THIRD PERSON'S POV
Zoé stared. Unlike the others, she masked shock with indifference.
"Whatever," she muttered.
"That was EPIC!" Lily gasped. "How did you do that? Do you use Moonstones too?"
Nathan finally voiced what everyone was thinking. "How old were you?"
"Thirteen," Ivy said calmly, continuing to eat.
"Thirteen?!" Lily squealed. "I was wondering why the sun followed me—and you were fighting monsters?!"
Nathan glanced at Zoé, his expression silently saying: see? Not to be underestimated. Zoé shoved popcorn into her mouth.
"Oh, we're definitely coming out number one again this year," Fiona said. "Adding a new member won't slow us down."
"What tournament?" Ivy asked.
"The national tournament," Nathan explained. "Winners go to the international stage. You know it?"
"I've heard of it. Never participated," Ivy said.
"Why?" George asked.
"Not interested."
Zoé sneered. "Chicken out already? Don't worry, we don't need a baby on the field."
Albert opened his mouth, but Ivy subtly gestured for him to stop.
"So… can I not go?" she asked calmly.
Zoé scoffed. "This isn't for princesses who think they're special because of daddy's fame."
"Zoé—what's wrong with you?" Donald snapped.
"She got in through the backdoor! No major achievements, yet escorted by Renzo. Suspicious, isn't it?"
George's expression darkened. "So I got in through the backdoor too? Renzo's my uncle."
"That's different, Boss," Zoé spat.
"Time out." Donald's tone was firm. Zoé stormed off.
George turned to Ivy. "Sorry about her."
"Apologizing for others is pathetic," Ivy said softly. "I don't mind. It's fine." She even smiled. That made the room heavier with tension.
She excused herself and left.
"Albert," Lily asked quietly, "she's not like that, right?"
"Of course not," Albert replied sharply.
"Don't let Zoé's words get to you."
Lily nodded.
One Week Later
Classes began. Hallways bustled with uniforms, schedules settled in.
"They teach normal subjects, plus magic, dark magic, defense, archery… everything for battle. Groups have colors—that's why red," Lily explained. "Any questions?"
"Shouldn't you have told me sooner?" Ivy teased.
"…We got distracted," Lily laughed and ran off to her class.
Albert glanced at Ivy. "You okay?"
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"You're not good at pretending. Any progress on your mission?"
"I got a lead. Cover me tonight," Ivy said quietly. Albert nodded, slinging an arm over her shoulder.
"Sure. In exchange for one of your inventions." Albert smirked
"Aish...I knew it." Ivy glared at the smug look on his face as they finally reached class.
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Unknown Location | Unknown Timeline
A massive castle stood frozen in time, surrounded by ruins and dead trees.
A figure lounged on a throne, moonlight revealing only his lips as he twirled a glass. A crow landed on his shoulder. Red eyes glowed. He smirked, canines glinting.
Patient.
Waiting.
.
.
.
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Back at Team 5's apartment.
Later, Renzo gathered the team.
"So we'll change strategy this year. Nine sharp at the field. Understood?"
They nodded.
"Are you getting along?"
No answer.
"Zoé. Ivy. Talk."
Silence.
"Jealous," Ivy said calmly.
"Say that again and I'll blast your plastic surgery face," Zoé spat.
"If you cross the line, I won't hold back," Ivy warned softly.
Zoé grabbed her collar. Albert rushed forward—but slammed back by an invisible force. The air thickened, suffocating.