Starbound Saga: The Rise of Eidolon

**Chapter 18: The First Battle**

The arena crackled with energy as the first match of the direct combat phase began. Jae-min's team stood on one side of the battlefield, their expressions a mix of focus and determination. Across from them, Team 9 was already assuming their positions, their captain glaring at Jae-min with a predatory grin.

"Team 9 specializes in aggressive tactics," Jae-min reminded his team. "They'll try to overwhelm us with fast, coordinated strikes."

"Let's hit them before they hit us," Tae-jun said, cracking his knuckles.

"No," Jae-min said firmly. "We need to be smart about this. Let them make the first move. Se-ri, disrupt their formation when they attack. Tae-jun, Min-seok, focus on counterattacks. Ji-a, keep your barriers ready."

"Got it," Ji-a said with a nod.

A loud horn signaled the start of the match. Without hesitation, Team 9 charged forward, their movements swift and synchronized. The ground shook slightly as their tank, a large boy wielding a massive shield, led the assault.

"Here they come," Jae-min said. "Get ready!"

Team 9's mage unleashed a barrage of fireballs, forcing Jae-min's team to scatter. Ji-a quickly erected a shimmering barrier, deflecting the incoming projectiles.

"Now!" Jae-min shouted.

Se-ri moved with lightning speed, firing a series of arrows imbued with ice magic. The arrows struck the ground in front of Team 9, creating a slippery surface that slowed their advance.

"Nice one!" Min-seok called out as he raised his gauntlets. Sparks crackled around him before he unleashed a wave of lightning that arced toward Team 9. The lightning spread across the ice-covered ground, stunning several members of the opposing team.

"Tae-jun, you're up!" Jae-min commanded.

With a roar, Tae-jun charged forward, his fists glowing with energy. He delivered a powerful punch to Team 9's tank, sending him sprawling backward. The rest of Team 9 tried to regroup, but Jae-min wasn't about to give them a chance.

"Zone Expansion: Shadow Bind!" Jae-min activated one of his new skills, creating a dark zone around the battlefield. Tendrils of shadow emerged from the ground, latching onto Team 9 and restricting their movements.

"Finish it!" Jae-min shouted.

Min-seok and Se-ri launched a coordinated attack, while Tae-jun continued his relentless assault. Within moments, Team 9 was completely overwhelmed.

"Winner: Team Jae-min!" the announcer declared as the crowd erupted into cheers.

Jae-min's team gathered in the center of the arena, catching their breath.

"That went well," Ji-a said, wiping sweat from her brow.

"We stuck to the plan," Jae-min said with a satisfied smile. "But we can't get complacent. This was just the first match."

As they left the arena, Jae-min couldn't help but notice Leon watching from the stands, his expression unreadable.

"He's analyzing us," Se-ri said quietly, following Jae-min's gaze.

"Let him," Jae-min replied. "We'll be ready."

---

**A New Challenge**

That evening, Jae-min gathered his team in their dormitory to discuss their next steps. The holographic display in the center of the room showed the updated tournament bracket. Their next opponent was Team 4, a well-rounded group known for their strategic prowess.

"They're not as aggressive as Team 9," Se-ri said, studying the data. "But they're smart. They'll try to outthink us."

"Then we'll have to outthink them," Jae-min said. "We need to be unpredictable. Let's review their past matches and come up with a plan."

As they strategized late into the night, Jae-min couldn't shake the feeling that the tournament was only a prelude to something much bigger. The mysterious system he wielded, the growing strength of his team, and the enigmatic figure of Leon—everything seemed to be leading toward an unknown climax.

But for now, there was only one goal: win the tournament.

**To be continued...**