The library was quiet.
Team PKJ had claimed a corner table. Away from other cadets. Away from distractions. Three chairs. Three sets of eyes focused forward.
Pamela stood at the head. Data pad in hand. Her silver eyes were sharp. Professional. This was her element. Planning. Strategy. Information.
Kade sat with his arms crossed. His posture relaxed but attentive. Ears perked up. He'd done tournaments before. But nothing like this.
Juli's face was neutral. No grin. No jokes. Just focus. His red eyes tracked Pamela's every movement. Every gesture.
"The One Hundred and Twelfth Biennial Constellation Cup." Pamela's voice was clear. Measured. "Five phases. Each designed to test different aspects of combat and tactical ability."
She swiped her data pad. A hologram projected above the table. Graphics. Charts. Tournament structure.
"Phase One. The Qualifiers." She looked at both boys. "Chief Instructor Vela will conduct a simulated combat session. Androids specifically tailored for sparring. Three versus three format."
Kade leaned forward slightly. Interested.
"Team rules apply." Pamela emphasized the words. "One member fails. The entire team fails. No exceptions."
Juli's grin broke through. Wide. Confident. "That's gonna be fun." He turned to Kade. "Right, tiger boy?"
Kade's fist met Juli's. The bump was solid. Firm. "Damn right."
Pamela continued. Unbothered by the interruption. "This is merely a data collection phase. The session is recorded. Performance metrics analyzed. All data gets sent to the tournament organizers."
Kade's mouth opened. Question forming.
"The organizers are the Taurus Squad." Pamela answered before he could ask. "One of the twelve Constellation Squads."
Both Juli and Kade's thumbs shot up. Perfect synchronization. Like they'd practiced.
The Taurus Squad. One of ARMADA's twelve elite Constellation Squads. The best of the best. If they were running this tournament, it was legitimate. Serious. The Constellation Squads operated with flexibility. Authority. Each one a powerhouse in their own right.
Juli's grin remained. "Hmm. Looks simple kinda." He gestured forward with his hand. Casual. "Please carry on, PamPam."
Pamela nodded. Swiped again. New graphics appeared.
"Phase Two. The Entrance Exam." She paused. Let the words sink in. "Standard theory examination. Written test covering tactics, military history, protocol, and strategic analysis."
Her eyes moved between them. "Team rules still apply."
Juli's grin vanished.
Instantly. Gone like someone flipped a switch. His face went pale. Just slightly. Sweat beaded on his forehead.
Kade's eyebrow raised. His amber eyes tracked Juli. Noticed the change. "You good?"
"Yeah." Juli's laugh was forced. Nervous. "Totally. Hehe. I'm okay."
Kade didn't look convinced. But said nothing.
Pamela watched them both. Made a mental note. Continued.
"Phase Three. The Quest." The hologram shifted. Showed a planetary surface. Terrain. Markers. "All qualifying teams participate in a massive hunt. Limited artifacts scattered across a planet chosen by the organizers."
She zoomed in. Highlighted specific zones. "Competition is fierce. Resources are scarce. Team rules remain in effect."
Juli's color returned. His posture relaxed. Combat he understood. Theory exams? Different story.
"Phase Four." Pamela's voice dropped slightly. More serious. "The Crucible."
The hologram expanded. Showed a massive arena. Multiple terrain types. No boundaries visible.
"Team rules do not apply." She let that hang. "Allies can be made. Enemies can be formed. No restrictions. No guidelines. Pure survival."
Kade's grin was predatory. This was his kind of fight.
"One large battle royale." Pamela gestured at the hologram. "Sixteen cadets survive. Those sixteen advance to the finals."
"And the finals?" Kade asked.
"Traditional single elimination." The hologram shifted again. Bracket structure. "One versus one. Round of sixteen. Quarterfinals. Semifinals. Final match." She looked at them both. "All brackets randomized by a powerful AI. No seeding. Pure chance."
Juli stretched. Arms above his head. His grin came back. Full force. "This tournament looks pretty simple. Hehe."
He turned to Pamela. His expression shifted. The grin softened. Became something else. Something warm. His red eyes caught the library light. Made them glow slightly. His whole face changed. Opened up.
That smile again.
The genuine one. The beautiful one. Not the cheeky troublemaker grin. But the real thing. Pure and unguarded.
"Thanks, PamPam." His voice was soft. Sincere.
Pamela froze.
Her pale face flushed. Red crept up her cheeks. Spread to her ears. Her heart hammered. Hard enough she heard it. Felt it in her throat. Sweat formed on her palms. Her silver eyes widened.
She couldn't look away. Couldn't speak. Couldn't think.
Just that smile. That damn smile.
Her mouth opened. Closed. Nothing came out.
Kade noticed immediately.
His grin exploded across his face. Fangs showing. Eyes sparkling with mischief. He pointed at Juli. Then at Pamela. Back and forth.
"Hey hey." Kade's laugh was loud. Genuine. "When did you become such a ladies man? Haha!"
Juli blinked. Turned to Kade. His face shifted to confusion. Pure. Complete. "What?"
He looked at Pamela. Then back at Kade. "What are you talking about?"
Kade laughed harder. His hand slapped the table. "You're killing me, blondie. You're actually killing me."
"I don't get it." Juli's confusion deepened. His eyebrows furrowed. "What did I do?"
Pamela's face burned hotter. She looked down. At her data pad. At the table. Anywhere but at Juli. Her hands gripped the pad tighter. Knuckles white.
"Nothing." Her voice was tight. Controlled. "You did nothing."
"See?" Juli gestured at her. Still confused. "She says I did nothing."
Kade's laughter continued. He wiped his eyes. This was gold. Pure entertainment. "Oh man. This is gonna be fun."
"What's fun?" Juli looked between them. Lost. Completely out of the loop.
Pamela cleared her throat. Forced herself to look up. Composed her face. Professional mask back in place. Mostly. Her cheeks still burned.
"We should prepare." Her voice was steadier now. "Phase One begins in three days. We need training. Strategy. Coordination."
"Right." Kade grinned. Still amused. "Training."
"Yeah." Juli nodded. Serious again. "Let's do it."
But his confusion remained. Written all over his face. What had just happened? Why was Kade laughing? Why was Pamela so red?
He had no idea.
None at all.
Team PKJ had their work cut out for them. Five phases. One tournament. Three cadets.
And one completely oblivious blonde boy who had no idea the effect he had on people.