Chapter 4: First Steps to the Academy
Kaden woke up in a small Spartan room, the sun's rays filtering through a narrow window. The events of the day before come to his mind: the attack on the monster, the awakening of his powers, his encounter with Kaela and the director.
He got up, feeling a strange energy flowing through his body. The three gifts were still there, but they seemed calmer, as if waiting for his signal.
A knock on the door startled him.
"Are you awake?" asked a familiar voice.
It was Kaela. Kaden opened the door, finding her standing in the hallway, her ice weapon floating next to her.
"Ready for your first day?" she asked with a smile.
Kaden nodded, trying to hide his apprehension." Where do we start?"
Kaela motioned to her to follow her." Through the bases. You have to learn to control your powers before you can use them. Otherwise, you may get hurt... or worse."
They went down a spiral staircase, arriving in a large training room. Wooden targets were lined up against a wall, and weapons of all kinds were hanging from racks.
Kaela turned to him." So which of your gifts do you want to try first?"
Kaden thought for a moment." Zeus," he finally said.
Kaela nodded." Good choice. Lightning is powerful, but it can be unpredictable. "Concentrate, and try to feel the energy in you."
Kaden closed his eyes, trying to concentrate. He felt a heat in his chest, like a spark growing. He opened his eyes, raising his hand, and a lightning bolt burst from his fingers, hitting a target in the center.
Kaela smiled." Not bad for a beginner. But you have to learn to control power. Try again."
Kaden repeated the exercise, feeling Zeus' energy flowing into him. With each attempt, he felt more in control, more confident.
But as he was about to throw another lightning bolt, a voice echoed in the room.
"Kaden!"
He turned around, seeing a young girl with black hair and green eyes entering the room. She wore an Academy uniform, and her gaze was both curious and suspicious.
"I'm Lira," she said as she approached. "I was told you had three gifts. Is that true?"
Kaden nodded, a little uncomfortable under his scrutiny.
Lira smiles." Then you're going to need help. And I'm here for that."
Kaela crossed her arms, looking amused." Welcome to the team, Lira. Kaden, you're lucky. Lira is one of the best in her class."
Kaden felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. He didn't know what to expect, but one thing was certain: his adventure was just beginning.
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