Dimension System: SSS Rank Talent Awakening-Chapter 235 Rising Tensions

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The soft light of dawn broke through the thick canopy of the Crimson Expanse, painting the forest floor in shades of gold and green.

The air was heavy with the scent of damp earth, and the distant calls of creatures echoed through the trees. Dabi's team moved carefully, each step deliberate as they navigated the winding paths of the forest. They had faced a team already, but the atmosphere now was different—more charged, more dangerous.

"Stay alert," Dabi warned, his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it that none of his teammates missed.

Jeni tightened the straps of her pack, her bow slung across her back. "Do you think anyone else is this close to the central arena?" she asked, her voice low. I have felling that we might get ambush by a team.

"Guaranteed," Zen replied, his twin blades glinting in the morning light. "The closer we get, the more likely we'll run into the strongest teams. Everyone knows the artifact markers get scarcer the further in you go."

Kiba snorted, his keen senses focused on the dense underbrush ahead. "Good. Let them come. We've dealt with worse."

Althea brought up the rear, her staff glowing faintly as she kept a protective barrier ready. "Confidence is fine, but overconfidence will get us eliminated. Stay sharp."

Dabi gave her an approving nod. "Althea's right. We've been doing well, but we can't afford mistakes. The stronger teams won't just test our strength— they'll test our strategy."

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The reminder hung in the air as the group pushed forward.

As the day wore on, the oppressive heat of the forest began to wear on them. Beads of sweat trickled down their faces, but they pressed on, driven by the knowledge that the tournament was nearing its final stages. The artifact map they carried had been invaluable, guiding them through the maze of the Crimson Expanse, but its markers were growing fewer and farther between. One by one others teams are collecting artifacts.

They emerged into a clearing— a rare open space in the dense jungle. Sunlight streamed down, and the ground was covered in soft moss. But what caught their attention wasn't the clearing itself.

Ahead, standing near the opposite edge, was another team.

Dabi's sharp eyes immediately recognized the uniforms and the way they carried themselves. Team Solaris. It's a team from neighbouring country.

The leader of the opposing team, Kael, stood at the forefront. He was tall and broad shouldered, with striking golden eyes that seemed to gleam with a mixture of confidence and calculation. His team was equally imposing, each member radiating a level of strength and composure that marked them as elite contenders.

Kael stepped forward, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "Well, well. If it isn't Team from astral heaven academy. I was starting to wonder if we'd ever cross paths."

Dabi stepped forward to meet his gaze, his posture relaxed but ready. I am Dabi, "And you are?"

"Kael," the man replied, his voice smooth and commanding. "Leader of Team Solaris and the future champion of this tournament." So you are Dabi from celestial kingdom. I will give you a choice, give me all the artifact you have collected and forfeit from the tournament. That way I don't have to waste my time with weak team like yours.

Jeni rolled her eyes, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Charming. Another guy who thinks he's already won."

Kael chuckled, clearly amused. His golden eyes shifted to her, his smirk widening. "Confidence is a powerful thing, sweetheart. Maybe you'll learn that when you're watching us claim victory."

Jeni bristled, but Dabi raised a hand to stop her from responding. His focus remained on Kael. "If you're so confident, why don't we settle this now?"

Kael's smirk didn't falter. "Patience, Dabi. There's no need to rush. I was just testing your will. You are not a coward. We'll meet soon enough— on the real battlefield where it matters." I want the crowds to see my victory.

Dabi's gaze didn't waver. "Then don't waste our time. Get out of our way." We don't have any artifacts to give you. If you want to fight then come on, We are ready!!! I will destroy you confidence.

Kael chuckled again, turning to his team with a casual wave. "I don't want fight with you now. I heard you are a hero of your kingdom. You defeat some strong enemies. I want to see if you are capable enough to reach the finals. I will let you go for now. But remember this moment, Dabi. When the final match comes, don't expect mercy."

I will wait for your team, don't disappoint me. Alright let's go. Kael command his team.

As Team Solaris disappeared into the jungle, the tension lingered like a storm cloud.

Zen broke the silence. "That guy's going to be trouble."

"No kidding," Kiba muttered. "He's got the aura of someone who knows exactly what they're doing."

Althea's voice was calm but firm. "And he's not alone. His team looked just as prepared as he is."

Dabi clenched his fists, the memory of Kael's confident smirk burning in his mind. "Then we'll prepare, too. I have collected some information of previous international academy tournament. The Solaris academy won the tournament for last five years in a row. Their team always been the best team each year.

We can't fight with them without a proper plan. Alright enough talking, Let's keep moving."

The team pushed on for the rest of the day, finally stopping to set up camp as dusk fell. They chose a rocky alcove surrounded by dense foliage —a defensible position that gave them a clear view of any approach.

As the fire crackled between them, Dabi called for a strategy session.

"We need to talk about what's ahead," he began, his tone serious. "We've seen what Team Solaris is capable of— or at least, what they want us to see. They're coordinated, and Kael's their linchpin. If we're going to beat them, we need a plan."

Jeni nodded, already in analytical mode. "From what I noticed, Kael doesn't just lead he commands. The rest of his team moves around him like pieces on a chessboard. If we can disrupt their coordination, we can throw them off balance."

Kiba leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. "It's not just Kael. The others looked solid, too. We'll need to divide their focus. If we let them fight as a unit, we'll be in trouble."

Zen tapped the hilt of one of his blades. "And we need to keep our defenses tight. Teams like theirs thrive on exploiting weaknesses."

Althea spoke up, her tone measured. "We've been reactive so far, but against Solaris, we'll need to take the initiative. If we let them dictate the pace, we'll lose."

Dabi listened carefully, piecing together their insights. Finally, he spoke. "Here's what we'll do: Jeni and Kiba, you'll create a battlefield that forces them to split up. Use traps, terrain, whatever you can. Zen, you'll focus on taking out their frontline fighters— hard and fast. Althea, you'll stay mobile and keep us in fighting shape. As for Kael... he's mine."

The team exchanged determined looks. The encounter with Team Solaris had shaken them, but it had also steeled their resolve.

"We can do this," Dabi said, his voice steady. "But we can't afford any mistakes. Stay sharp."

As the team prepared to settle in for the night, a faint rustling caught Dabi's attention. He turned to see a small, mechanical bird perched on a nearby branch. Its sleek design and glowing eyes marked it as a messenger from the academy.

The bird chirped once, extending its leg to reveal a tightly rolled parchment. Dabi retrieved the note, unrolling it as his team gathered around.

The message was brief, written in Headmaster Raghnall's unmistakable handwriting:

"Dabi, the tournament is not what it seems. Be prepared for the unexpected. Trust no one but your team."

The cryptic warning sent a chill down Dabi's spine. He read it aloud, and the group fell silent as they absorbed its implications.

"What does he mean, 'not what it seems'?" Althea asked, her brow furrowed.

Jeni crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "Great. Just what we need— more mysteries."

Kiba's gaze was hard. "If the Headmaster is warning us, it means there's something bigger at play. We need to be on guard."

Dabi folded the note and tucked it into his pocket. "We'll deal with it when the time comes. For now, we focus on the trial ahead. But keep your eyes open— there's more going on here than we realize."

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The night passed uneventfully, but the weight of Raghnall's message lingered. As dawn broke, the team packed up and resumed their journey, the central beacon drawing closer with every step.

The jungle grew darker and more foreboding, the sounds of distant battles echoing through the trees. The previous encounter with first team tested their skills and resolve, but Dabi's group emerged victorious that time.

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