Ashblade stood still, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the far side of the simulation zone.
The blue gate behind him remained open, humming softly.
Whisperlash stood beside him, hands on her hips, tapping her foot lightly.
More heroes were beginning to catch up.
Flashes of movement appeared across the first stage.
Fire trails, broken platforms, and the sound of drones being crushed.
Then, one made it through.
A red-haired hero sprinted across the final stretch, flames circling his legs.
His shoulder armor spun like tiny engines, glowing hotter as he moved.
He slid into the clear zone just as the final obstacle collapsed behind him.
Ashblade raised one eyebrow.
"That one made it."
Whisperlash nodded.
"Took him long enough."
"Who is he?"
Whisperlash tilted her head and gave a small shrug.
"Ryn Valestride. They call him Ember Striker."
Ashblade turned toward her.
"Royal class?"
"Yep. Blazewheel Vortex. Heavy movement type. Real spin-to-win energy."
