Damon felt he had made no progress.

  It’s been three days since he was taught meditation and he still felt no sign of his lightning Element. Frustration was building. And he wasn’t alone.

  “Ugh.” A groan of frustration was emitted beside Damon, causing a frown to form on his face. Also frustrated at his lack of progress, Rodrick broke out of his meditation with a groan that resulted in Damon turning to him. “Do you mind keeping it down?”

  Rodrick, also infected with negativity, bit right back. “Yeah, right, because you were close to sensing your Element.” The sarcasm leaked out of his voice.

  “I was. You just interrupted my concentration.” Damon's voice began rising.

  Rodrick, not afraid to go on the same level, also began raising his voice. “ You weren’t concentrating. It was more like you were wondering why your stomach was growling.”

  “BOYS.” Professor Harris yelled at the duo, sending them a heavy frown.

  “Sorry, Professor.” The duo bowed their heads in apology whilst ignoring the snickering of their nearby classmates.

  Both boys glared at each other before going back into meditation.

  Damon closed his eyes and with deep breaths, he cooled himself down. Damon knew that he couldn’t be distracted. So he clothed his mind in darkness. Trying to keep all distractions out of his mind. Simply focusing on sensing his element.

  Professor Harris said the lightning carried a presence of aloofness and majesty. It was an Element that ruled the skies when summoned and terrified the earth when challenged.

  An Elemental wielding such power would demand respect wherever he or she went. Damon, hearing this, couldn't wait to have control of the Element. But his hopes of wielding it came to a halt after three days of nothing. Although everyone else was in the same boat he thought he would be different.

  Special.

  But that title went to someone else.

  “Look.”

  “He actually did it.”

  “Not that surprising it was him.”

  The words from everyone around woke Damon from his concentration and focused on what everyone was talking about. Or who everyone was talking about.

  At the front of the class, a student seated on the floor meditating was shockingly surrounded by flickers of flames. A sight that caught everyone’s eyes including Professor Harris who stood frozen with his jaw dropped at the sight. A reasonable reaction for just minutes before he told his class not to worry as it was normal not to see any results in the first week. Only those of talent would sense their Element this early.

  Draven Lyle did it in three days. Something only the first three generations of the Lords of Elements were able to do. And a few of them did it within two days.

  Damon watching this couldn’t help but feel jealous. He knew what this meant.

  A genius.

  A talent.

  Names he hoped to gain. With a sigh he attempted to go back in meditation but couldn’t. Something that many others probably tried to do as Professor Harris took notice of his students struggling to focus.

  “Alright. Let’s end this session of meditation. And move on to something else that I’m sure you’re all curious about.” Professor Harris smiled mysteriously, rousing the class’s interest.

  The feelings from before were quickly washed away to be replaced by curiosity and anticipation.

  “Let us first begin with what you all are called.”

  ‘Awakeners’, multiple voices shouted out the answer drawing a nod from Professor Harris.

  “Yes. an Awakener. It means you have gained the ability to ‘see’ or sense the presence of Elements. And after a while using your ability to ‘see’ you are able to feel your Element. That is when you are called…” Professor Harris gestured to Draven. “An Acolyte. Yes, today you will be learning the differences in strength between Elementals and the details of Acolytes.” Professor paused for a moment to observe his students light up at another learning opportunity and couldn’t help but smile at their pure thirst for knowledge.

  “What do you think makes the difference in level? We learned this before. It is very important to make a good Elemental.”

  “Attraction and Control.” Damon answered with certainty.

  “ Correct.”Professor Harris answered with a nod before continuing “Attraction and Control.”

  “An Acolyte, the first level of an Elemental, is the lowest rank amongst the titles of Elementals. A title given to those who have just been able to sense Elements and gain the ability to be given a bit of control over Elements.” Professor Harris watched his students seated on the floor jotting down his words, keeping their attention solely on him.

  “I say a bit of control because your attraction to Elements is miniscule. You need something separated from nature. Why?” He paused. “Because you do not have enough Elemental control nor attraction to form these Elements. You can’t wrestle the Elements of Water from lakes or pull the earth from the ground it's been in for more years than our Republic’s history.” Professor Harris gave clear examples hoping they would not try to take from the Spirits without having enough strength.

  “In order to achieve any of those feats you must first be able to carry enough of your Element inside of you to attract other Elements.”

  “Are we tricking our Elements?” Someone asked.

  Professor Harris tilted head before answering “Not necessarily tricking per se but more like luring. Making the Element feel it would be better off with you than anywhere else.”

  Professor Harris went back to explaining. “In order to do all this you must strengthen what is known as an Elemental Core.” Professor Harris pointed to his navel. “It will be located here, the center of your body. It stores your Elements you have brought in through meditation and will strengthen both your control and attraction towards Elements.” All the students took a moment to glance down at themselves before glancing back up at their Professor with curious eyes.

