Eldryn Academy Of Elementals

The days that followed Mira's third surge blurred into heat, lightning, and breath. With Ashen by her side during each wave, Mira slowly began to cultivate the wild, volatile powers emerging from within her. Every surge brought with it a deeper layer of her elemental affinity-not just stronger flames or sharper bolts, but something new, something rare.

By the fourth day, her body had adjusted to the overwhelming forces. Her elemental core had expanded, stabilized. She awoke to the soft hum of morning and the quiet rustle of healing wards being slowly deactivated.

Master Ellior Venn stood at her bedside, his wise eyes gleaming with quiet satisfaction.

"It is done," he said softly. "Your core has completed its initial recalibration. No more surges. You may return to the Academy grounds today."

Mira felt a strange mix of relief and tension. Relief that she was free from the chamber, from the unpredictable tides that had held her in limbo. But tension, too, because in three days' time, the Elemental Hunt would begin.

Ashen entered the room then, as punctual and composed as ever, his dark cloak trailing behind him like a shadow.

"Good morning," he said simply, but his eyes softened upon seeing her sitting upright.

"Feels strange to be upright without lightning bolts crackling in my teeth," she muttered.

Ashen smirked faintly. "Enjoy the peace while it lasts. We have work to do."

Master Ellior stepped forward. "Grandmaster Ashen, as discussed, her body can now withstand physical exertion, but with moderation. The elemental threads are still newly woven. Push her, but not over the edge."

Ashen gave a curt nod. "I'll take full responsibility for her training."

He turned back to Mira. "Walk with me."

---

Mira's first steps outside the healing bay felt surreal. The air was crisper, her senses sharper. She could feel the elements around her like whispers at the edge of her perception. The fire within her had evolved-it no longer roared blindly but flickered with intention. She could now generate fire whips that moved like living serpents and release sheets of flame that responded to emotional intention rather than just will.

But it was her lightning that had grown stranger.

Ashen had called it convergence-lightning, an advanced form of electric energy laced with trace affinities of air and fire. Not only could she channel this into physical strikes, but she had begun developing a technique similar to short-distance teleportation through electrical current-Ashen called it Flashstep. It left a trail of heat and static behind her, and it was still unstable, but the potential was clear.

"Three days," Ashen said as they walked toward the training arena beneath the Grandmasters' Tower. "That's all we have to stabilize your new abilities. After that, you enter the wilds with the others."

Mira exhaled, nerves creeping up her spine. "Do you think I'll be ready?"

"No one is ever ready. But we can get you close. You've already come further than most would after a month."

She glanced sideways at him. "Because I had you."

Ashen said nothing for a moment, then gave a subtle nod. "And now it's time for you to take the reins."

---

That afternoon, Mira's release from the healing bay sent waves of whispers across the Academy. She didn't see Riven or Aria right away, as Ashen had instructed her to move discreetly through the less-traveled corridors.

Once in the Grandmaster Hall, the full meeting was called again.

Headmistress Windchaser, flanked by Grandmasters Ashen, Pyrrhus, Caelum, and Solara, addressed Mira directly.

"Your recovery is commendable," she said with warmth. "But so is your discretion. What you endured could cause fear, speculation-even jealousy. We must minimize the risk of misinformation or manipulation."

Mira nodded. "You don't want me to tell anyone. Not even Aria and Riven."

Ashen folded his arms. "You can tell them you experienced a heightened transformation. But not the full truth. Don't describe the explosive power, the damage, or what new abilities emerged. If someone overhears, it puts a target on your back."

Mira hesitated. "They're my best friends. They'll be hurt if I lie."

Ashen stepped closer, his voice firm but quiet. "You don't have to lie. But every elemental carries private truths about their growth. Some powers are best kept secret until they are fully under control."

Headmistress added gently, "They will understand. And if they don't now, they will in time."

Mira pressed her lips together but nodded. "Alright. I'll keep it vague."

---

That evening, Mira finally met Riven and Aria near the gardens. Their faces lit up as she approached.

"Mira!" Aria launched into a hug. "Where were you? We were so worried!"

Riven was close behind, his smile wide. "You look... different. Better. Stronger."

Mira laughed softly, hugging them both. "I'm okay. I was in the healing bay longer than expected. The transformation hit me harder than I thought it would."

Aria pulled back. "Like... more intense than usual birthday surges?"

Mira gave a small shrug. "Kind of. But I'm alright now. Mostly. Just need to keep training to get back on track."

Riven narrowed his eyes slightly but didn't press. "If there's anything you need-"

"I'll ask," she promised. "Promise."

As they walked, the firelight from the hanging lanterns shimmered against Mira's skin, where unseen sparks still danced just beneath the surface.

She was whole again.

But the storm had left its mark. And she was no longer the same.

Only three days remained until the Elemental Hunt, and this time, she would not face it as a shadow of her potential.

She would face it as fire reborn.