There are five elements known to Soulfolk, air, water, fire, earth, and aether. Research into these elements have allowed us to understand how the world functions, behaves, and why it does so while opening a window into a new field of research, Elemental Kinesis.

Our innate ability to manipulate air, water, earth and fire is still under the gaze of occult knowledge, with shreds of truth alongside myths spread around many cultures, most of them without proper scientific explanation.

While we do understand the fact that Elemental Kinesis, bending as it is newly called, is governed by a chakra-based system, we cannot divulge deeper into this field, might this be because of our limited understanding of the Universe or other unknown factors.

One thing stands for sure; our understanding of the elements is coincidental with our understanding of ourselves as indigenous to this planet.

Sitting cross-legged on my warm blanket, resting an arm on a fluffy pillow, I’m about to fall asleep. The class could not have been more boring. The notebook rested on my lap serves no purpose.

Everything that I have learned today about the elements is that we, in fact, know nothing about them. What a shock. I groan as the teacher’s words come back to me; if you would like to pass this semester, I suggest you start researching the elements in your own time.

That old hag had no right in saying that. I mean, seriously! Why bother teaching if we need to do the research ourselves. Now I understand what Jordynn meant earlier in the park. Oh Lords, I’m totally screwed, aren’t I?

As if the Universe decided to respond, the door bursts open in the most ungraceful manner with Jordynn walking in clutching a mountain of books in his grasp.

“Woah” I quickly jump to his aid, taking some of his load in my own hands. “Where the hell did you get all these books?” I peak at some of the covers; mathematics, biology and other subjects that do not interest me. At least not in this moment. After throwing all of his books on the bed and catching his breath, Jordynn goes on to explain, “From the library, you know, the big old looking building?”

There’s a library? Why am I so surprised, of course, there is. Jordynn must have caught on to my surprise for he mentions, “How do you think we do all the research?”

“Through the Link?” I shrug.

He quickly shakes his head, “these books are free, you can take them to your room for a couple of days” That seems convenient, although I doubt they would let me leave with as many books as Jordynn did. When confronting him about it, he winked and told me “I have secrets of my own”.

I bet he’s a teacher’s pet. Looking back to the notebook laying on my bed, I decide that maybe it’s time to visit this library, who knows I might actually learn something. And so, my adventure towards the library began. Even with Jordynn’s directions, I still got lost along the way, taking a wrong turn and ending up at the cafeteria, but in the end, I still managed.

An imposing building lays before me. Reaching two stories in height, the library looks like a renovated historical building, with intricate details edged into stone walls. Stained glass covers a portion of the entrance with pillars leading all the way to double doors. As beautiful as the outside structure looks, the inside is even more spectacular.

A slight gasp leaves my lips as I take in the large, open space consisting of a wide corridor lined with statues of what I could only consider historic figures. A circular room waits ahead with hundreds of bookshelves spread around. From a distance, it looks like a labyrinth made out of books. People are spread in the library, some resting on sofas and other silently studying on desks.

At the end of the room, double stairs make their way towards the other two stories ahead. In between the stairs, a reception desk awaits. I am officially impressed. What kind of budget does this academy have? This is insane! It almost reminds me of home… almost.

Deciding to not waste any more time on admiring the architecture, I jump straight to the point and sprint-walk towards the reception. A small bell rests on the desk and I ring it. Nothing happens. Several minutes pass and yet, the librarian has still to show up.

I sigh and take a better look at the library. This place is huge; hopefully, it won’t take me ages to find a book of interest. I guess I could start searching through the science category; there must be something about the elements there.

Back home I never really frequented the library, even though we have a grand one next to the palace – I found buying books through the Link to be easier. No need to encounter people. The author gets their money and I get peace of mind, it’s a win, win!

“Hi!” I swiftly turn around, startled by the person behind the counter.

Lords… way to give me a heart attack!

“Hello-“my voice falls flat as I notice the Yomi standing before me. Blonde locks of hairline around her shoulder, where a loose braid brings it all together. Her blue eyes stare back at me with much less surprise.

Judging by the tone of her skin, she must be from Yiondelienne. A nod forms in my throat. Lord, stop worrying Yuidan – I’m safe, she’s not a spy, not everyone is here to get me... “Where, um- where can I find a b-book about, um, the elements?”

The girl furrows her brows as she grabs a Link from below the desk. “Can you be more specific, please?”

What am I even searching for? The teacher did not even begin to explain what we should research. It’s been just one class and I already feel like despising her.

“Kinesis?”

“Got it” she nods and begins scrolling through the device. It takes her no more than a few seconds to come up with an answer. “You’ll find books about kinesis on the first floor, at the very right corner of the room” she drops the Link, “It’s near the big, round desks – you really can’t miss it”

Yeah, I don’t know about the miss part. Still, I quickly thank her and run towards the stairs. The temptation to peek behind my shoulders, to see if perhaps she is staring at me, nearly takes over.

I have to reaffirm to myself that I am, in fact, okay. I don’t want to be near Yomi ever again. This kind of fear, a fear that I never knew I had in me, it was becoming too much. Sighing, I push these grim thoughts at the back of my head. Now it’s not the time nor the place for such ideas.