**Chapter 118: Team of Five**
“I know you have your own talents, Sylvara. Your cooking is nothing short of spectacular. You really shouldn’t feel shy around me.” Veyric interpreted her clear hesitance as mere bashfulness. “I’ll be your shield. I promise to keep you safe, no matter what.”
In response, Sylvara instinctively recoiled, creating a noticeable gap between them. “You really don’t have to shadow me. Mr. Kenobia made it clear—I’m a second-year student now. I’m just here to fill in the numbers and observe your training sessions.”
Had she not voiced it, Veyric might have completely overlooked that fact. Just as he was about to inquire how she had advanced to second year so swiftly, Issac and a couple of his companions approached them. “Ms. Feywin, I heard you’ve switched your department. No worries! Come join our team. I’ve got your backs.”
Right. As if!
In stark contrast to that loquacious, wealthy heir, Sylvara instinctively opted for Veyric’s company.
Veyric mirrored her sentiments. He pivoted, grasped Sylvara’s arm, and dashed toward Blake. In one swift breath, he announced, “Mr. Kenobia, our team is formed. It’s just the two of us.”
Blake scrutinized them for a moment before his gaze drifted past them, landing on Issac, who was lingering behind. “No, that won’t do. This training takes place on a primitive planet. Teams must comprise between five to ten members. Two simply won’t suffice.”
Though he stated that two wouldn’t make the cut, his eyes remained fixed on the individuals behind them.
Sylvara followed his line of sight and turned back. She recalled Veyric’s earlier words: when the Emperor first ascended to the throne and initiated reforms, the council and the elders were the first to resist him.
And now, the one approaching them was none other than Issac, the offspring of a council member.
Revenge, after all, is best served cold. The Emperor had suffered setbacks at the hands of the council, and Blake likely still bore the scars of those memories.
Sylvara clenched her fingers into a fist and pointed her thumb over her shoulder toward Issac, who was already striding closer. “Mr. Kenobia, if we partner up with Issac, then we qualify, right?”
Blake’s expression darkened. “Yes, indeed. You two, along with their three males, makes five. Five to ten members are permitted. You can form a team.”
Veyric averted his gaze, unable to meet Blake’s eyes. Overwhelmed with guilt, he waved his hands dismissively. “No, no. I refuse to team up with him. Sylvie, let’s find someone else.”
“Absolutely not,” Sylvara declared with determination. “We’re teaming up with them.” If Blake held grudges so well, she felt compelled to give him some respect. After all, causing trouble on a primitive planet? That would be her domain. “Does that work for you, Mr. Kenobia?” she asked, a hint of mischief in her voice.
Blake smiled, his pride barely contained. “Whether it works for me isn’t the core issue. What truly matters is that it works for you. Training should be enjoyable. If it isn’t, then what’s the point?”
With two perceived weak links, their chances of victory seemed slim.
If they hoped to triumph, a stronger team was essential.
But Issac, basking in the adoration of fangirls and fanboys alike, shot back with confidence. “What does it matter to you? I enjoy teaming up with them. If you don’t like it, just don’t look.”
The murmuring crowd fell silent, chastised into submission. They glared at Sylvara and Veyric with contempt, as if the duo had somehow manipulated Issac’s favor.
Sylvara and Veyric paid no heed to the disdainful stares, their focus unwavering. They quickly reached a tacit understanding: for now, they needed to stick closely to Issac.
They were merely fans, after all. And fans should embody the part.
“Did you catch that?” Issac, now assuming the role of team leader, asked as they boarded the ship and settled onto the bare floor in their designated groups, engaging in low conversations to pass the time.
“Mr. Kenobia bears a striking resemblance to the Empress. Plus, they share the same last name. Do you think he could be her brother?”

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