Despite their continued success, the whispers of doubt surrounding Nat's contribution persisted,
particularly from those who hadn't witnessed their matches firsthand. The narrative that Atlas
was single-handedly carrying a team of underlings remained the dominant one. Even some of
the instructors privately expressed concerns about the long-term viability of a team with such a
significant disparity in elemental tiers.
These external doubts, however, only served to further solidify the bond within Nat's team. Lyra,
Zephyr, and Atlas had now fought alongside Nat through two challenging rounds. They had
seen his strategic thinking, his improving control, and the crucial, albeit often subtle,
contributions he made to their victories. They knew the truth of their dynamic, the intricate web
of support and synergy that allowed them to overcome opponents with greater individual power.
One evening, as they were reviewing their performance, Nat voiced his frustration with the
persistent rumors. "It's like they don't even see what the three of you are doing," he said, his
voice tinged with annoyance. "It's always just about Atlas."
Lyra looked at him with understanding. "People see what they expect to see, Nat. A B-tier
elementalist carrying weaker ones is a more convenient story than a team of seemingly
mismatched individuals working together effectively."
Zephyr, ever the pragmatist, shrugged. "Let them think what they want. It just means they'll
underestimate us even more in the future."
Atlas, surprisingly, offered a more personal perspective. "Their opinions are irrelevant. Our
results speak for themselves. Your contributions are valuable, Nat. We know that." His quiet
affirmation carried significant weight.
Their unwavering belief in him was a powerful antidote to the external doubts. Nat realized that
he no longer needed the validation of the wider academy. The trust and respect of his friends
were far more meaningful. He focused his energy on continuing his training, driven by a desire
to not only prove the doubters wrong but also to become a more valuable asset to his team.
He delved deeper into the system's capabilities, experimenting with the skills he had unlocked
and diligently completing his daily quests to earn experience and level up. His 'Focused Flame'
was becoming more potent and easier to control. He also unlocked a new skill called 'Heat
Sense,' which allowed him to perceive subtle changes in temperature in his surroundings, giving
him a rudimentary form of environmental awareness.
During their training sessions, his friends actively sought ways to incorporate his improving
abilities into their strategies. Lyra would create earth formations that channeled Nat's focused
flames into concentrated beams. Zephyr would use gusts of wind to amplify the reach and
intensity of his fire. Atlas would create water vapor that Nat could then superheat, creating
disorienting clouds of steam. Their teamwork evolved beyond simply covering weaknesses to
actively amplifying each other's strengths.
The seeds of doubt sown by the academy's assumptions were being steadily overshadowed by
the blossoming trust and mutual respect within their team. They were no longer just a collection of misfits; they were a unit, bound by shared experience and a growing belief in their collective
potential.