  “You will fill your Elemental Cores with your chosen Elements until your entire core is full. Once full you will refine the Elements inside so you will be able to shoot larger fires, call forth stronger winds, or lift boulders.. As more of your Element enters your core the stronger you become.”

  Professor Harris adopted a more serious look as he scanned each and everyone of his students.

  “Listen carefully, do not overuse your core or overfill it. You can seriously injure yourself or in some serious cases: die if you are not careful. Your Elemental Core will be the most important treasure you will ever own. Treasure it.” Professor watched his students wearing serious looks while nodding their heads in understanding.

  “Now, let's get into more detail about what it means to be an Acolyte.” Professor Harris raised his hand up before putting a finger down “Acolytes of the Fire Element carry matches. Water Acolytes carry water in a canteen. Earth Acolytes carry pebbles. Lightning Elementals will have a much harder time. As they cannot summon lightning or else they will die. So your predecessors created something to help you out.”

  Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  Professor Harris reached into his robes to pull out a small wooden box. Damon being a Lightning Elemental was extremely curious about the contents within the box so he paid close attention.

  A moment later Professor Harris pulled a pair of gloves. The gloves were black and had silver balls attached to the back of the glove. The odd looking object received frowns from everyone.

  “This is a Lightning Glove. It was created during the third generation of Elemental Lords, a time that people considered the golden age of the Republic after its many years of building itself up to be a behemoth in the world.”

  “Once worn the user-who must be a Lightning Elemental-gains the ability to deliver a wave of shock through their enemies stunning them for a few seconds once touched.”

  Damon hearing the explanation couldn’t help but be in awe at the invention. To be able to create something that can be used by only Lightning Elementals was something incredible and only made him like the glove more.

  “This of course will be gifted to you once you are able to sense Elements. I hope I don’t need to remind you that you cannot be using this item to prank your friends.” Professor Harris reminded his four Lightning Elementals.

  “Now, finally the Wind Element. The Wind Elementals are considered the most blessed and most dangerous out of the Elements as they are almost always completely surrounded by winds. It is why they don’t need an object to use their Element. They simply just have to use their bodies.”

  Murmurs broke amongst the students both from jealousy or of pride.

  Brrr

  The bell rang signaling the end of class.

  “These are all things you must remember since we are most likely going to have more of you sense Elements by next week. So study hard.”

  ***

  “I heard Draven broke into Acolyte status.” Sunny said. “That true?”

  The trio of Damon, Rodrick, and Baron nodded with eyes full of envy.

  “Wow. We also got someone. Garret Flint from the Ancient House of Flint. He was bragging about it all day.” Sunny grumbled recalling the arrogant look on the red haired heir of an Ancient House.

  Kira cut in. “He’s probably no longer happy. Leon from the Ancient House Terre sensed his Earth Element too. He just did it in a more humble manner.” Kira turned to Amelia, catching her off guard during her meal. “You said nobody broke into Acolyte status for your class right?” Amelia responded with a flustered nod and full cheeks.

  A sight Damon couldn’t help but smile at.

  “But I did hear that Princess Nessa Silvers was able to sense her Element.” Amelia swallowed her food and wiped her mouth before offering her information.

  Damon sitting diagonally across from Amelia was watching her speak with a small smile on his face that quickly morphed into a wince. Damon quickly looked underneath the table to find Rodrick retracting his feet.

  Aiming for revenge Damon looked back up steadying his upper half but his lower half was busy powering up a kick.

  “That makes four out of the ten classes having someone break into Acolyte status. I wonder how man-OW!” Baron jumped in his seat in pain as he pulled his leg out from underneath the table and looked under. “What-what was that?”

  Rodrick and Damon both began devouring their meal trying their best not to look guilty. But Rodrick was obviously failing as his smile was threatening to come forth.

  Kira, always the observer, caught the duo’s expression and simply pointed at them. Baron seeing this gave a quick scan of the expressions on the two before glaring at them. “I shall participate in this battle if you want me to.”

  Rodrick and Damon smiled sheepishly at his words. Baron turned away from the duo to continue what he was saying before. “As I was saying, That makes four out of ten classes then? Nearly half of the classes have-”

  “Five. Garret Knowles sensed his Element too.” Gina grumbled her information out with reluctance.

  Damon, hearing this, immediately frowned at the name. Platinum blonde hair with rich green eyes that always carried arrogance. Damon could still remember his arrogant tone and demanding attitude. “He sensed his Element too?”

  Rodrick hearing the tones of dislike in Gina and Damon raised his brow in question. “You don’t like him?”

  “No” “Not even a little.”

  The strong dislike was obvious in their tones and answers. Gina, seeing everyone stare at her for an answer, turned to Baron. “So five. There are five Elementals.”

  “Oh right,” Sunny turned towards Rodrick, choosing a new topic that didn’t pull envy out of him. “Rock Scaled Lizards or carnivorous plants?”

