It was night. Flávia had spent the entire day explaining various concepts to Bruno, ranging from basic knowledge to more profound power techniques. He lay alone in his bed, his heart racing with excitement: Flávia had promised that the next day she would show him how to manipulate powers.
At the peak of his unusual thrill, he fell asleep quickly.
On Thursday, at eight in the morning, Bruno opened his eyes in that same room—yet this time, with a different kind of confidence. The night before, Flávia had insisted he needed rest, for the blood he had consumed would soon begin to alter his body, and significant changes should already be underway.
Rising, he went to the simple bathroom to the right of his bed. As he faced the mirror, a jolt ran through his body: at last, he could see the differences.
His skin was paler, his body more compact and refined. His eyes, now violet and penetrating, radiated intensity. His once-black hair had turned a white-gray shade, even curlier than before. His abdominal muscles were well defined, and his face had taken on a sculpted look, free of the cheeks that had once bothered him. He still retained some youthful features—after all, he was not yet sixteen—but his transformation was undeniable. He stood taller, around 1.87 meters, with room to grow even more.
By nine o'clock, after his morning routine, Bruno was in a vast training field, slightly larger than a football pitch. To the left stood a shelf lined with various weapons, armor, and weights; to the right, training dummies. He wore a simple white shirt, comfortable shorts, and slippers.
In front of him, Flávia prepared herself. She wore training clothes: a loose sports top, tight leggings, and running shoes. Her eyes shone with intensity, reflecting the emotions of recent days. Moved by the moment, Bruno stepped closer and kissed her softly. Flávia blushed but greeted him quietly, explaining that they would begin training.
She started stretching and then guided Bruno through the same motions. He couldn't help but notice the elegance of her form, yet he kept his focus. Sensing his gaze, Flávia said nothing, starting her explanations naturally:
— Among vampires, there is a vast range of knowledge and nuances in training. It is possible to learn to control any of the four primary elements: water, fire, earth, and air.
She paused briefly before continuing:
— Deviant elements, such as thunder, metal, or wood, require advanced mastery of the primaries. For instance, to control thunder, one must have a deep understanding of fire and the energy contained within it.
Smiling faintly, she added:
— I specialize in water, but I also have a minor specialization in air and ice. Air enhances my aquatic powers, and ice broadens my strategies and abilities.
Bruno absorbed every word, fascinated. Then Flávia looked at him curiously:
— And you, do you have interest in any specific element?
— Of course — he replied firmly. — I've always liked fire and its nuances.
She smiled, tilting her head:
— With your personality, it's only natural you're drawn to fire. But I'm a bit sad you don't show any curiosity for water.
— I've never been fond of water-related abilities — Bruno said. — I know it has great healing capacity and adaptability, but fire has always attracted me more, with its destructive and aggressive nature.
Flávia only smiled, unsurprised:
— Then, let me show you how it works in practice.
She extended her hand, and water began to form around it, spinning in smooth spirals. Bruno watched, entranced. A rush of wind pressed the water into the ground, creating a powerful impact. But before he could react, the water froze instantly, sealing the hole with crystalline ice, visible to the naked eye.
— Impressive… — Bruno murmured, fascinated.
The desire to create something similar with fire ignited within him, but Flávia interrupted with a calm voice:
— Before diving into the elements, you need to master the four basic fundamentals of vampires: transformation, mist, force control, and vital energy.
She gestured, raising a chunk of earth that molded itself into an improvised seat for Bruno. He sat down and listened intently.
— First: Transformation. It is the use of our internal energy to modify the body, usually assuming the form of a bat. It serves both for travel and infiltration.
— Second: Mist. By combining inner energy and control, we can expand it outward, creating a thick, blinding mist, and even a hallucinogenic one at advanced levels.
— Third: Power Control. Three days after transformation, the soul synchronizes with the new body, allowing us to expand and refine our energy.
— Fourth: Vital Energy. The basis of all powers. It flows through the body in a swirling, ethereal, almost living stream. Without it, no technique or ability is possible.
She paused, meeting Bruno's eyes:
— Without mastering these four pillars, any flame you light will be too small to face the world.
— Take off your shirt — Flávia asked calmly. — It will be easier to channel your energy without obstacles.
Bruno obeyed, sitting on the cold floor. Flávia crossed her legs in front of him and gently placed her hand on the center of his chest. A faint spark of energy ran through her fingers, sinking into his skin like a thread of light.
Bruno entered a trance. He felt awake yet distant, seeing every muscle, every bone and organ like a pulsating map of life. In the midst of it, a white light coiled through his body.
— This is your vital energy — Flávia whispered. — Weak, yes, but pure. Everyone starts this way.
Guided by her words, Bruno focused and began redirecting the energy. Slowly, with effort, he moved it through his body, like someone learning to breathe for the first time.
— Bruno, by redirecting your vital energy, you are also training your power control. Both are deeply connected.
After three minutes and twenty seconds, the energy completed its proper path.
— Impressive — Flávia said with a smile. — Twenty seconds above the average. Just as expected from someone with potential.
Bruno collapsed onto his back, exhausted yet glowing with satisfaction. Flávia, still kneeling beside him, chuckled lightly:
— With your personality, your power naturally leans toward fire. Your talent is above average for that element.
Unable to resist, Bruno pulled Flávia into his lap, teasing her:
— So, who's the hothead now?
Soft laughter echoed across the training field, dissolving the tension and marking the beginning of a new phase: lighter, more intimate, and full of potential.