The next morning, the Teachers were surprised to find the trio already waiting for them, slumped in their chairs, a heavy silence of tension hanging between them.
The Teachers raised their eyebrows and greeted the trio, receiving only lukewarm responses.
"So, what's going on here?" Zera asked, eyeing each of them appraisingly.
"We're in time-out until tomorrow, thanks to someone," Bane sighed, shooting a glare at Er from the corner of his eye.
Er muttered something only Yi and Bane understood, earning scowls from both of them.
"Ah, this wouldn't be the aftermath of your bathing pool battle yesterday, would it?" Azazel grinned widely.
The trio sagged further.
The Teachers chuckled and shook their heads in amusement before ushering the trio into the arena.
They made their way to the control room, and Azazel briefed them before starting things off: "Alright, brighten up! It's time for the most anticipated part of training: Combined drills. Start with the basics, and once you master those, move on."
"Word of advice: Let your body follow its own rhythm. Don't force it to move a certain way. Ready?!"
After a moment of steeling themselves, the trio nodded. Azazel counted them in, "Gravity field engaging, magnifier activated, interferences online—START!"
For a while, the trio just stood there, then gradually closed their eyes and began moving, letting their bodies flow through every basic drill, as if searching for a natural rhythm.
Within an hour, they had each found a pattern and moved fluidly, blending the forms of each drill into a unified motion.
The Teachers watched with fascination as the trio each discovered and executed their distinct combined basic drill form in less than an hour.
Yi's movements became cold, chaotic, unpredictable, and commanding; Er's were wild and raw—chaos incarnate—while Bane's style was fast, methodical, precise, and stealthy.
—
Zera (peering through the glass): Would you look at that? They really do look wilted.
Azazel (grinning): I'm amazed they're even upright after yesterday. You'd think a time-out would calm them, but they look ready to snap.
Beelzebub (raising an eyebrow): Feel that tension? Say one word and they'll probably fight again.
Zera: Let's hope the drills distract them. If not, I'm not cleaning up another mess.
Azazel: Look, they're starting. Wait for it…
Belial: Remember, don't interfere. We have to see if they can pull themselves together.
Azazel (with amusement): Watch Yi—there's that frosty focus again. Er looks ready to kick through the floor.
Zera: And Bane's got all that tight control and speed. It's odd, but their styles are meshing. Almost like they're—
Seraphina: —Learning from each other? Miracles happen.
Azazel: Give it a minute. If they keep this up, it could work. If not...back to square one.
Zera: Honestly, I didn't think they had it in them—a combined form, so soon?
Selene: Sometimes a bit of adversity speeds things up, even for this bunch.
—
Livestream Discussion: Combined Drills Training (Ages 9–25)
Ella, 10: OMG, what did they do in the bathing pool? Why are they in time-out?
Malik, 15: Probably fought again. Classic. But now they have to work together and do those weird drills.
Jasmine, 12: Look, they look sooo wilted. Did you see Yi just ignoring everyone?
Leila, 19: It's wild how their styles still mesh. Bane's all ninja, Yi's icy chaos, and Er is pure chaos. Love it.
Toby, 9 (newbie): Is that gravity thing real? Their training looks epic—like a video game level!
Nick, 22: I can feel the tension through the screen. Group projects IRL are like this.
Maya, 14: Azazel cracked me up. "Brighten up!" lol. Friend groups after an argument.
Riya, 25: Wish my Academy group could get over stuff that quickly. Selene's right—adversity really can make you stronger.
Jack, 17: It's inspiring. Even when you don't get along, you can still make something awesome if you focus.
Ella, 9 (newbie): Can we try those drills in P.E.?
Malik, 15: Only if we get names as cool as theirs.
Jasmine, 12: Still dying to know what happened in that pool...
—
Just before lunchtime, the trio managed to master their individual combined basic drills. The arena powered down, and they left for lunch with the Teachers—less wilted now, though the tension lingered.
