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Chapter 15: Group Project — The Table of Wonders
The morning sun bathed Academy campus in warm, amber light, making the dew-soaked leaves glisten like crystal. Oliver, now eight years old, walked with a steady sense of purpose. His satchel swung with each step, filled with papers, pencils, and a folded periodic chart they'd received in yesterday's lecture. Today was different — today was his first group project.
He peeked into the classroom and spotted her — Minya, the foxkin girl with auburn furred ears and a bushy tail tipped in snowy white, curled up asleep on her desk. Her long sleeves fell over the edge like ribbons, and a soft snore puffed from her lips.
"Minya?" Oliver whispered, stepping closer.
One golden eye opened. Then the other.
"Mm... oh—Oliver!" She blinked, ears flicking upright. With a yawn and stretch, she rubbed her face and offered him a sleepy smile. "Is it group project time already?"
Oliver nodded, pulling out his roll of paper. "You said yesterday you'd be my partner. Still true?"
Minya smirked, tail swishing. "Of course. I don't say things I don't mean."
They settled beside each other, unfurling their materials. On their large parchment chart, the familiar Vitanium Periodic Table glowed faintly. Unlike Earth's version, the Elorian chart included elements like Lumirion, Aethersalt, and Ferravite — materials that interacted with natural and spiritual forces.
"Okay," Oliver said, pulling out his quill. "Professor Arlyn wants us to classify 20 elements and describe how they're used in Vita-crafting. You take the left column, I'll take the right?"
Oliver looked at the new periodic tables of elements of course he never really remembered all of them only the well known ones like carbon, chlorine, oxygen, nitrogen, potassium, gold, and other typed of metals but this world had more and different other elements? This is getting interestingly complex.
Minya tapped her chin with a clawed finger. "Sure. But let's make it interesting."
Oliver raised a brow. "Interesting?"
"Yeah!" she beamed. "Let's draw them. Like, make little characters for each element. You know — personify them!"
He chuckled. "That's stupid."
"Stupid and fun," she said with a wink.
So they began.
Minya started with Hydronix (H), drawing a tiny water sprite holding droplets in its hands. "Hydronix helps with clean water Vita," she explained. "We use it in purification rituals."
Oliver sketched Ignelium (Fe), an iron-type element with fire affinity. His version had a sword for a tail and lava-cracked armor. "Used for forging armor in the Smithing Caves of Brunndor," he said with pride.
They went back and forth, page after page, giggling and arguing over designs.
"Why does your Aethersalt have wings?" Oliver asked.
"Because it floats. Everyone knows that." Minya huffed, clearly amused.
"Fine, but Stoneium doesn't need a beard."
"Stoneium is ancient. Beards are wise," she countered.
Lunch came and went. The classroom emptied and filled again, but the two worked tirelessly. Their chart slowly became a parade of colorful elemental mascots — mischievous gases, noble glowing metals, snarky silicates, and elegant crystal types.
By the end of the day, their project was covered in scribbled notes, drawings, and little stars of pride.
Professor Arlyn finally strolled by and raised a brow at their work.
"Very… expressive," she muttered, clearly surprised. "And accurate, too. An excellent application of knowledge."
Minya grinned and nudged Oliver. "Told you it'd be fun."
Oliver smiled, then quietly asked, "Will we do more of these together?"
Minya blinked. Then nodded. "Yeah. Definitely."
Outside, the bell rang and classmates spilled into the halls. But Oliver and Minya lingered, their first group project done — a bright memory forming among the noble gases, metals, and mischievous nonmetals of their young scholar days.
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Certainly! Here's the next chapter where Oliver and Minya present their project in a firm, professional way, maintaining their growing bond while showcasing their knowledge:
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Chapter: The Presentation — A Solid Display
The classroom buzzed with hushed conversations as students arranged their notes and project materials on the tables. The sun hung low outside, casting an orange hue across the windows, and the air felt electric with the excitement of the day's presentation. Today was the day Oliver and Minya would present their completed Periodic Table of Elements — a mix of academic rigor and creative charm.
Oliver stood tall, his back straight and posture perfect. His quill was tucked behind his ear, and his satchel hung with calm efficiency at his side. He had practiced his speech with the precision of a seasoned orator, and now, as he glanced around at his classmates, his heart beat steadily. This was his moment to shine.
