The loss to Seraphina's team marked the end of their run in the preliminary rounds of the
tournament. While they didn't advance to the main bracket, their performance had been far from
disappointing. They had defied expectations, winning two matches against seemingly stronger
opponents and pushing a top-tier team to their limits.
The whispers surrounding Nat and his team had changed once again. The initial derision had
given way to surprise, then intrigue, and now, a grudging respect. While some still attributed
their success primarily to Atlas, a growing number of students had witnessed their teamwork
and the subtle but crucial contributions of Lyra and Zephyr. Nat, however, remained somewhat
of an enigma. His moments of unexpected effectiveness, like the disruption of Seraphina's
whirlwind, were often dismissed as lucky coincidences.
Within their small circle, however, the truth was known and understood. Lyra, Zephyr, and Atlas
had witnessed Nat's consistent progress, the subtle but significant improvements in his
elemental control and his strategic thinking. They had seen the system notifications that flashed
in his periphery, the silent indicators of his hidden growth. They knew that his contributions were
not mere luck but the result of relentless effort and a unique synergy with their own abilities.
After their final match, as they sat together in their usual training room, a quiet sense of
camaraderie filled the air. There was no bitterness about the loss, only a shared understanding
of how far they had come.
"We did well," Lyra said softly, breaking the silence. "No one expected us to make it that far."
Zephyr nodded in agreement. "We definitely shook things up. I saw some of those arrogant
upperclassmen actually looking impressed."
Atlas offered a rare smile. "We fought as a team."
Nat felt a warmth spread through his chest. The validation of his friends was more meaningful
than any accolades from the academy. He knew that they saw him, truly saw him, beyond the
limitations of his F+ affinity.
"Thank you," Nat said, his voice sincere. "For believing in me, even when no one else did."
Lyra squeezed his hand. "We're a team, Nat. We believe in all of us."
Zephyr clapped him on the back. "Besides, you almost took down Seraphina's whirlwind! That
was insane!"
Atlas simply nodded, his gaze conveying a quiet affirmation.
In the days that followed, as the main tournament bracket began, Nat and his team remained
close. They watched the matches together, analyzing the strategies of the remaining teams and
continuing their own training. The experience of the tournament had forged an unbreakable
bond between them. They had faced ridicule, defied expectations, and discovered a strength in
their unity that none of them had possessed individually.
While the wider academy might still misunderstand the true dynamic of their team, the only
opinions that truly mattered were those of the three friends who stood beside Nat. They knew
his worth, they had witnessed his growth, and their unwavering loyalty was a testament to the
strength of their unlikely alliance. The weight of the academy's assumptions held no sway
against the solid foundation of their shared experience and their unspoken understanding. The truth of Nat's potential, though still largely hidden, was known and cherished by those who
mattered most.