The office of the Head of the Eastern Vanguard Training Camp was quiet, dignified, and imposing in its own way.
Polished metal shelves lined the walls, each holding trophies, medals, and insignias earned over decades of service. Some were awarded for battlefield command, others for portal suppression campaigns, and a few bore markings from joint operations beyond Earth. At the center of the room stood a large desk, spotless and meticulously orderly.
Behind it sat Major Adam.
A Rank Four warrior, and one of the most respected veterans in Zone E5. He had earned his rank not through inheritance or political backing, but through blood, sweat, and survival. His presence alone carried weight—calm, controlled, and sharp, like a blade honed through countless battles.
Standing before him was Lieutenant Surge, a Rank Three Enhanced warrior, posture straight, hands clasped behind his back.
"Report," Major Adam said, his voice steady.
Lt. Surge nodded. "There was a minor incident yesterday during breakfast, sir. A verbal altercation between elite cadets. One cadet lost his temper and attempted to start a fight. The instructors intervened immediately. No lasting damage."
Major Adam leaned back slightly. "Cadets spar. Tempers flare," he said calmly. "That's common. As long as it was handled properly, I see no issue."
"Yes, sir," Lt. Surge replied. He hesitated for a brief moment before continuing. "However… there is something else."
That hesitation made Major Adam raise an eyebrow.
"Go on."
"One of the elite cadets," Lt. Surge said carefully, "Nikks Simmons, displayed clear signs of awakening during evening sparring."
Silence filled the room.
Major Adam straightened in his chair.
"…Awakening?" he repeated.
"Yes, sir. Confirmed by the instructors. Lightning manifestation occurred during weapon use."
For the first time, emotion flickered across Major Adam's face.
"That young?" he asked.
"Fifteen, sir. Almost a full year before the standard threshold."
Major Adam let out a slow breath, then gave a short, sharp laugh—not amusement, but genuine excitement.
"Early awakenings aren't unheard of," he said, "but a full year ahead? That's rare. And those who awaken early are usually geniuses."
"Did you say lightning?" the Major asked after calming himself.
The lieutenant nodded.
"Then that makes it even better," Major Adam said with a laugh.
Elemental awakenings were rare. Only those from powerful family bloodlines had a chance of awakening an elemental power, and even then, they had to meditate from an early age to increase those odds.
Most awakened gained nothing more than reinforced bodies—greater strength, endurance, and durability. Elemental affinity, however, was different.
It didn't just enhance the body.
It refined control over it.
And lightning—
Lightning was special.
On the battlefield, lightning-aligned warriors were terrifying. Faster reflexes. Sharper responses. Explosive speed. Their nervous systems operated on a level others could only envy. Power, precision, and momentum—combined into one lethal package.
"Have you checked his talent?" Major Adam asked.
"No, sir," Lt. Surge replied.
Major Adam nodded slowly. "Early manifestation of an element only appears when someone has a high affinity for that element."
"We need to confirm his talents."
"Call Nikks Simmons," Major Adam ordered. "Immediately."
"Yes, sir."
Lt. Surge turned and left the office.
Major Adam remained standing, his gaze drifting toward the trophies lining the walls.