After finishing their meal, Isa guided Cale through a part of the castle he had never seen before. The halls grew quieter, their footsteps echoing gently off polished stone walls, until they stopped before an unfamiliar set of doors.

  The doors slid open, revealing a small room barely big enough for a few people. Isa stepped in confidently, and Cale followed, eyes wide with uncertainty.

  Inside, there was a square metal panel with several buttons. Isa pressed one in the middle, and suddenly, the tiny room trembled slightly. Cale looked around in panic, his heart racing.

  Isa gently pced a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don’t worry," she said softly, her silver eyes calming. "This is called an elevator. It’s a room that moves up and down between floors."

  Cale nodded hesitantly, trying to rex. He reminded himself that he was safe—Isa was with him, the strongest Metal Mage in Arkanthar. If anything happened, she would protect him.

  When the doors slid open again, they revealed a long, well-lit hallway, its walls smooth and seamless, carved from a single sb of polished stone. Magic stones embedded in the ceiling illuminated the corridor with a gentle glow. The sharp, acrid scent of alcohol filled the air, making Cale’s nose wrinkle slightly.

  They walked down the hallway, passing several closed doors, until they reached a sturdy gate at the far end. At Isa’s approach, the gate smoothly descended into the floor, revealing a spacious rectangur room. The ceiling rose at least ten meters high, the ground beneath them earthy and soft.

  Isa stepped forward, Cale close by her side. His eyes quickly moved to the wooden boxes stacked ahead. As they approached, he realized the boxes were filled with iron bars, dull gray with patches of rust.

  Isa turned to him, her expression serious. "Can you absorb the elemental essence from these iron ingots?"

  Cale hesitated for a heartbeat before nodding confidently. "I’ll try."

  He pced his hand on one ingot, closing his eyes as he felt that familiar, deep resonance vibrate beneath his palm. The metal hummed softly, calling to him, and then the essence began flowing into him, filling his bones, muscles, and sinews. He felt energized, revitalized.

  Isa watched intently, eyes sharp, as the iron ingot crumbled into fine dust beneath Cale’s touch.

  "Can you absorb more than one at a time?" Isa asked carefully.

  "I’m not sure," Cale replied, a little uncertain. "But Alden had me absorb a whole box filled with metal beads."

  "And how did you feel afterward?" she asked quickly. "Did you feel tired or dizzy?"

  Cale shook his head vigorously. "No, I felt great, actually—like soaking in a warm bath or standing in sunlight."

  Isa’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. Without a word, she raised a hand, and the iron ingots rose from the boxes, arranging themselves neatly into a pyramid.

  "Try absorbing these," she instructed firmly, though there was an underlying note of caution. "If you feel any discomfort, stop immediately. Understand?"

  Cale nodded, stepping closer to the pyramid. At least a hundred ingots loomed before him. He pced his palm gently against the cool metal, closed his eyes, and began.

  The elemental essence surged into him, stronger now, rushing through him like a powerful current. He absorbed it effortlessly, the pyramid dissolving slowly, yer by yer, into dust. His heartbeat quickened with exhiration, warmth spreading through every fiber of his being.

  Isa’s silver eyes widened fractionally with each yer that vanished. Her breath hitched slightly, astonishment flickering behind her carefully composed expression. By the time the pyramid had completely crumbled, she struggled to suppress her shock.

  Cale opened his eyes, puzzled when he felt the essence flow cease. He looked around, noticing the vanished pyramid and blushed with embarrassment.

  "I’m sorry—I didn’t mean to take it all," he mumbled shyly.

  Isa stared at him as if seeing a ghost. Her carefully controlled mask slipped for a fraction of a second, revealing genuine awe.

  "Are you alright?" she finally asked, her voice soft and filled with wonder.

  "Yes," Cale answered quickly, trying to reassure her. "I feel really good, actually."

  Isa nodded slowly, a hint of an amazed smile tugging at her lips. She pced a gentle hand on his shoulder.

  "Good. That’s very good," she whispered, though beneath her calm tone, countless thoughts raced through her mind.

