In the quiet stretches of South Crest's highland fields, where the wind sang over endless crops and mountain fog rolled through the valleys, Vishwa's journey of recovery had slowly transformed into something deeper.
Each morning, before the first rooster crowed, he woke up and ran the length of the northern trail—a steep, winding path lined with boulders and wild grass. His body, once weakened by the injuries from the Master's attack, now pulsed with growing strength. Every day, he pushed himself—ten squats, ten push-ups, ten lunges—nothing grand, but consistent. That was the starting point.
Joseph had been watching him silently for a week. One morning, just as Vishwa returned drenched in sweat, Joseph tossed him a gourd of water.
"You're stubborn," Joseph said. "But you're doing it wrong."
Vishwa blinked. "Wrong?"
"You're training your muscles, sure. But strength without harmony is chaos. Do you even understand ki?"
Vishwa shook his head slowly. "I've heard of it. But… I never truly used it."
Joseph raised a brow. "Then let me show you."
He turned to the field, took a deep breath, and closed his eyes. His body seemed to grow still, yet powerful. Then, with a swift movement, he slammed his palm into the ground. A burst of heat shimmered in the air, and the grass beneath him scorched in a perfect circle.
"That's fire ki," Joseph said calmly. "My element."
Vishwa stared, stunned. "You control fire?"
"No," Joseph corrected, standing straight. "I channel it. Through my body. Through ki. Each person is born with a potential elemental affinity—fire, wind, water, earth, light, or dark. Ki is the life force in us. Martial artists refine their bodies to control it. Elemental ki is like adding soul to that power."
Vishwa listened intently, his eyes reflecting the smoldering mark on the ground. "How do you know your element?"
Joseph grinned. "We'll get to that. First, let's start with something simple."
He moved into a basic stance—legs shoulder-width apart, arms relaxed but firm. "This is the Body Refining Art. It's the first martial form we all learn. It helps your ki flow and prepares your body to withstand internal force. No flashy moves. Just precision."
He guided Vishwa through the form: inhale, tighten the core, sweep the leg, press the palm. It was slow but rhythmic. Over the next few days, Vishwa practiced it every morning and night. With each repetition, his breath synced with his movements. He felt a tingling warmth building in his chest.
One evening, as they sat under the stars with a small fire crackling between them, Vishwa asked, "Joseph, I've felt something… pulsing inside me when I practice. Not pain. Not fatigue. Just… potential. But I don't know what it is. How do I find out my element?"
Joseph's expression turned serious. "We use a place called the Element Awakening Space. It's a hidden area inside the mountain temple—protected and ancient. Not many are allowed in. But six months ago, I went. That's how I awakened fire."
"How does it work?" Vishwa leaned in, intrigued.
"There's a pool of spirit water," Joseph explained. "When you sit in it and meditate, the ki in your body aligns with the element in your soul. A vision or reaction happens—it could be heat, wind, tremors, even a light burst. That's how your element reveals itself. Once it does, your training takes a new path."
Vishwa stared into the fire, his thoughts quiet.
"And there are six elements?" he asked.
Joseph nodded. "Yes. Fire—aggression and passion. Water—fluidity and healing. Wind—speed and finesse. Earth—endurance and defense. Light—purity and protection. Dark—mystery and control. Most people have only one. A rare few… have two. And some, even rarer, have none—but make up for it through sheer physical mastery."
Vishwa absorbed every word. "And once I know my element?"
"You shape your martial path around it. Fire enhances striking arts. Water supports flowing movements and recovery. Light users often become protectors or monks. It's about harmony between body and spirit."
Silence settled for a moment.
"I want to go," Vishwa finally said. "To the Element Awakening Space."
Joseph smiled faintly. "I figured you would. But it's not an easy path. Awakening your element means awakening your destiny too. Some people see things in that space… things from their past."
Vishwa's gaze didn't waver. "I'm ready."
The fire crackled louder, sending sparks into the night sky.