The recruits stood in the largest arena of the complex, tension hanging in the air as they waited for Commander Rourke to speak. The arena was fully transformed from the sparring rings—overnight, they had been converted into a huge battlefield. Huge barriers, platforms, and mock hills comprised a maze-like environment that extended beyond points of view. Red and blue flags of bright color hung opposite each other, softly swaying under the cacophonous fluorescent lights.
Axel stood with his folk at the rear of the crowd, his gaze raking the field. His sharp vision drank in every detail—the flag placements, the fence heights, the possible choke points.
"What is this?" Kaid complained, rubbing the back of his neck. "This is not a sparring match."
"It's a rigging," Lila breathed quietly, her eyes on the far-off red flag. "Full battle simulation, appears to be."
Ava cracked her knuckles, a small smile on her face. "Finally. Something to do."
The recruits fell silent when Commander Rourke mounted a raised podium above the arena. His scarred face was unyielding, his ice-blue eyes unforgiving as he scanned them with a sweeping glance across the sea of faces.
This is not a simple test," Rourke started, his voice ringing out. "One-on-one fighting is nothing in the field. It's strategy, teamwork, and flexibility that will determine survival. Today, you'll demonstrate if you've got what it takes."
The crowd murmured quietly, the implications settling. Rourke held up his hand, quieting them.
"Capture the flag," he went on. "Both sides will guard their flag and try to steal the other's flag. Take that to your own base, and you're the winner. But there is no waste of time—seconds are precious."
Axel glanced at Atlas, and Atlas nodded sternly.
Rourke smirked ever so slightly, his eyes finding Axel's crew for a split second before drifting across the recruits once more. "You will require coordination and concentration to do it. And keep in mind—victory does not occur without danger. Good luck.
With a last move, Rourke stepped back, allowing his assistant to position teams. Team Axel was going head-to-head against Team Sigma, tension between both teams at the same time mounting as Cyrus and his team set up in opposition to them.
"Well, isn't this perfect," Cyrus drawled, his smirk cutting through the air as he passed Axel's team. "We'll be seeing a lot of each other today, Sage."
"Looking forward to it," Axel replied evenly, his focus unwavering.
As they approached their starting point, Axel's team huddled together, their attention shifting to strategy.
We require positions," Atlas said firmly, his piercing eyes inspecting them. "Blind, we'll get annihilated by Sigma."
"Understood," Axel answered. He looked at Lila. "You'll remain here and keep the flag. Your marksmanship will be our greatest hope of keeping them at bay."
Lila nodded, adjusting her rifle. "Got it.".
"Kaid," Axel continued, "you'll be holding the line with Lila. If they break through her, you hold them up."
"Got it," Kaid said, his tone resolute.
"Ava," Axel turned to her, "you're on offense. You're fast enough to sidestep their defenses and grab the flag. But don't rush in—you'll have to wait for a gap."
Ava grinned, cracking her knuckles. "Got it. I'll make it quick."
Atlas leaned forward slightly. "And me?"
"You'll support Ava," Axel said. "Stay close and deal with any threats that get in her way."
"Got it," Atlas replied firmly.
"And you?" Kaid asked, glancing at Axel.
Axel's eyes went cold. "I'll distract Cyrus. He's their top player. If I can keep him busy, it'll stall their offense."
The team nodded, resolve in their eyes.
As the whistle sounded, releasing the players onto the field, Axel's team took up their positions. The stadium echoed with the crash of stomping footsteps and shouts as recruits appeared. Axel's attention narrowed, his eyes scanning the field as he readied himself for the battle ahead.