The Elementiels

"There is something important we need to discuss." Commander Elijah began, his gaze fixed on the captains gathered before him.

He paused, then continued, "I recently received a report from the southern outpost of an earth dragon attack. A young woman lost her life, tragically, but the dragon was found dead. What's unusual is that another dragon appeared and killed the earth dragon before it could do further harm."

Captain Will's eyebrows shot up. "That's… highly unusual."

The commander nodded gravely. "Indeed. However, the knight on site suspects something more. The scale of destruction left behind was staggering—far beyond what we'd expect. It could have been a middle or high class dragon, but that doesn't seem likely."

One of the captains spoke up, frowning. "Dragons fighting each other is rare, but not unheard of. What I don't understand is why the second dragon left without causing harm to any of the nearby civilians."

"This confirms a pattern." Captain Sasha replied, folding her arms. "The dragons have been gathering in the South. But the question remains… why?"

"We don't know yet," Elijah admitted, his voice firm. "But we will find out. The final-year students will be dispatched to assist Camelot's southern army in their examinations. Meanwhile, a select team of knights will conduct a deeper investigation in the southern region."

"Understood, sir!" The captains responded in unison, determination lighting their faces.

The following day, the students assembled in their classroom for a final briefing. As Captain Will entered, they straightened in their seats and greeted him warmly. "Good day, Captain Will!"

"Good day, students!" He replied with a smile. "Your performance at the recent exhibition was outstanding. But as you know, your final examination is only two days away. Today's session will mostly be a revision of what you've learned."

"Yes, sir!" they chorused.

"Let's start with a simple question. Who can list the types of dragons known to us?" He glanced around, and Ben, shot his hand into the air. Captain Will nodded. "Yes, Benjamin, go ahead."

Ben rose to his feet, his voice steady with confidence. "The types are earth dragons, fire breathers, acid spitters, ice dragons, light dragons, and lightning dragons."

"Well done, Benjamin! Always sharp, I see." Captain Will said with a grin.

"Wait," Cynthia interjected, a thoughtful frown on her face. "Isn't there a queen who controls all the dragons?"

"Ah, yes." Captain Will replied, his tone softening. "The Dragon Queen—a Highborn. She hasn't been seen in many years. Some say she perished long ago, like the other Highborns, which could explain the dragons' disorder and frequent attacks."

He cleared his throat and continued. "Now, as you know, each dragon type has its own classes:

Low Class (A, B, C) 

Middle Class (A, B, C) 

High Class (A, B, C) 

The dragon you encountered yesterday was a low-class A. Typically, a creature of that level would require a whole squadron of knights to subdue. But with our newly enhanced armors," he added, pride gleaming in his eyes, "a single knight is more than enough to bring it down!"

The students murmured in awe at Captain Will's words.

"Our new armor, is crafted from a unique metal called the Griff, forged by none other than the House of Griffith. Alongside it, a crystal that takes our strength, speed, and durability to a whole new level."

Mike leaned forward, his eyes wide. "Aren't they like, one of the most famous families in the land?"

David chuckled knowingly. "Not one of, Mike. The Griffiths are the most respected family in Eirene—maybe in the whole world! They're the ones who invented airships, battleships, and discovered the crystals we use today."

Captain Will nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Quite right, David. No family has reached the heights of the Griffiths. They're innovators and pioneers." He paused, letting his words sink in before his gaze sharpened. "Now, onto the matter at hand."

The students stilled, their attention fixed on him.

"For your exams, we'll be heading south. That region has seen a rise in dragon sightings. The governor of South Camelot has granted us permission to join forces with the southern army to protect their lands. Most importantly," he added with a steely glance, "experienced knights from our own ranks will be joining you, in case anything goes south."

A soft snicker escaped from Mike's corner. Captain Will's keen eyes caught him. "Is something amusing, Michael?"

Mike stood up, stifling a grin. "Well, Sir, you said more experienced knights would join us in case things go south, and we're headed South. So… it just seemed kind of ironic."

The classroom erupted into laughter, the tension of the briefing momentarily lifted.

Captain Will allowed himself a small smile. "Clever, Michael. But I trust the irony is clear. Now, today and tomorrow will be dedicated to rigorous training in your new armor. Ready yourselves!" He raised his voice, his command booming. "Let's move out!"

