After such a rough start to the day, Gadeon sits in class as he hears the word "Flexstival" once again from Miss Lemon.
"Remember a couple days ago when we mentioned that the Blue Current Dojo and the Deep Current Dojo will be competing against each other for positions to represent the Aqua Tribe in the Battle Royale? We call it the Flexstival!"
The entire class pays attention the moment the event name is mentioned.
"How the Flexstival works is that both dojo SLT members decide on a game or competition, and students are nominated by teachers within the dojo to participate."
Rotalia raises her hand.
"What sort of game? Does that mean we won't be fighting each other?"
"It depends on what game is selected by the higher-ups from both schools. However, when it comes to Flexstivals, it's usually more about how well you can use your Flexing and adapt it to your movements and skills," Miss Lemon explains.
"What was the last Flexstival?" Rotalia asks.
"Erm, I wasn't working here when it happened, but I do remember it being some kind of obstacle race. It was truly fun and exciting to watch."
"Exciting for you guys to watch, but troublesome for us," Rotalia mutters.
"Anyway, soon I'll get more details about this year's Flexstival, which will be happening very soon. As teachers, we had a meeting just now, and it looks like things are really being finalised."
"Yes! I can't wait for this to get started! Right, Gadeon?!"
The classroom goes silent in shock after hearing Gage suddenly say that.
"What? Since when did you guys become—" Rotalia is interrupted as Miss Lemon quickly jumps in.
"Wow! Gage! I'm surprised! Good on you for encouraging your fellow classmate!"
Meanwhile, whispers spread across the classroom.
"Is Gage serious?"
"Nah, he's trolling."
"Didn't Gage say a couple days ago that there's no way a non-flexor could even participate in the Battle Royale?"
"Did those two actually make up?"
"Nah, it's probably all an act so the teachers don't suspect anything."
CLAP! CLAP!
"Okay guys, no need for the chattering! Let's focus," Miss Lemon says, bringing the class's attention back to her.
"So now you know what's going on, let's do a recap of Flexing itself to prepare you guys for it."
The whole class responds positively, agreeing to go through it.
"So before Flexing even comes into the picture, what allows us to flex in the first place?"
A student raises his hand.
"Go ahead, Bean."
"Ma-Qi," Bean says.
"Right, and what is Ma-Qi? Let's say I'm someone who's never heard the word Ma-Qi before. How would you explain it to me?"
"But doesn't that make no sense?" Bean says, giggling.
"Yeah, that's impossible. Everyone has Ma-Qi inside them," another student in the classroom says.
"Not everyone…" one kid mutters as he quickly glances at Gadeon, causing several others to follow his gaze.
"Guys! Focus! And I want someone other than Bean to answer."
Rotalia raises her hand.
"Go ahead, Rotalia."
"Ma-Qi is life particles generated within a warrior's Chi-Lungs."
"Well done! Life particles that are converted into elemental particles tied to the Five Known Tribes—Water, Fire, Wind, Earth, and Thunder. Obviously, we carry water particles. But guys… what are Chi-Lungs?"
Rotalia opens her mouth to answer.
"I want someone different," Miss Lemon says.
However, no one else raises their hand.
"I'm gonna start picking people if nobody puts their hands up."
Still, nobody responds.
"Okay… Kruise."
"Ahh, but I didn't raise my hand."
"No talking back. Now, what are Chi-Lungs? Pretend I'm someone who's never heard of them before."
Kruise, looking half asleep with droopy eyes, answers calmly, "Chi-Lungs are specialised internal organs within our normal lungs. It's because of them that life particles—or life force—are converted into elemental energy."
"Well done, Kruise! That's a really good explanation. I fully understood that!"
"Thank you," Kruise replies politely.
"So far, I know what Ma-Qi is and understand Chi-Lungs, but where does Flexing come into this? What does Flexing even have to do with any of this? I want you to answer, Rabeena."
"Why don't you ask more of the boys?" she complains.
"Erm, I think I have been asking the boys, with the exception of Rotalia."
Rabeena lets out a sigh as she sits there, trying to think.
"C'mon, Rabeena, you got this."
"We call it Flexing because… it's just flexing?" Rabeena says unbothered.
"Okay… can I get someone else to help Rabeena? Preferably a girl?"
"Ermm… I… can… try… miss?" a quiet, buffering whisper emerges.
"Okay, Fifi, you got this!"
"So… through our controlled breathing, our Chi-Lungs condense raw life particles into elemental Ma-Qi particles, which circulate through the body like a second bloodstream. This allows our Ma-Qi particles to manifest from our bodies, making it Flexing—which means the Martial Rhythm."
"Perfect answer, Fifi! Could we give her a round of applause?" Miss Lemon says, and the entire class joins in clapping for her.
"I could barely hear her though," Rabeena comments.
"So-sorry," Fifi says softly.
Miss Lemon walks toward the board, holding a piece of chalk as she begins writing and drawing for the students to understand visually.
"Flexing is a martial rhythm that synchronises…" Miss Lemon says while writing on the board:
Inhalation → Ma-Qi generation and concentration Exhalation → Ma-Qi release and shaping
"When Flexing, Ma-Qi particles form and coat the user's body, reinforcing muscles, bones, and reflexes. This coating can be used for:"
Offense – enhanced strikes, elemental blows, shockwaves, increased mobility Defense – hardened skin, elemental resistance, impact dampening
Miss Lemon finishes writing on the board, then turns back to the class.
"So far, for your age, that's all you need to know. These are somewhat the basics. There are advanced levels and even more to Flexing, however there's no need to cram your young brains with every detail. You can learn that as you move up through the years."
The class erupts into groans.
"Awwwww! Miss! Please tell us more!"
"Yeah miss! We can handle it!"
"Miss, if you want us to beat the Deep Current Dojo—or even win the whole Battle Royale—wouldn't teaching us advanced techniques give us the advantage?"
"Nope! It'll do you guys worse. You'll get confused, lose focus, or even hurt yourselves during the process."
"But miss!"
"Nope! Learn things step by step. You'll learn it all in due time. And besides, just because this is the basic level doesn't mean that's all there is to the basics. A lot of you still don't know how to execute certain movements, martial arts techniques, or skills properly."
"Miss, I got a question," Bean says, raising his hand.
"Ask away."
"Is it true there's two paths when it comes to Flexing?"
The question sparks confusion across the classroom as the other kids immediately begin murmuring amongst themselves.
"Two pathways?"
"What does that mean?"
"I thought Flexing was the only thing that exists?"
"Is there more to Flexing?"
"GUYS! I WANT SILENCE!"
Miss Lemon's tone suddenly becomes heavy and stern, instantly silencing the class.
"Now, Bean… where did you hear that from?"
Gadeon notices the sudden shift in Miss Lemon's behaviour.
"A bunch of older guys around my area… they keep saying Flexing isn't only used for elements, but can be used for all sorts of things. Like disappearing… or making copies of—"
"Bean! That's enough!"
Huh? What did that kid just say? Gadeon thinks.
"Those older kids are just spouting rubbish. Probably pulling a prank on you."
"Really?" Bean asks.
"Yes, I'm sure of it! I've been Flexing for thirty-five years now and I've never seen or heard of what you're talking about. There's only one path to Flexing—and that's through discipline and refining your element to its peak and apex form. Understand?"
"Yes miss."
"Also, Bean, I advise you to stay away from those older kids you're hanging around with. They sound like weird people. And everyone else—please forget about that nonsense or it'll affect your performance when it comes to the Flexstival!"
"Yes miss," the class replies in unison.
I need to speak to that kid, Gadeon thinks, determined.