The academy grounds were buzzing, students clustered in groups, eyes fixed on the scoreboard. Eclipse Faction's 1,122 kills had not only earned them 3rd place, surpassing the Wind Faction, but had shaken the confidence of many seasoned students.
The Wind Faction's leader, a tall, sharp-eyed boy with a streak of silver in his hair, slammed his fist against the table in frustration. "What? How did a three-person team—those worms—beat us?!" His voice echoed across the training hall, drawing shocked glances from his peers.
His subordinates, equally outraged, muttered among themselves. "They're just kids… we've trained longer, fought harder!"
"And that girl—she's insane! Heat Spatial Magic and actual control?" another exclaimed, fists clenched.
The silver-haired leader's eyes burned with fury. "This isn't over. They may have third place today, but next time? We'll crush them. They're not ready to face the full might of the Wind Faction!"
Meanwhile, Eclipse Faction stood quietly near the scoreboard. Kairo's crimson eyes scanned the crowd, noting the anger and surprise radiating from the Wind Faction. Riven smirked, clearly enjoying the tension, while Lily's fire flickered faintly, reflecting her confidence.
Sukai, still standing protectively near Lily, crossed his arms. "They're mad," he muttered, glancing at the scoreboard. "Good. Let them be."
The whispers didn't stop with the Wind Faction. Other factions watched closely, taking mental notes of Eclipse Faction's teamwork, Lily's Heat Spatial Magic, and Kairo's bone techniques. Even the Ice and Earth Factions began exchanging glances, realizing that this new trio could upset the established hierarchy.
"They've got potential… too much potential," one Earth Faction student said quietly. "If they keep improving at this rate, they'll be a real threat."
The silver-haired Wind leader narrowed his eyes at the distant figures of Kairo, Riven, and Lily. "Mark my words… those worms won't get away with embarrassing us again."
And so, the seeds of rivalry were sown. Eclipse Faction's rise had not gone unnoticed, and while some were impressed, others were boiling with anger and determination. The academy had just become far more unpredictable.