The training hall at the base was a vast space, with reinforced walls and platforms adapted for the unique abilities of the Elementals. Ziggy stood in a corner, arms crossed, observing as Saico faced off against a training dummy.

—It’s not just about strength, Saico. It’s technique, strategy... and patience —Ziggy said, his tone firm but encouraging.

Saico, drenched in sweat, pushed a strand of hair off his forehead and nodded. It had been three days since the Grunt attack and the appearance of the ALPHA. Although he wasn’t officially an Elemental yet, Ziggy had decided to train him—something not everyone was happy about.

From the balcony above, Jazz, Flow, and Punk watched the training session.

—Do you think that kid has what it takes? —Flow asked, spinning his sword in his hand.

—He’s got spirit, but that’s not enough. He’ll need more than drive to survive down here —Jazz replied, arms crossed.

Meanwhile, Saico was trying to mimic the moves Ziggy had demonstrated. Every strike he delivered to the dummy landed with a dull thud, but his movements lacked the necessary precision.

—More control, less brute force —Ziggy commented as he approached. He picked up a training sword and positioned himself in front of Saico—. Watch.

Ziggy executed a fluid motion: a direct thrust followed by an elegant spin that sliced through the dummy with surgical precision. Saico watched, impressed, and then gripped his sword with renewed determination.

—Let me try again.

Ziggy nodded, stepping back to give him room. This time, Saico’s movements were more controlled. While he still lacked fluidity, his progress was noticeable.

Just as the atmosphere began to relax, the robotic voice of the security system echoed throughout the hall:

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—Unusual activity detected near the outskirts of City Sven-1.

Everyone immediately tensed. Ziggy activated the holographic panel, bringing up a map of the affected area.

—Looks like we won’t get any rest —Jazz commented, preparing to leave.

—It’s not a major threat, but we should check it out —Ziggy said, analyzing the information—. DESTURIOS, handle this. Saico, Punk, you’re coming with me.

—What? Me too? —Saico asked, surprised.

—It’s time you see what it’s like out there —Ziggy replied, his tone serious.

The group quickly departed for the surface. The streets of City Sven-1 were calm, but a tense atmosphere lingered. The residents, accustomed to the presence of the Elementals, barely glanced at them as they moved swiftly.

Jazz and Flow led the charge, while Ziggy, Punk, and Saico stayed slightly behind. It was a simple operation: investigate the presence of a few Grunt creatures detected near the city’s outskirts.

When they arrived, they found a small group of Grunts. They were smaller and less coordinated than those that had attacked the base, but still dangerous.

—This’ll be quick —Jazz said, spinning her sword confidently.

—Saico, watch closely. Learn how we work as a team —Ziggy said before letting the DESTURIOS handle it.

Jazz was the first to engage, using her control over the earth to create a trap that immobilized two of the creatures. Flow followed up with a fire attack, disorienting three more.

—See how they complement each other? —Ziggy asked as he pointed to the fight—. That’s the key to surviving.

But as they watched, one of the Grunts, more cunning than usual, slipped through the rubble and headed straight for Saico.

—Watch out! —Ziggy shouted, but Saico had already reacted.

He grabbed the training sword he’d been given and faced the Grunt. Though his stance wasn’t perfect, he managed to block the initial attack and countered with a direct strike to the creature’s abdomen, taking it down.

—Not bad —Ziggy commented with a slight smile.

—Saico, behind you! —Punk warned.

Another Grunt appeared suddenly, but before it could attack, Jazz crushed it with a massive boulder.

—Don’t get distracted —Jazz said, looking at him sternly.

The fight ended quickly, and the group returned to the base with a report that the threat had been neutralized.

Back in the training hall, Ziggy approached Saico, who was exhausted but visibly proud of what he’d done.

—You’ve got potential, but there’s still a lot to learn —Ziggy said as he patted Saico on the shoulder—. Today, you took your first step.

Saico nodded, knowing the journey had only just begun.