After the crystal resonance tests, the atmosphere within the training camp subtly shifted.
Some trainees, elated by their compatibility with certain elements, flaunted their results around the camp, even competing over whose elemental reaction was stronger. Meanwhile, those whose crystals showed no reaction grew silent, retreating into the corners of the camp in dejection. Some even whispered about quitting the training altogether. An invisible line was drawn among the trainees, dividing them into two groups.
But Cain wasn't swayed by these emotions. Every morning, he was still the first to rise. Before the sun fully emerged, he was already at the training grounds, immersed in his morning routine. Every punch and every sprint was accompanied by a faint glow that coursed just beneath the surface of his skin, though he himself remained unaware of it.
Under the blazing sun, his muscles grew stronger, his reflexes sharper. It was as if he resonated with the sunlight itself, inhaling a pure and resilient energy with every deep breath.
Meanwhile, the trainees who resonated with elements were assigned additional classes to study the nature, perception, and application of their elements. Their progress in knowledge and skills was evident, with Tario and Rody standing out the most.
Tario embraced his lightning element with unrestrained excitement. During training, he gleefully practiced discharging electricity, and after meals, he would perform a "lightning show" with small electric spheres, drawing gasps of awe from the other trainees.
"You can all start calling me Lightning Tario!" he declared proudly, his laughter echoing across the camp.
Rody's progress, on the other hand, was more measured. His mastery of the earth element made him steadier and more resolute. At night, he could often be found sitting outside his tent, fiddling with the bracelet left to him by Aina, his gaze a mix of tenderness and regret.
"I can't believe I actually absorbed her life force…" he murmured softly, a wave of guilt and longing welling up inside him.
Despite their differences, the three of them remained inseparable. They continued to spar and study techniques together.
In the slanting sunlight of early morning, Cain stood at the front of the training ground, legs slightly bent, fists clenched, fully focused as he faced an attack from both Rody and Tario.
Rody struck first, manipulating the earth beneath his feet to rise and force Cain off balance. Tario, meanwhile, turned into a streak of lightning, darting in from the flank with electricity crackling at his fingertips, aiming for Cain's side.
Cain swiftly sidestepped the rising earth, kicking a loose stone toward Rody. At the same time, he bent low, dodging Tario's lightning strike, and delivered a sharp elbow that sent Tario stumbling back three steps.
"Are you even human?!" Tario exclaimed, clutching his chest and glaring at Cain.
Seizing the opportunity, Rody hurled a spear of stone, but Cain had already predicted its trajectory. He leapt into the air, shattering the spear with a spinning kick before landing and advancing steadily toward their centerline.
Rody and Tario exchanged a glance and attacked together—earth and lightning intertwining. Yet Cain moved like a shadow, his actions minimal but incredibly efficient. He dodged and countered with precision, landing blows on non-lethal yet critical points of his opponents.
The three of them clashed back and forth, their sweat and heavy breathing mingling in the air. Though no victor emerged, Tario couldn't help but grumble, "I seriously think you're hiding your element somewhere."
"If I am, I'd like to know too," Cain replied with a laugh, wiping the sweat from his brow. "I guess it's just because I train harder."
After the session, the three of them collapsed onto the ground, staring up at the sky as their breathing steadied. Sunlight bathed Cain's body, forming a faint, almost imperceptible glow that seemed to resonate silently with him.
Rody frowned as he noticed the subtle aura around Cain but chose not to voice his thoughts. Deep down, he felt that something was quietly changing within Cain.
In the afternoon, the trainees gathered at the training grounds.
The instructor stood on the steps, his expression stern and his tone heavy:
"Your next mission is resource gathering."
A murmur spread through the group—some confused, some excited, others visibly apprehensive.
The instructor continued, "Recent intelligence from Central Command indicates that the conflicts around Elramia are escalating. The beastmen passage, which was supposed to be sealed off, has somehow reopened, leading to frequent attacks on border villages. To prepare for a potential large-scale war, Central Command has ordered all training camps to begin supporting military supplies, including resource scouting, mineral collection, and energy replenishment."
He pointed to a map hanging behind him. "You will be sent in teams to remote areas. This is not just a support mission but also a test of your teamwork and adaptability in real-world situations."
Cain listened intently, clenching his fists. This was both an opportunity and a risk, but he wasn't afraid. He knew that only by stepping onto the battlefield could he get closer to the core of his dreams.
