Chapter 16 Manas Teamates.

After settling into their quarters at Blazewood's grand citadel, Captain Neo guided Captain Jax and his team through the halls of the fiery kingdom. The architecture reflected the town's identity—bold and powerful, with crimson and gold accents adorning every corner. Their rooms were comfortable but modest, and Captain Neo promised a hearty meal and rest before the next day's training.

That night, as Manas lay in his room, he thought about Neo's cold reception. His mind wandered to Zephyrion's words and his promise to prove his worth—not just to his teammates, but to doubters like Neo.

The following morning, the team was up early, ready for their first session at Blazewood's renowned training grounds. The camp was vast, with sparring rings, obstacle courses, and arenas specifically designed to challenge both physical and magical abilities. Captain Neo's team was already there, their precision and strength on full display.

Captain Neo's vice-captain, Kevin, a tall and imposing figure with an air of arrogance, caught sight of Captain Jax's team entering the grounds. His sharp eyes immediately locked on Manas, and a sly grin spread across his face.

"Well, well, look who's here," Kevin said loudly, drawing attention. "The mighty Captain Jax's team, gracing us with their presence. And what's this? A boy who looks like he just stepped out of a village fair? Is this your secret weapon, Jax?"

The comment sent ripples of laughter through Neo's team. Jax's team bristled, exchanging uneasy glances, but Manas held his ground, his expression calm.

Kevin didn't stop there. Walking closer to Manas, he smirked. "Tell me, little one, did you win a raffle to join Jax's team? Or did he pick you because he was short on real talent?"

"That's enough, Kevin," Captain Jax's voice rang out, calm but firm. He stepped forward, his sharp gaze fixed on Neo's vice-captain. "If you have something to say about my team, say it to me."

Kevin chuckled, his arrogance unshaken. "Oh, I'm just pointing out the obvious, Jax. This boy doesn't belong here. And, judging by your team's... performance, one has to wonder if your judgment's slipping. I mean, look at him—he's no fighter. How does someone like him even make it into your ranks?"

The jab stung, but Manas refused to let it show. He stepped forward, his voice steady. "I'm here because I earned my place. If you think otherwise, you're welcome to test me."

The boldness in Manas's words silenced the crowd momentarily. Kevin raised an eyebrow, surprised but amused. "Oh? Brave words for someone like you. I might just take you up on that, boy."

"Kevin," Captain Neo called out, his tone sharp. He stepped forward, placing a hand on Kevin's shoulder. "Save your energy. We're here to train, not bicker."

Kevin nodded reluctantly but threw one last remark over his shoulder. "Better keep up, boy. Wouldn't want you slowing down the rest of your team."

Manas felt the weight of his teammates' eyes on him as Kevin walked away. Freya muttered under her breath, "Arrogant jerk."

Keira leaned toward Manas and whispered, "Don't let him get to you. He's all talk."

Captain Jax approached Manas, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Don't waste your energy on his words, Manas. Show them who you are through action."

Manas nodded, determination burning in his chest. As the training session began, he vowed to prove himself, not just to his team, but to Captain Neo, Kevin, and anyone else who doubted him. This is just another step on my journey, he thought. I'll show them my strength in time.

Vice Captain Theo !!

As the team gathered at a bustling tavern in Blazewood's lively marketplace for lunch, the mood was light and spirited. The scent of sizzling food filled the air, and the hum of townsfolk's chatter added to the lively ambiance. Captain Jax's team had started to settle into the town, enjoying a moment of reprieve from training. However, the peaceful atmosphere was short-lived.

Vice-Captain Kevin, along with a few members of Captain Neo's team, strode into the tavern. His confident stride and smug expression immediately drew attention. Spotting Manas, Kevin's smirk widened as he approached their table.

"Well, well," Kevin said loudly, his voice dripping with mockery. "If it isn't the great prodigy of Captain Jax's team." He leaned closer to Manas. "Enjoying your little meal, useless boy? How does it feel to be the weakest link in such a team?"

Manas clenched his fists under the table but said nothing. His silence seemed to amuse Kevin even more. "Speechless, huh? I guess there's nothing to say when you know I'm right."

The rest of Jax's team exchanged uneasy glances. Freya whispered angrily to Lina, "Why does this guy keep targeting Manas?"

Before anyone could respond, a scraping sound filled the air as a chair was pushed back from the table. Theo, the team's silent and aloof member, stood up slowly. His cold, piercing gaze locked onto Kevin.

"You," Theo said, his voice calm but filled with an edge of menace, "who do you think you are to insult my teammate?"

