Morning sunlight poured through the towering windows of the Academy's Elite Combat Hall.
The polished stone floor reflected rows of training platforms, reinforced sparring arenas, and weapon stations built for the Academy's highest-ranked cadets.
For the first time since the Tournament...
There were no spectators.
No rankings.
No pressure.
Just Gamma Squad.
David pushed open the massive doors.
The others followed him inside.
June looked around the enormous hall and let out a low whistle.
"...I forgot this place existed."
Lucian glanced toward the empty training arenas.
"It has been some time."
Nyra smiled.
"I don't think we've had a free training day all year."
"We haven't," Mira answered.
"The schedule never allowed one."
June stretched his arms over his head.
"...Finally."
"A day where nobody's trying to eliminate us."
Castiel looked toward him.
"...Give it a minute."
June sighed dramatically.
"...See?"
"...This is why people think you're optimistic."
A small smile tugged at David's lips.
"Cass..."
Castiel looked over.
"...Yeah, D?"
"I think you broke him."
"...Temporarily."
June pointed at both of them.
"...You two have entirely too much history."
David shrugged.
"...Occupational hazard."
Nyra laughed quietly.
"They've shared a room for almost a year."
"And somehow..."
June continued.
"...Neither of you has thrown the other out a window."
Castiel answered immediately.
"We're on the first floor."
June blinked.
"...That wasn't the answer I was expecting."
David chuckled.
"It wasn't the answer I wanted either."
Even Lucian smiled.
Just slightly.
The mood was light.
Comfortable.
David walked toward the center of the hall where a large tactical table waited.
He placed the mission folder Commander Vance had given him onto its surface.
The holographic map of Grid H-09 briefly shimmered to life.
Everyone gathered around it.
David looked at each member of Gamma Squad.
"We've got six days."
His eyes moved across the table.
"Our new equipment won't help if we don't understand it."
Lucian nodded.
"Agreed."
"We learn our weapons first."
"Then we learn how they work together."
Mira added quietly,
"After that..."
"We build our strategy."
David smiled.
"Exactly."
June slowly raised one hand.
"I have one question."
David already knew.
"...Yes?"
"...Does learning count as exercise?"
Lucian sighed.
"...Yes."
"...Unfortunate."
Nyra laughed.
"I had a feeling that was coming."
Commander Vance's words echoed through David's mind.
Learn your equipment.
Refine your teamwork.
Prepare yourselves.
He closed the mission folder.
"Alright."
He looked around the room.
"Let's see what these weapons can really do."
One by one...
Gamma Squad walked toward separate training platforms.
For the first time...
They weren't training to pass an examination.
They were preparing for war.
David stepped onto the largest training platform.
The reinforced floor hummed faintly beneath his boots.
Across from him...
Lucian rested one hand on the hilt of the Bloodcrest Blade.
"You'll be my first opponent?"
David smiled.
"I figured you'd tell me if something feels off."
Lucian nodded.
"I would."
The others gathered around the edge of the platform.
June folded his arms.
"...Five credits on David."
Nyra looked at him.
"We don't gamble."
"...Friendly confidence."
Mira smiled.
"...That's a different phrase."
"It sounds less illegal."
Castiel stood beside David's side of the arena.
"...He's still gambling."
"...Details."
A soft tone echoed throughout the training hall.
**Training Arena Activated**
**Lethal Force Restrictions Enabled**
Commander Vance's recorded voice filled the room.
*"Combat injuries will be minimized through the Academy's protective barrier system."*
*"Begin when ready."*
David slid the Claw Gauntlets over his hands.
**Click.**
The locking mechanisms sealed around his forearms.
The familiar weight immediately felt right.
Across from him...
Lucian slowly drew the Bloodcrest Blade.
The crimson edge shimmered beneath the lights.
David lowered into his stance.
Lucian mirrored him.
Neither moved.
June leaned toward Mira.
"...They're doing that thing again."
"What thing?"
"...The staring."
"They're reading each other."
"...Looks like staring."
Mira quietly laughed.
"They're waiting."
"For what?"
"The first mistake."
June nodded slowly.
"...That's somehow scarier."
David moved first.
One step.
A blur.
His claws flashed toward Lucian's shoulder.
**Clang!**
The Bloodcrest Blade intercepted instantly.
Steel scraped against steel.
Lucian pivoted.
One clean counter slash.
David leaned backward just enough for the crimson blade to pass inches from his chest.
