Eclipse of the Divine

The Unlikely Group

The third-year classroom was filled with hushed conversations as students awaited their project assignments. When Lalisa and her friends walked in, the room seemed to collectively hold its breath. The four girls had an aura of undeniable power - their graceful movements, piercing gazes, and the way they carried themselves commanded attention.

At the professor's desk stood three girls, Momo Frigidus, Nayeon Floralis, and Jihyo Autumnalis, all members of powerful seasonal clans. They were seasoned in magic and confident in their abilities but found themselves fidgeting nervously as they awaited their team assignment.

The professor cleared her throat. "For this project, your group will consist of Lalisa, Rose, Jennie, Jisso, Momo, Nayeon, and Jihyo. You will be working on a collaborative artifact creation project, combining your unique abilities and knowledge. Take the time to get to know each other before we begin."

Lalisa's gaze swept over the three girls, assessing them. Her tone was as sharp as her eyes. "Lalisa," she said curtly, not offering more.

"Rose," her friend said with a soft smile, though it barely masked her watchful demeanor.

Jennie crossed her arms and added simply, "Jennie."

Jisso, the calmest among them, nodded. "Jisso."

The seasonal girls hesitated before introducing themselves.

Momo, trying not to show her unease, managed a smile. "I'm Momo Frigidus from the Winter Solstice Clan. I specialize in ice magic."

"I'm Nayeon Floralis," the second said, her spring-like warmth apparent even as her voice trembled slightly. "My magic aligns with nature and growth."

"And I'm Jihyo Autumnalis," the last girl added. "Autumn is my specialty - transformation and balance."

The seasonal girls tried to exude confidence, but the air of authority surrounding Lalisa's group made it difficult.

The silence stretched as the group awkwardly settled into their seats. Nayeon, determined to ease the tension, asked hesitantly, "So, have you all been at the university long?"

Rose's lips twitched into a faint smile. "It's our first year here. But we're not... new to these kinds of environments."

Jennie leaned back, her tone laced with dry humor. "We've spent most of our lives... training."

Momo blinked. "Training for what?"

"For survival," Jennie replied cryptically, leaving the three girls exchanging nervous glances.

Sensing their unease, Jisso added with a gentler tone, "It's just how we grew up. Don't worry, we're not as intimidating as we seem."

Jihyo smiled timidly. "Well, I'm glad. I thought I'd have to walk on eggshells the entire time."

Rose chuckled softly, her warmth starting to bridge the gap. "You might. Jennie bites."

Jennie smirked, playing along. "Only if provoked."

Momo and Nayeon laughed nervously, while Jihyo managed a more genuine grin. Slowly, the tension began to dissolve.

The group discussion shifted to their project - creating an artifact that combined their abilities. Momo, emboldened by the easing atmosphere, suggested, "What if we create an artifact that adapts to its user's season? Like a ring or pendant that channels different magic depending on who's wearing it."

Jennie raised an eyebrow. "Sounds simple. But how would it differentiate between seasons?"

Nayeon chimed in, "We could bind it to our collective magic, making it responsive to the energy of spring, summer, autumn, or winter."