Their unexpected victory in the first round of the preliminaries sent ripples of surprise through
Aethel Academy. The initial derision that had followed Nat and his team began to morph into a
mixture of confusion and grudging curiosity. How had the team with the F+ fire elemental
managed to defeat a team with seemingly superior individual affinities?
The most common explanation circulating among the students was that Atlas, with his solid
B-tier water affinity, had single-handedly carried the team. Whispers of his exceptional talent
and his unfortunate association with weaker elementalists became prevalent. Lyra's subtle but
effective earth manipulation and Zephyr's unpredictable bursts of wind were largely overlooked,
their contributions overshadowed by the perceived dominance of Atlas's water abilities.
Nat overheard these comments, the familiar sting of being underestimated still present. While
he was grateful for his friends' abilities, the implication that he was merely a burden being
carried by Atlas grated on him. He knew the truth – their victory was a result of their combined
efforts, their strategic thinking, and the subtle ways in which his own improving control had
contributed, even if it wasn't through raw power.
However, within their small team, a different narrative unfolded. Lyra, Zephyr, and Atlas had
witnessed Nat's relentless training, the almost imperceptible but steady improvements in his
elemental control, and the strategic insights he often provided during their practice sessions.
They had seen the system notifications flickering in his periphery during their training, the silent
testament to his hidden growth. They understood that while his affinity was still weak by
conventional standards, his determination and his unique way of utilizing his abilities were
crucial to their unexpected success.
During their post-match debrief, as they discussed their strategies for the next round, Lyra
placed a comforting hand on Nat's shoulder. "Don't listen to them, Nat," she said quietly, her
gaze sincere. "We know what you contributed. We wouldn't have won without you."
Zephyr clapped him on the back with more enthusiasm. "Yeah! You totally threw off that lightning
guy! That was brilliant
Atlas, in his usual understated way, simply nodded. "Your control is improving." It was high
praise coming from him.
Their unwavering support was a balm to Nat's spirit. He realized that their bond had deepened
beyond mere teamwork. They were friends, allies who saw past his weak affinity and recognized
his efforts and his potential. Their loyalty was a powerful motivator, strengthening his resolve to
continue pushing his limits.
As they prepared for the next round, the scrutiny on their team intensified. Opponents began to
analyze their previous match, trying to identify their weaknesses. Many still focused on Nat as
the obvious liability, assuming that neutralizing Atlas would guarantee their victory. They failed to
see the subtle synergy between the four of them, the way their seemingly disparate abilities
complemented each other.
Nat knew that the road ahead would be even more challenging. Their initial surprise advantage
was gone. Opponents would be more prepared, more determined to exploit their perceived
weaknesses. But he also knew that he wasn't facing this challenge alone. He had his friends,
their unwavering support, and the silent, persistent growth fueled by the Elemental Evolution
System. The whispers of doubt from the outside only served to strengthen the bonds of loyalty
within their unlikely team, forging them into a unit that was far more than the sum of its
seemingly weak parts. The truth of Nat's hidden potential remained unspoken to the wider
academy, a secret weapon waiting for the right moment to be revealed.