June whistled.
"...Okay..."
"...They're warming up."
David smiled.
"Still holding back?"
Lucian returned the smile.
"I was about to ask you the same question."
They collided again.
Faster.
David slipped inside Lucian's guard.
Three rapid strikes.
Left.
Right.
High.
Lucian blocked every one.
Then...
His blade came down with surprising force.
David caught it with crossed claws.
The impact echoed through the platform.
"...Stronger."
Lucian nodded.
"The refinement."
He pushed forward again.
Every swing carried more weight than the last.
David immediately noticed.
**Crimson Momentum.**
Each clean strike was feeding the next.
Lucian wasn't imagining it.
He really was getting stronger.
David stepped backward.
Then countered.
One claw clipped Lucian's shoulder guard.
The moment the strike connected...
David felt it.
His body suddenly became lighter.
Faster.
His next step covered nearly twice the distance.
He blinked.
"...Predator's Step."
Before Lucian could recover...
David was already behind him.
Lucian spun just in time to block another strike.
Their weapons locked.
Both smiled.
"...Now that's interesting," Lucian admitted.
David nodded.
"It activates immediately."
He disengaged.
This time deliberately chaining his movements.
Strike.
**Predator's Step.**
Sidestep.
Counter.
Strike again.
Every successful hit made the next movement smoother.
Quicker.
Almost instinctive.
June's eyes widened.
"...He's speeding up."
Mira nodded.
"The longer the exchange continues..."
"...The harder he'll be to predict."
Lucian smiled.
"I noticed."
He attacked again.
This time intentionally pressing the offensive.
Each swing of the Bloodcrest Blade carried noticeably greater force than the last.
David's boots slid several inches across the platform while blocking.
"...You're building momentum."
Lucian answered with another strike.
"Exactly."
The floor cracked beneath David's boots.
June blinked.
"...Should we be worried?"
Castiel watched quietly.
"...No."
"Why not?"
"They're smiling."
June looked back toward the arena.
"...You know..."
"...That's somehow more worrying."
David ducked beneath another slash.
His claw scraped across Lucian's shoulder guard.
**Predator's Step activated.**
Without thinking...
He flowed into Shadow Step.
For an instant...
His body disappeared.
Then reappeared beside Lucian.
His claws stopped inches from Lucian's neck.
Silence.
Lucian looked toward him.
"...You combined them."
David slowly lowered his hands.
"...I didn't mean to."
"It happened naturally."
Lucian nodded thoughtfully.
"...Which means it'll become even faster with practice."
David smiled.
"I was thinking the same thing."
The arena lights dimmed.
**Training Match Complete**
June clapped enthusiastically.
"...Alright."
"...That was awesome."
Lucian sheathed the Bloodcrest Blade.
"You adapted quickly."
David removed one gauntlet and looked at the black metal thoughtfully.
"It doesn't feel like a new weapon."
He smiled.
"...It feels like mine."
Major Holt's words echoed in his mind.
*"Choose equipment that complements your fighting style."*
Now...
He understood exactly what they meant.
Behind him...
Nyra rested one hand on the hilt of her new Wind Crest Swords.
She smiled.
"...My turn."
June immediately took three steps backward.
"...Good."
"...I'd rather be over here."
Nyra raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
June grinned.
"...Because wind has a habit of finding me."
Everyone laughed.
Even Lucian.
Nyra stepped onto the training platform.
A gentle breeze drifted through the arena.
Whether it came from the ventilation system...
Or her Gift...
No one could tell.
She rested both hands lightly on the hilts of her new Wind Crest Swords.
Across from her...
David slid his Claw Gauntlets back into place.
"You sure?" he asked.
Nyra smiled.
"I need someone I trust."
David nodded.
"...Fair enough."
June leaned against the railing.
"...Five credits on Nyra."
Lucian looked at him.
"I thought you backed David."
"I changed my investment strategy."
Castiel glanced over.
"...You're still gambling."
"...Hypothetically."
Mira folded her arms.
"...You're going to lose hypothetical credits."
"We'll see."
The training tone echoed once more.
**Training Arena Activated**
David settled into his stance.
Nyra mirrored him.
Unlike his match with Lucian...
Neither rushed forward.
David smiled.
"...Show me."
Nyra answered with movement.
She vanished.
Not literally.
She was simply...
Fast.
Her first slash flowed toward David's shoulder.
He blocked with his right claw.
