The Superior Rebirth: A Hero's Awakening

Collaborative efforts

As the Forest Crown Hunt began, Team 12 explored their surroundings and discovered a cave nestled between towering trees.

Elowen glanced around and suggested, "Should we set up camp here?"

Princess Misaki folded her arms. "First, we need to see how deep it goes."

"And if there aren't any dangerous animals lurking inside," Aria added. "Then we can settle in."

Princess Misaki turned to Prince Magnus. "Prince Magnus, could you check it out? See if anything dangerous is inside?"

Magnus smirked. "Scared to go down there yourself, Princess?" He chuckled, his tone playful.

Misaki narrowed her eyes. "Never mind. I'll do it my—"

Before she could take a step, Magnus vanished in a blur, leaving the others blinking in surprise. A few seconds later, he reappeared at the cave's entrance, arms crossed.

"Oh, relax. There's nothing in there."

Misaki sighed, murmuring, "Thank you." Her voice held reluctant gratitude, which only made Magnus grin smugly.

With the cave deemed safe, they decided to set up camp for the day. While some prepared the site, Misaki, Jack, Xavier, Elowen, and Aria gathered to discuss strategy.

"Why don't we just let the other teams eliminate each other?" Xavier suggested. "Once the numbers dwindle, we take out the last remaining team and win the event."

"That's a solid plan," Elowen agreed.

Misaki nodded but added, "It's good in theory, but there's a risk of teams seeking us out or setting up an ambush."

Aria smirked. "Then we do the same—set up traps near and inside the cave. If they come to us, they'll regret it."

With a plan forming, Jack proposed a squad formation for combat. "In a confined battle, positioning is everything. Princess Misaki, you'll be at the center since you're our key player. Magnus and I will cover your flanks."

He pointed to Elowen. "You'll be right behind her, ensuring support and preventing flanks."

Then to Xavier and Aria. "You two will take the front. The first line of offense."

Hours passed before Magnus, who had taken position outside the cave, noticed movement in the distance. A smirk tugged at his lips.

"Looks like we have guests."

The others immediately fell into position, ready for combat.

Team 4 approached cautiously, their leader scanning the area. "Strange... I could've sworn I heard something."

A teammate pointed to the cave. "Could be a hideout."

"We check it," the leader ordered.

Two members stepped inside while the rest stayed on alert. The cave stretched further than they expected.

"It goes deeper," one of them noted.

"Let's check it out, but not for long."

As they took a few steps forward, the ground beneath them collapsed. They crashed into a concealed pit, landing hard as vines shot up from the earth, binding them instantly.

"It's a trap!" one of them yelled, their voice echoing through the cave.

Outside, before Team 4's members could react, Misaki's squad struck. Xavier and Aria descended from the trees, slamming into two opponents and pinning them down. Jack swept another's legs out from under them, locking their arms behind their back. Misaki moved with fluid grace, her katana pressed against the leader's throat before he could even unsheathe his weapon.