The afternoon sun cast long shadows across Celestial Academy's courtyard. The trio had just left the special training hall, their synergy tighter than ever after unlocking Damon's hidden training feature.
Damon scanned the area with his system. Crimson eyes flicked over the crowds, subtle shifts, hidden stances, energy fluctuations.
[System Alert: Unknown Threat — High Probability]
"Something's coming," Damon murmured.
Lira's energy barrier shimmered faintly around them. "I feel it too… they're approaching fast."
Will's jaw tightened. "Stay sharp. Whoever it is, they're testing us."
Without warning, three students with elite enhancements struck from different directions:
One with blinding speed, closing in from the left.
One with brute strength, charging straight ahead.
One with an energy-manipulation ability, firing precise strikes from above.
The courtyard erupted. Students scattered. The trio moved as one.
[System Update: Combat Mode — Active]
[Team Tactical Coordination: Maximum]
Damon predicted each strike before it landed, redirecting attacks with minimal movement.
Will intercepted the speedster, his strikes precise, protecting both Damon and Lira.
Lira's energy barriers flowed seamlessly, redirecting attacks and manipulating the battlefield, forcing the attackers into a corner.
Amid the chaos, Damon's system highlighted subtle micro-expressions:
[Observation: Will Arden → Lira Vayne — Emotional Focus Intensified Under Stress]
Will instinctively moved closer to shield Lira from a high-speed strike, his body angled protectively. Lira's energy barrier flared brightly as she met his gaze, a blush rising despite the fight.
Damon noted it silently. Interesting… emotional bonds can influence team efficiency.
The system subtly enhanced predictive calculations, integrating emotional synergy into combat output.
[Trio Synergy Index: Optimal — Emotional + Tactical Integration Active]
With every coordinated movement, the attackers' assaults grew less effective.
Meanwhile, high above the city, in a dimly lit, futuristic control room, the same visored man monitored multiple holographic feeds of the academy. Around him were two others, equally enigmatic.
"The Unclassified student is evolving faster than anticipated," one of them said, voice low and tense.
"He's synchronizing with the noble heir and the manipulator," another added. "His system is active, and the trio's cohesion is exceptional. Do we intervene?"
The visored man tapped a console. "Not yet. Observation continues. But if he surpasses a certain threshold…"
He paused, gaze fixed on Damon's combat feed.
"…we decide. Containment, recruitment, or termination. No mistakes this time."
[Observation Priority: Damon Vale — Maximum]
[Directive: Prepare Options — Immediate Activation Possible]
Back at the courtyard, the rival team finally hesitated, realizing they were outmatched. The trio stood victorious—slightly bruised, energy pulses lingering, hearts racing.
Will exhaled, eyes still on Lira. "You're incredible. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise."
Lira's cheeks flushed, voice soft: "Thanks… you too."
Damon watched both of them, system recording every micro-expression, every coordination, and every reaction.
[Team Tactical & Emotional Integration — Confirmed]
[External Threat: Observers Monitoring — Unknown Intent]
The courtyard had returned to calm, but high above, the watchers debated the fate of the Unclassified student. Damon's journey was far from over.