New Bonds and Unfamiliar struggles
Items & Skills Overview:
Star Academy Badge v2.0: Upgraded identification device that syncs team mana flows, tracks mission stats, and allows intra-team short-range teleportation in emergencies.
Team Synchronization Field (Passive): A new training metric where syncing combat and mana rhythms between team members yields power and mana efficiency boosts.
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Star Academy buzzed with life as the second semester break ended. The sun glinted over the crystal towers and manicured lawns as cadets streamed into the campus from airships and teleportation hubs. Laughter, complaints about training pains, and stories of breakthroughs filled the atmosphere.
Lee Yujin, now a seasoned figure amongst the top cadets, walked side by side with Kain Vagor, Sylvia Estelle, Mira Kisaragi, and Taro Blaze. Each of them carried a more refined aura after their intense month of training. Kain's expression was more composed, Sylvia's eyes sharper. Mira looked focused, and Taro radiated raw physical power.
"You guys look like you went through a whole war," Mira joked, adjusting the artifact ring on her finger.
"It felt like one," Taro groaned. "That temple master was insane. I woke up to fireballs every morning."
Sylvia smirked. "You needed it."
Before more teasing could begin, the academy's PA crackled:
> "All cadets of Rank 3 and above, report to the Amphitheater for team assignment and briefing."
Yujin exchanged a glance with Kain. "Let's see what they've got planned this time."
---
The amphitheater was packed, filled with ranked cadets whispering and speculating. On the main stage stood Professors Rowel Vayne and Avelyn Drake.
"Welcome back," Rowel began, his voice echoing through the enchanted space. "This semester introduces the Advanced Combat Strategy and Execution Project—a long-term mission simulation designed to push you out of your comfort zones."
Professor Avelyn stepped forward. "You will be working in randomized four-member teams. Not your friends, not your usual partners. The goal is adaptation, team growth, and leadership. Learn to trust new allies."
Groans and murmurs rippled through the students.
"Teams will be posted now. Report to your temporary dormitories after this."
Yujin scanned the digital board. His name flashed:
Team 17: Lee Yujin, Elric Noll, Hana Velde, Zein Roth.
He blinked. Not one name familiar.
Kain's team was equally unfamiliar: Rico, Freya, and Della.
Sylvia scoffed. "They really want us to suffer."
Mira shrugged. "Could be fun."
Taro looked like he wanted to punch someone. "I got three rookies!?"
---
Yujin found his new team waiting in their shared dorm.
Elric Noll was a tall, brown-haired boy with an energetic personality. "Yujin, right? You're our carry. I've got tactics covered."
Hana Velde was petite with long violet hair, clutching her staff nervously. "I... I'm a healer. First real team, s-sorry in advance."
Zein Roth sat silently on a corner bed, reading a book. His short silver hair and blade at his side marked him as a swordsman, but his aura was unreadable.
Yujin gave a calm nod. "Nice to meet you. We'll grow together."
Elric raised a brow. "You're quieter than I thought."
"I talk more during action."
---
The next morning, they were thrown into their first mission simulation: a dungeon challenge.
A giant stone room formed around them. The objective: retrieve the Flag of Echoes from the center, guarded by summoned beasts.
Chaos broke out quickly.
Elric barked orders too fast. Hana froze under pressure. Zein ignored commands and went solo. Yujin blocked a claw aimed at Hana, then redirected.
"Zein, flank from the right—don't go too far."
"Got it." The swordsman actually responded.
"Hana, stay behind me and cast Heal on cooldown. Elric—use less fire, more crowd control!"
Elric gritted his teeth but listened.
They fought through the beasts, narrowly escaping defeat thanks to Yujin's last-minute strategy—he activated a mana sync trick, aligning their flows, unlocking the Team Synchronization Field.
A final combo move blasted the enemy leader into ash.
Panting, the team collapsed.
"I-I didn't faint," Hana whispered.
"You healed me twice," Yujin smiled. "Good job."
Elric nodded. "Not bad, commander."
Zein smirked slightly. "Not bad."
---
That evening, Yujin sat on the balcony. He clicked his badge, calling Kain.
"How's the babysitting?"
"Rico tried to punch Freya. Della started crying. I made them fight wolves until they got along," Kain replied.
Yujin chuckled. "Classic."
"We're going to be stronger than ever."
"Yeah. This time... we win together."
Unseen by either of them, a disguised janitor below whispered into a hidden device.
> "Both subjects progressing well. Begin Observation Phase 2."
---
Yujin turned back toward the room, watching his team sleep. Hana muttered spells in her dreams. Elric clutched a half-finished plan. Zein had fallen asleep sitting upright.
Yujin whispered to himself:
"This time... no one gets left behind."