That night, under a sparse canopy of stars and the flickering glow of the campfire, Rody reclined on the ground, muttering as he fiddled with his bracelet, "She's in Central too… If I become stronger, I'll have a chance to see her again."
"You will," Tario said, rolling over. "Just don't forget to take me along to meet Lord Raiz when that happens."
"Hey, we're going to rescue Aina, not go idol-chasing!" Rody retorted.
"Why not both?" Tario grinned, his teeth gleaming like lightning in the dark.
Cain sat silently nearby, gazing at the sky, memories of the past swirling in his mind—the vague dreams, the beastmen that tore through his nightmares, the distant figure of Aina, and the parents he had never met.
His heart was filled with questions, frustration, and suppressed pain. But above all, there was an unyielding desire and determination that burned brighter than ever.
Rody suddenly spoke softly, "Cain, if you really didn't resonate with any element, I wouldn't believe it. There's light around you… We can all feel it."
"I'm starting to think your crystal was just defective," Tario joked.
"Maybe… Or maybe it's just an illusion caused by the sunlight," Cain replied with a faint smile, tinged with a hint of helplessness.
Tario slapped his shoulder. "Whatever the case, we're sticking together. When we get to Central, we'll make those who look down on us eat their words!"
The firelight reflected in their eyes—unyielding, determined, and resolute.
The next morning, Cain, Rody, and Tario were assigned to a resource-gathering team. Due to a shortage of personnel, two additional members were added to their squad: Lorne, who possessed the ice element, and Milena, who wielded the wind element.
"Who's leading this team?" Lorne asked, frowning as he glanced at the roster.
"Cain," the instructor replied flatly.
"What did you say?" Lorne's face darkened as he turned to glare at Cain. "You're the one who didn't resonate with any element during the test?"
Milena covered her mouth, laughing softly. "I didn't know it was standard practice to let 'elementless' people lead teams… Is this some new training policy from Central?"
Her words were laced with mockery, causing Rody's expression to darken as he stepped forward. "Watch your mouth! Cain isn't someone you can just insult."
Tario snorted. "We've been through battles together. We've saved lives and fought beastmen. That's more than enough to qualify him as your leader."
"Battles?" Lorne crossed his arms. "Don't try to glorify some small skirmishes on the border. We're training to join Central Command, not to babysit people who survived a few lucky fights."
The tension in the air grew thick.
Rody took another step forward, his fists clenched. "Say one more word, and see what happens."
Milena smirked playfully. "Oh? Thinking of fighting? Why don't we see who's more qualified to lead?"
"Enough!"
The instructor's stern shout silenced everyone. He stepped forward, his voice cold and commanding:
"This team composition is a direct order from Central Command—different abilities and experiences mixed together for missions. None of you have the authority to change it."
Lorne gritted his teeth. "I request a team reassignment."
"Denied."
"And the reason?" Milena pressed, still unwilling to back down.
The instructor's gaze was icy. "Because this isn't your choice to make. This is a simulated combat mission, and the team leader is my decision. Cain is in charge. Your job is to learn not only how to use your own abilities but also how to work with a team and accept leadership. If you refuse to follow orders, you'll spend the next month cleaning the camp."
Lorne's face turned pale with anger, and Milena's smirk froze, though her eyes still glimmered with defiance.
"Cain," the instructor said, turning to him. "You weren't chosen as leader by chance, nor because you're weak. This is a challenge I'm giving you—you need to prove that you're worthy of trust. From now on, your actions will determine the success or failure of this team."
Cain nodded firmly. "Understood."
Lorne stormed off to prepare his gear, while Milena turned away with a cold laugh, throwing out one last remark: "Let's see how long you last."
At the edge of the training grounds, Rody whispered to Cain, "No matter what they think, we believe in you."
Tario, fastening his sword belt, muttered, "I'm just worried I won't be able to stop myself from punching them later."
Cain smiled but said nothing, his resolve growing even stronger.
As the afternoon sun began to set, casting long shadows over the camp, the team members packed their supplies and adjusted their equipment. Water flasks, rations, protective gear, crystal detectors, and portable locators were carefully stowed in their backpacks, preparing for the journey ahead.
Though the surface seemed calm, an undercurrent of tension rippled through the group.
This journey would test not only their physical abilities and skills but also their trust, teamwork, and leadership.
And this time, Cain would have to lead from the front.