Minya, on the other hand, stood with a playful glint in her eyes. Her tail curled neatly behind her, and she gave a quick glance at Oliver before nodding to herself. While she was known for her mischievousness, today she would follow Oliver's lead — and support him in the best way she knew how.
"Class, settle down!" Professor Arlyn's voice echoed across the room, commanding instant attention. She walked to the front and gestured to Oliver and Minya. "Today, we begin with Oliver and Minya's group project on the Vitanium Periodic Table of elements. Let's see what they've come up with."
Oliver stepped forward, his usual playful energy replaced by a newfound professionalism. He placed the parchment on the table and took a moment to clear his throat, as Minya silently flicked through their notes beside him.
"Greetings, everyone," Oliver began, his voice calm and clear. "My name is Oliver, and this is my partner, Minya. Today, we will present our study of the periodic elements of Vita, focusing not only on their uses but also on the interactions they have with the forces of magic that shape our world."
He paused, scanning the room. His eyes briefly met Minya's, and he gave a small nod. She gave him a sly smile, her ears perking up.
Oliver gestured to the first section of their chart, which displayed elements like Hydronix, Ignelium, and Lumirion.
"The first group we'll talk about is the elemental base metals and their associated magical properties," Oliver continued. "For example, Hydronix is a water-based element often used in purification rituals, which helps sustain the flow of Vita through our waterways." He tapped the first image of their chart, showing the small water sprite.
Minya leaned in and added, "Ignelium, on the other hand, is the key to many of the smithing techniques in Brunndor. This element is not only heat-resistant but can channel fire-based Vita, perfect for crafting weapons that retain their form even under intense heat."
The students, especially those with an affinity for crafting, leaned in. Even the class's more reserved students nodded in appreciation of the depth of their research.
Next, Oliver switched to the section of their chart showcasing elements with properties related to more abstract forces, like Aethersalt and Vulchrite.
"Here we see elements that are often overlooked, like Aethersalt, which reacts with ambient light and serves as a stabilizing force for spatial constructs," Oliver explained, his tone now more passionate. "As you can see, we've depicted it as a floating entity with wings — it's the lightest and most ethereal of the elements we studied."
Minya quickly added, "And Vulchrite is an unusual element known for its affinity with gravity. It's used in spatial magic, particularly for levitation and manipulation of heavier constructs. A single piece of Vulchrite can alter the flow of gravity within a specific radius."
The class remained silent, listening intently. Even Professor Arlyn's usual stern expression softened a little as she watched Oliver present with such seriousness. Minya, on the other hand, balanced her professionalism with her natural charm, providing just the right amount of humor to keep their presentation engaging.
When it was time for the final portion of their project — the more whimsical elements — Oliver took a deep breath. He had been working up to this moment all day. He turned to Minya with a small grin.
"Finally, we'd like to show the more fantastical side of the periodic table. Elements like Stoneium and Ferravite," Oliver said, gesturing to their drawn characters. "These elements are not only important in crafting and building but also form the backbone of many vital constructs, both magical and physical. Stoneium, for instance, is often referred to as the 'Element of Time' due to its ability to stabilize and preserve the past."
Minya's mischievous grin returned as she tapped their Stoneium character. "It's tough. Tough as a rock. And no one's going to tell it otherwise."
Oliver chuckled softly before finishing their section with a nod to their classmates. "In conclusion, the Vitanium Periodic Table represents not just the materials we use in crafting but the forces that keep our world — and beyond — in balance. Understanding these elements is key to becoming proficient in Vita-crafting and magic."
He paused, looking to Minya for her final touch.
Minya's tail flicked in satisfaction as she stepped forward. "So, to sum it up: elements are not just objects. They're living, breathing forces, full of character. And if you can learn to understand them…" She gave a sly wink, "You just might be able to bend the very fabric of reality. Or, at least, craft something really cool."
The class erupted into light applause. Professor Arlyn raised an eyebrow but smiled approvingly. "Well done, Oliver, Minya. You've certainly shown a thorough understanding of the periodic table and its uses in Vita-crafting."
Oliver gave a small bow, his posture still professional despite the friendly atmosphere. He stole a quick glance at Minya, who gave him a thumbs-up.
Their project was complete — and with that, they had earned the respect of their peers and the pride of a job well done. They were, after all, a formidable team.
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