  Cale turned sharply as a low rumble echoed from the far end of the expansive room. Opposite the entrance they had used, a gate slid smoothly into the floor with a resonant metallic groan. From the darkness beyond emerged a figure cd in armor as bck as midnight, silent footsteps whispering against polished stone. Behind him floated an assortment of metal scraps and rusted armor pieces, rising effortlessly into the air. With a subtle wave of his hand, the armored figure guided the floating pile across the chamber, gently settling it into a neat cluster before Isa and Cale. Task completed, the figure retreated quietly through the same gate, which rose again, sealing itself seamlessly into the wall as though it had never existed.

  Isa turned to Cale, her silver eyes bright with anticipation.

  "Now, let's try something new," she said gently, her gaze encouraging yet expectant. "Can you demonstrate some of the movements Alden taught you yesterday? But this time, try to use them to move the metal."

  Cale nodded nervously, his pulse quickening with excitement and uncertainty. He faced the pile of scrap metal, took a deep breath, and shifted into the stance Alden had carefully drilled into him—a posture strangely comforting and deeply familiar. He pnted his feet firmly, feeling the solid, reassuring strength of the earth beneath him. Inhaling deeply once more, he steadied his nerves and closed his eyes, reaching inward for the resonant hum of metal he had grown to recognize.

  Then he began.

  His movements were deliberate and graceful, weight shifting fluidly from foot to foot. His arms flowed smoothly through the air, tracing arcs with effortless precision. His wrists rotated gently, fingers guiding unseen currents as though conducting a silent symphony.

  The metal scraps stirred.

  At first, they merely trembled. But as Cale deepened his concentration and broadened his movements, the metal rose gracefully from the ground. It began to swirl gently around him, fluid and alive, moving like a serpent gliding through water. Iron and rust blended seamlessly, guided effortlessly by Cale's rhythmic motions.

  Isa watched, astonished, her breath catching softly in her throat. Even experienced mages rarely achieved such refined control and effortless mastery so swiftly.

  As Cale widened his stance and pivoted his hips, the metal accelerated, spiraling protectively around him. With a decisive thrust of his palms, the metallic serpent surged outward before gracefully looping back, forming a perfect protective circle around him.

  It felt natural, instinctual—as effortless as breathing.

  Opening his eyes, Cale stared in wonder at the mesmerizing dance surrounding him, the metal responding perfectly to every subtle gesture. It was as if this rhythm had always existed within him, as though metal itself were merely an extension of his own being.

  Finally, Cale gently brought his palms together. The swirling metal slowed, softly descending to rest neatly at his feet in a fwless circle.

  Isa stood in awed silence, her eyes wide and filled with genuine admiration.

  "Incredible," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

  Cale stood breathing deeply, his heart swelling with pride and newfound confidence.

  He had truly bent metal.

  Isa stepped closer, her expression filled with warmth and sincerity. "You are extraordinary, Cale," she said softly, her tone heartfelt and earnest.

  Cale smiled sheepishly, warmth blooming in his chest. The praise felt wonderful.

  "Now that I've seen how talented my student is, let's proceed to the teaching," Isa said with a gentle smile. Her gaze briefly drifted behind her at the pile of metal scrap, the smile faltering for just a moment, repced by deep sadness—but only for an instant. Quickly regaining her composure, she turned back to Cale, ready to continue.

  The rest of the day passed in an intense blur of practice and learning. Elemental bending and elemental shifting became Cale's entire world, guided carefully and expertly by Isa. Her knowledge was vast, and her skill undeniable. She moved with graceful precision, demonstrating martial arts techniques and teaching him how to channel his powers through a variety of weapons.

  Cale found himself captivated by every moment. Each new lesson, each new movement filled him with excitement and joy he had never known before. His energy seemed boundless, and even as hours passed, he felt no fatigue. Instead, his strength only seemed to grow, his movements becoming more fluid, precise, and powerful.

  During a brief pause to eat, he finally voiced the curiosity nagging at his mind.

  "Isa, why am I not getting tired?" he asked, genuinely puzzled as he gnced at his hands, flexing his fingers experimentally.

