My Tribrid System.

Kris stood in the training room, his brow furrowed in concentration as he prepared to guide Jude in expanding his Earth abilities. Jude had shown promise, but there was still much to refine.

"Today, we're going to focus on increasing your Earth manipulation techniques," Kris said, eyeing the practice area filled with various stones and soil. "We'll work on two primary skills: Earth Shielding and Groundquake."

"Earth Shielding?" Jude asked, a curious look on his face.

"Exactly. It's about creating barriers quickly and efficiently," Kris explained, picking up a hefty rock. "You'll need to channel your energy into the ground to raise a shield when necessary. Let's start with some basics."

Jude nodded, excitement building within him. "What's the first step?"

"First, I want you to practice feeling the ground. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Picture the energy flowing through the soil and rock beneath you. We want to develop a connection, a kind of communication." Kris demonstrated by kneeling and placing his palms on the ground, channeling energy into the earth.

Jude followed suit, eyes shut tight, focusing on the coolness of the floor beneath him. The sensation grew stronger, pulsing like a heartbeat. He visualized the earth as an extension of himself, alive and vibrant.

"Good," Kris encouraged. "Now, while maintaining that connection, imagine pulling the energy upward. Picture a barrier rising from the ground to protect you. Let it flow through you."

Jude concentrated, reaching out with his mind. He could feel the energy vibrating under his fingertips. "Alright, here goes." With determination, he thrust his palms forward, calling on the earth to respond.

The ground shook slightly as a barrier of stones and dirt surged upward, creating a small shield in front of him. It wasn't perfect, but it was a start.

"Not bad! That's your first Earth Shield," Kris exclaimed, clapping Jude on the back. "Now, let's refine it. Remember, it's about fluidity. You need to envision the energy not just rising but shaping itself around you."

With renewed focus, Jude adjusted his stance. "Let's try again." He closed his eyes, channeling the energy with more intention. This time, he could feel the earth responding to his commands. As he thrust his hands forward, the barrier not only rose but wrapped around him, forming a protective cocoon.

"Now that's what I'm talking about!" Kris cheered. "You're getting the hang of it. The next technique is Groundquake. This one will allow you to send shockwaves through the ground to destabilize your opponents."

Jude's eyes widened with intrigue. "How do I do that?"

"It's all about focus and intent," Kris replied, stepping back to give Jude room. "Feel the earth beneath your feet. When you're ready, channel your energy into the ground and imagine creating a ripple effect. It's like tossing a stone into a pond."

"Got it." Jude concentrated, envisioning the ground beneath him as a reservoir of energy. He stomped his foot, releasing a surge of power. The floor trembled as a wave of energy shot out from him, cracking the ground and sending dust flying.

"Awesome! You've got potential, Jude," Kris encouraged, a proud glint in his eye. "Now let's see if you can control it. Try to direct the shockwave toward that wall." He pointed to a nearby training dummy.

Jude squared his shoulders, focusing intently on the dummy. He visualized the energy flowing from his body into the earth, creating a direct line to his target. With a firm shout, he stomped his foot again, directing the energy.

The ground shook, and a powerful shockwave raced toward the wall, slamming into it with a resounding crash that echoed through the training room. The dummy staggered back, nearly toppling over.

"Nice! You're definitely getting stronger," Kris said, a proud glint in his eye. "Keep practicing those techniques. The more you refine them, the better you'll be in a fight."

"Thanks, Kris," Jude replied, breathless from the effort but exhilarated by his progress. "I feel like I'm really improving."

"Just keep at it. You're building a solid foundation." Kris clapped Jude on the back. "Now, let's keep going. We'll work on your speed and precision next."

Esha was honing her defensive techniques in a spacious training arena. She focused on building a shield of energy around her, her body moving with fluid grace.

"Come on, Esha! You can do better than that!" Zahra called out, her tone encouraging yet playful. Zahra stood nearby, practicing her ice manipulation, creating intricate spikes that jutted from the ground like frozen flowers. "You're just letting your barriers fall flat. Visualize them!"

Esha smirked, a competitive spark igniting within her. "Alright, watch this." She concentrated, summoning her energy to form a shimmering shield. It glowed bright, pulsating with her determination. With a flick of her wrist, she sent the barrier spiraling around her.

"Nice!" Zahra shouted, impressed. "Now add some layers. Make it thicker."

"Got it," Esha said, focusing intently. "Let's see if I can make it even stronger." She poured more energy into the shield, envisioning each layer wrapping around her like armor.

"While you're at it, try adding some movement. Defensive techniques aren't just about standing still," Zahra suggested, her own icy constructs shifting and swirling with precision.

Esha nodded, pivoting on her feet as she maintained her shield. "Let's see how mobile I can make it." She began to weave and twist, the shield responding to her movements, becoming a radiant barrier that danced around her.

"Now you're getting it!" Zahra grinned, crafting a spire of ice and sending it toward Esha's shield. It impacted with a soft thud, the shield holding strong. "That's how you do it!"

"Thanks! This feels awesome," Esha exclaimed, her confidence soaring.

At that moment, Cassy entered the arena, her telekinetic aura shimmering around her. "What's this? A training montage?" she teased, her eyes glinting mischievously.

"More like a masterclass in defense," Zahra shot back, her tone playful. "Wanna join in and test our skills?"

"Sure! Let's see if you can handle a little chaos," Cassy replied, grinning as she lifted several training dummies into the air with her telekinesis. "Prepare yourselves!"

Esha and Zahra exchanged excited glances. "Bring it on!" Esha shouted, ready to defend against whatever Cassy had in store.

Cassy waved her hands, sending the dummies flying at the duo. Esha quickly activated her shield, the energy barrier flickering to life as she braced for impact.

Zahra, not wanting to be outdone, summoned a wave of ice spikes around them, creating a protective perimeter. "Let's see how they fare against a double defense!" she called, sending her spikes toward the approaching dummies.

The dummies collided with the combined defenses, creating a flurry of sound and energy. Esha's shield absorbed the impacts while Zahra's ice barriers shattered the dummies into harmless pieces, sending fragments flying.

"Impressive teamwork!" Cassy cheered, grinning. "But can you keep it up? Let's see how many I can throw at you!"