the element of power

Kieran stood by the window, his eyes scanning the distant horizon where the sprawling kingdom stretched out beneath the vast sky. Lunette sat on a chair across from him, her hands folded in her lap as she waited for him to explain more about this world.

He turned toward her, his gaze calm and measured. "Lunette, I think it's time you understand how this world works—how we work." He gestured to her, his voice steady, but there was a slight intensity in his words. "Our kingdom is vast. It covers the entire continent, and four species inhabit it: humans, shapeshifters, mer-species, and angels."

Lunette leaned forward, intrigued by the mention of these species. "Wait, angels? Like, the ones with wings and stuff?"

"Yes," Kieran said, nodding slightly. "But not the wings you're thinking of. Angels in this world are a type of fairy, but their wings are eagle-like, broad and powerful. They're not your typical winged creatures." He paused, watching Lunette's reaction. "Each species has their own elemental affinity. Human beings most commonly have control over fire."

"Fire?" Lunette repeated, frowning. "But... that's dangerous."

"Exactly," Kieran said with a slight smile. "It's a volatile power, but one that humans use with remarkable skill." He then gestured toward her. "Shapeshifters, on the other hand, usually possess the power of earth."

"Earth, huh?" Lunette said, pondering the idea. "So, like, they can control rocks and soil?"

"Exactly. It's a grounded, dependable power. They tend to be more durable and physically imposing." Kieran's eyes glinted as he spoke. "The mer-species are most likely to have control over water, a fluid, adaptable force. And angels, as I said, have the power of air—an element that makes them quick, agile, and capable of great speed."

"And then, there's me, right?" Lunette asked, her voice hesitant.

Kieran's gaze softened slightly. "Yes. You, Lunette, are a mystery. Your origins are unknown to me, as they were to your parents. They never told you what you truly are, and that could be important." He looked away, his tone becoming more serious. "Each of these species also has the potential to wield other elements—derivatives of the core powers."

"Derivatives? Like what?" Lunette asked, leaning in closer, her curiosity piqued.

"Some can manipulate things like lava—an extreme form of earth and fire," Kieran explained. "Others may command light, plant life, or even ice, which is a derivative of water. There are also rare cases of people with dual or even triple elemental powers."

"Triple powers?" Lunette's eyes widened at the thought. "How is that even possible?"

"It's extremely rare," Kieran admitted. "It's a combination of natural-born talent and extreme training. But it does happen."

Lunette leaned back in her chair, feeling the weight of Kieran's words. She had always wondered about her own power, how she had managed to survive the strange and chaotic events in her life. "So, I'm guessing you're not normal either?"

Kieran chuckled softly. "No. I'm not. I'm half-angel and half-human. My powers are… different." He paused for a moment before continuing, his tone more serious. "I possess the ability to manipulate time itself."

Lunette blinked at him, stunned. "Time?" she whispered, trying to comprehend what that meant. "That's… unbelievable."

"I've learned to control it, though it's not always easy," Kieran said, his gaze becoming distant for a moment. "Time manipulation is one of the rarest abilities. Most people can barely grasp the concept of controlling time, let alone bend it to their will."

Lunette sat in silence, absorbing the information. She had no idea that her world was so full of complexity—so many different species, powers, and untold secrets. She was just a little girl, lost in it all, trying to make sense of the strange life she was being thrust into.

After a long pause, Lunette finally spoke. "So… what's my power, then? What's the truth about me?"

Kieran turned his gaze back to her, a faint smile playing at the corner of his lips. "That's the question, isn't it? You may have an elemental power, or perhaps something even more unusual. I don't know yet, Lunette. But we'll figure it out together. You'll train, and we'll discover your true strength."

Lunette nodded, her eyes determined. "I don't care what power I have. I just want to know how to use it. I want to be strong."

Kieran nodded in approval. "That's the spirit." He glanced at the scroll on his desk. "We'll begin your training soon, but first, we need to get you familiar with the basics of mana—the source of every power in this world."

"Mana?" Lunette repeated. "What's that?"

"It's the energy that flows through every living thing, from the smallest insect to the greatest warriors," Kieran explained. "Mana is the lifeblood of our abilities. The more control you have over it, the stronger you become. Each species has its own affinity for mana, and you'll need to learn to channel it effectively if you want to use your powers."

"So, how do I control it?" Lunette asked, eager to know.

Kieran gave her a small, mysterious smile. "That's something you'll need to learn. But don't worry, we'll take it one step at a time. For now, focus on the basics. Feel the mana inside you and try to connect with it."

Lunette closed her eyes, trying to do as Kieran instructed. At first, she felt nothing—just a quiet emptiness. But then, a small tingle in her chest began to spread. It wasn't much, but it was there. She focused on it, trying to draw it out, to make it stronger.

