Starbound Saga: The Rise of Eidolon

**Chapter 24: Unveiling Strength**

The next day, Jae-min's team found themselves back in the training hall. Despite their recent success, the looming challenge of stronger opponents kept them on edge.

"Team 1 is like a mountain we'll have to climb," Min-seok said, leaning against the wall.

"But we've made it this far," Ji-a replied, tying her hair back. "We'll climb it together."

Jae-min crossed his arms, his expression serious. "If we're going to stand a chance, we need to focus on closing the gaps in our teamwork. We've been relying on individual brilliance too much. Let's run scenarios."

He activated a simulation mode in the training hall, where holographic opponents appeared to mimic the tactics of real teams. Each member took their position, and the drills began.

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**Training with Purpose**

The first simulation threw them into a chaotic scenario: surrounded by enemies, each team member was forced to rely on their instincts. Tae-jun led the charge, his fiery gauntlets breaking through the front lines. Se-ri provided cover with pinpoint ice arrows, but the simulation quickly overwhelmed them.

"Stop!" Jae-min called out, halting the simulation.

"What went wrong?" Se-ri asked, panting.

"We're too focused on reacting to threats individually," Jae-min explained. "If one of us gets isolated, we're vulnerable. We need to act as a unit, not as four separate fighters."

"Then let's try again," Tae-jun said, determination burning in his eyes.

This time, they stayed closer together, moving as a coordinated group. Ji-a's barriers shielded them from ranged attacks, while Min-seok's lightning created zones that controlled enemy movement. Jae-min used **Zone Expansion** strategically, slowing enemies in key areas to give Tae-jun the opening to strike.

By the time the simulation ended, they had cleared the scenario with minimal damage.

"That's more like it," Jae-min said, a small smile breaking through his usual seriousness.

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**An Unexpected Visitor**

After hours of training, the team prepared to head back to their dorms when a voice called out from the entrance.

"Well, look at you lot. Training like your lives depend on it."

They turned to see a tall figure leaning casually against the doorframe. It was Leon, the captain of Team 1. His silver hair caught the light, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the group.

"What do you want, Leon?" Jae-min asked, his tone cautious.

"Relax," Leon said with a smirk. "I'm not here to start anything. I just wanted to see for myself what all the fuss is about. You've been turning heads with your performance, Jae-min."

"And?"

"And," Leon continued, stepping into the room, "I'm curious to see if you're really as good as people say. Tell me, Jae-min, do you think you can beat me?"

The tension in the room was palpable. Tae-jun clenched his fists, Se-ri narrowed her eyes, and Ji-a exchanged a glance with Min-seok.

Jae-min met Leon's gaze without flinching. "I don't know. But I plan to find out."

Leon chuckled. "Good answer. Keep that fire, Jae-min. You'll need it."

Without another word, Leon turned and walked away, leaving Jae-min and his team to process the encounter.

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**The Next Match**

The following day, the tournament brackets were updated, revealing that Jae-min's team would be facing Team 4, a group known for their mastery of defensive tactics.

"They're going to turtle up and try to outlast us," Se-ri said, studying the footage.

"Which means we'll have to break through their defenses quickly," Jae-min said. "If we let them drag the match out, they'll wear us down."

The match began in the grand arena, with the crowd roaring in anticipation.

As expected, Team 4 immediately formed a solid defensive formation, with their tank absorbing hits and their support raining down barriers.

"They're tough," Tae-jun muttered.

"Focus on the weak points," Jae-min instructed. "Se-ri, target the support. Min-seok, disrupt their formation."

Se-ri's ice arrows found their mark, forcing the support mage to split their attention between healing and defending. Meanwhile, Min-seok's lightning spells shattered the barriers, exposing gaps in their defenses.

Jae-min activated **Shadow Step**, closing the distance to the enemy tank. Using his daggers and **Zone Expansion**, he disrupted their coordination, forcing the tank to retreat.

With their formation broken, Tae-jun surged forward, delivering a flurry of devastating blows that overwhelmed the remaining members of Team 4.

The match ended with the announcer declaring, "Victory to Team Jae-min!"

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**Reflections and Resolve**

Back in the waiting room, the team celebrated their victory, but the mood was subdued.

"We're getting better," Se-ri said, wiping sweat from her brow.

"But the challenges are getting tougher," Ji-a added.

Jae-min nodded. "We're on the right path, but we can't afford to slow down. The semifinals are next, and if we win there... we'll face Leon."

The team exchanged determined glances. They knew that the road ahead would be grueling, but they were ready to face whatever came their way.

**To be continued...**

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