The GCU official stood before the candidates, a figure shrouded in an air of authority. His applause echoed through the vast training hall, the sound both congratulatory and ominous. The candidates, though weary from the intense battles, straightened in attention, their eyes fixed on the authoritative figure.
"Amazing, just amazing," he commended, his voice carrying a weight of approval. "You all did great, and the display of your combat and Ether abilities was splendid. Each of you has shown potential, and that's precisely why you're here."
The candidates exchanged glances, a mix of relief and curiosity in their eyes. The GCU official continued, "Now that you've successfully completed the initial phase of your evaluation, it's time to move on to the next stage of the exam. Instead of teamwork, we will be focusing on you as individuals and your strengths alone.” As he spoke, the arena flicked between multiple biomes: Desert, Forest, Tundra, Swamp. “Meaning it will be one-on-one matches.”
Everyone’s light on their vests turned a bright white. “You all have 30 minutes to recuperate. Once the 30 minutes are up, if your vest lights up purple, then step to the center of the room.” At the end of his words the biomes stopped flicking, and it stayed still on the back empty room. :And one more thing. He pointed to a rack on the room wall, “Pick a weapon of your choice if you prefer. They are allowed.”
The announcement hung in the air, a shift that reverberated through the collective consciousness of the candidates. The GCU official's words had peeled away the layer of teamwork, exposing the raw essence of individual strength. The holographic arena responded to this new directive, transforming before my eyes—shifting landscapes seamlessly from desert to forest, tundra to swamp. Each biome presented a unique challenge, a testament to the breadth of our abilities.
A moment of respite bathed us in the glow of bright white vests. Thirty minutes stretched ahead, a precious interval to recover, plan, and brace for the solitary trials looming on the horizon.
In the midst of the holographic metamorphosis, candidates scattered like leaves in the wind. Some sought the solace of solitude, while others huddled in small groups, voices hushed in tactical discussions. The atmosphere crackled with tension and determination, a palpable energy that underscored the significance of the individual trials.
I retreated to a quiet corner, away from prying eyes, and shared meaningful glances with my teammates. Lianne, Rylan, and Zane—the camaraderie forged in team battles now silently acknowledged the solitary challenges ahead. We understood that, despite the bonds formed, the next phase would test the limits of our individual prowess.
As the countdown commenced its steady descent, candidates immersed themselves in diverse rituals, each one a unique preparation for the trials ahead. Some honed combat stances, others delved into the intricate control of Ether. The holographic biomes, ever-shifting canvases, served as both a reminder of potential challenges and an arena to refine our skills.
The air hummed with a blend of anticipation and focus, the countdown ticking away like the heartbeat of an approaching storm. The landscape transformed, embodying the diversity of our impending challenges. With shared nods of encouragement, my teammates and I steeled ourselves for the solitary trials that awaited. The arena was set, and within its ethereal confines, the individual stories of each candidate would unfold.
The GCU official stood before us, a sentinel overseeing the culmination of our efforts. His gaze, inscrutable and assessing, seemed to penetrate the very core of our beings. The authority he wielded, coupled with the promise of individual confrontation, heightened the gravity of the impending matches.
As the biomes settled into a static display of an empty room, my focus turned to the rack of weapons on the wall. A silent acknowledgment passed between my teammates and me—choices to be made, strategies to be devised. The weapons, an extension of our individual strengths, would play a pivotal role in the upcoming trials.
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With purposeful steps, I approached the weapon rack. My eyes scanned the array of choices, each one a testament to the diverse combat styles that would clash in the holographic arena. The weight of the decision lingered, a tangible reminder of the solitary path each of us was about to tread.
I selected a short sword, its blade gleaming with a subtle Ether-infused glow. The choice was instinctual, a reflection of my preference for a balanced mix of offense and defense, and the subtle influence of the Ether that coursed through my veins.
Armed and focused, I rejoined the other candidates. Lianne wielded a staff adorned with ethereal crystals, Rylan opted for a sleek pair of dual blades, and Zane, true to his strong nature, chose gauntlets.
Lianne tilted over and whispered in my ear, “Hopefully, I don't get Zane or that other guy.” She gestured over to the other guy who possessed an affinity, the one who was fighting Zane one-on-one in the last exam.
As Lianne whispered in my ear, her eyes briefly flickered toward a figure standing across the holographic arena. The "other guy," as she referred to him, exuded an air of quiet confidence. He also chose a sword as his weapon.
"I wouldn't mind putting myself to the test," I responded with a slight smirk.
The GCU official's voice reverberated through the holographic arena, interrupting our conversation. "It's time to begin." In the corner of my eye, I saw two candidates' vests light up purple. It was Rylan and our former opponent from the other match. Their names lit up on the holographic screen, and I finally knew the other guy's name—Harry.
As they walked to the middle of the arena, the scenery changed to that of a desert. In front of us, spectators, a glass wall materialized along with two screens offering different angles so we could observe the entire fight from a distance.
The shifting landscape transformed into a vast desert, the holographic simulation mirroring the arid expanse with swirling sands and a scorching sun overhead. Rylan and Harry faced each other, anticipation in the air as they prepared for the one-on-one match.
Lianne and I joined the gathering crowd, our eyes focused on the imminent clash.
Rylan, with his agile movements and proficiency in hand-to-hand combat, circled Harry, who wielded a short sword with practiced ease. The desert sand whispered beneath their feet as the tension built. The GCU official's voice echoed once again, narrating the unfolding battle with concise observations.
"Rylan, relying on his speed and adaptability, is making strategic moves to outmaneuver Harry. Meanwhile, Harry, with his chosen weapon, aims to close the distance and capitalize on his swordsmanship," Lianne mentioned.
Acknowledging her words, I continued to watch the match.
The clash began with a burst of motion. Rylan darted forward, his movements a blur as he closed the gap between them. Harry parried with precise strokes, each swing of his short sword meeting Rylan's calculated strikes. The desert sand bore witness to the intricate dance of combat.
In the observation area, the atmosphere was tense. The onlookers exchanged murmurs, assessing the strengths and weaknesses displayed by the candidates. Lianne and I leaned in, absorbing the nuances of the battle, recognizing the potential adversaries we might face in the subsequent rounds.
As the skirmish unfolded, it became evident that both candidates were evenly matched. Rylan's agility kept him a step ahead, but Harry's skill with the short sword posed a constant threat. The desert biome, with its unforgiving terrain, added an additional layer of complexity to their clash.
The battle reached a pivotal moment as Rylan executed a series of rapid movements, creating a whirlwind of dust and confusion. Harry, momentarily disoriented, faced a barrage of strikes from unexpected angles. The screens displayed the intensity of the exchange, capturing the dynamic interplay of strength and strategy.
In the final moments of the match, Rylan seized an opportunity, executing a swift and decisive maneuver that left Harry momentarily incapacitated. The purple light illuminated on Harry's vest, signaling the end of the match. Rylan emerged victorious in the desert biome, his panting breaths a testament to the exertion of the one-on-one battle.
As the holographic simulation transitioned back to the neutral arena, the GCU official's voice filled the space. "Rylan has proven his mettle in the one-on-one challenge. Excellent display of adaptability and strategic thinking. Candidates, prepare for the next match."