After Dekai's announcement, Atticus let go of all his reservations and sat down on the floor. He had long since dispersed his construct, no longer able to sustain it.
Dekai approached Atticus, "Follow me," he said.
Though he spoke the words, he didn't wait. Atticus felt multiple fire molecules surround him, and then his and Dekai's figures combusted, disappearing from the summit.
Joana and Duran stared at the spot where Atticus and Dekai had just been, both struggling to comprehend the events.
Atticus had actually won? He had actually passed the test of the fourth summit? In three days!?
They were beyond flabbergasted. They truly had no words. True and true, the boy was a monster in human skin.
A worried look appeared on Duran's face. 'He's more talented than we anticipated. If those plant bastards want to strike, they better do it soon.'
The five individuals learning on the fifth summit, including Cerron, all came from families with high standing in the Ravenstein family. Only they could produce youths with high enough talent to reach this stage.
Joana thought differently from the worried Duran. She wasn't glad or anything like that; instead, she felt motivated to become stronger, more than ever, a firm expression on her face.
Atticus opened his eyes and found himself floating in the sky. Directly below him was the peak he had always seen since the first day he arrived at the sanctum: the fifth summit.
There was one significant difference between the fifth summit and the other four: the flames on the ground engulfed the entire space. Should Atticus step onto the fifth summit, it would be like entering a sea of fire.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Dekai said.
Atticus turned to see Dekai floating beside him. The old man radiated a serene aura as he looked at the flames.
"Many would call it deadly," Atticus replied.
Dekai laughed boisterously, "I guess you're right. It is deadly."
A few seconds passed before a small sigh escaped his lips.
"Listen, Atticus, I know the fire element is just one of your eight different elements. You have no reason to be fixated on it. I will spare you the lecture of its importance, but know this: fire is life. Your imagination is your only limitation when it comes to utilizing fire. I won't ask you to make any promises, but I hope you won't abandon the fire element in favor of the others."
Atticus turned to face Dekai. Honestly, he was trying hard not to laugh. Was this man actually trying to convince him to use fire more?
Atticus chuckled lightly, "I'll take your advice to heart," he simply responded.
Dekai smiled. "That's all I ask for."
His expression reverted back to its original firmness, and he continued speaking.
"The fire sanctum was built on the basis of the five summits. In order to graduate, you have to go through and pass the tests of all five summits. Unfortunately, because of the time restraints, you will have to leave without going through the fifth summit."
Atticus's expression changed. 'Doesn't that mean I'm done already?'
Dekai seemed to read Atticus's mind and nodded in response.
"Yes, you are. But for the sake of it, I will still explain to you what the fifth summit is all about and why we can't risk you spending time on it."
"As you said earlier, the first four summits are preparation stages for the fifth. They teach you how to control the fire molecules in the air and form a connection with them.
"In the fifth summit, you are required to simply meditate in the searing fire and deepen your connection with the molecules where they are most bountiful. The end goal here is simple: the formation of your domain."
Dekai smiled at the serious expression on Atticus's face. His demeanor had changed at the mere mention of the word "domain," making him more focused on the conversation.
Dekai's blood was pumping hard; he loved this boy's spirit!
"Deepening your connection to these molecules will enable you to understand the underlying nature of fire, and from this understanding, the formation of your unique domain will unravel.
"This understanding cannot be taught; we've tried and failed. You have to reach this understanding yourself."
Atticus nodded his head seriously.
"The main reason I'm giving you this lecture is to let you know that, given your talent, you don't need the sanctum to reach this stage. Simply time."
"After this, you will be heading to other sanctums to learn the intricacies of their elements, but don't let those old fogies waste your time. The elements are intricately linked to each other. They all follow the same underlying principle: molecules, albeit different ones in the air. Simply identify, form a connection, and you'll find yourself mastering the element in no time.
I have no doubt you can do anything."
Dekai placed a hand on Atticus's shoulder and smiled.
"My short time spent with you has been a pleasure, Atticus Ravenstein, and I look forward to your future. Raise our family's name to the highest peak."
Atticus's gaze narrowed slightly before he met Dekai's stare and nodded with a firm gaze.
"I wish you good luck."
Both their figures combusted, disappearing from the area, and Atticus suddenly found himself standing in front of the grand gates of the water sanctum.
"You must be Atticus Ravenstein."
Atticus fixed his gaze on the figure of an old woman who held a staff adorned with a large, luminous blue crystal at its tip. Intricate carvings of aquatic scenes and delicate water patterns spiraled down the length of the staff, which shimmered with a faint, ethereal glow.
Atticus had no doubt she was old, but she still maintained her youthful appearance with only a few wrinkles on her face.
Atticus bowed and paid his respects.
The old woman smiled warmly.
"My name is Liora. Welcome to the water sanctum."
In the next few days, the current smile on Liora's face would turn into something she would have never imagined: complete and utter fear.