The Elemental system

The day of the trials arrived like an ominous storm cloud over Ashen Grove. The village square buzzed with restless energy as the academy representatives stood at the center, their dark robes and hoods casting long shadows in the early morning light. They spoke little, their presence alone enough to command attention.

Everyone eligible—young men and women between the ages of fifteen and eighteen—was gathered, waiting for instructions. There were no exemptions. Even those with little hope of standing out shuffled nervously in the crowd, casting wary glances at the representatives.

Axton stood near the back, shoulders tense. He wasn't sure why he was here. He wasn't powerful, like Gavin Cross, whose earth magic had always been the talk of the village, or even Elias, who possessed a natural talent for wind manipulation.

"What are we even doing here?" someone whispered nearby, their voice filled with unease.

"They're not looking for ordinary strength," Elias muttered, standing beside Axton. "They're looking for something… different. Keep your head up."

Axton said nothing. The academy's selection process remained a mystery, and that only made his heart pound harder. He felt out of place, surrounded by people who radiated confidence and purpose.

One of the representatives stepped forward, his hood lowered just enough to reveal piercing gray eyes. He held up a staff adorned with glowing runes, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade.

"Today, all of you will participate in the trials," he announced. "This is not a test of power alone. It is a test of resilience, strategy, and the ability to adapt. Those who succeed will earn a place at the academy. Those who fail… will return to your lives here in Ashen Grove."

A ripple of murmurs spread through the crowd.

"Everyone?" Gavin muttered, disbelief in his tone. "Even those without magic? That's a waste of time."

Axton felt the weight of the words sink into him, but he forced himself to stay still.

The representative raised a hand, silencing the whispers. "Do not make the mistake of underestimating those you believe to be weak. The trials will reveal your true selves—nothing more, nothing less."

The words sent a chill through Axton. He glanced at Elias, who gave him a reassuring nod, but it did little to quell the growing knot in his stomach.

The group was led to an open field on the edge of the village, where the trials would take place. A series of obstacles stretched out before them, each more daunting than the last. There were walls to climb, balance beams suspended over rushing water, and strange glowing orbs floating in the air.

"The first trial will test your physical endurance and problem-solving skills," the gray-eyed representative explained. "Your goal is to reach the end of the course. You may use your powers, but remember: brute force will not guarantee success."

The group lined up at the starting point, tension thick in the air. Axton's palms were sweaty as he positioned himself between Elias and another boy from the village. He could feel the weight of Gavin's sneer somewhere behind him.

The signal to begin rang out, and chaos erupted.

Gavin surged ahead, using his earth magic to create platforms that propelled him forward. Others followed suit, water and fire slicing through the obstacles with precision. Axton, however, faltered at the first challenge—a high wall that required scaling.

He leapt, but his grip slipped, and he landed hard on the ground. Pain shot through his hands, but he forced himself up, ignoring the laughter of those already ahead.

"Come on, Axton!" Elias shouted, pausing just long enough to give him a boost over the wall.

"Thanks," Axton muttered, his face burning with humiliation.

As the trial continued, Axton found himself lagging behind. He wasn't fast, nor was he strong. Others used their elemental powers to overcome challenges with ease, while he struggled to find his footing.

But as the course grew more complex, something began to shift. While others rushed blindly, trying to overpower the obstacles, Axton started noticing patterns. The floating orbs, for instance, seemed to pulse in a rhythm, allowing him to time his movements perfectly.

By the time he reached the final section—a narrow bridge swaying over a deep ravine—Axton was no longer at the very back. He wasn't at the front, either, but he was holding his own.

He paused at the edge of the bridge, watching as Gavin attempted to force his way across using his earth magic. The bridge creaked and groaned under the added weight, and Gavin nearly fell when one of the planks gave way.

"Idiot," Axton muttered under his breath. He studied the bridge carefully, noting the weak points, and then moved cautiously, keeping his weight balanced.

When he finally stepped onto solid ground, Elias was there waiting for him.

"You did it," Elias said with a grin, clapping him on the back.

Axton didn't respond. His mind was still racing, trying to process how he had made it this far.

By the end of the day, the first trial was over. Some had failed outright, unable to complete the course, while others had excelled, their powers on full display. Axton found himself somewhere in the middle—neither outstanding nor disappointing.

As the participants gathered in the village square once more, the academy representatives stood in silence, their expressions unreadable. The gray-eyed leader finally spoke.

"This was only the beginning," he said. "There will be more trials to come, each designed to reveal your true nature. Rest now, for tomorrow will test your minds and your resolve."

Axton's heart sank. If today had been difficult, what would tomorrow bring?

As the crowd dispersed, he caught a glimpse of Gavin glaring at him from across the square. The message in his eyes was clear: You don't belong here.

But for the first time, Axton wasn't sure if he agreed.