THE ELEMENTIELS

Ch. 5: THE PERFECT SOLIDER

The late afternoon sun hung heavy in the sky, casting a golden heat over the land. Jason stood beside Grandpa Mark, the weight of the moment settling over them like the warmth in the air. Mark's gaze settled on Jason and spoke, his voice calm but carrying a sharp edge.

"Before we begin your training Jason, you must understand the power you possess." Mark's voice was calm but firm, his weathered face lined with both wisdom and concern.

"As you know, there were originally nine elementiels: Fire, Water, Earth, Ice, Green, Yellow, Orange, Pink, and Purple. Each elementiel has unique powers and different ways they interact with the world."

Jason listened intently, eyes fixed on his grandfather. He had heard legends of the elementiels as a young boy, but realizing he possessed the power himself made his heart race.

Mark continued, "I will explain the different states of an elementiel. First is your base state, as you are now, you can only access half of the other state's power. It's a mere taste of what you're truly capable of."

Jason clenched his fists, eager to push beyond that limitation.

"Next is the elementiel base state. Once you learn how to transform, you'll have double the power of your base state. But the transformation is no easy feat. It requires intense concentration and mastery of energy control."

Jason nodded, imagining the power coursing through him.

"Then there's the partial state," Mark said, his tone growing more serious. "This is when unique lines of energy form across your body. Your speed, strength and durability will also increase. It's considered to be an incomplete version of your final form."

Mark paused, his eyes narrowing as he looked deep into Jason's. "And finally, the ultimate state. The full realization of your abilities. But Jason..." He hesitated, the weight of what he was about to say hanging in the air.

"This state is incredibly dangerous. If you lose control while in that form, you could unintentionally, destroy the entire world itself!"

Jason's eyes widened, his heart skipping a beat. "Destroy... the world?!" he echoed, his voice filled with shock.

"Yes." Mark said gravely. "Many before you have been consumed by the very powers they sought to control. This is why discipline and restraint are just as important as raw strength."

Jason exhaled, a mix of fear and determination flooding through him. "I understand, Grandpa. I'll do whatever it takes."

Mark's serious expression melted into a gentle smile. "Good. Now, let's start with the basics. You are a Fire elementiel. You possess the ability to control all forms of heat and flame. But remember Jason, fire can be as destructive as it is useful. Control is everything."

Jason looked at his hands, a flicker of excitement in his eyes. "Alright, Grandpa. Let's do this."

The afternoon passed in a blur of rigorous training. Jason focused on summoning small sparks from his fingertips, feeling the heat rise and fall as he tried to balance the power within him. Mark watched closely, offering advice when needed but mostly allowing Jason to discover his abilities on his own.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow across the training ground, Jason wiped the sweat from his brow. His body ached, but his spirit burned even brighter. "I can't wait to become a god!" he said with a grin, his exhaustion momentarily forgotten.

Mark's smile faded. "Remember, Jason. Just because you wield the power of the gods, doesn't make you a god yourself."

Jason frowned, confusion clouding his face. "But Grandpa, if someone possesses godlike powers, wouldn't that just make them a god?"