  The question, although sudden, didn't manage to startle Rodrick who immediately placed a finger under his chin perusing through his knowledge of the creatures over the last three days.

  “Hmm." Rodrick slowly observed his friends. “Iron Rock Lizards…” Rodrick paused to observe everyone’s expressions “Or Carnivorous Plants. Hmm.”

  With a nod of his head, Rodrick made his decision. “Team Plants.” The group’s reactions were split between groans of defeat and smiles of victory. One smile in particular caught the eye of Rodrick who couldn’t help but feel a proud smile form from the result of his decision.

  A smile that quickly froze after feeling a sharp pain in his shin that he could only respond with a hum. “Hmm”

  ***

  “Haha, my precious students, You see the differences. I’m proud you’re able to spot them.” The jovial voice of Professor Orion entered the trio’s ears bringing a smile upon their faces.

  Although they found the answer to his question they didn’t think it worthy of praise. The differences in taxes between the two nobles territories they were discussing were vastly different. An entire fifty percent difference.

  With a heavy sigh Professor Orion said “Although taxes are stress inducing nothing compares to the dangers of bandits, thieves and other criminals. A lot of them don’t even get caught. And if they do as long as you have a name with weight behind you, a slap on the wrist would be the worst you would get.”

  “What of the Commoner Hall?” Princess Nessa threw a question out and before Professor Orion could answer, a scoff was heard.

  Turning their attention towards Damon, they found him bearing a sneer. “You think the Commoner Hall actually helps commoners?” Damon shook his head in disbelief. “ Do you know us commoners call the Commoner Hall out in the Outer Districts? We call them Noble Commoners. Just a bunch of people with status that believe themselves to be noble but really aren’t.”

  Professor Orion let out a sigh of regret. “I see you hold the Commoner Hall in no positive light. Do you mind telling us why?”

  “Why? Ain’t it obvious? They don’t help. No one has seen the donations us commoners sent for new schools or help from doctors who gave promises to go down to where the commoners are. They don’t do anything but trick people out of their silver and gold.” Professor Orion pursed his lips while nodding his head.

  Professor Orion stood up from his seat in front and walked over to his desk. Pulling a stack of papers out of his drawers, he began walking to his students but didn’t make it far before Prince Rider appeared in front of him, reaching his hands towards the paper.

  With a smile, Professor Orion gave the papers away and made his way back to his seat in front of the class. “Take a look at the papers and tell me what you see.”

  After a half an hour of paper being flipped and turned, the three students placed the papers to the side to now focus their attention on their professor.

  “Well, what did you see?” The old man carried a small smile.

  “Records of the Commoner Hall.” Nessa answered.

  “And what did the records say?”

  “That the Commoner Hall did what they promised they were going to do.” This time it was Damon who answered with a hint of disbelief in his tone.

  “Yes, they did.” A proud smile found its way onto the professor’s face.

  “Until they didn’t.” Rider answered, cutting off the small joy in the old man’s heart. “After nearly two hundred years they stopped. The schools, the hospitals, and the fair loans. It all disappeared.”

  “Sadly, yes. It did all disappear. But if you look closely you will find out why.”

  A few minutes of reviewing the records was all they needed.

  “Nobles.” Said Damon with gritted teeth.

  “Wars.”

  “Death.”

  “All came in thundering after years of oppression.” The words of choice brought looks of shock to the three students. “Yes, oppression.”

  “By who?” Asked Damon who was curious about the power that could hold every House in the Republic and the Royal families of the Southern Kingdoms in check.

  “My ancestor.” All eyes in the room fell on the proud smile of Rider who couldn’t hide his pride in his lineage.

  “Yes, cough cough the Pirate Queen was one of the oldest living Lords of Elements. Outliving every other Lord of Element or Divine General of her generation lasting 124 years. With her presence, the Houses and nobles couldn’t do much. Their powers confined by a woman thousands of miles away laying in comfort on some island in the Eastern Isles awaiting the day time stops gifting her a day.”

  Professor Orion turning to his students. “ When she died, the Commoner Hall with no backing and no say quickly-cough- lost its power. It wasn’t until the nobles realized they could use the Commoner Hall did they start revitalizing the once terrifying power.”

  With a raised hand Nessa asked “Should we be learning about this. It sounds a bit confidential.”

  Professor Orion chuckled. “Cough cough Lets think about this then. We have a Prince from the Eastern Isles whose records are probably filled with this timeline, A princess of an enemy nation with probably more important secrets than this, and a commoner-no offense kid- that they could not care about.”

  The breakdown gave them a thorough understanding of their situation, especially Damon. The thought that the Republic couldn’t care about him or the mortals bothered him. Throughout these past three days, all he saw was disregard for his people and the helplessness of mortals.

  Although the class was quite depressing, it was also eye-opening.