Kevin raised an eyebrow, momentarily taken aback. "Oh? The quiet one speaks. And here I thought you were just decoration at the table."

Theo took a step closer, his expression unchanging. "You call yourself Vice-Captain of The Ember Wraiths, but let me tell you something: your title means nothing to me. You're just a man full of words, not strength."

Kevin's amused expression faltered, replaced by a hint of irritation. "Watch your tongue, boy. I am a Divya-Janma—a blessed one with powers beyond your comprehension. If I wanted, I could crush you right here."

The room went silent. Everyone at the table froze, shocked by Kevin's revelation. Divya-Janma individuals were rare and considered almost sacred, blessed with unparalleled abilities since birth. Kevin's smirk returned as he relished their stunned reactions.

"See? Now you understand. I'm not just powerful—I'm extraordinary. And you? You're nothing."

Theo, however, remained unfazed. He crossed his arms and tilted his head slightly, his voice as cold as steel. "Extraordinary? Divya-Janma or not, you're still a bully hiding behind your title. Let me make one thing clear. I'm Theo, Vice-Captain of The Tempest Striders. And I don't care who or what you are. I will never stand by and let anyone insult my teammates."

The intensity in Theo's words hung in the air, and even Kevin hesitated for a moment. The rest of Jax's team exchanged glances, their respect for Theo growing with each word he spoke.

Kevin, however, refused to back down. "You're bold, Theo. Maybe I should teach you a lesson about where you stand."

Before anything could escalate further, Captain Jax appeared at the entrance, his commanding presence silencing the tension immediately.

"That's enough," Jax said firmly, his voice carrying an authority that made even Kevin stop. "This is not the place for your petty squabbles."

Kevin glared at Theo but backed off, muttering under his breath as he returned to his table. Theo sat back down, his expression as unreadable as ever, but there was an air of satisfaction in his posture.

Manas looked at Theo, his eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you," he said quietly.

Theo glanced at him briefly, then shrugged. "You don't need to thank me. We're a team. And I don't tolerate anyone disrespecting my team."

For the first time, the rest of the team saw a different side of Theo—a fierce protector beneath his aloof demeanor. Despite the tense encounter, a sense of unity began to grow within the group, sparked by Theo's unexpected defense of Manas.

Captain Neo Advice.

As the tense lunch concluded and everyone began to disperse, Manas sat quietly, reflecting on the heated exchange between Theo and Kevin. He realized something important: Theo, the silent and aloof member of their team, was not just a formidable fighter but also a steadfast protector. For the first time, Manas truly felt the strength of his team's bond, even in its early stages.

Later that evening, Captain Neo arrived at the dining hall where Captain Jax and his team were gathered. His bold demeanor filled the room as he approached with a smirk.

"Jax," Neo began, his tone light but with an edge of challenge, "I've been thinking about what happened earlier. Why don't we channel that energy into something productive? Let's have a friendly match—The Ember Wraiths versus The Tempest Striders—tomorrow at the training camp."

Captain Jax frowned, clearly displeased with the suggestion. "Neo, our teams are here to train, not to settle personal disputes. I don't think a fight between our squads is necessary."

Before Neo could respond, Kevin interjected from the back of the room. "I think it's a great idea. My team is more than ready to prove who's better." He cast a smug glance toward Manas and the others.

Captain Jax was about to refuse again, but to everyone's surprise, Manas suddenly stood up. His voice was steady, his resolve unshaken. "I'm ready for it. If this is what it takes to settle things and grow stronger, then I'll fight. Our whole team will."

Freya and Lina exchanged surprised looks but quickly nodded in agreement. Theo leaned back in his chair, his usual calm demeanor intact, and said, "If Manas is in, so am I."

The rest of the team chimed in with their support, one by one. It was clear: The Tempest Striders were united.

Neo chuckled, pleased with the turn of events. "Looks like your team has some spirit, Jax. Don't worry," he added with a mischievous grin, "it'll be a friendly match. Just a rehearsal for the mission ahead. Nothing bad will happen."

Captain Jax sighed, clearly uneasy but unable to ignore the enthusiasm of his team. "Fine," he said reluctantly, "but I'll be watching closely. And remember, this is a training exercise, not a grudge match."

The announcement of the friendly fight sent ripples of excitement through the camp. While Kevin and his team were eager to assert their dominance, Manas and his teammates saw this as an opportunity to prove their worth—not just to their opponents, but to themselves and each other.

That night, as the stars illuminated the Blazewood sky, Manas sat under the open sky, reflecting on the challenge ahead. He knew this fight would test not only his strength but also the unity of their team.

The next morning promised more than just a clash of abilities—it would be a defining moment for both teams.