The instant steel met steel...
Nyra twisted gracefully around him instead of pushing through.
A second strike came from behind.
David barely caught it.
"...Faster," he admitted.
Nyra smiled.
"So are you."
She stepped away again.
David watched carefully.
She wasn't attacking recklessly.
She was waiting.
Looking for him to commit first.
June tilted his head.
"...Why isn't she using the new skill?"
Mira answered immediately.
"She can't."
June blinked.
"...Why?"
"It activates after she evades."
"...Oh."
"So she's baiting him."
"...Exactly."
David lunged.
Nyra finally moved.
One smooth sidestep.
Barely enough.
David's claws sliced through empty air.
The holographic monitors surrounding the arena flashed.
**Wind Dance Activated**
A soft current spiraled around both swords.
The silver blades left pale ribbons of wind in their wake.
Nyra smiled.
"...There you are."
She moved.
David's eyes widened.
She crossed the distance almost instantly.
The speed of the strike caught even him by surprise.
**Clang!**
His claws intercepted the first sword.
The second slipped underneath.
Stopping less than an inch from his ribs.
Silence.
David looked down at the blade.
Then back at Nyra.
"...That would've hurt."
She laughed.
"...A little."
June pointed dramatically.
"I KNEW IT!"
"I picked the right winner!"
Lucian folded his arms.
"The match isn't over."
"...Details."
David stepped back.
"This time..."
"...Again."
Nyra nodded.
She welcomed the challenge.
The second exchange was faster.
David landed the opening strike.
**Predator's Step activated.**
His body surged forward.
Nyra smiled.
Exactly what she wanted.
She flowed around him effortlessly.
**Wind Dance activated.**
Their abilities chained almost perfectly.
David became faster after attacking.
Nyra became faster after dodging.
Neither could keep the advantage for long.
Steel flashed.
Wind curled across the platform.
The two moved so quickly that June lost track of them.
"...Where'd they go?"
Mira pointed calmly.
"They're behind David."
June looked.
"No..."
"...Now they're behind Nyra."
Castiel watched quietly.
"...They're adapting."
Lucian nodded.
"Their abilities complement each other."
Another exchange.
David struck.
Predator's Step.
Nyra dodged.
Wind Dance.
David Shadow Stepped.
Nyra spun with the current of her own wind.
Their movements became almost beautiful.
Like two dancers who already knew every step.
Finally...
David stopped.
His claws rested at Nyra's shoulder.
At the exact same moment...
One of Nyra's swords rested lightly against his chest.
Neither had won.
Neither had lost.
For a heartbeat...
They simply looked at each other.
Then both smiled.
June threw both hands into the air.
"...It's a draw!"
"I demand my hypothetical credits back!"
Lucian looked at him.
"...From who?"
June paused.
"...I may have overlooked that part."
Even Castiel smiled.
Just a little.
David lowered his claws.
"I like those swords."
Nyra glanced down at them before sliding them back into their sheaths.
"So do I."
She looked at David.
"I think..."
"...they finally keep up."
David nodded.
"...They do."
June looked toward the remaining training platforms.
He slowly backed away.
"...Alright."
"...Who's next?"
His eyes landed on Castiel.
"...Actually..."
"...Never mind."
Castiel looked at him.
"...Scared?"
June smiled.
"...Terrified."
"...Smart."
Everyone laughed.
Castiel quietly stepped onto the training platform.
No flourish.
No dramatic entrance.
He simply walked to the center.
His Shadow Blade rested comfortably at his side.
June leaned toward David.
"...Think he'll actually try this time?"
David smiled.
"Cass doesn't know how not to."
"...Good point."
Across the platform...
Lucian stepped forward, resting one hand on the Bloodcrest Blade.
"I'll spar with you."
Castiel gave a small nod.
"...Works for me."
June blinked.
"...Wait."
"The two quietest people in Gamma Squad are fighting?"
He sighed dramatically.
"This is somehow going to be the loudest fight today."
Nyra smiled.
"...Probably."
The training arena chimed.
**Training Arena Activated**
Lucian slowly drew the Bloodcrest Blade.
Castiel drew the Shadow Blade.
The instant the black steel cleared its sheath...
The surrounding light seemed just a little dimmer.
Neither man moved.
June looked between them.
"...Anyone else waiting for somebody to breathe?"
Mira answered.
"They already are."
"...I can't tell."
"...Exactly."
Lucian stepped first.
