The next day, inside the academy, the teacher stood at the front of the hall, clearing his throat before speaking with his usual calm voice.
"Today marks the beginning of the academy's third week. The first week focused on breakthroughs and learning what it means to become a Seal Master. The second week was about controlling your elements. And this third week will cover the final foundational skill every Seal Master needs: elemental techniques."
"You will all head to the academy's library to choose one technique that matches your element. You may pick any technique you like—but remember, you can only pick one. So choose wisely. This one technique could shape your combat style for life."
"Yes, Teacher," the students responded in respectful unison, though their voices betrayed their excitement.
"Follow Jin Fan. He will guide you to the library. Just make sure to pick the skill that best suits your abilities," the teacher concluded.
Standing by the hall's entrance was a tall man in his twenties with slightly long, ink-black hair and striking good looks. With a warm smile, he greeted them.
"Hello, I'm Jin Fan. Please, follow me to the academy library."
Everyone stood and began following him, their expressions lit with anticipation. Excited whispers filled the air—but varied by group.
Among the boys, the conversation was more strategic. Shu Hei whispered to his friend:
"I'm going to take Wind Steps. It's famous among the Yi Faction, and luckily, I have the wind element too. Following the best in the field sounds like the smartest choice to me."
His friend sighed and looked a bit envious.
"Tch. You only get to pick something that good because your control level is intermediate, Shu Hei. You're ranked 11th. Me? Even if I had the same element, I couldn't go for Wind Steps. My control's too low. I've got the healing element anyway, so my choice is obvious: Healing Light."
The girls, on the other hand—at least a third of them—were whispering about something entirely different: Jin Fan's looks.
"Did you see Teacher Jin Fan? He's so handsome. Those hazel eyes, that black hair… his face is absolutely perfect."
"He looks like a carved treasure! I think I'm in love. Do you think he'd ever go out with me?" another girl murmured, lost in her daydreams.
But that was all it was—talk. They did the same with Bai Kin, and even Mo Fan, Mo Bai, and Yi Kang too. It was a kind of obsession: whispering about handsome boys without ever acting on it. Not that Mo Bai or the others would have paid them any attention even if they did.
Eventually, the group reached a modest-sized doorway—just big enough for two to walk through side by side—at the bottom of a stairway leading underground.
"This is the academy's library," Jin Fan said with his gentle smile. "Now, please line up according to your ranking in the last test. I'll call your names one by one. You'll have five minutes inside—no more. After that, feel free to head to the training grounds to begin practicing and studying your technique."
"Alright," some replied, and the students began forming the line. Mo Bai, of course, took fourth place.
He watched as Bai Kin stepped inside first.
'They're reinforcing the power hierarchy even in the smallest things—like who goes in first. And yet... it's effective. A clever way to embed that mindset in everyone.'
Then his thoughts shifted to what really mattered.
'Anyway, focus. Lightning-element techniques. Most in the Mo Faction go for Thunder Claw or Lightning Bullet. But my control level is already intermediate, so I have more options. Let's see what's in there.'
About seven minutes later, Mo Fan walked out of the library wearing a beaming smile, holding a pale blue booklet in hand. He passed by Mo Bai and said:
"I got my technique, Mo Bai! It's one of the best available for intermediate users. Hehe, you should grab it too."
"Hmm… I'll think about it, but I doubt it fits my style," Mo Bai replied thoughtfully.
"Your call. I'm off to the training grounds," Mo Fan said casually, turning to leave, his hands clutching the booklet, that smile never fading.
Two minutes later, Yi Kang exited—he'd taken Wind Steps, as expected of someone from the Yi Faction.
'Alright. My turn. Let's see what suits me best,' Mo Bai thought as he finally stepped into the library.
Dozens of shelves crafted from rare wood stretched before him. They were packed with books—all spotless. Not a speck of dust anywhere. Their pristine condition alone showed how important they were.
"Earth element... no. Shadow... no. Ah—lightning."
He moved past a few shelves before stopping at one clearly labeled Lightning Element.
"Seems like they have books for all four control levels: beginner, intermediate, advanced, and elemental mastery. But only rank-one techniques. Makes sense—very few even graduate as rank-two Seal Masters. No point in stocking rarer skills here… and they're valuable."
He scanned the shelves, muttering to himself as he noted the labels. He reached for one book from the beginner section—the lowest level.
'Let me gather all the ones that fit first. I'll choose afterward. That way I can decide with a clear head.'
He continued reading titles and flipping through summaries, picking out anything that looked promising from the beginner and intermediate levels. After about three minutes, he had four manuals.
He sat down cross-legged and placed the books before him. Then he began reading through each one, voice low as he mumbled the descriptions.
"Thunder Claw. Only needs beginner-level control—ten points or more. Great for close combat. Generates lightning claws in your hands that pierce and cause bleeding on contact. Also causes paralysis. Best for melee fighters."
Next, he glanced at another.
"Lightning Sword. Intermediate-level. Forms a sword made of lightning. Stronger than normal weapons. Great cutting power. Also paralyzes. Ideal for sword-focused close-range users."
He kept reading.
"Thunder Serpent. Intermediate-level. Lets you summon a lightning serpent to strike from mid-range. Good piercing, and the strongest paralysis among techniques of its level."
Lastly:
"Lightning Daggers. Intermediate-level. Similar to the sword, but forms two daggers—one in each hand. Lets you stay agile compared to using a sword, but has shorter reach. Good for nimble fighters or assassins. Only downside? The bright glow of the lightning makes stealth harder."
Mo Bai rubbed his chin in thought, weighing each option.
"First, eliminate Thunder Serpent. It's strong, but I prefer close-range. I've specialized in it since I was a kid. Wasting that would be foolish."
He pushed the Thunder Serpent book aside.
"Sword and daggers… both solid, but I'm no weapon fighter. I fight with my fists. Still… my agility could make the daggers work. Hmm… I'm torn between them and Thunder Claw."
"I'd be way more effective with Thunder Claw—it's closer to my natural style. But the daggers have higher kill potential if mastered. Hmm…"
After a pause, he nodded.
"Alright. I'll go with Thunder Claw. I've got an idea I want to try with it."
A faint, nearly invisible smile touched his lips before fading.
'If my experiment works… my power's going to surge. Especially with the claws. I can't wait to see what I'll become.'