"Yes, Sir!" the students chorused, their voices ringing with eagerness.

Two days passed quickly. The final exam day had arrived, and the entire kingdom buzzed with anticipation. Meanwhile, Jason dashed down the stairs, nearly tripping in his haste. Grandpa Mark chuckled, watching him scramble to get ready.

"Slow down, Jason. What's the rush?"

Jason turned, grinning. "I have to see Adam before they leave! I can't be late!"

Grandpa Mark smiled warmly. "They'll be passing through the kingdom before they go. You'll still have time to see him."

"I know," Jason replied, his voice softening, "but I want to give him my good luck cookies myself and I won't get that chance when they start riding."

Grandpa Mark laughed, patting him on the back. "Alright, lad. Go on, then."

Jason quickly saddled his horse, Belle, and rode to the academy, where the students, now clad in the gleaming new armor, moved about with tense energy, each of them preparing for the trials ahead. He found Adam adjusting his armor, his hands slightly shaking as he fastened the last strap.

"Adam!" Jason called, holding up a small cloth-wrapped bundle.

Adam turned, his face lighting up. "Jason! You brought the good luck cookies, I see."

Jason smiled, pressing the bundle into his hands. "I did. And I just wanted to say… I'm proud of you, Adam. You've worked so hard. You're becoming a strong, brave man."

Adam looked at him, his expression softened with gratitude. "Thank you, Jason. It hasn't been easy all these years, but I'm glad I kept going."

Suddenly, a voice called out from the training field. "All students, gather on the field! His Majesty will address you!"

Adam hugged Jason, the steel of his armor cold against Jason's cheek. Jason gripped his shoulder as they parted. "Stay safe, Adam. Don't… don't die, okay?"

Adam smiled, a glint of determination in his eyes. "I won't. I promise." He took a step away, then hesitated as Jason called out again.

"Adam!" Jason's voice caught, his fists clenching. "There's something… I need to tell you."

Adam paused, turning back. "What is it?"

Jason's voice softened, his eyes meeting Adam's. "I'm… I'm just glad you're my friend."

Adam smiled at him "Me too, Jason. And when I get back, save me some of those banana cakes, alright?"

Jason nodded, swallowing the tightness in his throat. "Deal."

As Adam joined the other students, Jason watched him go, his heart full of pride—and a touch of fear—knowing that they were headed toward unknown dangers. But as Adam waved one last time, Jason raised his hand in silent promise, whispering, "Come back safe, brother."

As the morning sun climbed higher, the citizens of the kingdom gathered along the streets, filling the air with a rising chorus of cheers and well-wishes. They waved flags and banners, their faces alight with pride and excitement as the students rode towards the city gates. Parents, friends, and neighbors crowded along the path, calling out the names of the young men and women who were setting out on a journey that would define their futures.

In the midst of the throng, Jason and Grandpa Mark stood side by side, waving enthusiastically as Adam and his fellow students passed by. Adam caught sight of them, lifting his arm in a proud salute, a grin on his face that was both eager and determined.

Riding ahead of the students were Commander Elijah, the captains, and a formidable group of seasoned knights, their armor gleaming under the sun. They moved with the calm assurance of experience, their presence a reminder that this journey was not one of mere training—it was a test, and one they intended to see through.

Finally, the company reached the great iron gates that marked the kingdom's boundary, towering high above them and casting long shadows over the road. As the gates began to open with a deep, reverberating groan, the students exchanged glances, the weight of the moment settling on them.

"Is everyone ready?!" Cynthia called out, her voice filled with energy and courage. She looked around at her companions with a fierce, unbreakable smile.

A resounding cheer followed, voices rising together in unison. "Yeah!!!"

Adam looked ahead as the gates swung wide, opening onto the vast unknown. A thrill shot through him—a mixture of excitement and anticipation. He turned to the others, his voice steady and strong. "Alright, everyone… let's go!"

With a swift command, they kicked their horses into motion, charging forward with a surge of energy. Hooves thundered against the ground as they rode out. Ahead of them lay their final examination—the test that would decide if they were truly ready… to become knights.