Starbound Saga: The Rise of Eidolon

**Chapter 23: Clash of Strategies**

The arena buzzed with energy as Jae-min's team prepared for their next match. The opponents, Team 6, were known for their unpredictable strategies and reliance on rapid, coordinated attacks.

"Stick to the plan," Jae-min said, addressing his team. "They're fast, but we'll outmaneuver them by controlling the battlefield."

The horn blared, signaling the start of the match.

Team 6 wasted no time, splitting into two groups and flanking Jae-min's team from both sides. Their strategy was clear: divide and conquer.

Tae-jun leapt forward, his fiery gauntlets blazing. "I'll hold them off! Cover me!"

Jae-min nodded. "Se-ri, provide support from the left. Ji-a, focus on keeping Tae-jun standing. Min-seok, lock down the right flank."

Se-ri unleashed a barrage of ice arrows, forcing the attackers on the left to scatter. Meanwhile, Min-seok's lightning magic crackled, creating an electrified barrier that stopped Team 6's second group in their tracks.

Jae-min activated **Zone Expansion**, creating a field of slowed time around the opposing team's movements. The ability forced their enemies into a sluggish state, giving his team the upper hand.

With Tae-jun's unrelenting strikes and Ji-a's timely healing, the right flank crumbled. Seizing the opportunity, Jae-min used **Shadow Step** to teleport behind the remaining opponents, catching them off-guard.

"End this now!" Jae-min shouted as he unleashed a devastating finishing move, a combination of shadow tendrils and wind slashes. The last members of Team 6 fell, their energy shields flickering out.

The crowd erupted in applause as the announcer declared, "Victory to Team Jae-min!"

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**Aftermath and Insights**

Back in the waiting room, the team celebrated their victory, though exhaustion was evident.

"We're making progress," Se-ri said, her voice tinged with pride.

"But the next matches won't be this easy," Jae-min reminded them. "We'll be up against stronger opponents, and we need to keep improving."

As they reviewed footage of the other matches, Jae-min couldn't help but notice Leon and his Team 1. Their precision and coordination were unmatched. Leon's movements were effortless, his attacks precise.

"He's not even trying," Tae-jun muttered, watching Leon dismantle an entire team almost single-handedly.

Jae-min clenched his fists. "We'll face him eventually. When we do, we need to be ready."

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**To be continued...**