The classroom buzzed with excitement as the lecturer introduced the idea of a class trip to the forest next year. The trip, he explained, would be more than just an educational outing it was a survival test, where students would have to use their Tay, skills, and teamwork to navigate through the wild and face unpredictable challenges. The stakes were high, and the success of each group would be evaluated based on how well they worked together.
"As part of this exercise, each of you must form a team of five," the lecturer said, looking over the room. "Choose wisely. The people you pick will be your partners for the trip. You'll need to rely on each other to survive in the forest."
Almost immediately, the classroom erupted into movement. Students stood up, looking around, calling out to one another, and forming groups. It was clear that everyone wanted to align themselves with the strongest individuals.
Alex, however, stayed seated. He watched as the others moved around, forming teams, while he thought about his own position. Without a Tay, he knew that most of his classmates wouldn't see any value in teaming up with him, despite his newfound physical prowess.
At the front of the class, Sarah had already gathered a group around her. As expected, she was quick to secure Aristotle and two other strong students, both of whom had impressive Tays. Together, they formed what was likely the strongest team in the class. All they needed now was one more member.
As they discussed who should join them, Aristotle's eyes wandered across the room and landed on Alex. He raised an eyebrow, as if deep in thought, then turned back to the others.
"What about Alex?" Aristotle suggested casually, though there was a sharpness in his gaze. "We could use someone with his strength. He may not have a Tay, but he's been impressive in the physical tests."
The group fell silent, especially Sarah. Her expression immediately darkened at the mention of Alex. She crossed her arms and gave Aristotle a skeptical look.
"Alex? Really?" she scoffed. "We don't need him. We have more than enough power in this team."
Aristotle didn't back down, his tone calm but firm. "We need balance. Sure, we have strong Tays, but raw physical strength and endurance are just as important, especially in an unpredictable environment like the forest."
Sarah still wasn't convinced, her pride clearly wounded by the idea of allowing someone like Alex, who had been rejected by the Tay, to join their elite group. "He doesn't even have a Tay," she muttered, trying to sway the others. "He'll just slow us down."
But Aristotle didn't let it go. His gaze hardened, and it was clear that he wasn't making a suggestion anymore—he was making a decision. "He'll be useful. Besides, we need someone who isn't afraid to take risks."
Sarah hesitated, looking from Aristotle to the other two members of their team, who seemed to trust Aristotle's judgment. She bit her lip, clearly unhappy, but she could see how determined Aristotle was. After a moment, she finally relented, though her expression showed that she wasn't happy about it.
"Fine," she said, her voice tight. "But if he messes up, it's on you."
Aristotle nodded, satisfied. He glanced back at Alex, who was still sitting quietly at his desk, and gave him a subtle nod, signaling him to join their group.
Alex, having overheard the conversation, was fully aware of Sarah's reluctance. But he also knew this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. Being part of a strong team would give him a better chance to prove himself, even if the odds seemed stacked against him.
He stood up and walked over to join the group. As he approached, Sarah gave him a sideways glance, her disapproval still clear. The other two members didn't seem as bothered, but the tension was palpable.
"Welcome to the team," Aristotle said, offering a brief smile, though Alex could tell it was more strategic than friendly.
"Thanks," Alex replied, keeping his tone neutral. He wasn't here to make friends—he was here to win.
As the rest of the class continued forming their teams, Alex found himself wondering what the forest trip would be like. He knew the challenges ahead wouldn't be easy, especially with Sarah watching his every move, but one thing was certain—this was his chance to prove that he didn't need a Tay to be strong.
And deep down, he had a feeling that his connection to the Shadow Orb would soon play a crucial role in what was to come.
Alex continued his rigorous training over the months, each day more intense than the last. The techniques from the old book his grandmother gave him had become second nature—his body was leaner, stronger, and faster. Even though he didn't have a Tay, he knew he had to compensate through sheer will and physical prowess. He practiced in secret, away from the eyes of his classmates, determined to outmatch those who doubted him. The forest trip loomed closer with every passing day, and Alex was ready for whatever awaited him.
Meanwhile, the academy buzzed with excitement and tension. Teams were constantly practicing together, honing their strategies, and learning to utilize their Tays in unison. Alex's team, however, wasn't exactly close-knit. Sarah continued to ignore him whenever possible, though Aristotle always made sure the team worked together, even if it was forced. The other two team members stayed neutral, silently observing the dynamic between Alex and Sarah.
And so, time passed.
Finally, the day of the trip arrived. The academy was a flurry of activity as students gathered in the main courtyard, backpacks slung over their shoulders, some already flexing their abilities in anticipation. The school staff was there, giving last-minute instructions and passing out maps of the forest.
Each team would be assigned a random location within the vast Purple Paradise Forest the home of the Tay. It was known for its dense, enchanted trees and the many mysterious creatures that roamed its depths. The goal of the trip was simple: survive and navigate back to the academy grounds while overcoming a series of challenges the instructors had set up along the way. Every team's performance would be graded on their ability to work together, use their Tays effectively, and overcome obstacles.
As Alex's team waited for their assigned location, he glanced around. The air was thick with excitement and nerves. Aristotle stood calmly beside him, looking confident as always, while Sarah exchanged smug glances with other teams. The two other members of their group, Leon and Mira, both skilled with their Tays, seemed focused and ready.
Soon, their team's location was announced Sector 4, a deeper part of the forest known for its tricky terrain and stronger Mytrill beasts. Alex took a deep breath, the weight of the challenge settling in, but his resolve remained unshaken.
As they made their way to their designated starting point, Alex couldn't help but feel the excitement rising in him. This was what he had been training for. Though everyone else relied on their Tays, he relied on his own strength and that would be enough.
They reached Sector 4, and as the thick trees towered above them, the real test was about to begin.