The Elementalists: Dawn of Shady Schemes

Chapter 14

  That night, I made my way out of the cave as Atlas guided me back into the clearing, the same one we were the previous night, and we practiced the same technique with wind. It was a little difficult to dodge her seemingly more diligent skill and complexity of her planning. I knew she had quite a few years of training on her back, making it all the more a challenge to compete with.

We ended the exercise, and Atlas said, I see the girl is quite a quick learner, don't you think?

I believe she is. I agreed. She has grasped the concept of elementalism quite easily.

Kinda like you? she asked.

I was quite surprised that she knew this information. Uh... as I am told... how do you know?

I felt her emotions of slyness kick in, as she replied, I have gotten informed of your background before I have been assigned with you.

I nodded. So, what're we going to learn today?

Atlas was thoughtful for a moment. Perhaps you would like to play a game of battle strategy?

I nodded. Sure, why not?

Her eyes glowed, and she produced a small layout of the camp. Little holographic figures-which I assumed Shades because of the whispy and ghostly appearance-were approached from the South Eastern and North Western flanks of the camp.

I produced my own holographic images of elemental guards as I made them go towards the shades, meanwhile, filling more warriors with the exposed flanks. I felt my eyes illuminate, although the light that emitted from my eyes didn't blind me, it was just there. Only the borders of my vision glowed lightly.

Atlas smirked as she said, You're already a few steps ahead of me, Scarlet.

We reset, and this time she had numerous smaller groups come from from all angles towards camp.

What a hopeless looking situation, eh? Atlas asked as her little Shade groups advanced.

I tutted, waving my pointer finger, as I created the little warriors to create three lines that protected the border of the camp.

So tell me what's your next move? Atlas asked.

Simple, I replied. The two lines stepped forward, and formed into smaller lines that doubled the size of the Shade groups and these lines surrounded each of the groups, leaving also, a literal line of defense.

Very clever, she said with a smile. Even with that, you seem to be pretty good with strategy.

The image of the camps and the little groups of opposing warriors faded, and was replaced with am image of a shade.

Classify this shade by level, profession, and it's weakness.

I stared at the Shade, and after a moment of thought, replied, Level 3 Archer... I hesitated before continuing, and said, Shielders?

Atlas nodded with satisfaction, and brought up another Shade.

I answered some more, getting them all correct, although second guessing myself and switching the answers, and getting them right. We went through all the various levels, professions, and weaknesses in many different kinds of combinations. Some were no-brainers, while others took a few moments to look at and actually identify.

Think fast, she suddenly said after a nod of praise, and a thin, sharp stick was launched at me.

I felt my eyes illuminate, and a seemingly ghostly element clouded around the stick, preventing it from moving any further.

Is..is this spirit? I asked, my mental voice quivering from the shock.

Yes, Atlas said. And that was the very first time you used it as defense. Can you use it as offense?

I looked at the stick hard, and exerted my focus onto the stick, and it suddenly exploded into hundreds of little splinters. Before they hit Atlas, I stopped them. Little strings of spirit had stopped the splinters, and were circling around them. Little light turquoise creatures illuminated the clearing, casting new shadows.

I stood there, dumbfounded.

Quite amazing how beautiful an element in work can be, huh? Atlas said, not seemingly even a little interested in the sight of the little guys.

I stopped the spirits, and watched them as they wiggled like little bugs, floating back into the little crystal. The crystal glowed brightly as they returned back. The splinters dropped naturally, as the school of tiny spirits swam through the air and back into my crystal. When the last little guy returned, the crystal dimmed slowly, and eventually went back into its usual, blank state.

I walked back into the den, and layed back down, and as I went back to sleep, I heard the same voice say:

You had saved the flicker of flame,
showed who you were, taught her your trade,
She may be beginning but soon you'll see,
she'll be blazing with power momentarily.