One measured strike.
No wasted motion.
Castiel met it cleanly.
**Clang.**
The sound echoed through the hall.
Then...
Nothing.
Neither pressed.
Neither rushed.
They separated.
Studying one another.
David watched closely.
"They're looking for openings."
Nyra nodded.
"They're both patient fighters."
Lucian attacked again.
A diagonal slash.
Castiel slipped just outside its path.
One precise counter.
Lucian caught it effortlessly.
Steel rang again.
June frowned.
"...Why does this feel like they're playing chess?"
Castiel answered without taking his eyes off Lucian.
"...Because we are."
June looked at Mira.
"...He heard me?"
"...He usually does."
The pace suddenly changed.
Lucian advanced.
Three controlled strikes.
Each one heavier than the last.
**Crimson Momentum.**
Castiel recognized it immediately.
He stopped blocking.
Instead...
He disappeared into the smallest movements possible.
One step.
Half a turn.
A slight lean.
Every strike missed by inches.
Lucian smiled.
"...Efficient."
Castiel answered calmly.
"Wasted movement loses fights."
Then...
He struck.
The Shadow Blade brushed Lucian's shoulder guard.
Barely enough to count.
The holographic monitors flashed.
**Shadow Rend Applied**
Lucian immediately retreated one step.
"...Interesting."
David noticed.
"Cass isn't trying to win."
Nyra looked over.
"He's setting something up."
Lucian attacked again.
Castiel met him head-on this time.
Their blades locked.
For only a heartbeat.
Then the Shadow Blade struck the exact same point on Lucian's shoulder guard.
The shadow energy erupted.
A burst of dark energy forced Lucian backward several steps.
He steadied himself.
Looked down.
The reinforced training armor showed a faint black scorch mark.
Lucian smiled.
"...I see."
"The first strike wasn't the attack."
Castiel lowered his blade.
"...No."
"It was."
"The beginning."
June slowly nodded.
"...Remind me never to let you hit me twice."
Castiel looked toward him.
"...You should avoid the first one too."
"...Helpful advice."
Lucian laughed quietly.
Rare.
Genuine.
"I approve of that refinement."
"So do I."
The arena lights dimmed.
**Training Match Complete**
Lucian extended his hand.
"Well fought."
Castiel accepted it without hesitation.
"...Likewise."
As they stepped off the platform...
June looked toward Mira.
"...Well..."
"...Guess it's our turn."
Mira smiled.
"...Try not to break your new baton."
June placed a hand over his heart.
"...Mira..."
"...The lack of faith hurts me."
She looked at him.
"...You almost broke it five minutes ago."
"...That was a stress test."
David laughed.
"...Sure it was."
June grinned.
"...Exactly."
Still smiling...
He walked toward the final training platform.
Spinning the new baton once before catching it over his shoulder.
"...Alright."
"...Try not to blink."
Mira quietly drew her Twin Fold-Out Blades.
"...We'll see."
June casually walked onto the training platform.
His new Fold-Out Energy Baton rested across one shoulder.
Opposite him...
Mira stepped into position.
Her Twin Fold-Out Blades remained folded at her hips.
June smiled.
"...You know..."
"...I was hoping you'd volunteer."
Mira tilted her head.
"Really?"
"Of course."
"Why?"
"...Because you won't hit me too hard."
She smiled.
"I wouldn't make that assumption."
June looked toward the others.
"...See?"
"...She's threatening me already."
Nyra laughed.
"I think she's warning you."
"That's basically the same thing."
David folded his arms.
"You two ready?"
Both nodded.
The arena chimed.
**Training Arena Activated**
June pressed the release on his baton.
**Click.**
The weapon extended instantly.
He twirled it once before settling into a relaxed stance.
Across from him...
Mira's Twin Fold-Out Blades snapped open with two crisp metallic clicks.
Neither moved.
June scratched the side of his head.
"...So..."
"...You gonna predict my first attack?"
Mira smiled.
"...Already did."
"...That's rude."
Without warning...
June exploded forward.
His Acceleration Step blurred his outline.
The baton swept toward Mira's shoulder.
She stepped sideways.
Not fast.
Not dramatically.
Just...
Exactly enough.
The baton sliced through empty air.
June blinked.
"...You already knew."
"I did."
She countered immediately.
One precise slash.
June barely leaned backward in time.
"...Okay..."
"...That's slightly terrifying."
Mira said nothing.
She simply waited.
