"Now... to the matter of why I brought you all here."
The present ruler of Keranon is scheming to access the forbidden realms and absorb the powers of the sealed gods. When we discovered his evil plans, we summoned the five elemental gods in the cathedral. However, since the gods were bound to Treha, they could only manifest as hologram-like structures using their remaining energy. They discussed the matter thoroughly and reached a conclusion.
Since they were unable to act directly, they decided that they needed people from Earth to channel their powers and help Treha in their place.
Boy 1: "Why from Earth? Why can't it be from Treha?"
Leon: "Because a Trehajin cannot control or combine with the elemental gods' powers. If they try to absorb even a tiny amount, their body will explode and turn to ashes. That is the limiter the Supreme God placed upon our kind."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"The gods instructed us that after the meeting, we should go to our respective elemental trees. There, you will find a fruit hanging from a branch. Pick that fruit, go to Earth, and sow it anywhere in the Earth's soil. Once the seeds mix with the soil, they will begin to grow using Earth's energy. When the time is right, the tree will choose a suitable person, grow into its full form, and attract that person toward it. Then, the god's power will manifest within them."
He looked around at the group.
"So... I suppose you now understand how you all ended up here."
Boy 2: "I have a question. If a Trehajin turns to ashes from even the slightest exposure to an elemental god's power, then how will the ruler of Keranon be able to accomplish something like that?"
Leon's expression darkened.
Leon: "Because... the ruler of Keranon — Eldar — is not a native Trehajin. He is from Earth."
All five of them were stunned into silence.
Girl 1: "If that's the case, then how did he come to Treha?"
Leon: "Even I don't know. We have very little information about Eldar. He keeps himself hidden in the shadows, and everything about him is a mystery. The little information we do have was a nightmare to gather."
Suddenly, a massive explosion tore through the cathedral wall. Dozens of ninja-like soldiers poured in through the gaping hole.
Leon: "Listen, everyone! Get to safety with the Supreme Priest! These are soldiers from Eldar's army. I think he found out I was gathering elemental bearers from Earth."
The group hurried away with the Supreme Priest. One soldier charged at Leon.
Leon: "Tch... always getting in my way."
Leon drew a gleaming black-and-red sword.
Leon: "Elemental Arts of Fire!!!" He swung. "Blazing Sword Slash!"
He charged forward, cutting down three of the ninja in one sweep. The others scattered and regrouped, surrounding him from all directions.
Leon: "You're all going to regret this..." he said with a confident smirk.
He raised his blade again.
Leon: "Elemental Arts of Lightning... Seventh Division... Lightning Dash and Slash!"
In an instant, Leon became a blur of motion — faster than the eye could follow. He cut through the remaining enemies in the blink of an eye. Then, with a fluid motion, he switched to water arts and washed away the last of them with a single sweep.
Arjun had been at the back of the group, moving slowly. He witnessed everything. Leon noticed him and offered a warm, reassuring smile — as if to say, "There's nothing to worry about. I'll protect you."
Arjun was awestruck by Leon's skill — but also terrified. He had never seen anyone killed right before his eyes.
The Supreme Priest led the group out of the cathedral.
Girl 1: "Is Leon going to be okay on his own?"
Supreme Priest: "Of course. Lowly thugs like those are no match for him — it's a piece of cake. Leon is one of the strongest elemental arts users in this world. In fact, he's the only one who can use all elemental arts up to the Tenth Division — the highest level attainable. To master every element, and to reach the Tenth Division in each... he is a true genius. Perhaps he carries the blessings of all the elemental gods."
As they walked, they arrived at a large house — no, a mansion. It had a sprawling lawn, a serene pond, and even horses grazing nearby. Everyone gaped in amazement.
An elderly man emerged from the mansion and approached the Supreme Priest, greeting him with deep respect. He then turned to the group.
Old Man: "Welcome, great elemental bearers. My name is Oscar. I am the butler of this mansion. If you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to call me or any of the servants. It would be our honour to assist you. Allow me to escort you to your rooms — I have made all the necessary preparations."
He glanced at the Supreme Priest.
Oscar: "You may return home, Supreme Priest. It is late, and you should not be out at this hour. I will take care of our guests — you need not worry."
Supreme Priest: "Alright, Oscar. I know I can count on you."
With that, the Supreme Priest departed, and Oscar led everyone to their respective rooms.
---
[Inside Arjun's Room — Night]
Arjun lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling.
Arjun: "Whoa... what a hell of a day. Am I dreaming or something?"
He pinched his arm.
Arjun: "Ouch! No... it's real. Elemental arts. Fighting. Saving a planet. Being a hero... all of this is real!"
His eyes sparkled with excitement — but then doubt crept in.
Arjun: "I'll be happier now. I won't have to suffer like before... but being a hero... saving an entire world... it's not going to be easy, is it? I'm scared of what comes next. Fighting enemies... killing..."
He shuddered, making a frightened face.
Arjun: "I don't want to die yet."
He thought of Leon — calm, powerful, deadly.
Arjun: "I saw Leon today. I can't kill people like that. Maybe... this saviour thing isn't cut out for me."
A massive yawn escaped him.
Arjun: "Uwaawu!! I'm so tired. I just want to sleep..."
He drifted off.
---
[Midnight — A Knock at the Door]
Arjun was fast asleep when a loud banging jolted him awake. Someone was pounding on his door — urgently, relentlessly.
Arjun: "Who's there?"
No reply.
He called out again, his voice trembling slightly.
Arjun: "Hello? Who is it?"
Still nothing but the heavy knocking.
Slowly, cautiously, Arjun got up and walked to the door. His hand trembled as he reached for the handle. He took a deep breath and pulled the door open.
And then he saw...
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