The Elementiels

Ch. 22: GRADUATION

“Yeah. We need to talk.”

“What is it, grandson?” Counselor Charles asked, his tone clipped as he leaned back in his chair.

Frank took a step forward, his jaw tightening. “It’s about the headaches I keep telling you about. They’re getting worse—more frequent, more intense.” 

Charles sighed, “I’ve told you before, Franklin. It’s just stress from your training. You push yourself too hard.” 

Frank’s fists clenched, but he kept his voice steady. “I’ve seen doctors. They couldn’t find anything wrong with me. This isn’t normal.” 

Charles waved a dismissive hand. “Stop troubling yourself with nonsense. You’re overthinking. That’s all it is.” 

Frank hesitated, his gaze falling to the polished floor for a moment before lifting again. “I’ve been thinking about more than just the headaches. About my future. About what I really want to become.” 

Charles’s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. “Don’t tell me you’re having doubts—second thoughts because of that student who died.” 

Frank took another step forward, “That student was my friend!” 

Charles pushed his chair back and stood. “Your friend died because he was weak. You and the others survived because you were strong. That’s how the world works, Franklin. The weak fall, and the strong endure.” 

Frank’s chest heaved with restrained anger. “How could you say that?! David trained just as hard as the rest of us!” 

“Perhaps,” Charles replied coolly, “but effort alone doesn’t make one strong. Determination, resilience—those are what separate the survivors from the fallen. If your friend had possessed them, he might still be here.” 

Frank’s fingers dug into the edge of the desk as he leaned closer. “This isn’t about David, is it? This is about you. You’ve always measured my worth by how strong I am in your eyes.” 

Charles’s lips curled into a faint, humorless smile. “Speaking of strength, do you remember how promising you were before Adam came along? You were the top student in your class, and then he arrives. Adam was a year below you, but he was so gifted that he was promoted to your class and surpassed you in no time. Do you know how disappointing that was?” 

Frank recoiled slightly, his anger replaced momentarily by disbelief. “You’ve known from the start I never wanted to be a knight. I joined the academy because you forced me to.” 

“And you think that gives you a free pass to throw it all away?!” Charles’s voice was sharp, his words cutting like a blade. “Five years of rigorous training—a waste because you want to sit behind a desk and write… books? Unacceptable!” 

Frank’s voice broke slightly as he interjected, “But my father—” 

“Your father was weak!” Charles slammed his hand against the desk. “And his weakness led to his death. I was a knight of unmatched strength, defending this kingdom in my prime. Strong men fight, while the weak hide in their homes and let the world pass them by.” 

“But I—” 

“Enough!” Charles’s hand struck the desk again, the sound reverberating in the room. “You will graduate and take your place as a knight. You will uphold the honor of our family name. Is that understood?” 

After a long, painful silence, Frank lowered his head. “Yes, sir.” 

Charles exhaled sharply and sank back into his chair. “Good. Now leave before you test my patience further.”