"Good," Kieran said, watching her closely. "You're starting to feel it. That's the first step."

Lunette continued to concentrate, feeling the faint flow of mana inside her. She didn't know what it meant or how far this would take her, but for the first time since she'd arrived, she felt a tiny spark of hope

Kieran leaned back in his chair, his hands folded behind his head as he gazed out the window. The midday sun streamed in, casting a warm glow over the room. Lunette, sitting cross-legged on the floor, was still trying to digest everything she had learned.

Kieran's voice broke through the silence. "Next thing you need to know is how the hierarchy works here. Everything depends on power. And that includes who rules this kingdom."

Lunette blinked, looking up from her thoughts. "Power? But... isn't the king just chosen from the nobles or something?"

Kieran let out a loud, dramatic laugh. "Oh, how quaint. If only it were that simple." He shifted in his chair, his tone light and teasing. "In our kingdom, every twenty years, the strongest individuals—of any species—fight to determine who will rule. It's the law of the land. And the best part? Anyone can become the ruler. A human, a mer-specie, or anyone else."

Lunette tilted her head. "Anyone can be king? But... aren't there already a bunch of important families with, like, royal bloodlines?"

"Sure," Kieran said, "But power is the ultimate authority here. If someone proves they're stronger than the rest, they win. And that means they get to sit on the throne. It's as simple as that."

Lunette's eyes widened. "Wait, so the king could be... a mermaid?"

Kieran grinned, enjoying the confusion on her face. "Exactly. And that's why the competition is so fierce. The strongest person wins. It's not about bloodlines. It's about strength. And that's the reason I'm a duke, Lunette."

"You're a duke because you're strong?" Lunette raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "I thought it was, like, all politics and noble titles."

"Oh, no, no, no," Kieran said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'm not here because I'm some noble by birth. I'm here because I'm strong, obviously. It's the only reason anyone rises in this kingdom. Power, baby, that's the currency here."

Lunette chuckled at his confident tone. "And I'm guessing you're not the only duke around, huh?"

"Exactly," Kieran said, giving her a mischievous smile. "There are four other dukes, each representing one of the main species. We've got a human duke, a mer-specie duke, an angel duke, and a shapeshifter duke. They're all vying for power, just like me."

"So... the future ruler is most likely going to come from one of those families?" Lunette asked, her curiosity growing.

"Yep, that's the idea. They're the ones with the strongest bloodlines. Their genes are passed down through generations, making them naturally more powerful than the average person. They're basically crown princes or princesses without the title."

Lunette thought for a moment, trying to imagine the power struggles and rivalries that must be happening behind the scenes. "And the mer-specie—do they, like, live in the ocean or something?"

Kieran nodded. "That's right. The mer-specie are amphibious—they can stay on land, but when they do, they grow feet. Once the ruler is chosen, the mer-specie live in a palace near water, always close to the ocean. They're a water-dwelling people, after all."

Lunette's eyes widened as she imagined the palace. "That sounds so... magical. I've never even seen a real mermaid before."

"You'll get your chance soon enough," Kieran said, his tone light. "But don't get too starry-eyed about them. Mer-specie may look pretty, but they're ruthless. All of them are looking for a chance to take the throne, and they're not afraid to fight dirty."

Lunette couldn't help but grin at his sarcasm. "I don't think I'd want to mess with one of them. They sound like they mean business."

"Trust me, they do. But don't worry, Lunette. You'll be fine. You're not weak. You've got potential, even if you don't know how to tap into it yet."

Lunette's face lit up at his encouragement, but then she remembered something. "So, all these dukes and royal families—they're competing for power, right? What happens if they lose? Do they just... step down?"

Kieran gave her a wry grin. "Step down? That's not how it works here. The losers? Well, let's just say they don't get to keep their positions for long. It's a kingdom built on power and survival of the fittest. If you're not strong enough to keep your title, you'll be replaced."

Lunette shuddered at the thought of the dangerous competition that ruled everything. "Sounds brutal."

"It is," Kieran agreed, his smile softening. "But that's how this kingdom thrives. Power keeps everything in balance. It's harsh, but it's also fair in its own way."

Lunette nodded, trying to absorb all of this new information. There was so much to learn, so many people to meet, and so many power struggles to navigate. But one thing was clear: If she was going to survive in this world, she needed to be strong.

"Alright," she said, standing up with newfound determination. "So what's next? How do I get stronger?"

Kieran stood as well, a grin playing at the corners of his lips. "Training. We start with the basics, and then we work our way up. You'll learn how to control your mana and your powers. But first, we'll need to see what you're capable of."

Lunette stretched her arms, a small spark of excitement lighting up in her chest. She didn't know exactly how she was going to survive in this world, but she knew one thing for sure—she wasn't going to let anyone push her around.