Tournament Strategy Meeting
Wick stood at the center of the dimly lit room, his sharp gaze sweeping over the gathered members of The Shield, The Legacy, and their allies. The atmosphere was tense, an unspoken understanding hanging in the air—something was wrong.
"We have a problem," Wick began, his voice steady but firm. "Our strategies aren't as secure as they should be. I suspect someone inside the college—maybe a senior, maybe a junior—is feeding information to our rivals."
Jai leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "So what's the plan?"
Priyanshu smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Simple. We find the rat and eliminate them."
Shristi's expression hardened. "That's reckless. You're underestimating how tricky this could be. If someone's leaking information, they're not stupid. They won't be easy to catch."
Roy scoffed. "And why do you even care? You're not part of The Shield."
Silence fell over the room. Wick's eyes flickered with irritation as he turned to face Roy. His tone dropped, dangerously cold.
"Who says she isn't?" He took a step forward, locking eyes with Roy. "Shristi is the leader of the female team and will be leading this college alongside me in the tournament. And I swear, if this discussion turns into another pointless debate about whether she belongs here or not, I won't be as patient next time."
Roy exhaled sharply, clearly displeased. "Is that so, huh?"
Jai quickly stepped in, sensing the hostility. "Guys, we have bigger issues. We shouldn't be fighting among ourselves. Shristi, do you have any suspicions about who the traitor might be?"
Shristi shook her head. "Honestly, no. But I do have a plan."
Nick, who had been silently observing, finally spoke. "Let's hear it."
Shristi straightened. "We divide our focus. One team should work on uncovering the traitor. The other should focus on gathering intel on rival teams. That way, we don't lose ground on either front."
A beat of silence followed as everyone processed her suggestion.
Wick nodded. "That's a solid plan. I'm in."
Roy sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Didn't want to say this, but yeah… I'm on board too."
With the strategy decided, the meeting dispersed, but the tension in the room lingered.
---
After Classes – The Canteen Encounter
Wick walked alone through the crowded canteen, his mind occupied with tournament strategies and the looming uncertainty of a traitor within their midst. The usual chatter and clinking of trays barely registered in his ears.
As he neared an empty table, a cheerful voice called out.
"Hey! You're Wick, right?"
He barely turned before a girl stepped into his path. She had bright, expressive eyes and an energy that felt completely out of place amid his thoughts.
"I'm Yuja!" she introduced herself with a wide smile. "I just transferred here. I've already heard a lot about you."
Wick's expression remained unreadable. "Is that so?"
"Yeah!" Yuja clasped her hands behind her back. "I really want to be friends with everyone here. Including you!"
Wick studied her for a moment. She was different—too bubbly, too eager. Most people either feared him, respected him, or challenged him. Rarely did anyone approach him with such casual enthusiasm.
He exhaled, his tone flat. "Okay."
Without another word, he sidestepped her and continued walking.
Yuja blinked, watching him go, then chuckled to herself. "Interesting."
To be continued...