Capture the flag: Bromance

In the control room, an almost palpable silence fell as the video footage reconnected to Aqualina's base. The scene before them was one of absolute devastation...trees were uprooted, plants were smashed, and rocks shattered into dust.

The once vibrant landscape now lay in ruins. Amidst the desolation, Aqualina hugged Aether in her arms, her tears mingling with the blood and dirt on his battered form.

"Him?" Alaric's brow furrowed in confusion and disbelief at the sight of Aether. He was certain Aether's name wasn't on the list. His gaze darted to the Principal, wondering if the hooded figure had been Aether all along.

'Tsk,' the Principal clicked her tongue in frustration, irritated that Aether had blown his cover. Yet, a deeper worry gnawed at her, 'What happened?' she pondered, her mind racing with unanswered questions.

Meanwhile,