Starbound Saga: The Rise of Eidolon

**Chapter 19: The Battle of Wits**

The next morning, Jae-min's team gathered early at the academy's training grounds. They knew that the upcoming match against Team 4 would not be won through brute force alone. Team 4 had a reputation for their strategic maneuvers and flawless execution.

"We need a solid strategy," Jae-min began, addressing his team. "They'll try to predict our moves, so we'll have to keep them guessing."

"What if we create a fake weak point in our formation?" Se-ri suggested. "Lure them in, and then strike when they least expect it."

"Good idea," Jae-min said. "Let's make it look like our backline is vulnerable. Ji-a, you'll need to be ready with barriers and quick heals. Min-seok, keep your lightning magic in reserve until we spring the trap."

Ji-a nodded confidently. "I can handle that."

"Tae-jun, you'll act as if you're overextending during the fight. Make them think you're losing control," Jae-min continued. "When they move in to exploit the opening, Se-ri and I will launch a counterattack."

"Sounds risky, but I like it," Tae-jun said, grinning. "Let's give them a show."

They spent the next few hours refining their tactics and practicing their coordination. Though their bodies were tired from the previous day's match, their determination drove them forward.

---

**The Match Begins**

By midday, the arena was once again filled with spectators. The energy in the air was palpable as the announcer introduced both teams.

"On one side, we have Team Jae-min, the underdogs who have been climbing the ranks with impressive performances!"

Cheers erupted from the crowd, many of whom had become fans of Jae-min's team after their previous match.

"And on the other side, we have Team 4, known for their tactical brilliance and unshakable teamwork!"

The crowd roared again as the two teams took their positions on the battlefield. Jae-min took a deep breath, focusing his mind.

"Remember the plan," he said, his voice steady. "Stick to it, and we'll win."

The horn sounded, signaling the start of the match. Immediately, Team 4 split into two groups, one advancing quickly while the other stayed back, ready to react.

"They're probing us," Se-ri muttered. "Trying to see how we'll respond."

"Let them," Jae-min said calmly. "Tae-jun, it's your cue."

With a fierce battle cry, Tae-jun charged forward, feigning recklessness. He swung his fists wildly, creating the illusion that he was attacking without coordination.

"They're taking the bait," Se-ri whispered.

As expected, Team 4's frontliners moved to exploit Tae-jun's apparent lack of control. Their mage began casting a powerful spell aimed at Tae-jun's exposed flank.

"Now!" Jae-min shouted.

In an instant, Se-ri fired a volley of arrows, each one infused with explosive energy. The arrows struck the ground around Team 4, forcing them to break formation. Simultaneously, Min-seok unleashed a wave of lightning, targeting their backline.

"Barrier up!" Ji-a called, raising a shimmering shield around Tae-jun just as the enemy spell was about to hit.

The spell dissipated harmlessly against the barrier, and Tae-jun used the opening to deliver a devastating punch to one of Team 4's frontliners, knocking him out of the fight.

"They're disoriented!" Jae-min said. "Press the attack!"

With their formation broken and their frontliner down, Team 4 struggled to regroup. Jae-min and Se-ri moved in tandem, striking with precision and forcing the enemy into a defensive position.

"It's over," Min-seok said, launching one final blast of lightning that immobilized the remaining members of Team 4.

"Winner: Team Jae-min!" the announcer declared, as the crowd erupted into cheers.

Jae-min's team gathered in the center of the arena, their expressions a mix of relief and satisfaction.

"That was close," Ji-a said, wiping sweat from her brow.

"Too close," Se-ri added. "But we pulled it off."

Jae-min smiled. "We stuck to the plan, and it worked. Great job, everyone."

As they left the arena, Jae-min noticed Leon watching them again from the stands. This time, Leon gave a small nod before turning away.

"He's definitely keeping an eye on us," Se-ri said.

"Good," Jae-min replied. "Let him watch. We're just getting started."

---

**A Growing Threat**

Later that evening, Jae-min received an unexpected message from the academy's administration. The message requested his presence at a special briefing the following morning.

"What do you think it's about?" Tae-jun asked when Jae-min told the team.

"Not sure," Jae-min said. "But it probably has something to do with the tournament. Maybe they're changing the rules or adding a new phase."

"Whatever it is, we'll deal with it," Se-ri said confidently.

The next morning, Jae-min arrived at the academy's main hall, where several other team captains had also gathered. At the front of the room stood one of the academy's senior instructors, a stern-looking woman with sharp features.

"Thank you all for coming," the instructor began. "We've received intelligence about unusual dungeon activity near the academy. As top-ranking teams, you will be tasked with investigating these anomalies."

Murmurs spread through the room. It was unusual for students to be involved in real-world dungeon missions.

"This isn't just a test," the instructor continued. "The safety of the academy and the surrounding area may depend on what you find. Prepare your teams and be ready to depart by tomorrow morning."

Jae-min felt a surge of anticipation. This was it—a chance to test their skills in a real-world scenario.

"We've got a new mission," he told his team afterward. "This time, it's not just about winning a tournament. We're heading into a real dungeon."

The stakes had just been raised, and Jae-min knew that the challenges ahead would be unlike anything they had faced before.

**To be continued...**