled as if warning them of an impending threat. Hilel’s voice echoed through the chamber, filled with urgency. “The darkness has arrived. It seeks to undermine your training and challenge your combined strength. Be prepared.”

As the warning echoed through the chamber, the darkness surged into the cave. Shadows twisted and coiled, forming shapes that were both terrifying and familiar. “I am Eileen, and you’re going to die” a young woman and her adepts emerged from the void, their eyes glowing with an eerie light. They chanted ancient incantations, their voices melding with the darkness to create a suffocating presence.

Hilel stepped forward, his staff glowing with protective magic. “Stay back,” he commanded, raising a barrier of Earth magic to contain the darkness. The barrier shimmered with an ancient power, resisting the encroaching void.

Eileen, a figure cloaked in shadow, smiled with cruel satisfaction. “You think you can keep us out, old man? We are the true heirs of Morgana, and the darkness will consume all that stands in our way.” Hilel’s barrier held for a moment, but the strain was evident. His face contorted with pain as he maintained the shield. “You must fight now,” he urged Orin and Lysandra. “The darkness will not wait.”

Lysandra and Orin quickly moved into action. They positioned themselves at the edge of the chamber, where the darkness seemed most concentrated. Lysandra summoned a fierce windstorm, its currents whipping through the cave with a powerful intensity. Orin followed suit, channeling Earth magic to reinforce their defenses.

The darkness surged forward, pressing against the barrier that Hilel had created. The shadows writhed and lashed out, seeking to penetrate their defenses. Lysandra directed the windstorm towards the darkness, creating a swirling vortex that pushed back against the void. At the same time, Orin manipulated the Earth to raise additional barriers and fortify their position.

The combined force of their magic created a dynamic interplay between Earth and Air. The windstorm amplified the power of the Earth’s barriers, pushing back against the encroaching darkness. However, the darkness was relentless, and Eileen’s adepts continued to chant and direct their dark energy. Hilel, though visibly weakened, continued to support them. “Focus on their leader,” he shouted through gritted teeth. “Aim to the girl, she is the leader and if we defeat her, her power will be less effective.”

With renewed determination, Orin and Lysandra directed their combined attack towards Eileen. Lysandra’s windstorm howled and swirled, creating a powerful cyclone that barreled towards Eileen. Orin, focusing his Earth magic, shaped the stone into jagged projectiles that flew toward their adversary. Eileen raised a dark shield to protect herself, but the combined assault of Earth and Air magic created a powerful force that she struggled to withstand. The stone projectiles smashed against her shield, while the windstorm buffeted her with relentless fury.

Despite their efforts, the darkness was persistent, and Eileen’s adepts continued their assault, using dark magic to counteract their combined powers. The chamber was filled with chaotic energy, and the battle raged with increasing intensity. Hilel’s barrier began to falter, the strain of maintaining it evident on his face. “We must hold our ground,” he urged. “Do not let the darkness overwhelm you.”

As the battle reached its peak, Orin and Lysandra realized that a new strategy was necessary. They needed to find a way to disrupt the flow of the darkness and weaken Eileen’s control over it. Lysandra, her eyes flashing with determination, devised a plan. “We need to combine our powers in a new way—creating a counter-force that can destabilize the darkness. Focus on synchronization.”

Orin nodded, understanding the urgency. He channeled his Earth magic to create a massive, shifting barrier that could adapt to the darkness’s movements. Lysandra guided the windstorm to interact with the barrier, creating a dynamic force that could neutralize the shadows. The result was a powerful and adaptive shield that responded to the darkness’s attacks, redirecting and dissipating the energy. The new barrier pushed back against Eileen’s forces, creating a temporary reprieve.

With the new barrier in place, Orin and Lysandra pressed their advantage. The combined force of their magic created a significant disruption in the darkness’s flow, causing it to recede and lose its potency. Eileen’s control over the fog weakened, and her adepts struggled to maintain their cohesion. Eileen, realizing that her strategy was failing, attempted to retreat. “This is not over,” she shouted, her voice filled with anger and frustration. “We will return, and next time, the darkness will prevail.”

