Chapter 35 - Elion's Mistakes
DING! DING! DING! DING!
The sonorous chime of the bell echoed through the corridors of Estola Elemental Academy, capturing the attention of everyone within earshot. For the newcomers, it signified the beginning of their journey, calling them to gather in the Main Hall for orientation and marking the start of their academic adventure.
"Time for a goodbye," Elion said, his voice laden with emotion as he felt a mix of anticipation and nostalgia.
These companions had become like family over the past five years, united in facing various challenges together.
Their shared experiences in the unforgiving Waste District had forged an unbreakable bond. Unbeknownst to them, their journey from humble beginnings to mastering elemental powers and forming affinities with Mutant Elemental Beasts had just begun.
It all seemed almost surreal as they stood at the threshold of their academic pursuits at the Elemental Academy.
What started as a modest hope for a life beyond the confines of the Waste District had blossomed into an opportunity to rise as Supreme Elementalists, wielding unimaginable powers.
Yet, this was just the dawn of their journey. Ahead lay trials, tribulations, and triumphs that would test their mettle on the path to elemental mastery, culminating in the attainment of unparalleled prowess atop Solara. Only time would reveal their destinies, guiding their steps forward.
As Elion spoke, the group nodded in agreement. The moment had arrived to part ways, albeit temporarily. Their farewells were bittersweet, acknowledging the heavy responsibility that came with their powers.
Kael stepped forward, giving Elion a tight hug. "Take care, Elion." He then leaned in with a mischievous grin, "If you need advice on winning Camille's heart, you know where to find me."
"Since when did you become a love guru, Kael?" Wendy couldn't help but tease, her voice filled with laughter.
Caught off-guard, Kael's cheeks flushed as their private conversation suddenly became the focus of everyone's attention.
Camille, for her part, was visibly embarrassed, her face aflame with surprise and bashfulness. Despite her efforts to conceal her feelings for Elion, her emotions were clearly evident.
"Why is Camille blushing so furiously?" Alexa joined in the laughter, her amusement evident.
"I-I don't know what you're talking about," Camille stuttered, her embarrassment deepening under their gaze.
Their laughter filled the air, except for Elion and Camille, who shared a moment of mutual sheepishness, their faces aglow with bashfulness.
"Let's leave now, shall we? To spare Camille any further embarrassment," Kael suggested, his tone empathetic.
"Indeed. Farewell for now, Elion and Camille. And thank you, Camille," Wendy added, her lingering laughter.
Alexa hugged Elion warmly. "Until we meet again, big brother. Take care."
Alexa then approached Camille and hugged her warmly. "Thank you for your kindness, Camille. Please take care of Elion for me."
Camille nodded, her resolve firm. At this moment, she stood as the strongest among them at the Level 35 Elemental General. After inheriting Nirmala, Camille ascended five ranks. With her Elemental Might, she stood shoulder to shoulder with the Level 40 Elemental General.
In the world of Elementalists, Camille stood out among her peers for her exceptional strength. Yet, she openly recognized the potential in Elion, a prodigy whose innate talent outshone any other in Solara.
As she watched him, observing their friends congregating in the Main Hall, Elion's face lit up with pride and joy, a testament to the new chapter they were all embarking on together.
"Are you certain you won't join them?" Camille asked, her voice laced with concern. She truly hoped Elion would join her in unraveling the mysteries of the elements.
Elion's response came with a confident determination. "I'm sure, Camille. The year I spent under Solandar's guidance has given me insights no academy could match," he said, his resolve clear.
He continued, "Reiterating the same lessons seems pointless. You've mentioned it yourself; our research is where the real promise lies."
Elion was convinced that together with Camille, he would continue to evolve, seeking the freedom to apply and hone his skills. He was sure their combined intellect and understanding would significantly advance their journey.
Camille, accepting his decision, replied, "Got it. I understand your decision. Truly, no academy could offer what we're seeking." She remembered the brilliance she saw in him during their first meeting and how, together, they could uncover elemental knowledge crucial for humanity's survival in Solara.
"Ready to head out?" she asked, willing to pause if Elion needed more time.
Elion nodded, his eagerness palpable, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a desire to strengthen his abilities. He aimed to become an Elemental Knight within six months.
"To delve deeper into your golden aura and Phoenix, we should start at the Ancient Lumera Empire. Their Information Tower holds countless records unavailable online, surely offering the insights we seek," Camille suggested.
