The sun hung low over Celestial Academy, casting long shadows across the courtyard. The events of the day still buzzed in the air—the trio's display in combat had not gone unnoticed.
In a secluded corner of the academy grounds, a group of elite students huddled together. Their faces were sharp, calculating, filled with jealousy and unease.
"That Unclassified one… he's already matching us in tactics," hissed a tall, silver-haired student.
"And with Arden backing him? That's a disaster waiting to happen," another whispered.
They drew diagrams of the courtyard, marking where the trio had fought. They discussed ambushes, social manipulation, and ways to undermine Damon's reputation.
"We'll need to split them," the leader concluded. "Force the untested to act alone. Without Arden, he's just another student."
The plotting was precise, strategic—just enough to make the trio a target, but subtle enough to avoid immediate academy punishment.
Later, Damon sat quietly in the dorm courtyard, analyzing the events. The system pulsed suddenly—warm, alert, alive.
[New Feature Unlocked — Predictive Combat Suite: ACTIVE]
[Conditions: Real Combat Experience + Team Coordination > Threshold]
A translucent interface appeared, showing movement trajectories, probability outcomes, and optimized strike sequences in real time. Damon's mind felt lighter, faster—he could see openings before they happened, predict attacks, and adapt instantly.
He tested it subtly, tossing a small pebble toward a target. The system highlighted optimal angles, force, and trajectory, adjusting in real time.
[System Advisory: Full-Scale Combat Mode Recommended — Team Integration Max]
Lira approached, eyes curious. "You're… glowing again."
Will smirked from the side. "Better get used to it. That thing of yours just upgraded itself again."
Damon's crimson eyes met theirs. "We're not just surviving anymore. We're learning faster than they expect."
The next morning, rumors had spread across the academy. Whispers of elite students plotting, combined with fear of the trio's growing synergy, reached the administration.
That afternoon, an official notice arrived: "Will Arden has requested a private audience with the academy council regarding student conflicts."
Students watched with a mix of awe and fear. Will's expression remained calm, unshaken, as he entered the council chambers with Damon and Lira quietly following.
Inside, council members murmured—some approving, others anxious. Will spoke smoothly, commanding respect:
"My associates and I have demonstrated effective teamwork under duress. Any interference or political manipulation targeting them will be met with… consequences."
A single nod from Will's advisor seated behind him reinforced the weight of his words. Even the highest-ranking students in the council felt it—the Arden name carried authority that couldn't be ignored.
Damon's system noted it instantly.
[External Threat Probability — Temporarily Neutralized]
[Political Influence — High]
[Team Support — Optimized]
Lira whispered, impressed. "Your family… really does protect you."
Will smirked faintly. "Not just me. Us. That's why we work together."
Damon looked at them both, crimson eyes bright. Together, we're stronger than anyone expects.
The courtyard outside buzzed again with rumors, but the trio walked back with steady steps.
They had faced a social, political, and combat challenge and survived. Damon's system had adapted. Will's family had intervened. Lira had held the battlefield together.
[Team Dynamics — Solidified]
[System Growth Rate — Accelerated]
[External Observation — Watchers Noted]
High above, the man in the visor watched silently. His fingers tapped the console.
"So, they survive… and grow stronger together."
"Yes," a subordinate replied. "But how long before one misstep fractures them?"
The watcher's visor glowed faintly. Damon Vale's name and system were firmly etched in his log.
Below, the trio walked on—unified, aware, and unstoppable for now.