Chapter 6: LET'S TRAIN!!!
The following morning, Camelot bustled with life, its streets humming with the rhythms of merchants, artisans, and townsfolk busily going about their day. In the cozy, flour-dusted kitchen of Mark's bakery, Jason was focused, his brow furrowed as he carefully iced a small cake he'd spent the morning perfecting. With a proud smile, he carried it out to the front of the shop, where his grandfather was setting out the day's pastries.
"Behold, Grandpa! My new and improved banana cake!" Jason declared, holding the plate aloft as though it were a royal treasure. "This one will blow you away-I'm sure of it!"
Grandpa Mark raised a skeptical eyebrow, but his face softened with a smile as he took a slice, savoring a small bite. He chewed thoughtfully, letting a small pause stretch before finally giving a nod. "Hmmmm."
Jason leaned in, watching with a hopeful glint in his eyes. "Well? What do you think?"
Grandpa Mark took another moment, examining the cake as though it were a puzzle to solve. "Not bad, kiddo. You're getting better... but it still needs a few tweaks here and there."
Jason groaned, a mix of frustration and determination in his voice. "Seriously? I put everything into this one!"
Mark laughed and clapped his grandson on the shoulder. "Don't get discouraged. You're learning. Keep at it, and you'll get there eventually."
Just then, the bell above the bakery's door chimed, and Adam strolled in with a warm smile. "Morning, Grandpa!" he called out.
Mark's face lit up as he moved to greet him, wrapping him in a hearty hug. "Adam, my boy! Always good to see you. How's the training going?"
"Not bad, sir. And it's great to see you're as spirited as ever," Adam replied with a grin.
"A baker's joy is endless," Mark laughed heartily, "especially with eager young men like you two around."
Jason hurried over, offering Adam a slice of his cake. "Here Adam, try this. I need an honest opinion."
Adam accepted the slice, taking a generous bite. His eyes widened with appreciation. "Wow, Jason! This is really good, definitely better than your last one!"
Jason beamed, turning to his grandfather with a triumphant look. "See, Grandpa? Adam gets it!"
Grandpa Mark chuckled, shaking his head. "Adam may appreciate your effort, but he's no baker. No matter how skilled you believe yourself to be, exposing your work to those with more experience can be a humbling reminder of the journey yet ahead. As an experienced baker myself, I observe things that ordinary people won't be able to notice."
Adam placed a hand on Jason's shoulder, grinning. "He's right, you know. Besides, a little extra practice never hurt anyone."
Jason slumped, letting out a resigned sigh but couldn't help laughing with them. "Fine, fine. I get it."
Adam's smile grew as he glanced between the two. "I actually came by to invite you both to the academy's first exhibition. It's an event for the final-year students to showcase what we've learned. Even the royal family will be attending."
Jason's eyes widened with surprise. "Wow, really? I don't remember them doing that for last year's students."
Adam shrugged. "Usually, we only meet the royal family after passing our exams, but it seems things are different this time."
Grandpa Mark gave an approving nod. "Well, we wouldn't miss it for the world. I'd love to see how much you've improved, Adam."
Jason's eyes sparkled with a mischievous idea. "Hey, Grandpa, think of the crowd! We could set up a little stand and sell pastries to everyone there."
Grandpa Mark's eyes twinkled at the thought. "Now that's my grandson talking! Maybe we could even tempt the king himself into trying a bite." The two exchanged grins, their expressions so comically sinister that Adam took a small step back, laughing nervously.
Just then, a customer approached the counter, and Mark bustled off to attend to their needs. Adam and Jason slipped into the kitchen, where the warmth and smells of freshly baked bread embraced them.
Adam's smile softened, his voice lowering. "You doing alright, Jason?"
Jason hesitated, then nodded, managing a faint smile. "It hasn't been easy since she passed, but... I'll be fine. I know she'd want that."
Adam's expression grew somber, and he nodded. "She was an amazing person. She'd be proud of you." His words were warm, and his hand rested on Jason's shoulder in a gesture of quiet support. As he spoke, Jason noticed the silver ring on Adam's left hand and grinned. "You always wear that ring, huh?"
Adam looked down, a fond smile gracing his face. "It's a bond between my brother and I. Ever since our parents died, we've been looking out for each other. We never take them off." He glanced at Jason. "Maybe I'll get you one too, someday. You know, since you're practically like a brother to me."
The two laughed, their voices filling the kitchen with a familiar warmth. Just then, Grandpa Mark returned from the counter, his eyes twinkling as he looked at Adam.
