My card's leveling

The recruited group, now officially known as the young hunters, had finally settled into the base. They were assigned rooms, and basic amenities like food and shelter were provided by Mr. Hugo. Most importantly, almost each member had joined a team, and tomorrow they would all participate in the contest.

It was nighttime, and the cafeteria was bustling. At the far corner, a large TV screen displayed the list of teams—fourteen in total, each represented by different colors and symbols. There were five members in each team, the maximum allowed.

The tables were claimed territory. Teams sat together, and no outsider dared to take a seat at another's table.

Riven entered the cafeteria, scanning for a place to sit. Of all the tables, one at the corner by a back door caught his eye. It looked old, neglected—perfect. He sighed and walked over, ignoring the side glances from Blake's team as he passed.

He sat down, pulling a cinnamon roll from his tote bag. "Ah, gotta warm it up," he muttered, standing and heading to the microwave. As he watched the countdown, a thought lingered in his mind: Time is running out.

No one wanted him on their team. Even the teams with empty spots refused to take him in. He wasn't even considered by the weaker teams. They'd rather stay incomplete.

Riven wished he could do it alone. He liked being a loner—no teammates to worry about, no one questioning his abilities. Just him against the world. If luck was on his side, he'd emerge victorious. The thought of seeing the rejection on people's faces when he won made him smile—especially Hugo's. But as quickly as the thought appeared, his smile faded. Hugo, he thought bitterly. He's the reason why he faced his humiliation.

The microwave beeped, signaling the cinnamon roll was ready.

Riven sat back down, taking a bite. He knew this would be his last meal before leaving the base.

"Please, Blake, put me in," Peter begged, standing by Blake's table. "I've tried, but no one else will take me."

Blake rolled his eyes, dropping his taco. "I told you already—find another team."

"I did! But they wouldn't let me," Peter muttered.

"Funny, I wonder why," one of Blake's teammates sneered.

"I can only make one portal at a time, it's not my fault," Peter defended himself.

Just then, Fey entered the cafeteria, her eyes scanning the room before she approached an empty table.

"Can I sit here?" she asked.

A girl at the table sized her up. "Sorry, team's full."

Fey forced a smile. "I know, but the table still has space."

Another girl sighed loudly. "Were you even here today?"

Fey didn't respond.

"Find a team, sweetheart," someone else mocked.

Fey took a step back, scanning the room for another seat, but there was nowhere left. She finally sat on a stool, not far from Blake's table, and began eating her meal.

"There's still a spot in your team, Blake," Peter said, almost desperately. "I could be the fifth member."

Blake raised a hand, cutting him off, his voice dripping with annoyance. "My taco's cold now because you won't stop talking."

Peter flinched, trying to get a word in. "But you said I could join."

"That was before you got stung by a bee," one of Blake's teammates joked.

"I didn't say you couldn't join," Blake continued, "it's just that… well, we don't want to lose, and I don't have a choice if that happens. Tell you what—if there's no other option, we'll take you in, but… you don't have what it takes."

"I do have what it takes," Peter insisted.

"Oh really?" Blake smirked and stood, towering over Peter, whose head barely reached his chest. Blake grabbed Peter by the jaw and lifted him off the ground.

"Do you still think you can handle it?" Blake's voice was low and serious.

Eyes turned to watch.

Peter barely shook his head but nodded in fear.

"Then fight back," Blake challenged.

Peter trembled, closing his eyes, but he didn't move.

Blake's teammates laughed.

"Oh well," Blake said, tossing Peter across the room. He crashed to the floor next to Fey, who looked at him with concern.

Blake didn't even glance in their direction as he sat back down.

"We're not putting Peter in," Tony, a boy with curly black hair, said.

"Yeah, but we still need a fifth," Blake replied.

"Well, most teams are already full," Dina, another teammate, added.

"Who's that?" Tony asked, pointing at Fey, who was now sitting with Peter, trying to help him stand.

"Does she have a team?" Blake asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Obviously not. She's not at any table," Dina observed.

Blake paused, then smirked. "Let's pick her."

"Whoa, slow down there, tiger. I know she's pretty, but—"

"No, it's not that. There's no one else left, except for Peter," Blake cut him off.

"But what if she's weak or statless?" Tony pressed.

"Yeah, but I don't think I've seen her during the test," Dina said, eyeing Fey. "I don't remember anyone with red hair."

"That's it. She could be one of those VIPs, or maybe the daughter of a hunter. Who knows?" Blake said, standing up. "I'm going to ask her."

Tony and Dina exchanged skeptical looks. "Okay," Tony said reluctantly.

Blake approached Fey as she finished her meal.

"Hey," he said.

Fey looked up "Hey."

Blake scratched his head awkwardly. "I was wondering if you'd join our team."

Fey gave a small, weak smile. "But you don't even know my ability."

Blake's smile faded. "Well, you didn't come to the test, so I guess you're one of those strong people with backing."

"How do you know I wasn't there?" Fey countered, raising an eyebrow.

Blake hesitated. "Er, I don't see many people with red hair around here."

"Oh, I think Blake's got other reasons for wanting her on the team," Tony joked.

"Obviously. Awkward," Dina added with a smirk.

Fey glanced at Peter, who was sitting in the corner, watching them. She then checked her watch. It showed: Nil.

"Sorry," Fey said, standing up, "but my abilities are really weak. You should take Peter instead."

Blake's expression fell. "We can still take you. It's just… we have a problem with Peter."

Fey's voice was calm but firm. "No thanks. It's a pass. I don't want to be tossed around."

She was about to leave.

Blake's fake smile slipped. "You know if you don't take the offer, you're not going to find another team. They're all full. What's left are the weak ones—and most of them are leaving."

Fey met his gaze, unblinking. "I'll take my chances."

Blake scoffed, clearly shocked by her decision.

"Have you ever used your head instead of your foot?" he muttered, his voice low and tense.

Fey exhaled softly, her gaze shifting. Behind Blake, she noticed someone she recognized—Riven. He was sitting alone, eating quietly. She smiled slowly. "Okay, I've decided. I'm going to join a team."

Blake softened, trying to mask his disappointment. "You made a wise choice." He extended a hand to her, but Fey walked right past him, leaving his hand hanging, much to his surprise.

Riven was just finishing his meal and about to stand when he heard a voice. "Hey there."

He looked up to see Fey smiling at him, her hand outstretched. "Let's make a team."

Riven blinked in shock. "Me?"

Fey laughed. "Yes, you."

Riven hesitated, his thoughts swirling, this came in so fast, should I accept her? Is this all a joke? . Slowly, hesitantly , he reached out and shook her hand. Their watches beeped in sync, confirming the new team.

Just then, the masked person entered through the back door. When the person saw Riven shaking hands with Fey, the team's name appeared on the screen—Team Fifteen.

Blake watched, stunned. His teammates snickered quietly.

Peter, who had been about to leave, turned to Blake. "You can still take me in, right?" he asked.

Blake grabbed Peter by the collar and lifted him off the ground. "You're in my team now," he said, not asking but telling.

Peter, scared, nodded and shakily shook Blake's hand.

Fey turned to Riven as she made her way toward the exit. "Try adding more people to our team," she winked before disappearing through the entrance.

Riven stood frozen, unsure of what just happened. Why did she want to team up with me? Did she see me during the test? Is she statless too?

As he stood there, pondering, a tap on his

shoulder broke his train of thought. He turned to see the masked person again.

"Hey," he said, extending a hand. "My name's Jex Walter. I want to join your team."