THE ELEMENTIELS

Ch. 6: LET'S TRAIN!

The following morning, Camelot bustled with life, its streets humming with the rhythms of merchants, artisans, and townsfolk busily going about their day. In the cozy, flour-dusted kitchen of Mark's bakery, Jason was focused, his brow furrowed as he carefully iced a small cake he'd spent the morning perfecting. With a proud smile, he carried it out to the front of the shop, where his grandfather was setting out the day's pastries.

"Behold, Grandpa! My new and improved banana cake!" Jason declared, holding the plate aloft as though it were a royal treasure. "This one will blow you away-I'm sure of it!"

Grandpa Mark raised a skeptical eyebrow, but his face softened with a smile as he took a slice, savoring a small bite. He chewed thoughtfully, letting a small pause stretch before finally giving a nod. "Hmmmm."

Jason leaned in, watching with a hopeful glint in his eyes. "Well? What do you think?"

Grandpa Mark took another moment, examining the cake as though it were a puzzle to solve. "Not bad, kiddo. You're getting better... but it still needs a few tweaks here and there."

Jason groaned, a mix of frustration and determination in his voice. "Seriously? I put everything into this one!"

Mark laughed and clapped his grandson on the shoulder. "Don't get discouraged. You're learning. Keep at it, and you'll get there eventually."

Just then, the bell above the bakery's door chimed, and Adam strolled in with a warm smile. "Morning, Grandpa!" he called out.

Mark's face lit up as he moved to greet him, wrapping him in a hearty hug. "Adam, my boy! Always good to see you. How's the training going?"

"Not bad, sir. And it's great to see you're as spirited as ever," Adam replied with a grin.

"A baker's joy is endless," Mark laughed heartily, "especially with eager young men like you two around."

Jason hurried over, offering Adam a slice of his cake. "Here Adam, try this. I need an honest opinion."

Adam accepted the slice, taking a generous bite. His eyes widened with appreciation. "Wow, Jason! This is really good, definitely better than your last one!"

Jason beamed, turning to his grandfather with a triumphant look. "See, Grandpa? Adam gets it!"

Grandpa Mark chuckled, shaking his head. "Adam may appreciate your effort, but he's no baker. No matter how skilled you believe yourself to be, exposing your work to those with more experience can be a humbling reminder of the journey yet ahead. As an experienced baker myself, I observe things that ordinary people won't be able to notice."

Adam placed a hand on Jason's shoulder, grinning. "He's right, you know. Besides, a little extra practice never hurt anyone."

Jason slumped, letting out a resigned sigh but couldn't help laughing with them. "Fine, fine. I get it."

Adam's smile grew as he glanced between the two. "I actually came by to invite you both to the academy's first exhibition. It's an event for the final-year students to showcase what we've learned. Even the royal family will be attending."

Jason's eyes widened with surprise. "Wow, really? I don't remember them doing that for last year's students."

Adam shrugged. "Usually, we only meet the royal family after passing our exams, but it seems things are different this time."

Grandpa Mark gave an approving nod. "Well, we wouldn't miss it for the world. I'd love to see how much you've improved, Adam."

Jason's eyes sparkled with a mischievous idea. "Hey, Grandpa, think of the crowd! We could set up a little stand and sell pastries to everyone there."