The sun dipped low behind the towers of Celestial Academy. The courtyard was mostly empty now, the bustle of classes replaced by quiet shadows and the hum of residual energy from the afternoon drills.
Damon walked with Lira and Will, alert but relaxed. Crimson eyes scanned the environment constantly, subtle changes in energy flow already triggering system alerts.
[System Alert: Unknown Observer Detected — Low Probability Contact Initiated]
High above, perched on a rooftop with perfect vantage over the courtyard, a girl observed.
She was beautiful and strong, her presence commanding without a word. Long silver hair glimmered in the setting sun, and her eyes—sharp and calculating—missed nothing.
Her aura radiated power: a combination of elite training, raw energy control, and noble lineage that whispered she was not someone to underestimate.
[System Alert: New Subject Detected — High Power Potential]
She had been sent by the mysterious observers—a covert agent meant to gauge Damon's abilities, his system, and his teamwork without revealing her full strength.
Her gaze lingered on Damon, analyzing his every step, movement, and subtle expression.
[Observation Target: Damon Vale]
[Objective: Assess, Report, Challenge if Necessary]
Will noticed the girl too—subtly, as Damon's system was already calculating probabilities for threats and angles.
"She's strong," Will muttered quietly to Lira. "And focused… like she knows exactly what she wants to see."
Lira's barrier pulsed lightly around them, more reflexive than conscious. "And… I think she's interested in him."
Will's dark eyes flickered with jealousy, a subtle tension in his stance. "Hmph. Noted."
Damon, unaware of the silent exchange between Will and Lira, continued walking, system now analyzing the new energy patterns above.
[System Advisory: Unknown high-level observer detected. Likely to test trio. Prepare for engagement.]
The girl moved with unmatched grace, descending silently along the rooftops. Each step, each shift of her weight, minimized energy spikes. Her objective: observe, assess, and trigger.
Damon's system flared:
[Threat Assessment: High — Female combatant detected. Energy readings exceed average elite student.]
[Probability of Solo Challenge: Medium-High]
He signaled Will and Lira subtly. "Stay alert. Someone's coming. High-level."
Will's eyes narrowed. "Finally, someone worth noticing."
Lira's energy shimmered brighter. "She's strong… and precise."
The girl landed gracefully on the edge of the courtyard, almost invisible to anyone else, her presence radiating power and intent.
[System Advisory: Covert agent confirmed — prepare defensive and offensive synergy. Team coordination optimal.]
Her gaze met Damon's for a brief moment. He could feel it—not through sight, but through the system's detection of her intent, focus, and power.
[Prediction: Test engagement imminent. Recommend monitoring, minimal exposure.]
Will's hand brushed lightly against Lira's shoulder—not aggressive, but possessive. "Don't let her distract you," he muttered under his breath.
Lira's eyes softened, her shield pulsing faintly around them in response. "We're fine. Together."
The beautiful, powerful girl smiled faintly—a challenge, a test, and curiosity all wrapped into one.
Damon's system reacted instantly, calculating threat vectors, predicting attacks, and syncing the trio's coordination.
The game had begun.