Seraphina placed a firm but steady hand on Poll's shoulder, grounding him. "Poll, where are you? Focus. We need to keep our heads in the fight. If those two gain any more power, we won't stand a chance."
Poll blinked, as if jolted awake. "Right, right… focus on the ground. Got it." He muttered to himself, "Focus, Poll. Big brain time. Think, think…"
Suddenly, his eyes lit up. "Wait! That should do it!"
Before anyone could react, he threw his hands up. "Hey, hey, everyone, Time out! Everybody stop! Hold your swords, magic, or whatever. Just hear me out!"
Everyone turned to him, confusion and a dash of annoyance flickering across their faces.
"Poll, we're in the middle of a battle," Celestia said, her tone hovering between exasperation and curiosity.
"I know that!" Poll said, puffing up slightly. "But this is important. Liana, you're switching teams.
"Liana, you're moving to my mother's team!"
Liana frowned, clearly confused. "What? Why?"
Poll smirked, raising a single finger like a dramatic strategist unveiling his genius. "Because I've run the numbers… mentally, I've got a plan.. Trust me, it's flawless."
The group exchanged skeptical glances, but Poll continued, his voice steady and commanding:
"Listen carefully. Right now, Queen Celestia's team—herself and the three Nightread members—has four people. My father's team also has four: Father, Mother, Liana, and Elowen. Both teams are balanced.
But here's the key: Celestia's team will take on the female monster. Why? Because Celestia's already fought her before and knows her patterns. That experience is critical."
Celestia arched an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "Impressive. You remembered my earlier assessment. Not bad."
Poll beamed at the praise but pressed on. "Meanwhile, I'll prepare a spell to sever the Assistant's connection to the Tiara. Once their mana link is broken, they won't be able to keep fueling their power. That'll turn the tide in our favor."
The third Nightread member frowned, crossing his arms skeptically. "I'll admit, you seem sincere. But are we seriously putting our faith in a kid's plan right now? This isn't exactly child's play."
The second Nightread member let out a hearty chuckle. "You know what? I'm with the kid. He's sharp, quick on his feet, and, honestly, I'm starting to love this guy." He gave Poll a playful grin. "You're amazing, Poll."
Poll turned to him with an exaggeratedly serious expression, pausing dramatically before replying, "Hey, thanks. Really, I appreciate the love." He pointed at the guy and added, deadpan, "But let's get one thing straight—literally. I'm flattered, but I'm a straight guy. Let's keep it professional."
Elowen stifled a laugh, shaking her head as the tension momentarily broke. "Only you, Poll…"
Even Celestia's lips twitched in amusement as she said, "Focus, Poll. You're on thin ice already."
Poll smirked and gave a theatrical bow. "Message received, Your Majesty. Now, if we're done questioning my genius, let's get to work!"
Seraphina's expression was a mixture of worry and apprehension, her usual composed demeanor showing cracks.
Poll tilted his head, noticing the shift. "Mother, you're looking… different. Like, 'someone-just-told-me-I-can't-eat-dessert' kind of different. What's wrong?"
Seraphina sighed, crossing her arms. "Poll, last time you experimented with one of your spells, you nearly blew yourself up. Do you understand how terrifying that was for me?"
Poll smirked, puffing out his chest dramatically. "To be fair, I only blew up half the room. That's progress, right? I mean, look at me—I'm still here. Fully intact. Mostly."
Seraphina shot him a pointed look. "Poll. You didn't blow up just the room. You blew up half the forest."
Poll blinked. "Huh. Details, details. Trees grow back."
Elowen stifled a laugh but quickly turned it into a fake cough when Seraphina glared at her.
Eryndor, standing nearby with his arms crossed, let out a deep chuckle. "Honestly, I think this is the perfect time for him to shine. If anyone can pull off a reckless, last-minute miracle, it's our Poll."
Poll beamed. "See? Father believes in me! He gets it. Sometimes you have to blow up a forest or two for the greater good!"
Seraphina pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm going to regret this, aren't I?"
Poll grinned wider, his hands on his hips. "Regret? No way! You're going to look back on this and think, 'Wow, my son is a genius.' Trust me, Mother. I've got this!"
Eryndor raised an eyebrow, a sly smile tugging at his lips. "Just… try not to blow up anything we actually need this time, Poll."
Poll gave him a mock salute. "You got it, Dad. I'll aim for the other half of the forest if it comes to that!"
Seraphina groaned. "Why do I feel like that's not reassuring at all?"
Elowen smirked, flicking her glowing blades into the air. "I'm not sure yet, but at least it's entertaining.
Celestia's gaze softened as she nodded. "All right enough chit—chat, Poll. You're in charge of this part of the operation. Everyone, follow the plan. We'll hold the line until Poll can cast his spell."
Poll straightened, his chest puffing out slightly with pride. "Okay! Countdown to positions—three, two, one… Move!"
The group scattered, their movements a blur of determination and grace, while Poll stood at the center, his mind racing.
No explosions this time. No forests. No forests. Just brilliance. You've got this, Poll. You're a genius. Probably.
His grin stretched wider as the chaos resumed, and he dove headfirst into his next "flawless" plan.