June circled.
"So..."
"...How do I beat somebody who already knows what I'm doing?"
Mira answered honestly.
"You don't."
"...Well."
"...That seems unfair."
June lunged again.
Three rapid strikes.
High.
Low.
Middle.
**Clang.**
**Clang.**
**Clang.**
Mira deflected each one with almost effortless precision.
The holographic monitors flashed.
**Acceleration Burst Ready**
June grinned.
"...Now we're talking."
Before anyone could react...
He released the stored energy.
His body shot sideways in a blur.
Even David lost him for a split second.
June appeared behind Mira.
"...Gotcha."
Mira smiled.
"...No."
She pivoted before he even swung.
Her blade rested lightly against his shoulder.
June slowly looked down.
"...You predicted the burst too?"
"I predicted you."
Silence.
Then...
June lowered his baton.
"...That's somehow even scarier."
Everyone laughed.
June rubbed the back of his neck.
"...Again."
Mira nodded.
"Again."
This time...
June didn't rush.
He slowed down.
He watched.
He waited.
David noticed immediately.
"...He's adapting."
Lucian nodded.
"He's forcing her to make the first move."
Mira stepped forward.
Just one step.
June smiled.
"...There you are."
The baton flashed.
Mira shifted.
June didn't follow through.
Instead...
He stopped his strike halfway.
Mira blinked.
"...A feint."
June grinned.
"First one's free."
He redirected instantly.
The baton tapped lightly against her shoulder guard.
**Tap.**
Mira looked down.
Then back at him.
"...Nice."
June bowed dramatically.
"Thank you."
"...Don't get used to it."
She lunged.
June laughed.
"I liked nice Mira better!"
Their weapons blurred again.
This time...
Neither held a clear advantage.
Mira's Predictability kept her one step ahead.
June's speed and constant improvisation kept changing the rhythm.
After several more exchanges...
Both stopped.
Breathing lightly.
June rested the baton across his shoulders.
"...I think we broke even."
Mira considered it.
"...Almost."
"...Almost?"
She pointed toward his right shoulder.
June looked down.
A faint chalk line crossed his armor.
He laughed.
"...You got me."
"I did."
He pointed at her sleeve.
"...And I got you."
She glanced down.
Another chalk mark.
She smiled.
"...Fair."
The arena lights dimmed.
**Training Match Complete**
June retracted the baton.
"You know..."
"...I like training with you."
Mira folded her blades.
"I know."
"...Because you always make me better."
She looked at him for a moment.
"...You make me better too."
June blinked.
"...Well..."
"...Now I don't know how to make a joke out of that."
Mira laughed.
A genuine laugh.
"...That's a first."
The others smiled.
David looked at the entire squad.
Every new weapon had been tested.
Every new refinement understood.
They weren't masters of them yet.
But they were no longer strangers to them.
David clapped his hands once.
"Alright."
Everyone looked over.
"Now..."
"We learn how to fight with them together."
David looked around the training hall.
Every member of Gamma Squad stood waiting.
Their new weapons had been tested individually.
Now...
It was time to see how they worked together.
David walked back to the tactical table.
The holographic map of Grid H-09 rose above its surface.
He looked toward the others.
"Kharos Vale won't give us one-on-one fights."
Lucian nodded.
"It never has."
David expanded the map.
Several red markers appeared.
"Commander Vance expects us to clear this grid."
He highlighted three different locations.
"But we're not going to fight one monster at a time."
June leaned over the table.
"...Please tell me we're not doing another tactical lecture."
David smiled.
"...No."
June sighed in relief.
"...Good."
"We're doing something worse."
June blinked.
"...That sounded personal."
David pointed toward the nearest training arena.
"Three simultaneous targets."
Lucian immediately understood.
"Team coordination."
David nodded.
"Our new weapons don't just change how we fight."
"They change how we fight together."
Mira quietly studied the map.
"If we're too close..."
"We'll interfere with one another."
"If we're too far apart..."
"We lose support."
David smiled.
"Exactly."
Nyra looked toward the training arena.
"How many targets?"
David glanced toward the control panel.
"Six."
June looked horrified.
"...Six?"
"I thought you said three."
"I changed my mind."
"...That's rude."
Everyone laughed.
---
David walked to the arena controls.
He selected:
**Combat Simulation**
**Difficulty: Elite**
The floor beneath the arena shifted.
Steel walls rose around the platform.
