The Grand Energy Festival

Narrated by Unknown

Benji walked towards the Bender Academy's main building, an imposing structure that stood as a testament to bending prowess. The sleek design, a fusion of metal and crystal, harmonized with the city's modern vibe. The entrance, flanked by towering pillars, bore engravings showcasing the academy's history.

As he pushed open the double doors, the foyer embraced him with a blend of natural light and student chatter. Moving through the marble corridor adorned with portraits of legendary Benders, Benji approached the central meeting room.

As Benji opened the polished wooden doors, he noticed two figures engaged in lively conversation near the entrance. One, with flowing auburn hair and piercing green eyes, was deep in discussion with another who exuded a rugged charm with tousled brown hair and hazel eyes. Their camaraderie was evident, and both glanced up, spotting Benji approaching.

A knowing look flashed in the green-eyed figure's gaze.

Green-eyed figure: "Well, well, look who's here."

The other figure, with a hearty wave, echoed the sentiment.

Hazel-eyed figure: "Long time no see, my friend!"

Benji grinned, reciprocating their warmth.

Benji: "Good to see you both, Elena and Lucas. How's life treating you here?"

The green-eyed one, Elena chuckled.

Elena: "Busy as ever. The students kept us on our toes. What brings you back?"

Benji explained his new role.

Benji: "Officially joined as a teacher here. Heard there was a meeting or something."

Lucas raised an intrigued eyebrow.

Lucas: "Yeah, this one sounds like it's going to be a big deal."

Benji nodded.

Elena: "You know, I never expected you to end up here, especially after everything that's happened...."

A sigh escaped Benji's lips, "Times change, and we change with them."

Lucas, with a smirk, retorted, "Some things never change, my friend. Like the guy who just turned up."

The trio turned to see Chris, whose presence alone seemed to cast a shadow over the surroundings.

Chris approached with a self-assured stride, acknowledging the trio with a curt nod.

"What's this, a reunion? Should've known something was up."

Lucas gritted his teeth, "Yeah, it's good to see you too, Chris."

Benji maintained a stoic silence, while Elena, attempting to diffuse the tension, steered the conversation towards the meeting, "Any insights on the meeting's agenda?"

Chris smirked, "Only Klaysher knows what this discussion is about." With that, he casually strolled away, leaving a lingering tension in the air.

Lucas grumbled, "That guy's arrogance never ceases, does it?"

Benji, with a knowing look, replied, "Just bear with it for now, Lucas. We have bigger matters at hand."

The doors opened again, and in walked Klaysher, with his towering stature and silver-streaked hair, exuding an air of authority. His piercing gray eyes bore the weight of experience, and the scar running across his left cheek hinted at battles fought and won. Dressed in a simple yet impeccably tailored uniform, he carried himself with the confidence befitting the head of the Bender Academy of Stronghold.

As Klaysher strode into the room, the air seemed to shift, and the low hum of conversations faded. He surveyed the room with a stern expression, his gaze finally settling on Benji, Elena, and Lucas.

Klaysher spoke with a deep and authoritative voice, "Before we begin, I would like to welcome a new member to the instructors' team of Stronghold. Welcome, Oliver Benji. We hope to see Elites in the making under you as well."

A heavy silence hung in the air as Benji and Klaysher locked eyes, their expressions revealing a history neither was keen to revisit.

"Thank you," Benji replied, his tone carrying a weight that hinted at more than just appreciation for the welcome.

Klaysher motions everyone to take a seat, and Benji finds in between Elena and Lucas.

"So the topic for today's meeting. The Annual Grand Energy Festival of Stronghold City....."

Klaysher paused, his eyes scanning the room, measuring the reactions. "In exactly one month, our city will come alive with the Grand Energy Festival. A time of celebration, unity, and showcasing the prowess of our benders."

He leaned forward, folding his hands on the table. "This year is special. It marks the city's 150th anniversary, and the festival promises to be grander than ever. We have dignitaries, key figures, and the Supreme Leader himself attending. It's an opportunity to display the strength and unity of our bender community."

Benji, seated between Elena and Lucas, exchanged glances with them. The air in the room tensed, with the weight of memories and unsaid words.

Klaysher continued, "Our focus should be on presenting a united front, ensuring the success of the festival. The eyes of the city will be upon us, and we cannot afford any internal disputes or conflicts. Now, let's move on to the specifics of our roles during the event."

Klaysher's voice took on a more serious tone. "Now, with the Grand Energy Festival approaching, we face a unique challenge. Our city's most powerful defenders, the Bender Elites, will be absent. They are representing Stronghold in the Council of the Bender Cities. We can't rely on them, and our responsibility becomes even more crucial."

He looked around the room, his gaze meeting the eyes of each instructor. "Security is paramount. We've received intel suggesting the presence of rogue benders in the city. Rumors are circulating, and we cannot afford to dismiss them lightly. I want everyone to be vigilant. Report any suspicious activity immediately. We cannot let any threat compromise the safety of the festival."

Klaysher's tone lightened slightly as he concluded, "On a brighter note, the festival will also showcase the skills of our new benders. There will be exhibition showdowns, a chance for our students to demonstrate their bending abilities. It's an excellent opportunity for them to gain recognition and for us to showcase the strength of the Bender Academy of Stronghold. Instructors, I trust you to prepare your students for these exhibitions. Let's make a strong impression at the Grand Energy Festival."

With that, the meeting continued, transitioning into discussions about training schedules, exhibition preparations, and the overall coordination required for the upcoming event.

As the meeting concluded, instructors began to rise from their seats, signaling the end of the formal gathering. Benji, Elena, and Lucas exchanged a few words, their expressions revealing a mix of anticipation and concern. The trio then made their way out of the meeting room, joining the dispersing group of teachers.

Amidst the departing crowd, one instructor with loose long black hair and a clean face headed towards the exit of the academy. With determined strides, this teacher navigated the hallways, leaving the main building and setting a course toward the heart of Stronghold City—the Grand Energy Nexus.

The instructor headed into an alleyway in front of the Nexus, where he faced a hooded figure in front of him.

"So, what did you get?" Asked the figure with a raspy voice.

"They've heard about us," said the instructor, looking around to make sure no one was paying attention, "but all they've done right now is ask the others to be alert. There's something even better though. The elites won't be there."

The hooded figure leaned in, his voice shrouded in mystery. "No elites, you say? Interesting. Keep me informed. We can't afford to miss an opportunity like this."

The instructor nodded, and with a parting glance, he started to head back to the academy.

The hooded figure looked towards the Nexus.

"One month. Just one month."

And he proceeded to melt into the shadows of the alleyways.