THIRD PERSON'S POV
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Despite the bustling streets outside, the silence within the group was heavy—almost suffocating.
George's team had gathered to relax before returning to training, joined by the other two teams. They tried—jokes, small talk, laughter—but nothing stuck. The tension lingered.
Ivy's earlier words had planted something uncomfortable in her teammates' minds. Even with Renzo and Albert brushing it off, no one could fully ignore it.
Except Ivy.
She skipped a few steps ahead of them, humming softly to herself, hands loosely clasped behind her back. The happiness of being back home clung to her—bright, unhidden.
"Lily," she called, glancing back. "Albert told me you like skiing?"
"Uh…? Yes—yes, I do. Why?"
Ivy's smile widened.
"Did you know there's a place here where it snows all year round?"
Lily's eyes lit up instantly.
"Really?!"
Even Donald looked up, interest flickering through his usual laziness.
"How come I've never heard of it?"
"It's restricted," Ivy said lightly. "Country A citizens only. I'm technically not supposed to tell you… since you're outsiders."
A pause.
Then she tilted her head slightly.
"But we're friends now… right?"
"Friends?" Zoe scoffed, walking ahead of them with her usual pride. "Don't make me laugh. Acquaintances at best."
She didn't wait for a response.
Nathan just smiled faintly.
"Don't mind her. We're a team. That counts for something. So—where is this place?"
"It's a bit far," Ivy said. "And you'll need a permit. But it's fine—I'll get my dad to approve it."
Before anyone could question her—
She snapped her fingers.
The world shifted.
Da Vinci Estate
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They reappeared.
And for a brief second—no one spoke.
The estate stretched endlessly in every direction, framed by towering wrought-iron gates that had appeared behind them like they had never left. The driveway alone curved across what looked like acres of perfectly trimmed emerald lawns, lined with sculpted hedges and marble statues that looked older than history books.
A fountain stood at the center—multi-tiered, carved from pale stone, water cascading down in smooth, endless streams that caught the sunlight like glass.
Beyond it—
The mansion.
Not just large—imposing.
White stone walls polished to a near glow, tall arched windows reflecting the sky, balconies edged with intricate railings. The kind of place that didn't just belong to wealth—
It defined it.
Some members of the other teams staggered slightly, dizzy from the sudden shift.
Ivy didn't even glance back.
She was already running.
"Nanny Gloria! Nanny, I'm back!"
She burst through the grand doors like she owned the world—because clearly, she did.
Albert followed behind at a much calmer pace.
The interior was just as overwhelming—high ceilings with crystal chandeliers, polished floors that reflected every step, walls lined with artwork that looked far too valuable to casually exist.
Ivy ran straight into the kitchen and wrapped her arms around an older woman.
"Nanny! Where's Nora? And Dad? How's everyone? Is that cookies? Oh—Nanny, I missed your food. Look how tiny I've become!"
She grabbed a jar mid-rant, hugging it dramatically.
The woman—Nanny Gloria—laughed warmly, holding her close.
The others stood awkwardly at the entrance, still trying to process the shift.
Then—
A blur.
Feet rushing down the stairs.
"Ivy!!"
The two girls collided, squealing.
"My love, look what they did to you! Those meanies—you didn't even update me! Tell me everything, what team did you—"
"Shh."
Ivy shoved a cookie into her mouth.
The girl froze mid-rant.
"Everyone," Ivy said casually, still chewing, "this is my twin sister, Nora. Nora, this is Country H's 'best,' as they like to call themselves. I'm on George's team."
Nora turned.
Saw them.
Froze.
Blushed hard.
She shoved Albert aside without hesitation and stopped directly in front of George.
"Move it, science freak—uhm—hi! George. I'm a group—huge fan—I mean I'm a girl—I mean—welcome?!"
She stuck her hand out stiffly.
George blinked… then shook it with a small, polite smile.
That was enough.
Nora melted.
Literally.
She collapsed.
Albert sighed and pulled her up, only to be shoved away again.
"Jeez. I missed you too," he muttered, walking off toward Nanny Gloria.
Nora straightened quickly like nothing happened.
"Anyway! Donald—you probably don't recognize me. We met at a talent show five years ago."
Donald blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Still nothing.
"…Yeah," he said smoothly, forcing a charming smile. "Nice to meet you… beautiful."
Nora's knees buckled again.
Ivy, now fully invested in snacks, spoke through a mouthful of ice cream.
"Nora, where's Dad? I want to take them to Nirva."
"Oh—Dad traveled."
"Big bro?"
"Back at school."
Ivy groaned dramatically.
"Dang it."