Ryan looked at the paper in front of him and began to read.
Compulsory Subjects (for all students):
· Basics of Elements – 2 lectures per week.
· History of the Continent Arthalia – 1 lecture per week.
· Combat Strategies – 2 lectures per week + practical application.
· Physical Fitness and Combat Without Elements – 1 lecture per week + practical application.
· Ethics of War and International Laws – 1 lecture per week.
Elective Subjects (each student chooses at least two.):
· Poisonous Plants and Their Antidotes.
· Advanced Fencing.
· Advanced Theoretical Elements.
· Ancient Languages and Encrypted Symbols.
· Field First Aid and Healing with Elements.
· Map Drawing and Military Geography.
· History of the Five Kingdoms (Advanced).
· The Art of Negotiation and Leadership.
There were many other optional subjects.
Ryan looked at the list. He didn't know what to choose.
he thought.
'I'll decide later.'
He raised his head. Professor Lorian had begun his lecture.
Lorian looked at the students.
"What are the elements for you?"
But no one answered him, everyone remained silent.
Lorian sighed
After that He spoke slowly, as if delivering a lesson memorized years ago.
"The elements… many believe they are a gift. Or fate. Or a curse.In truth, the elements are simply… energy. Energy that flows through all living things. Some are born with enough spark to direct it. But many people pay the price to obtain it."
Ryan raised an eyebrow.
'What does he mean?'
Lorian paused. Looked at the students with his sharp eyes.
"Most who acquire an element – whether by inheritance, chance, or even training – pay a price. Not a price in money, but a price with their body. Their mind. Their soul."
"And that price takes different forms. Today I will tell you about three types of flaws that accompany elements."
He raised his first finger.
"The first type permanent physical weakness. This type accompanies the user all the time, whether they use their element or not. It could be excessive sensitivity to heat or cold. It could be involuntary muscle spasms. It could be scars that never heal, hurting every time you use your element."
Ryan's eyes widened at his words.
Lorian raised his second finger.
"The second type temporary weakness after use. This type appears only when the user consumes a amount of their spark. their body temperature may rise to fever pitch. They may suffer severe dizziness or loss of balance for hours. They may lose consciousness if not treated quickly. This type is less dangerous than the first, because it can be adapted to. But in the heat of battle… it can be deadly."
He raised his third finger.
"The third type the element is not used in the traditional sense. Some users cannot release the element from their bodies like fire or ice. Their abilities are different, and may not be combat-oriented at all."
He paused for a moment, then gave examples:
"One might be able to absorb heat from their surroundings, making the area around them cold. But they never ignite fire. Another might be able to sense the presence of water in living beings, thus knowing the location of internal wounds. But they never release water. Another might be able to change their scent or hide the sound of their footsteps with wind, becoming an excellent infiltrator. But they never create storms."
He looked at the students.
"These are not less valuable than others. They are simply… different. Their element does not respond to them the way it responds to others. They need years to discover how it works. Years of trial and error. Years of frustration."
He paused for a moment. Let his words settle.
"As for those who suffer from no weakness… they are lucky. Nothing more. Luck does not mean strength. Luck means the road ahead is easier. But the end… the end is not determined by luck."
He raised his hand. A small ball of wind formed in his palm, spinning slowly.
"Control… is the key. Not quantity. Not strength. Not even the absence of weakness. Control is what separates those who survive from those who fall. Whoever can direct the smallest amount of energy to achieve the greatest effect… whoever knows how to exploit their flaws for their own benefit… those are the ones who will remain."
He extinguished the ball. Looked at the students.
"Do not look down on those who suffer. They may become many times stronger than you once they learn to harness what they have. And do not be arrogant about being free of flaws. Weakness does not always come from the element. It may come from arrogance. From laziness. From ignorance."
Then he turned toward the back rows, toward Ryan. For a moment, his eyes met Ryan's, then they turned away.
"That's all for today. Read your papers, sign them, choose what you want to study, and hand them in next class."
"Whoever wants to leave can do so, and whoever wants to stay and think can do so as well, since the class time is still valid."
After that He sat on a chair behind the podium, took out a thick book, and began to read.
Ryan thought,
'How could I not have known that?'
But it seems the academy will give him a lot of information about this world.
*********
End of Volume One [Another world]