As Eileen and her adepts withdrew, the darkness dissipated, leaving the chamber in a state of relative calm. Hilel, though exhausted and injured, managed to lower his barrier. He looked at Orin and Lysandra with a mixture of relief and concern. “Well done,” Hilel said, his voice weak but filled with pride. “You have fought bravely, but this battle is only the beginning. The darkness will return, and you must be prepared.”

With the immediate threat of Eileen and her adepts momentarily repelled, the Hidden Cave lay in a state of uneasy calm. Orin and Lysandra, still reeling from the intensity of the battle, knew that they had to act swiftly to ensure that the darkness did not return. Orin stood at the entrance of the cave, his mind racing through the events of the past hours. The power of the Earth magic he had mastered was still fresh in his mind, and he realized that the only way to prevent another invasion was to secure the cave permanently. He turned to Lysandra, his expression determined.

“We need to seal the cave,” Orin said resolutely. “If we can close off the entrance, the darkness won’t be able to come through. The only way in or out would be through Earth magic.”

Lysandra nodded, her eyes reflecting the gravity of the situation. “I agree. It’s the best way to ensure the safety of the cave and our progress. But this will be a monumental task.” Orin took a deep breath, focusing on his Earth magic. He had learned to control and manipulate the very ground beneath him, and now it was time to put that knowledge to a critical test. With Lysandra’s support, they began to prepare for the formidable task of sealing the cave.

The entrance to the Hidden Cave was a natural archway, framed by ancient rock formations. Orin and Lysandra set to work, channeling their combined powers to create a massive wall that would seal off the cave from the outside world. Orin focused on shaping the Earth, drawing upon the power he had gained from Hilel’s teachings. The ground rumbled as he manipulated the stone, raising a colossal barrier that began to cover the entrance. His movements were precise, guided by both his scientific understanding and his newfound magical prowess.

Lysandra, standing beside him, used her Air magic to control the dust and debris created by the shifting stones. She directed the wind to clear the area and ensure that Orin’s work was not hindered. Together, their powers worked in harmony to build the impenetrable wall. As the wall took shape, it became clear that it was not just a simple barrier but a formidable fortress. The stone was reinforced with magical energy, making it nearly indestructible. The entrance was now a solid mass of rock, sealed tight against any intrusions.

Once the wall was completed, Hilel emerged from the inner chambers of the cave, his expression one of both relief and gratitude. The ancient priest’s injuries were visible, but his spirit was unbroken. “You have done an extraordinary job,” Hilel said, his voice filled with admiration. “This wall will keep the darkness at bay and secure the cave for the time being. Your efforts have ensured the safety of this place.”

Orin and Lysandra bowed respectfully. “We’re just glad we could help,” Orin replied. “What’s next for us?”

Hilel’s gaze grew serious. “There is more work to be done. The darkness may be held at bay, but the battle is far from over. You must seek out the Wood Dwarfs and forge an alliance with them. They possess valuable knowledge and resources that will be crucial for the future conflicts we face.”

As they prepared to leave, Orin reflected on Hilel’s final lesson. During the battle, Hilel had been injured, but he demonstrated the power of earth magic to heal himself. By drawing strength from the earth, he had sealed his wounds and accelerated his recovery. This was his last teaching to Orin, imparting the knowledge that earth magic could not only defend and attack but also heal.

"Remember, Orin," Hilel had said, "as long as your injuries are not lethal, you can draw upon the earth’s energy to heal. It is a gift and a responsibility. Use it wisely."

Orin practiced this new skill, feeling the earth’s energy flow through him, mending cuts and bruises. This ability was not just a magical feat; it was a connection to the very essence of life itself, a bond that made him more attuned to the world around him.

“Lysandra, who’s Eileen?” - Orin asked on their way back to the forest.