Kael moved through the crowded arena, heart still racing from the earlier chaos. The loudspeaker echoed overhead, clear and commanding:
"Team battles begin. Fifteen groups have been chosen. Only five will advance. Prepare yourselves."
He scanned the marked waiting zones and spotted the 11th group already assembled. Two figures stood there — twins, a boy and a girl, their posture calm and confident.
Kael accidentally bumped into the girl.
"Whoa, sorry!" he said quickly.
Luna crossed her arms, shooting him a sharp look.
"Watch where you're going."
Olin chuckled, stepping forward with an easy grin.
"You're Kael Myrrin, right? Looks like the three of us were chosen together."
Kael raised an eyebrow.
"Chosen? So this isn't one of those 'pick your own team' deals?"
Luna smirked.
"Nope. The monarchs picked the groups. We're stuck with each other."
Kael studied them for a moment.
"Let me guess — fire and ice?"
Olin laughed.
"Telekinesis and mind reading, actually. Mind powers, not elements."
Kael blinked.
"Mind reading? That's… kind of wild."
Luna's eyes narrowed playfully.
"Useful, but don't expect us to go easy on you."
Kael grinned, cracking his knuckles.
"Wouldn't want it any other way."
Luna took a deep breath, scanning the arena's chaotic battlefield ahead.
"Alright, listen up! Split up — Olin, you take the rear. Kael, stick close. I'm leading the front. Move fast and stay sharp."
Kael's gaze hardened, nodding.
"Got it."
Olin grinned, readying himself.
"Let's do this."
High above, in the watchtower, Zara Electra and Rael observed the battlefield through high-powered scopes.
Zara's eyes flickered with interest.
"There's Myrrin. Still reckless, but there's something clever about him."
Rael shook his head.
"A nuisance, at best. A troublemaker who could endanger everything."
Luna's team moved forward, weaving through chaos.
Voices shouted orders and powers clashed across the arena. Groups barked commands, strategizing as chaos erupted around them.
"Group 3, flank right! Use the wind currents to push them off balance!"
"Trap's set on the east side—wait for the signal!"
Nearby, fireballs met earth spikes, rock shattering as combatants struck fiercely.
A fighter with electric blades darted through shadows, lightning crackling with each swift strike.
From the west, a cyclone ripped through, scattering flames and sending opponents scrambling.
Luna's sharp voice cut through the noise.
"Olin, cover the rear! Watch for traps! Kael, stay close and ready."
Olin scanned the shadows, tense but calm.
"Got your back."
Kael's eyes darted, searching for openings.
"Let's use their distractions. When they focus on others, we strike."
Zara's lips curled slightly.
"Watch how he adapts. Not bad for a commoner."
Rael's tone was colder.
"Still too unpredictable. Could cost them."
Kael spotted a faint shimmer near a broken pillar.
"Trap."
Luna barely flinched.
"Good eye. We'll turn it against them."
Olin smiled, stepping forward.
"Nothing sneaks past us."
Working as one, they maneuvered their enemies into their own traps, shifting the battle in their favor.
Suddenly, an explosion shook the ground nearby. Debris flew, and a blast of fire nearly caught Kael off guard.
"Watch out!" Olin shouted, shoving Kael aside just in time.
Zara's eyes narrowed.
"He's lucky this time."
Rael folded his arms, watching closely.
"Luck won't last forever."
Luna's voice rang out, commanding.
"Regroup! No one gets left behind!"
Kael scrambled back to Luna's side, adrenaline surging.
"That was too close."
Olin laughed, brushing dust off his jacket.
"Close calls keep you alive."
The arena buzzed with chaos — distant shouts, crashing powers, and relentless combat.
A whirlwind tore through, scattering fighters, as fireballs lit the sky.
Luna's group tightened formation, moving with renewed focus.
"Last push! Eyes open!"
The buzzer sounded, signaling the end of the round.
Luna exhaled sharply.
"Finally… time to breathe."
Kael sank to one knee, chest heaving.
"We made it."
Olin wiped sweat from his brow, grinning wide.
"Final five. Not bad for the 11th group."
The final five groups gathered their strength, the arena's chaos growing fiercer by the minute. Kael, Luna, and Olin caught their breaths, eyes sharp for the next wave of combat.
Luna's voice cut through the noise again, calm but commanding:
"Keep your guard up. We don't know what the others will try next."
Olin nodded, flexing his fingers as telekinetic energy flickered around his hands.
"I'm ready."
Kael cracked a grin.
"Let's make this interesting."
From the shadows, another group surged forward — their leader a towering figure wielding earth powers, slamming the ground with brutal force. Rocks erupted around them, shaking the battlefield.
"Brace yourselves!" Luna warned, stepping in front.
Olin sent a wave of telekinetic force, knocking several attackers off balance.
"Got your back!"
Kael darted between foes, dodging attacks and setting traps with quick thinking and surprising agility.
High above, Zara watched with interest, her eyes sharp.
"The twins… their mental link is impressive. Luna's strategy is precise, and Olin's control over telekinesis makes them deadly together."
Rael grunted.
"Rare to see such synchronization. If they keep this up, they might just make it far."
A sudden clash erupted nearby as a group wielding fire powers launched a barrage of flames toward a wind-elemental team. Sparks flew and the air crackled with tension.
Luna's voice came again:
"Kael, flank left! Olin, cover me!"
Kael nodded, slipping through the chaos with quick reflexes.
"This is starting to feel like a real fight."
Olin extended his arms, deflecting a fireball with a telekinetic shield.
"Stay sharp!"
Zara's lips curled into a smirk.
"Kael's unpredictability paired with the twins' precision—an unlikely but effective combo."
Rael eyed the battlefield warily.
"They're pushing their limits. But one mistake, and it could all fall apart."
Kael caught Luna's eye and nodded. They moved as one, cornering an opponent who underestimated their teamwork. Olin's telekinetic grip held the enemy still, and Luna delivered the final strike.
Breathing hard, Luna commanded,
"Good. Keep this momentum. We're close."
As the buzzer sounded again, signaling the end of the round, Luna's group remained standing among the scattered fighters.
Kael wiped sweat from his brow.
"We're still in this."
Olin grinned, energized.
"Final five means things just got serious."
Zara turned to Rael with a gleam in her eyes.
"They're more than just troublemakers. Luna and Olin's bond—unbreakable. And Kael? He's something else entirely."
Rael nodded slowly.
"Watch them closely. This trio could change everything."
Zara's expression softened, a rare compliment slipping through.
"The twins have incredible synergy—mind reading and telekinesis in perfect harmony. It's impressive."
Rael's voice was low, warning.
"If Kael stays on our side, he could be an asset. If not, he'll be the spark that burns the kingdom down."
Luna folded her arms, a rare smile breaking through her usual stern demeanor.
"We work well together. That's what matters."
Kael smiled back, feeling a spark of hope.
"For once, maybe I'm in the right place."
The arena buzzed with anticipation as the next round loomed — the war just beginning, and the fate of many resting on these few.