Elements: Age of Creation

A Surprisingly Competent Teacher

Hikaru sat in his Psychology lecture, arms crossed, barely paying attention.

Not because the class war boring–but because the person teaching it was Teshii.

And somehow, the guy was actually good at it.

Hikaru had expected chaos, maybe even a disaster. Instead, Teshii stood at the front of the class, calmly explaining complex psychological theories while scribbling notes on the whiteboard. His usual cocky smirk was gone, replaced by a confident, instructor-like demeanour.

"And that," Teshii said, "is why humans make irrational decisions under stress. Any questions?"

The class sat in stunned silence.

Hikaru, still in disbelief, muttered under his breath, "Who are you?"

Teshii smirked slightly, clearly hearing him.

Lunch Break Discussion

Later, during lunch break, Hikaru and Teshii sat outside, eating at one of the cafeteria tables.

Hikaru sighed, resting his chin on his hand. "Okay, I gotta ask. How are you actually smart?"

Teshii snorted. "What, you think I just punch stuff for a living?"

"Yes," Hikaru deadpanned.

Teshii laughed. "Listen, just because I enjoy fighting doesn't mean I'm an idiot. I know plenty about different fields, especially human behaviour."

Hikaru raised an eyebrow. "And why do you know so much about psychology?"

Teshii smirked, taking a sip of his drink. "Because understanding how people think makes it easier to beat them in a fight."

Hikaru groaned. "Of course that's your reason."

They ate in comfortable silence for a moment before Hikaru spoke up again.

"Hey, Teshii… I still don't know much about the other Elements."

Teshii wiped his mouth with a napkin and leaned back. "Right. I guess it's time I filled you in."

He held up ten fingers. "There are 10 Elements in total."

Hikaru leaned in, listening carefully.

Teshii began listing them off:

Fire, Water, Wood, Thunder, Ice, Earth, Air, Steel, Darkness, and Light (Hikaru's Element)

"These ten elements each have a chosen warrior, just like you," Teshii explained. "Some have already awakened their powers, while others are still waiting for their abilities to manifest."

Hikaru frowned. "So… there are nine other people out there with abilities like mine?"

Teshii nodded. "Yep. And trust me, some of them are crazy strong."

Hikaru's mind raced. If there were nine others like him… would they be allies? Or enemies?

Before he could ask another question–

An Unexpected Invitation

"Hikaru!"

A familiar voice interrupted their conversation.

Both Hikaru and Teshii turned to see Mei Tomita walking up to them, smiling brightly.

Mei tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "I've been looking for you!"

Teshii immediately smirked and stood up. "Welp, I'll leave you two to it."

Hikaru gave him a look. "Seriously?"

Teshii leaned down, whispering, "Don't mess this up, Sunshine." Then, without another word, he casually walked away.

Mei sat down across from Hikaru, looking slightly nervous but determined.

"Hikaru, um…" Mei started, fidgeting slightly. "There's going to be a festival this weekend, and I was wondering if… you'd like to go with me?"

Hikaru blinked, caught completely off guard.

A festival? With Mei?

Alone?

He swallowed. Oh no.