  Isa smiled knowingly, her silver eyes shimmering with pride and understanding. "It's because of the metal essence you've absorbed. The more essence you take into your body, the stronger, faster, and more resilient you'll become. Eventually, you might even find that you need far less sleep than before."

  Cale’s eyes widened at her words, a rush of exhiration coursing through him. He imagined himself stronger, quicker—able to train endlessly without exhaustion. The thought thrilled him.

  Isa gently pced her hand on his shoulder, sensing his excitement. "Remember, Cale, this strength also carries responsibility. With great power, your choices become even more important."

  He nodded seriously, absorbing her words along with her teachings. The training resumed, even more vigorously now, and Cale pushed himself to new heights, driven by the thrill of discovery and the gentle encouragement of his mentor. By the day's end, his heart swelled with pride, a newfound confidence firmly rooted in the power he was beginning to master.

  The elevator gently hummed as it ascended, the soft vibration soothing but strangely isoting. Cale turned hesitantly toward Isa, his expression a mix of uncertainty and longing.

  “When will I see my friends again?” he asked quietly, his voice tinged with a hint of loneliness. Throughout the entire day, Isa and the mysterious armored figure were the only people he had seen. The faces of Davion, Tristan, and Mirelle... the ache in his chest reminded him of their absence.

  Isa gnced down at him, her eyes softening. She paused briefly, as though carefully choosing her words.

  “I'll talk to the director and see if he can arrange something,” she finally replied, pcing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

  Cale nodded slowly, suppressing a yawn. The day's intense training was finally catching up to him, the exhaustion gently washing over him like a wave.

  Isa led him through the quiet corridors, back to his room where a grey-robed man was already waiting inside. His posture was rigid and formal, his presence quiet and unobtrusive.

  “I am here to help the boy prepare for sleep,” the man announced softly, bowing respectfully.

  Isa turned to Cale with a reassuring smile. “Goodnight, Cale. I'll see you tomorrow.”

  As soon as the door shut behind her, the warmth drained from her expression. Her smile vanished instantly, repced by a cold, determined look. She clenched her fists tightly, her fingernails digging painfully into her palms. Her eyes reflected a turmoil she dared not show in front of Cale.

  Inside, the grey-robed man silently took Cale’s dirty clothes and handed him fresh ones. He moved like a shadow, quiet and unobtrusive, his movements precise and practiced.

  Cale watched the man leave, hearing the soft click of the door lock behind him. Alone once more, he climbed into bed, sinking into the soft sheets. He closed his eyes, his heart fluttering with anticipation and hope for what tomorrow would bring. Despite the ache of missing his friends, excitement filled his dreams, carrying him gently toward sleep.

  Cale woke, the lingering shadows of early morning still clinging to the corners of the room. He rose quietly, padding across the floor to the door, and gently tested the handle. It didn't budge—it was locked.

  Disappointed, he turned back toward his bed, but suddenly froze mid-step.

  'Wait a second,' he thought, realization flickering in his eyes. 'I can bend metal.'

  He approached the door again, focusing his mind carefully. He reached out, feeling the metal within the lock, sensing its subtle vibrations. With a gentle mental push, the tch slid quietly open, the lock yielding to his will with a soft click.

  The door swung open silently, revealing the dimly lit corridor beyond.

  Heart pounding with excitement and curiosity, Cale stepped cautiously into the hallway—but barely made it two steps before a grey-robed man appeared from the shadows, eyes wide with arm.

  "What are you doing here?" the man barked sharply.

  Cale flinched, stumbling back slightly, fear creeping up his spine. "I—I just woke up and didn't have anything to do..."

  The man took a slow breath, visibly calming himself. "Return to your room," he instructed sternly, though his voice softened. "You're not permitted to wander alone. Someone will come to you shortly."

  Cale nodded hastily, heart racing as he quickly slipped back into his room, shutting the door behind him with a soft click. He sat on his bed, anxiety and confusion swirling in his chest.

  Soon, the door opened again, revealing Isa standing there with a gentle, reassuring smile.

  "Awake already?" she asked, stepping inside with graceful confidence.

  "I feel full of energy," Cale responded uncertainly, looking up at her with puzzled eyes. "Am I supposed to be tired?"

