Days turned into weeks. The attack had shown the academy that they needed to be ready. More students and teachers worked together. New protection spells were put up, stronger than before.
Xiaoping continued to train, pushing himself harder. He learned to make smaller, faster lightning bolts that could hit a target very quickly. He also practiced making his Thunderous Aegis change size and shape, allowing him to protect others as well as himself.
His friends were always there. Kai, with his booming laughter and fiery energy, often helped him test his speed, trying to keep up with Xiaoping's new lightning-quick movements. Elara would sit quietly, her mind focused, and then give Xiaoping small tips on how to make his lightning flow more smoothly, like the unseen currents of air. Jian, strong and steady, would let Xiaoping practice hitting his earth shields, helping Xiaoping understand the force of his own power.
Li Wei, however, became a special partner in his training. Li Wei's water magic was fluid and adaptable, much like the changing nature of lightning. They would often spend hours together, trying to combine their elements.
"Think of water as a path," Li Wei suggested one afternoon, as they tried to make a flowing attack. "And lightning as the energy that travels along it."
Xiaoping focused. He imagined his lightning running through Li Wei's water. A shimmering stream of water suddenly crackled with blue-white electricity, reaching out further and faster than either of their powers could alone. It was a beautiful, dangerous dance of elements.
"Amazing!" Kai yelled from the side. "You guys are unstoppable!"
Headmaster Lin watched these training sessions with a look of quiet satisfaction. He knew that the true strength of the academy lay not just in individual power, but in working together.
One evening, Headmaster Lin called Xiaoping, Kai, Elara, Jian, and Li Wei to his study. The atmosphere was serious.
"The shadowy figures are gathering again," Headmaster Lin said, his voice low. "Our scouts report a much larger force this time. They are planning a full-scale attack, and it will be soon."
A silence fell over the room. Xiaoping felt a familiar knot of fear in his stomach, but it was quickly replaced by a wave of determination. He looked at his friends, their faces serious but ready.
"We believe," Headmaster Lin continued, "that they are trying to reach something deep within the academy. Something ancient and powerful. We do not know what it is, but we know they want it."
"And you, Xiaoping," Headmaster Lin said, his gaze fixed on him, "you are still their primary target. Your lightning power is unusual, and they seem to fear its potential."
Xiaoping clenched his fists. He wouldn't let them get what they wanted. He wouldn't let them harm his friends or his home.
"We will face them," Xiaoping said, his voice firm. "Together."
Headmaster Lin nodded. "Indeed. The storm is gathering. We will meet it head-on."