Chapter 27 - Affinity With Elemental Beasts

"Oh, let me show you something," Kael suddenly said, his eagerness shifting the focus. 

An earth Elemental Circle materialized around his right hand, encasing it in rugged earthen armor. The formation was somewhat crude, with jagged earth projections indicating Kael's emerging proficiency.

"This technique could easily dispatch an opponent weighing two hundred pounds," Kael demonstrated, executing a mighty swing, the force of which was undeniable.

Kael felt proud when he said, "And for defense, it can withstand impacts of up to two thousand Newtons." 

He was confident that he would be ready if the bandits dared to attack him again as he struck his left hand with his Earth-clad right.

However, he soon realized he had forgotten the repercussions of his technique as he winced in pain and exclaimed, "Ouch!" The room echoed with Elion and Camille's laughter, interrupted by Wendy's voice.

"Kael! You're awake!" Wendy exclaimed in delight, followed by Laxus' enthusiastic voice. "Kael!"

"I'm sorry, my friend. It was my fault that you and Alexa were in danger," Laxus said, his relief at Kael's recovery tempered by regret. He had learned a harsh lesson from this experience, realizing that his boldness and willingness to take risks had put his friends in danger.

That's why he quickly accepted Camille's invitation to ensure their safety, which he would never forget.

"Don't worry, Laxus. I don't blame you," Kael said, his smile conveying understanding and acceptance of their unpredictable circumstances.

"Oh, and I have a surprise for everyone. This time, I won't be outdone," Kael announced with pride, oblivious that they had been dubbed the Elementalists within their circle.

As Kael clasped his hands together, a determined gleam shone in his eyes. A vibrant yellow, earth elemental aura enveloped him, casting a warm glow.

Behind him, an Elemental Circle appeared, its presence commanding. Within its confines, the robust seal of the bear emerged, pulsating with a life of its own.

Witnessing their speechless reactions, Kael felt a surge of pride. He thought that his newfound connection with the earth element had clearly captivated his companions.

With a confident smile, he embraced the transformation that ensued. The Elemental Circle surged, engulfing him in radiant light.

Kael stood in magnificent war armor when it faded, a testament to his earth affinity. The aura now emanating from Kael was unmistakably potent, showcasing his prowess as a Level 15 Elemental Soldier—a status achieved through his rigorous training under Terra.

"Isn't it fascinating?" Kael wondered, his voice filled with awe. 

"Who would've thought a calamity could bestow such a gift?" The war armor was the very same one that Terra herself had worn. 

Typically, when Elementalists reached the rank of Elemental Emperor, their previously used war armor would no longer be able to display their full prowess. Therefore, they would choose to discard or pass it on to their heir.

He then grandly proclaimed, "Proudly presenting Kael, heir of Terra, the Greatest Earth Elementalist!" His words echoed with a sense of importance as if he were making a royal proclamation.

Camille, Wendy, and Alexa couldn't hold back their laughter. They found it amusing how Kael suddenly became severe and exuded a unique aura.

Laxus, on the other hand, tried his best to contain his laughter and showed his support by giving enthusiastic applause. Elion chuckled softly, unable to resist the funny situation.

Kael asked, confused, "Why is nobody surprised or impressed? Rest assured, alongside Laxus, I will protect you all from now on."

Alexa teased Kael and said, "Or perhaps we'll protect each other, Kael?" Wendy nodded in agreement, and they shared a knowing glance. 

"What on earth is happening?" To Kael's surprise, Wendy and Alexa demonstrated their elemental affinities. 

A green Elemental Circle with the eagle seal materialized behind Wendy, while Alexa's circle blazed red with the fierce seal of the lion.

Then they too, were enveloped in magnificent war armor, radiating the aura of Level 15 Elemental Soldiers.

Elion and Laxus watched the group's display with pride, recognizing that this was the start of an extraordinary adventure.

The unveiling of their elemental prowess signified the beginning of their journey as Elementalists, which was bound to be filled with trials, triumphs, and unforgettable moments.

Seeing Alexa and Wendy donned in armor as magnificent as his, Kael couldn't help but burst into laughter. "No wonder you both looked unfazed! It appears we've all been equally favored by the divine. Incredible!" 

