The meeting catastrophe.

The meeting day arrived, and the two factions confronted each other face to face. The tension in the plaza was palpable; onlookers either sprinted away or gathered around, watching with bated breath. The air was thick with uncertainty, as the possibility of a full-blown battle loomed.

Jake BlueBlood, the 16-year-old leader of Fire Blossoms, stood confidently amidst his faction. His fiery red hair and yellow-tinged red eyes were complemented by his casual attire—a dark red leather jacket, short black pants, and a chestguard adorned with the faction symbol. Calloused hands revealed the hard training he endured to enhance his martial skills and swordsmanship.

His face bore a wide grin as he eagerly awaited the meeting's start. Surrounded by loyal vice leaders and members, Jake stood in the plaza, his most trusted comrades by his side— individuals who had supported him from the beginning. A sense of camaraderie enveloped them, forming a bond as strong as family.

Ren, on the other hand, was encircled by her faction's vice leaders, members and temporary helpers. Her usual long flowing hair had been tied into a ponytail, in stark contrast to Jake's unrestrained locks. She wore a light chest plate adorned with delicate snowflakes, she exuded a grace that complemented the wintry theme of her armour.

The envy simmered within Ren as she observed Jake's close-knit group. His comrades were unwavering in their loyalty resembling a family, it was all forged through trust and mutual support. This unity had drawn many to their cause, fostering a sense of belonging that Ren couldn't help but covet.

A sigh escaped Ren's lips as Jake's vice leaders stepped aside, allowing him to approach. Ren's vice leaders followed suit a moment later.

"I hope you've been well, Miss Princess. I heard your faction is already set up; you worked really fast. We're a long way from finishing," Jake remarked with a playful tone.

"Get to the point; I'm busy. Stop wasting my time," Ren retorted, her tone cold and efficient.

"You're as cold as ever... oh, how it hurts. Aren't we friends?" Jake teased, attempting to inject humour into the tense atmosphere.

The surroundings fell silent, creating an awkward tension before bursts of laughter erupted from Jake's closest friends, the vice leaders. Even the new vice leaders resisted joining in, one of his friends was even rolling on the ground from laughter.

"Are you serious, guys? Stop laughing; it's not funny!" Jake protested, his face beet red.

Chase, wiping tears from his eyes, insisted, "Yes, it is, Jaky Jaky."

Rainer chimed in, "You must admit it was pretty funny."

"Never mind," Jake grumbled, trying to regain control of the situation.

Addressing Ren again, he asked, "Have you thought about my proposal? Let's join forces! Join me, and we will rise to the top, conquer all other factions, and make them submit. Join my cause, join our family! By the time we graduate, we'll rival the great factions, monopolizing this year's generations of promising youths we'll even rival the great families. Tell me, are you joining me?"

Ren pondered for a moment before responding with a noncommittal "hmmm."

Sighing, Jake continued, "I know that 'hmm' its still a 'no,' isn't it? I still don't understand why you're not joining me. There are only pros to this deal—double the members, more powerful vice leaders, and more power. It'll be easy to conquer the others. At least tell me why."

"I want to grow with my own strength. I don't want to take the easy path. You have your goals; I have mine... Is that enough?" Ren explained.

"Yes, it's plenty. I hope someday you'll trust me enough to tell me your story, Princess. I won't drag you into my goals," Jake replied.

Ren gave him a small smile. "I'll be there when it happens."

"It'll be my pleasure to fight alongside you," Jake said.

"But you know what not joining me means?" he added, pausing for a second. "We will have to clash."

With resolution in her voice, Ren stated, "Then we will clash, and I shall win."

His grin widened. "We will see..."

Suddenly, a screeching sound cut through the tension. An energy beam shot past Jake, heading towards Ren. Jake's eyes widened, and he shouted, "WATCH OUT!"

Chase yelled, "CATCH THE CULPRIT!"

Hunter desperately tried to counter the projectile with his bow, shouting, "BOSS, WATCH OUT!"

Panic erupted as everyone screamed and shouted. Ren attempted to dodge, but three sets of arms held her down. Her mana wouldn't manifest, the assailants had sealed it. Despite them being weaker, the split-second suppression and mana seal left her vulnerable to the oncoming projectile, and she couldn't evade it.

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