The trio ate in silence, ignoring each other. When the Teachers tried to draw them into conversation, each responded politely but avoided speaking to the others, treating them as if they weren't there.
After their awkward lunch, they returned to the arena and tackled the combined advanced drills the same way they had tackled the basics—slowly at first, then with growing proficiency.
The Teachers exchanged bemused looks, hoping the trio would be back to normal tomorrow. The cold war between them was unsettling, to say the least.
By the end of the day, the trio had mastered the combined advanced drills as well.
After thanking the Teachers for their time, the trio left, bickering quietly among themselves.
The Teachers hoped they wouldn't fight again; another day of this cold war would be hard on their nerves.
—
Livestream Discussion: Combined Drills Training (Ages 9–25)
Ava, 9: Did anyone else see Er almost fall over during that gravity drill?
Marcus, 18: They're so tense… It's like a group project where everyone's just finished fighting. Poor Teachers.
Sami, 13: Still want to know what happened in the bathing pool! Why are they ignoring each other?
Maisie, 12: But they're crushing those drills. Er = energy, Yi = blizzard, Bane's moves are razor sharp.
Jay, 9 (newbie): Gravity field training looks awesome. Tech is next level—do we ever get to try that magnifier?
Carmen, 16: Never seen Yi this frosty. Their merging, yet distinct styles are pretty impressive, honestly.
Linus, 15: It's awkward, but also cool—they can still work together. Teamwork goals after drama!
Zoe, 11: My friend group would just sulk for a week. They're actually doing the drills!
Ava, 9: Anyone else want to try these in P.T.?
Sami, 13: Only if we get code names. I call "chaos incarnate."
Marcus, 18: Respect for the Teachers not stepping in. Watching them figure it out is kind of inspiring.
Jay, 21: For real. Even if they're not friends right now, they're nailing those moves. I wonder if they'll ever talk to each other again after this!
—
Livestream Q&A: Welcome Session with Headmistress Lilith
Special Invitation: For All Newly Summoned Students
Headmistress Lilith (beaming on camera): Welcome, everyone—both seasoned students and brand-new arrivals. I know some of you tuned in to our drills livestream and have questions about what you saw. Don't be shy! Ask away—I'm here to clarify anything about your journey, your classmates, and the meaning behind today's training. Let's begin.
Questions from the New Students:
Harper, 9: "Why did everyone look so tense? Did something happen before training?"
Headmistress Lilith: "Sharp eyes, Harper! The trio you saw—Yi, Er, and Bane—are currently in time-out until tomorrow because they had a bathing pool battle in their Dorm yesterday. This is the punishment their Mammys gave them."
"For these three, time-out means no Mammy-made snacks or drinks, which is why they're feeling wilted and are ignoring each other. Each is blaming the others for their predicament. What matters is that they keep working together, even when emotions run high. It's a lesson in resilience and teamwork."
Soren, 13: "Who is Chaos? And why does everyone seem nervous around the three of them?"
Headmistress Lilith: "Ah, 'Chaos' is the name Yi and Er go by when merged. Yi and Er are Twin Demons who have Awakened and can fuse into one being called Chaos. When separated, we use their individual designations, and when merged, we say Chaos. Everyone is careful around them because they're unpredictable. Plus, Bane is Chaos's Mate, so the trio tends to be very protective of each other."
Amara, 10: "Bane moves so quietly and quickly! Is that a special skill?"
Headmistress Lilith: "Absolutely, Amara. Bane is known for fast, precise, and stealthy movements and even has a Talent for it. Some students focus on speed, others on strength, and some—like Bane—excel in discipline and control. You'll discover your own strengths as you train."
Theo, 12: "Is it normal for teams not to talk to each other? It felt really awkward."
Headmistress Lilith: "It can happen, especially after arguments. What's important is that teams still practice together. Often, you'll find your rhythm again with time. The trio still performed advanced drills brilliantly, showing that teamwork isn't about always being best friends—it's about having each other's backs."