Their laughter mingled with Kael's in agreement. 

"Does this mean Elion has been gifted as well?" Kael inquired, almost sure of the answer. 

This might explain Elion's composed demeanor earlier when discussing Alexa's condition. Nods all around confirmed his suspicion, and Wendy said, "But... There's something unique about Elion. His aura and Elemental Circles emit a stunning golden glow."

Laxus then suggested, "You should definitely see it for yourself, Kael."

Alexa, with a hint of pride in her voice, shared, "My brother single-handedly took down the Black Bandit group that ambushed us last night." Despite her prowess as an Elementalist, she remained in awe of Elion's capabilities.

"However, their leader managed to escape last night. Some stronger Elementalist rescued him. It's a shame my brother couldn't deal with him, too," Alexa continued, her voice tinged with frustration over their missed chance to reprimand the leader further.

With a gentle shake of his head and a smile, Elion interjected, "It was beyond my ability to confront the individual from last night. His aura is that of a Level 30 Elemental Knight."

"But how did you manage to confront their leader last night? He's a Level 20 Elemental Soldier, and you're only at Level 11," Camille inquired, her curiosity bubbling over.

Laxus harbored the same question, yet a sense of guilt shackled him, preventing him from voicing his thoughts to Elion. He couldn't shake off the feeling of responsibility for the calamity that had befallen their group the previous night.

Without Elion's intervention, Kael and the others might not have survived.

Elion offered a smile, pondering over the most effective way to elucidate the situation to his companions.

"My legacy isn't quite what you'd expect, Camille," he began, momentarily setting aside the burdensome thoughts and emotions that clouded his mind. His priority was to clarify the situation to his friends.

He wasted no time retrieving the Phoenix Orb from his pocket. Elion could not do as other Elementalists do since he could not store items without an elemental storage ring.

"I'm not sure of whose legacy I've inherited. But I was trained by Solandar Solhart," Elion announced with solemnity.

The air was thick with astonishment as they digested Elion's revelation. Solandar Solhart, the legendary hero of Solara who played a pivotal role during the demon's invasion ten millennia ago, was a figure deeply etched into their collective consciousness.

"I've been told that I may have inherited the mantle as the new Fire Elemental Guardian of Solara and… Solandar believed I am destined to be the Phoenix's successor, a Legendary Elemental Beast—or, as some might say, a Mythical Elemental Beast," Elion elaborated.

The mere mention of the Phoenix evoked a profound sense of wonder among them. The Legendary Elemental Beast was an entity rarely witnessed, much less interacted with, in their lifetimes. Its esteemed status and formidable power were beyond anything humanity had encountered.

"The successor of the Phoenix?" Camille's eyes lit up with excitement, her features alight with a radiant smile. 

"Indeed," Elion nodded, "this power was first granted to Solandar during the demon invasion. Although he didn't have enough time to fully master it, he could defeat the demons with it."

"I strongly believe that the Supreme and Ancient Families have kept this knowledge a secret. I have no idea why," he continued.

"Before that, you may have noticed the seals of Elemental Beasts on your orbs. Have a closer look," Elion suggested, teasing them with the promise of more surprises.

The group nodded eagerly, wanting to ask Elion about the seals since their return from the inheritance ground. Elion's tale of being the successor of the Phoenix only heightened their anticipation.

"Surely, you all wield Elemental Might, right? Could you share your levels?" Elion asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Five levels," Wendy responded promptly.

"Same here," another voice echoed.

"Me too," came another response.

"Likewise," added another.

"I'm at level five as well," Camille contributed.

Elion's face lit up with pride. It greatly pleased him to learn that they all possessed an Elemental Might of five levels, positioning them on equal footing with the prodigies from the Supreme Families.

"This is the knowledge passed down by Solandar. Throughout the Universe, humans can forge various affinities. For those of us in Solara, it's an affinity with the Five Elements. But there are also affinities with others like..."

"Elemental beasts?" Alexa interjected, her curiosity piqued.

"Exactly. In our cases, the Elemental Beasts gave us the Elemental Mights. Many wielded Elemental Might without other affinity. An affinity with Elemental Beasts encompasses three categories from strongest to the weakest, Legendary, Mutant, and Ordinary," Elion clarified.