The academy courtyard was alive with chatter, laughter, and tension. Students moved between classes, forming groups based on strength, lineage, and alliances. Whispers about Damon, Lira, and Will followed them like shadows.
"Did you hear? Will Arden is walking with… that Unclassified one?"
"They say he's letting a newbie dictate moves now?"
"Unclassified? That's unheard of in this academy."
Will kept his usual calm stride, dark eyes scanning, but Damon's system was already mapping the social battlefield.
[Social Threat Detection: High]
[Physical Threat Detection: Medium]
[Team Coordination Recommendation: Active]
Lira stayed close, fingers flicking lightly, adjusting energy barriers subtly—not to attack, but to warn and protect. Damon stayed in the middle, crimson eyes calculating every glance, every whisper.
A group of elite-looking students, led by a tall boy with silver hair and sharp blue eyes, stepped forward.
"Arden," the leader said smoothly, bowing slightly but with a sharp edge. "You're letting the untested boy handle tactics now? That's… surprising."
Will's jaw tightened, but his voice remained calm. "Damon has earned his place. Watch carefully, and you might learn something."
Damon's system flared. Threat probability was high—both verbal confrontation and potential physical engagement.
[Hidden Mode Analysis — Social + Combat Integration]
[Recommendation: Minimal Force, Maximum Deterrence]
The rival group sneered, clearly itching to provoke a fight.
Lira's energy pulsed faintly around her. "We don't want trouble, but we'll defend ourselves."
Will's gaze darkened. "Neither do we. But don't underestimate us."
Damon's system provided a rapid update:
[Team Tactical Mode — Activated]
[Roles Assigned: Damon = Prediction & Strike, Will = Intercept & Force, Lira = Defense & Control]
[Synergy Index: Optimal for Engagement]
The three of them shifted subtly, almost instinctively. Damon led the eyes, calculating strike patterns, while Will positioned himself between the rival students and Lira, muscles tensed. Lira's energy barriers flared lightly, visible only to those nearby, creating a subtle but unbreakable shield around them.
The rivals made the first move—a fast strike toward Damon.
Damon didn't move—he predicted, intercepted, and redirected, letting the rival crash into the ground harmlessly.
Will grabbed another student mid-charge, flipping him aside with precise strength.
Lira guided stray projectiles and attacks away from them both, energy dancing like ribbons in the air.
Within seconds, the courtyard went silent. All eyes were on the trio.
[System Update: Team Coordination — Maximum Efficiency Detected]
The silver-haired rival stood, eyes wide, clearly shaken. "He… they… how is that possible?"
Will straightened, gaze unwavering. "We're not here to prove anything to you."
Lira smirked faintly. "But if you want trouble, we can show you how teamwork works."
The academy instructors, observing from above, whispered among themselves.
"Interesting. Unclassified student with elite family backing… paired with a battlefield manipulator. They're forming a unit."
"We should monitor them. Potential threat, yes—but also… a valuable team to watch."
Damon looked at both Will and Lira. Crimson eyes met dark and soft ones.
"Together," Damon said softly.
Will and Lira nodded.
[Trio Tactical Team Confirmed — Academy Monitoring Active]
[External Threats Detected: Medium-High]
[Growth Potential: Exponential]
Above the academy, the mysterious man in the visor watched, expression unreadable.
[Observation Note: Team Formation Confirmed]
[Subject Damon Vale: High Value — Continue Monitoring]
The courtyard had returned to normal, but nothing would be the same.
The whispers of lineage, power, and ability had been heard. Rivalry had been neutralized, but the arena of politics and combat was only beginning.
The trio had made a statement, and the academy—and the world—was taking notice.