The courtyard had barely calmed when the cloaked figure reappeared—faster, angrier, targeting Lira directly.
Energy blurred in the air, the strike aimed straight at her.
"Lira!" Damon shouted, moving instinctively—but the system already anticipated the attack.
Before he could react fully, a figure appeared from above—a shadow leaping across platforms with impossible speed.
The system blinked, registering new data:
[Unknown Ally Detected — Threat Mitigation: Positive]
[Hidden Mode Level-Up: Recommended]
The figure landed in front of Lira just as the strike reached her. Energy collided with him, but he absorbed it.
Lira gasped.
The boy was tall, broad-shouldered, and impeccably built, muscles toned but lean. His jet-black hair fell slightly over his forehead, dark eyes sharp and alert, piercing through the chaos. His face was striking—handsome in a way that made him stand out immediately, even in a crowd of powered students.
[First Impressions — Will: Charismatic, Protective, Skilled]
He gritted his jaw, energy sparks dancing across his forearm. "Step back," he said calmly, voice steady. Even under attack, he radiated control.
The cloaked figure hissed and struck again. Will blocked with a fluid motion, absorbing the force. Sparks flew, metal screeched, and his muscles flexed with every move, precise, inhumanly efficient.
Seeing Lira safe—but threatened—Damon felt the system surge.
[Hidden Mode Level 3: Combat Acceleration + Predictive Assault Activated]
[Neural Output: Maximum Optimization — Offensive + Defensive Integration]
[Threat Density Exceeded: External Lethal Target]
His vision sharpened. Every movement of the cloaked figure, every micro-adjustment, every incoming strike—predicted instantly. Not just reaction—anticipation.
Damon moved. Not just faster, but smarter. The system suggested angles, weak points, and timing, pushing his body beyond natural limits.
[System Suggestion: Strike Coordination with Will]
Will glanced at Damon. Understanding flashed in his dark eyes. Without a word, he nodded.
They moved together—Damon predicting and striking, Will intercepting and defending. The cloaked figure staggered under the combined precision and power.
Lira stepped back, energy flickering faintly around her, relief and awe on her face.
"Who… who is he?" she whispered, looking at Will.
Will's gaze softened toward her for a moment. "I'm Will. Let's just say… I don't let people get hurt under my watch."
The cloaked figure hissed, clearly recognizing the new threat. They struck faster, multiple attacks at once, testing the duo. Damon's system adapted instantly, calculating trajectories, strike weaknesses, and team coordination with Will.
[Hidden Mode Level 3 Evolution: Team Combat Protocol Applied]
[Adaptive Offensive Matrix: Engaged]
Damon moved in tandem with Will, every strike precise, every dodge calculated. For the first time, the system revealed cooperative strategies, not just individual enhancements.
The cloaked figure faltered—then vanished into the shadows, leaving a faint distortion in the air.
[External Threat: Temporary Retreat]
[System Note: Future Engagement Expected]
Lira exhaled, trembling but unharmed. Damon's crimson eyes met hers, a faint nod acknowledging her safety. Will's dark eyes met Damon's—mutual recognition passing silently.
Damon's system whispered:
[Team Coordination — Record Successful]
[Hidden Mode Potential: Level 4 Available if Threat Persists]
The three stood in the courtyard. Damon's frail skin was slick with sweat, crimson eyes sharp. Lira's energy flickered faintly around her. Will's presence radiated strength and confidence, protective and unshakable.
They knew this wasn't over. The external watcher—or whoever had sent the cloaked figure—was still out there.
[New Objective Updated: Identify External Threat, Protect Team, Survive Exam]
For the first time, Damon realized the exam had become a battlefield that required more than just ability—it demanded strategy, allies, and evolution.