Six mechanical training constructs emerged from concealed compartments.
Each carried different weapons.
Sword.
Shield.
Twin blades.
Hammer.
Spear.
Staff.
The constructs spread out automatically.
Taking defensive positions.
June looked toward them.
"...They look expensive."
Castiel answered.
"...Don't break them."
"...No promises."
David stepped into the center of Gamma Squad.
"Standard formation."
Without hesitation...
Everyone moved.
David took point.
Nyra slightly behind his right shoulder.
Lucian to his left.
Castiel disappeared toward the rear flank.
Mira drifted to elevated support.
June spun his baton once before settling beside David.
No discussion.
No confusion.
Just instinct.
David smiled.
"Ready?"
Five voices answered.
"Ready."
The simulation began.
The sword construct charged first.
David intercepted.
Claws met steel.
The construct pressed harder than expected.
Before David could counter—
A crimson blade flashed past him.
Lucian.
One clean strike forced the construct backward.
"Left."
David didn't even look.
"I've got it."
The construct recovered.
David's claws struck once.
**Predator's Step activated.**
His body surged forward.
He slipped around its guard.
Before he could finish—
Another construct attacked from behind.
A current of wind swept through the arena.
Nyra appeared.
Her twin swords intercepted the strike before it reached David.
She smiled.
"...You're welcome."
David laughed.
"I was handling it."
"I'm sure you were."
June looked over while fighting another construct.
"...Sure looked convincing from over here."
David rolled his eyes.
"Focus."
"I am."
"...Multitasking."
A heavy construct rushed toward June.
Hammer raised.
June grinned.
"...Perfect."
The hammer crashed downward.
June vanished.
**Acceleration Step.**
Three rapid baton strikes landed across the construct's side.
The holographic display flashed.
**Acceleration Burst Ready**
June smiled.
"...See ya."
He released the stored energy.
The burst launched him completely around the construct.
Before it could turn—
**CRACK!**
The baton struck the back of its helmet.
The construct powered down.
June pointed dramatically.
"...First elimination!"
Mira looked over.
"...Congratulations."
"...Thank you."
"It was the weakest one."
June frowned.
"...You could've kept that to yourself."
She smiled.
"...I considered it."
Even David laughed.
Across the arena...
A construct lunged toward Mira.
She didn't move.
Not yet.
Not yet.
The construct committed.
She stepped once.
One blade flashed.
The construct froze.
A bright line appeared across its chest.
Half a second later...
It shut down.
June stared.
"...That's cheating."
Mira calmly folded one blade.
"...It's predicting."
"...Same thing."
A shadow swept across the arena.
Castiel appeared behind another construct.
One strike.
Shadow Rend.
He disappeared again.
The construct searched frantically.
Castiel reappeared.
Second strike.
Dark energy erupted.
The construct collapsed instantly.
June watched.
"...You make that look unfair."
Castiel sheathed the Shadow Blade.
"...Practice."
"...Right."
"I'm not practicing that."
Within moments...
Only one construct remained.
It looked around.
Surrounded.
David smiled.
"...Together?"
Lucian nodded.
"Together."
Nyra twirled one sword.
"I'm in."
June grinned.
"...Poor thing."
Mira simply nodded.
Castiel looked at the final construct.
"...Unfortunate."
The construct charged anyway.
It never reached them.
Six fighters moved as one.
Six different styles.
One squad.
The construct lasted less than five seconds.
Silence returned to the training hall.
The simulation ended.
The arena lights returned to normal.
David looked around at his friends.
Everyone was smiling.
Even Castiel.
Just a little.
David nodded once.
"...Better."
Lucian sheathed the Bloodcrest Blade.
"We're adapting faster than I expected."
Nyra looked toward David.
"We're starting to understand each other's new timing."
Mira nodded.
"And that's the important part."
June rested the baton across his shoulder.
"...So..."
"...Lunch?"
David laughed.
"...Now."
"...That's the smartest thing you've said all day."
June smiled proudly.
"I've been saving it."
Together...
Gamma Squad left the training arena.
For now...
Training was over.
Tomorrow...
The planning for Kharos Vale would truly begin.
Lunch was louder than usual.
Not because the Academy cafeteria was crowded.
But because Gamma Squad had claimed an entire corner of the dining hall.
June dropped into his chair first.
"...I have officially earned this meal."
Lucian sat beside him.
"You trained for less than two hours."
"I suffered."
"You ran into a wall."
