4:00pm - Academy Grounds; Underground [@Arya10108909],[@baraquiel],[@CrabInATree],[@Crusader Lord],[@hagroden],[@Hammerman],[@Kalleth],[@liferusher],[@Pseudo Stygian],[@Raptra],[@Regitnui],[@Rune_Alchemist],[@Sailorsadie],[@Stern Algorithm],[@zelosse] Deep in the belly of the Academy tunnels was primarily occupied space designated for Earth Elementalists, close to the stones and soil of the world. The walls and ceiling were worked stone worn smooth over decades of use. It was even where Kano Hargor located his office. Other areas littered the extensive tunnels but rarely saw use or were simply off limits to students. One such area was the seat of power. Like the audience hall, it was delicately cultivated with the harmony of nature in mind. [hider=Reference image][img]https://pre00.deviantart.net/308c/th/pre/i/2016/068/8/c/underground_by_jordangrimmer-d9uj0ml.jpg[/img][/hider] From the soil came ancient roots spreading far and wide across the high ceiling stretching all the way to the smooth stone floor. Pathways and bridges had been cut into the stone creating delicate pillars and walls sectioning off the massive room. Stone bridges crossed over open floors revealing crystaline blue waters flowing through the underground. Upon the walls were decorative lit torches. In many places amidst the rooms were various steel cages containing roaring flames. The ceiling was still covered but the ground was thin in sections, allowing a skilled elementalists to open them up and let natural light flow in. Kano surveyed the dusty area with a mixture of pride and shame. This was a place of competition and regret for many young students over the years as they battled for supremacy. The world outside the academy had always been hostile to elementalists. The need for force against their oppressive ways had been a requirement when the Academy was young. Teaching violence.. [color=0072bc]"Would that there was no need." [/color] The words echoed off the stones as he paced the floor. Students at the Academy were being raised in a different world, where relative peace was still available across the globe. Very few were treated with true threat to their lives. That much was true.. [color=0072bc]"No."[/color] Kano reminded himself, [color=0072bc]"There are worse things than humans that hunt us. They must be ready."[/color] The objective for first years was not true combat. Third years and up entered this place knowing they could be badly hurt. First years would only think of this place as another spooky addition to the campus. [color=0072bc]"Manilow, are you done your preparations?"[/color] Jordan heard Kano's question, and used the handholds he'd made to climb up to where the headmaster stood. [color=00a651]"As a matter of fact, I'm all ready to go. You say the word, and I'll arm everything."[/color] Today Jordan was all business. He didn't want to think too hard on the episode from earlier that day. He would have to talk to somebody about it, eventually. But for now, he had decided to focus on the kids. [color=0072bc]"Excellent. As always, you have been a tremendous help. Will you be staying to oversee your own students or shall I fetch a substitute? Word is you weren't feeling so well this morning."[/color] The Headmaster left out his true concerns. This was neither the time nor place to be bringing up such dark topics. Jordan massaged his neck with a hand and looked out at the cavernous space. It seemed so old and vast, that it looked as though a god had run their hands through the earth and shaped the space with tools and persistence. He tried not to gawk, and failed. [color=00a651]"I'm fine. My annual guantlet petered out into two students trying to kill each other so I had to call it off early, that's all. I'll find another way to measure their competence, with perhaps just a tad more control involved. I forget sometimes, that my methods are best suited for one on one tutelage. How's your arm?"[/color] Glancing at the arm in question, Kano couldn't fully suppress his annoyance not at Manilow but fully upon himself. His current appendage was not a true part of his being given form but a watery replica. Its detail was sorely lacking but it was unavoidable. [color=0072bc]"It will return again in time. Already it is half formed. I suspect another weak."[/color] Manilow had undergone extensive physical care from the outburst caused. It had only been a few seconds of uncontrolled motion and still the room had been a disaster. Destroyed uttely in a fit of uncontrolled fury. Had it not been such a serious moment Kano would have chuckled, thinking if his old students could seen such an aftermath. [color=0072bc]"I should be more concerned with your own injuries than my own. After all, you are still mostly flesh and bone."[/color] Despite Manilows persistance and fortitude, the Headmaster doubted a full recovery had occured in such a short time. There was much the budding blood wielders could do to aid the body but even that had its limits. With the teacher Spar match occuring after the testing it seemed prudent to be sure of participation. [color=0072bc]"We should discuss this further when the time is right. For now, would you please open the ceiling panels. The students should be coming soon."[/color] [hr] Divided into even areas throughout the stonework were sunken platforms going down close to 8 feet with usually a ladder or stepping stones etched into the sides. Each sunken zone was close to 30 feet in either direction so as not to be too cramped. As for why there were so many when only a few would see use today was anyones guess. Rows of stone seats, really more of a block than a seat truth be told, were arranged across the area. Students were being called in groups rather than all first years at one time. The first should already be on its way, prepared to display their powers and perform a feat of control. Some would be asked a much more difficult task.