Lila, 9: "Was that gravity thing real? It looked so cool!"
Headmistress Lilith: "Very real, Lila! Our training chambers and arenas simulate gravity changes to challenge your physical and mental limits. You'll get to train in one, too, once you've mastered the basics."
Eren, 14: "Why did Yi act so frosty? Do they always ignore their teammates?"
Headmistress Lilith: "Yi is currently distant because of the time-out. But in combat, Yi is the trio's commander, analysing terrain, enemy layout, and team placement in real-time. Focus is a skill—and sometimes channelling emotions into training leads to impressive performance."
Rosie, 10: "Can we get nicknames too?"
Headmistress Lilith: "Of course! Nicknames are part of the fun. When your Talent Awakens, Tian Dao will usually assign you one too."
Headmistress Lilith (smiling warmly): "Every group faces challenges—whether it's a heated pool argument or conquering a new drill. The lesson, as you saw, is to keep showing up and growing stronger together. Any more questions, or are you all eager to try the gravity drills yourselves? If so, be sure to master your basics first—as you progress, you'll get a chance to try them out!"
—
The trio arrived home and slumped separately on the sofas in the library, silent tension thick in the air.
Morgana and Morgranna exchanged glances before whispering together.
"Sister, maybe we should end the time-out early? I've received messages from the Teachers—they said the trio looked wilted all day. Just look at them—they're in complete disharmony!" Morgana began, concern edging her voice.
"They need to learn that actions have consequences. This is the price for the chaos they caused yesterday," Morgranna replied, her tone stern.
"I understand that, but maybe it's enough. Have you seen them? They look ready to tear each other apart," Morgana countered.
Morgranna's lips tightened as she weighed this, her cool gaze fixed on the trio. "They chose to break the rules. Letting them off early would undermine everything."
Morgana looked at the sullen faces—wrung out, bitter, and avoiding eye contact. "But if this goes on, they might stop trusting us to be fair."
For a moment, only the ticking clock disturbed the silence. Then Er stifled a sniffle.
Morgranna's expression softened, just slightly. "Fine. Let's see if they're ready." She strode to the centre of the room, hands clasped.
"Yi. Er. Bane," she called quietly. "Come here."
Slowly, the trio dragged themselves over, still refusing to look at each other.
Morgranna met each of their eyes. "Would you like to explain what you've learned from all this?"
Yi stared at his feet. "Don't get into pointless fights."
Bane shrugged. "It wasn't just the fight. We lost control. Made a mess for everyone."
Er muttered, "Now we're all mad at each other. It's stupid."
Morgana bent over to their level, her manner softer than Morgranna's. "So? Do you need more time to sulk, or are you ready to fix this—together?"
An awkward pause stretched before Yi looked at the others. "Can we just...move on? Please?"
Bane nodded weakly. Er scuffed the floor and grumbled, "Yeah, alright."
Morgranna straightened. "That's the first sensible thing I've heard all day. Time-out's over—on one condition: clear the air before bedtime. No pretending, understood?"
The trio mumbled their agreement, visibly relieved.
Morgana smiled at her sister. "See? Fairness and consequences."
As the trio shuffled away, still prickly but already plotting a reluctant truce, Morgana and Morgranna exchanged a rare, satisfied smile.
Morgranna went to make them hot chocolate, while Morgana kept an eye on the trio as they talked things through.
The trio reached an agreement: pranks and wrestling would still be allowed, but not to the extent that they would cause trouble for the Mammys or lead to another time-out.
Just then, Morgranna returned with a pot of hot chocolate and the cups, placing them in front of the trio. Each thanked her, quickly pouring themselves a cup before taking a sip and letting out a long sigh of bliss, shoulders relaxing.
Yeah. They were NOT going to risk another time-out over infighting. If they ever ended up in trouble again, it would have to be for a damn good reason.