Chapter 25: Into the Semifinals
The day of the semifinals had arrived. The academy was buzzing with energy as spectators gathered in the massive arena, eager to see the top four teams battle it out. For Jae-min's team, the stakes were higher than ever.
As they walked onto the field, the roar of the crowd washed over them. Their opponents, Team 3, stood on the opposite side, exuding confidence. Team 3 was known for their seamless blend of offensive and defensive strategies, led by a captain with remarkable strategic acumen.
"Remember, they're not invincible," Jae-min said to his team as they stood in their designated starting area. "Stick to the plan, adapt if needed, and trust each other."
The announcer's voice boomed through the arena. "Let the semifinals begin!"
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The Clash Begins
The match started with a flurry of action. Team 3's tank and vanguard rushed forward, attempting to pin Jae-min's team down early. Their healer stayed back, casting protective spells, while their mage launched powerful fire spells to keep the pressure on.
"Tae-jun, hold the front!" Jae-min commanded. "Se-ri, focus on their mage!"
Tae-jun stepped forward, flames erupting from his gauntlets as he intercepted the tank. The clash sent shockwaves through the battlefield. Meanwhile, Se-ri dashed to the side, her ice arrows seeking the mage.
Min-seok unleashed a lightning storm, forcing the healer to divert attention to shielding their allies. Ji-a worked tirelessly, deploying barriers to protect her teammates from incoming attacks.
Jae-min activated Shadow Step, teleporting behind the enemy vanguard and delivering a quick strike to disrupt their formation. Using Zone Expansion, he slowed their movements, giving his team the upper hand.
"They're regrouping!" Min-seok called out.
"Don't let them!" Jae-min replied. "Keep the pressure on!"
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The Turning Point
As the battle raged on, both teams showed their resilience. Team 3's coordinated attacks tested the limits of Jae-min's team, but they refused to back down.
Se-ri managed to land a critical shot on the enemy mage, freezing their staff and cutting off their spellcasting. Min-seok capitalized on the opening, striking with a powerful bolt of lightning that sent the mage sprawling.
"Great work!" Jae-min shouted, but their celebration was cut short as the enemy tank charged toward Ji-a.
"Not on my watch!" Tae-jun roared, intercepting the tank with a fiery uppercut that sent them flying.
Ji-a quickly reinforced her barriers, her calm focus keeping the team protected.
With their mage incapacitated and their tank faltering, Team 3 began to crumble. Jae-min seized the opportunity, using Zone Expansion to trap their healer in place while Tae-jun delivered the finishing blow.
The announcer's voice echoed through the arena. "Victory to Team Jae-min!"
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A Moment of Reflection
Back in the waiting room, the team sat together, catching their breath.
"We did it," Ji-a said, her voice tinged with exhaustion and relief.
"That was intense," Min-seok added. "They were no pushovers."
"They pushed us to our limits," Se-ri said, stretching her arms. "But we held our ground."
Jae-min nodded. "We've come a long way, but the real challenge is next. Team 1 is waiting for us in the finals."
The mention of Team 1 brought a heavy silence to the room. They all knew that Leon and his team were on an entirely different level.
"We'll need to give it everything we've got," Tae-jun said, his voice firm. "No holding back."
"And we won't," Jae-min replied. "Let's rest up and prepare. This next battle will define everything."
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The Calm Before the Storm
That evening, Jae-min found himself wandering the academy grounds alone. The weight of the upcoming match pressed heavily on his mind.
He thought back to his journey—how he had started as the weakest in his class, the struggles he had faced, and the bonds he had formed with his teammates.
"Tomorrow," he whispered to himself, clenching his fists. "Tomorrow, we prove that we belong here."
The stars above seemed to shine brighter that night, as if cheering him on.
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The Finals Await
The next morning, the academy was alive with excitement. Students and spectators alike filled the arena, eager to witness the final match of the tournament.
As Jae-min and his team stepped onto the battlefield, they were met with thunderous applause. Across from them stood Leon and his team, their confident expressions showing no hint of doubt.
Leon stepped forward, his silver hair catching the sunlight. "Jae-min," he called out, his voice carrying across the arena. "I've been looking forward to this."
"So have I," Jae-min replied, stepping forward to meet his gaze.
"Let's give them a match they'll never forget," Leon said, a smirk playing on his lips.
Jae-min nodded. "You can count on it."
The announcer's voice boomed. "Ladies and gentlemen, the moment you've all been waiting for! The finals of the academy tournament! Team Jae-min versus Team 1! Let the battle begin!"
As the signal to start echoed through the arena, both teams sprang into action.
The finals had begun.
To be continued...
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