The Ancient Lumera Empire was one of the five remaining Ancient Empires of Solara's history, having endured for millions of years, unlike other empires that lasted merely hundreds or tens of thousands. Each ancient empire played a pivotal role in shaping Solara's regions.
Lumera was based in the Central Region, flanked by Carera in the North, Kantra in the East, Rotra in the West, and Sumera in the South. Despite their ancient status, supremacy wasn't guaranteed; they faced competition from the Supreme Empires.
"Estola falls under the Aeloria Empire, a Great Empire, though it hasn't reached the minimum requirement of being the Grand Empire," Camille added, laying out Solara's political landscape. "Choosing Lumera as our starting point made sense due to its proximity to Aeloria."
"Let's hope we find what we need there," Elion remarked, his expectations tempered yet hopeful for insights into his powers.
"Agreed. We must move swiftly. Our journey will span a month, and we will traverse forests and mountains to sharpen our skills," Camille emphasized.
To her, their expedition was a quest for knowledge and an opportunity to grow stronger. They planned their route through areas teeming with Elemental Beasts, providing ample practice opportunities.
With preparations complete, they were ready to depart on the same day as the academy registration, ensuring their time was well-utilized.
Together, Elion and Camille made their way towards the gate, the bustling entry and exit point of Estola City in the Southern Region, their hearts set on the Ancient Lumera Empire.
The Ancient City of Lumera was steeped in history and intrigue, awaiting their arrival. Elion and Camille draped themselves in cloaks to blend in and avoid unwanted attention, concealing their features from prying eyes.
Wearing such attire was common in Solara, where many opted to shroud their identities for various reasons, ensuring their actions went unnoticed.
Rodox and his henchmen stood guard near the gate, with Cern briefing him on the situation.
"Boss, according to Young Master Carl's intel, Elion is expected to pass through one of these gates. Our men are positioned accordingly," Cern reported.
Unbeknownst to Elion, his earlier intrusion into his parents' home had inadvertently left behind damning evidence, linking him to the theft. These clues now threatened to unravel his plans, leaving him in deep trouble.
Firstly, Elion was the only person who knew how to unlock his mother's jewelry safe, except for his mother and aunt.
However, his aunt discovered the combination by pressuring Elion to reveal it. The safe was made of rare materials and Elemental Formation, which made it only possible to change the combination with the owner's involvement.
Although Elion never asked his mother for the combination, he accidentally saw it when she entered it once.
Secondly, he only took some things. Among the items he claimed were his mother's cherished necklace, which he had gifted to Alexa.
With the available power and technology, it would be effortless for them to describe the missing possessions.
Thirdly, one of Rodox's henchmen trailed Alexa and witnessed her wearing the necklace. Consequently, they inferred that no one else had perpetrated the theft except Elion.
Fourthly, Elion's physical attributes matched the description provided when Rodox and his henchmen pursued him.
Moreover, Elion and his friends have been frequenting the elite areas lately, making identifying them easier.
Fifthly, they often spotted Elion accompanying Camille to the Medical Center for research. As a doctor and researcher at the Medical Center, Camille was required to input records into the system. Gaining entry to this system for elites like Carl posed no issue.
A modest "bribe" ensured easy access to all data. Camille had enlisted Elion as her assistant. Consequently, the records indicated that Elion would accompany Camille to Lumera Ancient City, and they knew he would depart from Estola City today.
Despite their uncertainty regarding which gate Elion would choose for his exit, the southern one was most probable, given its direct route to Lumera Ancient City. This was the path Elion and Camille were expected to take.
In the realm of Solara, Elementalists often favored their own agility over conventional modes of transport. Elemental Soldiers, capable of moving as swiftly as vehicles, rendered ground transportation a necessity primarily for ordinary humans.
The scarcity of personal vehicles was attributed to external threats like bandits and Elemental Beasts.
Physical exertion was vital for Elementalists to bolster their strength, prompting them to walk or run to their destinations. Transportation was reserved for long-haul journeys, either by air or across seas.
The ability to fly was an exclusive privilege of those who had reached the pinnacle of the Elemental Kings level, enabling them to manipulate elements and aura to glide through the skies.
Consequently, the higher an Elementalist's level, the lesser their reliance on traditional means of transport.