Elements: Age of Creation

A Battle of Light and Water

The festival grounds were in ruins, the scent of blood thick in the air. The Blood Mage stood firm, crimson energy swirling around them like an unholy storm.

But Hikaru and Haruto weren't backing down.

Hikaru's golden light illuminated the battlefield, casting away the eerie red glow of the Blood Mage's powers. Beside him, Haruto controlled water with perfect precision, his element moving like a violent current – fluid, but deadly.

The two exchanged a glance – then charged forward together.

Perfect Coordination

The Blood Mage sent whips of blood surging toward them, but Haruto reacted instantly – his water forming a wall of liquid that solidified into ice, blocking the attack.

Hikaru didn't waste the opening – he leaped into the air, his fist glowing with golden energy, and brought it crashing down on the Blood Mage's barrier.

BOOM!

The impact shattered the blood shield, sending shockwaves through the ground.

Haruto followed up without hesitation, sending a water spear straight at their opponent.

The Blood Mage barely dodged in time, rolling to the side and hissing in frustration.

"You two… are beginning to annoy me."

Hikaru smirked. "Good."

Telling the Truth

From a safe distance, Teshii, Hikari, and Mei watched the battle unfold.

And the two girls were in shock.

"…What the hell is coming out of Hikaru?" Hikari muttered, eyes wide.

"That's light," Mei whispered. "He's literally glowing."

Hikari turned to Teshii, narrowing her eyes. "You know something."

Teshii let out a dramatic sigh, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, alright. Guess it's time to stop holding back the big secret."

He turned to face them, his usual smirk replaced with a rare seriousness.

"Hikaru's not just some random college student," Teshii admitted. "He's the Element of Light.

Hikari and Mei stared at him.

"…What? Hikari said, blinking.

Teshii continued, crossing his arms. "There are ten Elements, each represented by a chosen warrior. Hikaru's one of them. Haruto too."

Mei frowned. "So… Hikaru was chosen to control light?"

Teshii nodded. "Yep."

Hikari crossed her arms. "And you knew this the whole time?"

"Of course," Teshii said. "I'm his trainer."

Hikari groaned, clearly frustrated. "And you didn't think to mention this before?!"

Teshii chuckled. "Well… I know how much you guys love surprises… So… SURPISE".

Hikari punched his arm.

Teshii winced. "Ow–okay, I deserved that."

Mei, however, wasn't paying attention anymore.

Because something in her memory resurfaced.

Flashback: One Year Ago

Mei sat on the edge of a lake, surrounded by tall trees. Her family was on a trip, taking in the fresh air of the forest.

But she wasn't paying attention to them.

Because, in the distance, something caught her eye.

A man – hidden among the trees – was controlling something.

It wasn't water.

It wasn't fire, or air, or anything she had ever seen before.

It was… wood.

Branches moved at his command, bending, twisting, attacking something unseen. Leaves danced around him as if they were alive.

Mei's heart pounded.

And then – the man turned.

Mei barely caught a glimpse of his face – but she never forgot that moment.

Then – the memory faded.

And she was back in the present.

Back to the Fight

Mei's breath hitched.

Was that… another Element?

She turned back to Hikaru and Haruto, who were still locked in battle with the Blood Mage.

There was no denying it.

She had seen an Element before.

But before she could say anything, the Blood Mage suddenly grinned.

"…You two fight well," they admitted. "But tell me…"

Their crimson eyes locked onto Haruto.

"…Where was all this strength when y our brother was dying?"

Haruto froze.

A flicker of rage passed through his silver eyes.

The Blood Mage smirked. "You didn't do anything. You just stood there, watching like a helpless little brother."

Haruto's fingers twitched.

"Maybe if you had fought like this earlier, your dear Mamoru would still be alive."

Haruto's entire body trembled.

Then–

Something inside him snapped.