"...Details."
Mira looked over from across the table.
"You actually hit the practice mats."
June pointed at her.
"...See?"
"She's exaggerating."
"No."
"I watched."
Nyra laughed into her drink.
David shook his head.
"I don't know why I'm surprised anymore."
"You shouldn't be."
June reached for a bread roll.
"I'm remarkably consistent."
Castiel sat beside David.
"D."
David looked over.
"...Yeah, Cass?"
"You adapted quickly."
David glanced down at his Claw Gauntlets resting beside him.
"They feel natural."
"They should."
"They're still my weapon."
Castiel nodded once.
"They fit."
David smiled.
"...That's what I was thinking."
Across the table...
Lucian looked toward David.
"We should begin planning tomorrow."
David nodded.
"I want everyone studying Grid H-09 tonight."
June immediately looked offended.
"...Homework?"
Lucian didn't even blink.
"...Preparation."
"I liked homework less."
"You've never liked homework."
"I was trying to sound responsible."
Nyra smiled.
"You almost convinced me."
"...Really?"
"No."
June sighed dramatically.
"...This squad has trust issues."
As lunch continued...
Cadets passed their table.
Several recognized Gamma Squad immediately.
Some nodded respectfully.
Others quietly congratulated them again on the Academy Tournament.
David still wasn't comfortable with the attention.
He smiled politely whenever someone greeted him.
Nothing more.
June noticed.
"...Still weird?"
David nodded.
"...Very."
"You'll get used to it."
"I hope not."
Nyra looked at him.
"...Why?"
David thought about it.
"If I ever start expecting people to recognize me..."
"I've probably changed."
Silence settled over the table.
Lucian smiled.
"...A fair answer."
Castiel nodded.
"...Agreed."
June pointed at David.
"...See?"
"That's why you're Squad Leader."
David raised an eyebrow.
"...Because I'm awkward?"
"...No."
"...Because you're still you."
David smiled.
"...Thanks."
Halfway through lunch...
An announcement echoed through the cafeteria.
Attention all First-Year cadets.
Combat Hall Seven will remain reserved for Gamma Squad for the remainder of the week.
All other training reservations have been relocated.
The cafeteria became noticeably quieter.
June slowly looked around.
"...Did they just reserve an entire training hall for us?"
Lucian nodded.
"It appears so."
"...I'm starting to understand how expensive we are."
Mira smiled.
"I don't think that's what they meant."
"...It should be."
Nyra laughed.
A familiar voice interrupted them.
"Mind if we join you?"
David looked up.
Standing beside the table...
Was Elric.
Behind him stood the rest of Sigma Squad.
Cassian.
Myra.
And the others.
David smiled.
"Of course."
Several extra chairs were pulled over.
For the next half hour...
The two highest-ranked squads in the Academy simply talked.
Not about rankings.
Not about competition.
About Kharos Vale.
Elric looked toward David.
"Heard they assigned your squad Grid H-09."
David nodded.
"They did."
Elric smiled.
"...Good."
David raised an eyebrow.
"Why?"
"Because if anyone can clear it..."
"...It's Gamma."
June leaned back in his chair.
"...You hear that?"
"We've got expectations now."
Cassian smirked.
"You've had those since David became Champion."
"...I miss being underestimated."
"You were never underestimated."
"...Let me have this."
Everyone laughed.
Myra looked toward Mira.
"I heard about your new blades."
Mira nodded.
"They're... incredible."
"I'd like to spar before deployment."
Mira smiled.
"I'd like that."
Lucian looked toward Elric.
"And you?"
Elric smiled.
"I think our rematch can wait until after Kharos Vale."
David nodded.
"I agree."
There would be another tournament.
Another chance to compete.
But not now.
Now...
They were all preparing for the same war.
For a little while longer...
The Academy didn't feel divided into squads.
It felt like one family preparing to protect humanity.
And David couldn't help thinking...
That was exactly what the Academy had been trying to teach them all along.
The afternoon sun hung low outside the towering windows of Combat Hall Seven.
Gamma Squad had already spent hours testing their new weapons.
Now...
David stood once again before the tactical table.
The holographic map of Grid H-09 floated quietly above it.
No one was talking.
Not because they were tired.
Because now...
They were thinking.
David rested both hands on the table.
"Commander Vance told us our objective."
He expanded the map.
The terrain shifted into a detailed three-dimensional landscape.
Mountain ridges.