"By the way, how's James? It's been a while since I've seen him."
Adam chuckled. "Oh, you know him. Always keeping to himself, enjoying his quiet life."
With that, Adam turned to go, waving as he left. "I'd better get to the training grounds. See you both at the exhibition!"
Jason waved back, then turned to his grandfather, a question on his face. "Grandpa... I know you said to keep my powers a secret, but couldn't I at least tell Adam?"
Mark sighed, resting a gentle hand on Jason's shoulder. "Not yet. You're still learning, and for now, it's safer if no one else knows."
Jason nodded, though he couldn't hide a hint of disappointment. "Yeah... I understand."
Mark offered him an encouraging smile. "Cheer up, Jason. It's not forever. Besides, your eyes haven't started sparkling yet."
Jason tilted his head, curious. "What do you mean?"
Mark chuckled. "When someone's bonded with an elementiel, their eye color changes to reflect it. If they had blue eyes, gaining a, let's say... yellow elementiel, would eventually turn their eyes a bright, sparkling yellow."
Jason's eyes widened as he realized. "So, my red eyes will eventually get brighter the more I use my powers?"
"Exactly. It's a telltale sign of mastery." Mark chuckled, then gave his grandson an encouraging nudge. "But for now, let's get back to baking! Tomorrow's a big day."
Jason grinned, rolling up his sleeves as the two dived back into their work, the warm glow of anticipation filling the bakery.
Adam arrived at the academy, weaving through its familiar stone corridors and open courtyards as he made his way to the training grounds. A cool breeze swept across the grounds, carrying the sounds of clashing weapons and focused grunts as other students prepared for tomorrow's exhibition.
As Adam walked over to retrieve his gear, he heard a familiar voice behind him. "Well, well. If it isn't the academy's golden boy." called David, a young man with rough brown hair and a calm, steady expression that rarely betrayed his thoughts.
Adam turned, a grin breaking across his face. "David! You're here early. That's a first."
David gave him a wry smile, arms crossed. "What did you expect? Everyone's cramming in as much practice as they can before tomorrow. But then again, I doubt you need it. Word is, you're already prepared."
Adam shook his head, chuckling. "Come on, David. I'm not as good as everyone says. I too have to train you know."
David's smile softened as he clasped a hand on Adam's shoulder. "Modest as ever. But trust me, we all know who the star of the show is."
Before Adam could respond, a small group of familiar faces approached-Mike, Ben, Frank, and Cynthia, each carrying their practice weapons and grinning as they joined the conversation.
"Hey, you guys. Glad to see you're all here," Cynthia greeted warmly, tucking a strand of her hair behind her ear.
"Thanks, Cynthia." David replied, grinning mischievously. "And the sooner we train, the sooner Ben can finally shed a few pounds."
Ben huffed, slapping his belly in mock indignation. "Hey, I've lost some weight already! You guys just don't notice."
The group burst into laughter, teasing Ben affectionately until the sound of boots on stone caught their attention. They all froze as one of the Captains walked by. She was a stern, sharp-eyed officer with an unyielding presence. Her gaze locked onto them, narrowing with displeasure.
"Why aren't you all training right now?" she barked, her voice sharp enough to cut through stone.
The group glanced at each other, stifling their laughter and exchanging guilty looks. Before anyone else could speak, Adam stepped forward, his face calm but friendly as he met the captain's gaze.
"Apologies, Captain. Just taking a short breather before we get started." He said, his smile warm but respectful.
The Captain's stern expression faltered as she took in Adam's confident, easy smile. For a moment, her composure slipped, and she felt a flush rise to her cheeks. "Yes, well... make sure you don't slack off too much. Tomorrow's a big day." She managed, her voice a touch softer as she quickly turned away, cheeks still red.
As she walked off, she muttered to herself, "So that's Adam... no wonder the other captains talk about him. He's... unexpectedly charming." She shook her head, trying to dismiss the thought, but a small smile crept onto her lips as she continued down the corridor.
Adam turned back to his friends, who were watching him with barely concealed grins.
"Oh, look at you, Captain Charmer." David teased, nudging Adam. "Guess she's another one taken by the legend of Adam Spencer."
Adam laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah. Enough of that. We've got work to do."
Cynthia clapped her hands together, a fiery gleam in her eyes. "Exactly! Tomorrow's going to be intense. Let's show them what we've got."
The friends exchanged determined looks, their camaraderie reigniting as Adam raised his fist in the air, calling out "Alright team..."
They answered in unison, their voices ringing out strong and united. "Let's train!!!"