  "You only slept for seven hours," Isa expined, watching his reaction closely. Her silver eyes shone warmly. "It seems your need for sleep is already decreasing."

  Cale’s eyes widened in surprise, then slowly shifted into excitement.

  Isa smiled softly, motioning toward the clothes neatly folded nearby. "Get dressed—we'll have breakfast and then return to training."

  "Yes, Isa," Cale replied eagerly, quickly slipping into his clothes as Isa waited patiently outside, by the door.

  Together, they walked through the quiet hallways, down to the canteen. The vast room was empty and silent, the only presence being the familiar, stoic grey-robed figure standing quietly in the corner, ever watchful.

  The table was already set, den with delicious foods, their aromas inviting. Cale hesitated for only a brief moment before taking a seat beside Isa. The quiet stillness of the empty canteen, contrasted with the comforting presence of his mentor, filled him with warmth.

  After finishing breakfast, Cale followed Isa through the silent hallways toward the elevator. The soft hum and slight vibrations were comforting yet oddly thrilling, filling the space between them with quiet anticipation. As they walked toward the training hall, Cale gnced up at Isa, hesitating slightly before speaking.

  "Did you speak with the director?" he asked cautiously, hope flickering in his eyes.

  Isa smiled warmly, offering him a gentle nod. "Yes. You'll see your friends once their training is completed for the day."

  Cale's face lit up instantly, his smile broad and genuine, thoughts filled with the comforting memories of Davion, Tristan, and Mirelle.

  They entered the expansive, familiar training room, the atmosphere still carrying traces of their previous day's work—the piles of metal scraps neatly stacked, the marks of their intense training etched subtly into the earth.

  Isa paused and turned to Cale, her expression softening further into a proud, gentle smile. "I have something special for you."

  "For me? But—it isn't my birthday," Cale responded curiously, eyes sparkling with intrigue.

  "This is for your incredible effort and dedication yesterday," Isa expined softly, pulling out a small, intricately carved wooden box from her pocket. She opened it slowly, revealing a small cushion on which rested a perfectly dark cube, so intensely bck it absorbed every ray of light around it.

  Cale felt an immediate, magnetic pull toward it, his heart beating rapidly. "What is it?"

  "Veldarion," Isa said reverently, her voice low and filled with awe. "The strongest metal ever known. No ordinary forge can melt or shape it. Only a truly exceptional metal mage could mold this metal."

  Cale gingerly took the cube into his hand, astonished by its surprising weight. He could feel the incredible resonance pulsing within, a rhythm that echoed deeply within his bones. It took all his willpower to resist absorbing it immediately.

  Isa watched him carefully, her eyes intense. "Go ahead, Cale. Absorb its essence."

  "Are you sure?" Cale's voice shook slightly, gncing up at her in concern. "It seems incredibly valuable—I've never even heard of this metal, and my father is a bcksmith."

  Isa pced a reassuring hand gently on his shoulder. "Trust me, it's alright. Just focus and absorb it."

  With a deep breath, Cale closed his eyes, opening himself fully to the cube’s elemental essence. Instantly, a wave of overwhelming power surged into him, filling him completely. Compared to the iron ingots, this felt boundless, infinite—like standing beneath a towering waterfall after only experiencing gentle raindrops.

  Isa watched breathlessly, heart pounding with subtle unease. It took Cale several moments, his expression deeply focused, brows furrowed with intense concentration.

  Finally, when he reopened his eyes, the cube had dissolved into fine dust, slipping softly through his fingers.

  Cale looked up, uncertain. Isa stood frozen, biting her lip, her silver eyes clouded by profound thought.

  "Isa? Are you okay?" Cale asked softly, worry creeping into his voice.

  She quickly gathered herself, offering a reassuring nod. "Yes, I'm fine. Let’s start your training."

  But as she turned away, Isa cast one final gnce at Cale, a flicker of concern passing briefly across her features. Silvery strands, faint yet unmistakable, now threaded subtly through Cale's dark hair

  She sighed softly, turning fully back to him, masking her worry with a gentle smile. "Come, let's see how much you've grown."