Dense jungle.
River valleys.
Rock formations.
And dozens...
Of glowing red markers.
June leaned closer.
"...That's a lot of monsters."
"It is," David replied.
Lucian studied the display.
"They're clustered."
Mira nodded.
"They're territorial."
David highlighted the largest concentration.
"These aren't random."
"The strongest monsters control territory."
Nyra folded her arms.
"And the weaker ones gather around them."
David nodded.
"Exactly."
He enlarged the largest marker.
A circular territory appeared around it.
"This is what we'll be fighting."
"The military doesn't expect us to wipe out every monster on the planet."
"They expect us to dismantle the leadership."
June looked confused.
"...Leadership?"
Lucian answered.
"The apex predators."
David pointed toward another section of the map.
"If we eliminate the strongest monster controlling an area..."
"The lesser monsters become disorganized."
"They stop defending territory."
Mira quietly finished the thought.
"...Which makes them easier for follow-up teams to eliminate."
David smiled.
"Exactly."
He drew several lines across the hologram.
"Our mission isn't just combat."
"It's creating opportunities for everyone coming after us."
Nyra watched the map carefully.
"So..."
"...Every grid supports the next one."
David nodded.
"Right."
"If H-09 falls..."
He highlighted the neighboring sectors.
"The military can safely push into these grids."
Lucian looked impressed.
"It's a chain reaction."
"It is."
June slowly nodded.
"...So we're basically kicking the front door open."
David laughed.
"...That's one way of putting it."
"I knew there was a reason you made me Squad Strategist."
"You made yourself Squad Strategist."
"...Technicality."
Everyone smiled.
David zoomed farther into Grid H-09.
The jungle became clearer.
Rocky cliffs.
A winding river.
Ancient ruins partially swallowed by vegetation.
Castiel spoke for the first time in several minutes.
"...High ground."
David looked over.
"You noticed it too."
Castiel pointed toward the cliffs overlooking the river valley.
"If something strong controls this grid..."
"...It'll choose the highest defensible position."
Lucian nodded.
"I would."
Mira studied the surrounding terrain.
"It can observe almost the entire grid from there."
Nyra traced the river with one finger.
"And if we follow the river..."
"We'll be exposed."
David smiled.
"Which means we won't."
June looked between them.
"...Am I the only one who thinks like a normal person?"
Lucian raised an eyebrow.
"...Define normal."
June thought for a moment.
"...You know..."
"...Less planning."
David laughed.
"That's why you're not Squad Leader."
"...Fair."
He accepted the defeat surprisingly quickly.
David adjusted the map again.
Several blue icons appeared around the perimeter.
"These are Planetary Defense outposts."
Lucian looked toward them.
"Our extraction points."
"Correct."
"They're also our resupply locations."
Nyra frowned slightly.
"So we shouldn't expect immediate reinforcements."
David nodded.
"If we call for help..."
"It means we've already lost control of the situation."
Silence settled over the room.
That thought carried weight.
Commander Vance hadn't said it directly.
She hadn't needed to.
Gamma Squad understood.
Once they entered H-09...
The six of them would be responsible for each other.
David looked around the table.
"I have one rule."
Everyone looked up.
"No one fights alone."
Lucian nodded immediately.
"Agreed."
Nyra answered next.
"Always."
Mira gave a quiet nod.
"Understood."
June smiled.
"...Works for me."
Castiel looked directly at David.
"...Same as always, D."
David smiled.
"...Same as always, Cass."
For a moment...
No one spoke.
Because they all knew what those words meant.
Since the first day they had met...
They had fought together.
Trained together.
Nearly died together.
Nothing about Kharos Vale was going to change that.
David reached forward.
The holographic map disappeared.
"We're done for today."
June blinked.
"...Seriously?"
David nodded.
"Brains need rest too."
June looked toward Lucian.
"...Did you hear that?"
"Our fearless leader officially ordered me to relax."
Lucian smiled faintly.
"I believe he ordered all of us."
"...Even better."
Nyra laughed.
"I think that's the happiest you've been all day."
June stood up.
"...Because now..."
"...I'm going to find dinner."
Mira looked at him.
"You had lunch two hours ago."
"I've recovered."
Everyone laughed as they left the training hall together.
Outside...
The afternoon breeze drifted across the Academy grounds.
Six days remained.
And with each passing hour...
Gamma Squad felt less like Academy cadets...
And more like the soldiers they were about to become.