Chapter 13: Leviathan's Wake
The sea roared like a beast unchained. Towering waves rose and crashed around the ferry, now thrown into chaos as a monstrous silhouette emerged from the ocean's depths. Its long, metallic-scaled body twisted through the water, eyes glowing with a fierce Blue Aura that matched the turbulent storm it commanded.
James clung to the railing as the ferry tilted, bodies crashing against one another. The girl with sky-blue hair had already launched herself into action, summoning waves to shield the vessel. Her hands moved like dancers, weaving ribbons of water that fought back against the serpent's fury.
"Hold tight!" she shouted, her voice slicing through the noise. "That's a Level 3 Blue Aura beast — Leviathan class!"
James's mind raced. He hadn't fully recovered from the Ember Cavern trials, but there was no choice now. He reached inside, seeking that fire again, that ember he'd awakened. It was there — flickering, hungry.
"I'm going in," he told himself. He leapt onto the deck rail and, without hesitation, launched toward the crashing water.
"Wait, you idiot!" someone screamed — but too late.
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Underwater, the world was chaos. The Leviathan whipped its body, sending shockwaves through the ocean. Its massive jaws opened, and a surge of energy shot through the depths.
James clenched his fists and focused. He imagined the ember — imagined it breathing.
Ignite.
Flames burst from his fists, superheating the water around him in pulses. Steam rose in thick clouds, momentarily obscuring him from the beast. He struck out with a fire-coated punch, connecting with the Leviathan's underbelly.
It roared in pain — the sound trembling through every molecule of water. But it wasn't enough.
The creature slammed its tail, and James was flung back, tumbling through the depths. His vision blurred, lungs aching for air.
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Above, the ferry continued to pitch wildly. The sky-haired girl — her name was Elara — called to another boy nearby. He was tall, lean, and crackling with Yellow Aura.
"Blitz, cover me! I'll trap its movement!"
"You better, or we're all fish food," Blitz replied, vanishing in a flash of lightning.
Elara summoned a massive spiral of water and shot it downward, wrapping around the Leviathan's body like a whirlpool. The beast fought it, but she focused hard, sweat dripping despite the ocean spray.
James resurfaced, gasping, just in time to see Elara's magic bind the creature.
"I can hold it—five seconds, maybe!" she shouted.
Blitz appeared midair, vibrating with electric energy. "Let's light this sucker up."
James, still breathing hard, raised his hands. "Combine it!" he yelled. "Electric and fire — superheat the water, cause internal rupture!"
Elara blinked. "Can we—?"
"We can," Blitz grinned. "New guy's got a brain."
In tandem, James and Blitz charged. Fire ignited around James, hotter than before. Blitz surged with current. Together, they struck the Leviathan's eye.
BOOM!
The sea exploded in steam, a geyser rocketing skyward. The Leviathan let out a pained roar and vanished into the depths.
Silence followed. Then cheers erupted across the ferry.
James collapsed on deck, soaked and spent.
"Who the hell are you?" Elara asked, kneeling beside him.
"James," he managed. "Just... James."
She laughed. "Well, James. Welcome to the Hero School."
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Three Days Later: The Arrival
The ferry docked at the majestic cliffs of Arclight Island — home to the Hero Academy. The school stretched across a sprawling plateau, with floating towers, hovering bridges, and aura-infused architecture glowing in the twilight.
James and the others gawked.
"This place makes castles look like cardboard," Blitz muttered.
They were greeted by Headmaster Solen, a tall man wrapped in golden robes. His eyes held the weight of centuries.
"Welcome, chosen ones. You've survived your first test. But survival does not make a hero."
The crowd quieted.
"You are here to be broken, reforged, and reshaped. If you cannot handle loss, pain, and truth — leave now."
No one moved.
Solen nodded. "Then let us begin."
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Orientation Week
Over the next few days, James was introduced to the campus, each area tied to an elemental domain:
The Infernal Yard — Red Aura users trained under volcanic pressure.
The Cascade Spire — a towering waterfall for Blue Aura control.
Storm Hall — filled with crackling air and energy for Yellow wielders.
Verdant Nexus — a greenhouse-labyrinth for Green Aura users.
The Umbral Vault — sealed and forbidden, where Black Aura echoes.
Each night, James dreamed of Cael's warning. That war. That "gate." What was beyond it?
His friendships deepened:
Elara, calm and clever, but holding a secret sorrow.
Blitz, reckless but loyal.
Nia, a Green Aura prankster with a mysterious laugh.
Vayen, a silent Blue user with haunted eyes.
But one night, as he trained alone in Infernal Yard, he felt it.
A pull.
A whisper.
He turned, heart racing. The shadows behind the training rocks twisted — forming the shape of a boy.
"Cael?" James whispered.
But it wasn't Cael. This figure was darker.
"Why do you burn so brightly... when all things end in ash?"
The voice was sharp, cold.
James prepared to fight — but the figure vanished.
And in the wind, a phrase echoed:
"The gate is opening."
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