Training grounds were quiet now, the day's hunts concluded, the scoreboard still glowing with Eclipse Faction's 1,122 kills. Students trickled back to their quarters, instructors marking results, and whispers of the trio's rise rippled across the academy.
In the Earth Faction's strategy hall, leaders and senior students pored over reports of the hunt. Charts showed Eclipse Faction's movements, kill efficiency, and combat techniques.
"They're fast, coordinated… and their individual skills are exceptional," one Earth strategist muttered. "We can't underestimate them. The girl with Heat Spatial Magic—she's more than just a support; she controls the battlefield."
"Agreed," said the Earth Faction leader, a tall woman with piercing green eyes. "Our approach will be to isolate their members. Target the individuals rather than the whole team. Hit Riven and Lily first, disrupt their coordination. That's where they're weakest."
Meanwhile, in the Ice Faction's tower, advisors debated quietly. "They're strong, but we shouldn't commit fully," one senior said. "A partial engagement—a small, controlled assault—should test them. Gauge their limits. The rest of the faction can hold back; no need to overcommit."
"Fine," the Ice leader agreed reluctantly. "We'll let Earth take the lead. Our involvement will be limited to observation and interference if necessary. We don't want to risk our resources too early."
Back in the dorms, Eclipse Faction—Kairo, Riven, Lily, and Sukai—gathered after the day's training. The air was thick with anticipation.
"They'll try something," Sukai muttered, eyes narrowing. "The other factions won't just sit back after today."
Lily flexed her fingers, flames flickering faintly. "Let them come. I've got Heat Spatial Magic, and I'm not holding back anymore."
Kairo's crimson eyes swept the room, calm and calculating. "We adapt. We survive. We grow stronger."
Riven smirked, sheathing his sword. "Looks like our next challenge isn't the hunt… it's the politics of the academy. Let them send their pawns. We'll deal with them when they come."
Sukai sighed, shaking his head. "Just… keep your distance from unnecessary risks. Especially you two," he added, glancing at Riven and Lily.
And so, with training complete and a plan quietly brewing among their rivals, Eclipse Faction's rise had officially entered the academy's politics. Small cracks were forming in the established hierarchy, and the next confrontation—targeted, strategic, and testing the limits of the trio—was already on the horizon.