The sun rose over the newly established school grounds. Jiang Yun stood at the center of the training field, his gaze sharp and focused. His teammates — Zhu Zhuqing, Dugu Yan, Bai Ling, Hua Yue, Feng Ming, and Qiao Xuan — stood before him, each filled with determination.
"Today, we begin true training," Jiang Yun announced, his voice clear. "We've formed a team, but strength alone is not enough. We must understand each other's abilities and perfect our teamwork."
Zhu Zhuqing nodded, her usually cold expression showing a trace of excitement. Dugu Yan leaned against a nearby tree, her arms crossed, but a confident smile played on her lips.
"Let's not waste time," Hua Yue smirked, her crimson hair fluttering in the breeze. "The stronger we become, the sooner we make a name for ourselves."
"That's the spirit," Jiang Yun said, a slight smile on his face. "First, pair up for direct combat training. This will help you understand each other's abilities in real scenarios. Zhu Zhuqing, you're with me."
Zhu Zhuqing's lips curled slightly. "Understood."
"Bai Ling, you'll support from the sidelines. Feng Ming, you will focus on countering our speed with your own. Dugu Yan, your task is to apply pressure using your Jade Phosphor Earth Dragon abilities. Hua Yue and Qiao Xuan will focus on offense and control, respectively."
Everyone nodded, their expressions serious.
---
Jiang Yun and Zhu Zhuqing stood side by side, facing the others. Zhu Zhuqing's figure shimmered as her Hell Civet martial spirit emerged, her shadow expanding. Jiang Yun extended his hand, and with a clear voice, he declared, "Henshin!"
Red energy surged around him, and in an instant, his body was clad in the powerful red armor of Kamen Rider Kuuga's Mighty Form. The sight never failed to awe his teammates.
"Let's see how well you've all grown," Jiang Yun called out.
Dugu Yan was the first to act. Her Jade Phosphor Earth Dragon martial spirit manifested, and the ground trembled. Thick, green-scaled vines burst forth, moving to entangle Zhu Zhuqing and Jiang Yun.
But Zhu Zhuqing was faster. Her body blurred, darting through the vines with her Shadow Hunt. She closed in on Dugu Yan, her claws gleaming.
Hua Yue roared, her Crimson Tiger martial spirit erupting in fiery claws. She dashed to intercept Zhu Zhuqing, her claws slashing out, only to be met by Zhu Zhuqing's Nether Claws. Sparks flew as the two exchanged rapid blows.
Jiang Yun's voice cut through the chaos. "Crimson Lock!"
A faint red glow surrounded Hua Yue, and before she could react, Jiang Yun's mighty kick struck her side, sending her flying back.
"That's cheating!" Hua Yue yelled, struggling to her feet.
"It's combat. There is no such thing as cheating," Jiang Yun replied calmly.
Feng Ming's figure blurred as he soared above, his Gale Falcon wings spreading wide. Wind blades shot down toward Jiang Yun, who raised his armored arm, blocking them effortlessly.
"You'll need to be faster, Feng Ming!" Jiang Yun taunted.
Qiao Xuan's Earthbind Serpent martial spirit slithered beneath the ground, its body emerging and trying to coil around Jiang Yun. But Jiang Yun's red armor gleamed with power, and with a single punch, he shattered the serpent's earthen coils.
Dugu Yan's voice rang out. "Don't focus on individuals! Coordinate your attacks!"
Her Earth Dragon Domain expanded, and a thick, earthen mist filled the field, making it harder to see. Bai Ling's radiant light shone through the mist, her healing aura boosting her teammates' strength and speed.
"Stay together!" Bai Ling called out, her Radiant Lotus blooming around her, granting a defensive barrier to her allies.
Zhu Zhuqing slipped through the mist like a ghost, her Shadow Phantom leaving afterimages. Hua Yue tried to track her, but Zhu Zhuqing's speed was overwhelming. In a heartbeat, Zhu Zhuqing appeared behind Feng Ming, her claws lightly tapping his shoulder.
"You're down."
Feng Ming sighed, landing gently. "I couldn't even see you."
Jiang Yun charged through the mist, his crimson armor shining like a beacon. "Dugu Yan, your domain is strong, but not invincible!"
He raised his hand, and with a burst of power, the earth beneath him cracked, dispelling the mist. Dugu Yan's eyes widened in shock. Before she could react, Jiang Yun was before her, his armored fist stopping just short of her face.
"I lose," she admitted, raising her hands with a wry smile.
Hua Yue and Qiao Xuan tried to launch a combined attack, but a sudden crimson glow surrounded them — Jiang Yun's Crimson Lock. They froze, their movements restricted, and Zhu Zhuqing appeared between them, her claws gently tapping their shoulders.
"We lost too…" Qiao Xuan admitted, smiling helplessly.
Jiang Yun deactivated his armor, the red light fading as he returned to his normal form. "Not bad. You're all improving, but your coordination is still lacking."
"Individually, we're strong," Zhu Zhuqing added, "but our teamwork needs work."
Bai Ling stepped forward, her radiant glow fading. "I noticed that even though I can support you, you all focused on direct combat without relying on me for enhancements."
"That's true," Hua Yue admitted. "We got too caught up in attacking."
Jiang Yun nodded. "This is why we train. A true team knows each other's strengths and uses them to their advantage."
....
As the group settled down, catching their breath, Zhu Zhuqing walked over to Jiang Yun, her cold expression softening.
"You're holding back," she whispered.
"I have to. Otherwise, it wouldn't be training for them," Jiang Yun replied with a smile.
Zhu Zhuqing's lips curled slightly. "Show me your true strength one day."
Jiang Yun's gaze softened. "I will. When the time is right."
Dugu Yan approached, her confident smirk hiding her exhaustion. "Not bad, leader. But one day, I'll surprise you."
"I look forward to it," Jiang Yun chuckled.
Hua Yue stretched, her fiery hair catching the sunlight. "This is just the start. We're going to be unstoppable."
"Only if we keep improving," Qiao Xuan added, leaning against a tree.
Feng Ming, who had been silently watching, gave a light laugh. "At this rate, we'll be the strongest team in the world."
Bai Ling smiled, her calming presence soothing the group. "And I will keep all of you in top condition."
Jiang Yun looked at his team, his heart swelling with pride. "Together, we will achieve greatness. This is just the beginning."
The group smiled, a newfound sense of unity and determination filling their hearts. They weren't just a team anymore. They were a family.