The countdown hung in the air like a palpable force, each second ticking away with an almost audible resonance. Zane's eyes bore into mine, fiery orbs reflecting not just determination but the experience that had solidified his reputation among the candidates. With the final echo of the countdown, the clash erupted like a storm.

Zane's approach was swift, a blur of calculated movements that closed the distance between us in the blink of an eye. The sheer force behind each of his strikes hinted at the raw power he possessed, making it evident that hand-to-hand combat was more than a skill for him—it was an extension of his strength. In response, my strategy leaned heavily on agility and anticipation, a dance to evade his relentless assault and seek openings in his formidable defense.

The symphony of combat unfolded in the arena—the collision of blows resonating like thunder. Zane's onslaught was an overwhelming torrent, each strike threatening to shatter my defenses. The defensive dance became a test of endurance, a battle not just against his physical prowess but the mental strain of constantly strategizing to stay one step ahead.

In the midst of this relentless exchange, Lianne's words reverberated in my mind like a guiding mantra. "Tap into the ethereal power." I tried, reaching out to the elusive forces of the ether, attempting to summon the cosmic energy I had harnessed in the woodland. However, the ethereal remained obstinately distant, refusing to intertwine with my essence. Frustration and fatigue mounted as Zane's powerful attacks showed no sign of relenting.

As the struggle continued, I found myself relying on the finely crafted sword I picked up before the matches. The steel clashed against Zane's gauntlets, each strike resonating with the clash of metal. The defensive dance shifted, as I sought to maintain distance, leveraging the range advantage of my blade.

Yet, in the chaos of the battle, a momentary lapse saw my sword slip from my grip, clattering to the arena floor. Panic momentarily gripped me, but the stubborn determination within spurred me to adapt. Without hesitation, I transitioned to hand-to-hand combat, meeting Zane's gauntleted blows with my own fists.

The battle intensified as the clash of hand-to-hand combat replaced the metallic symphony of the sword. Each blocked strike, every evasive maneuver, became not just a defense but a testament to my unwillingness to yield. As the struggle neared its conclusion, Zane unleashed a final, earth-shaking strike. The arena seemed to pause for a moment as I grappled with the sheer force before crumpling to the ground. The purple light illuminated on my vest, signaling the end of the match.

It was over, and the guy didn't even have to use his affinity on me. I couldn't tap into Ether. I couldn't do anything.

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A frustrating unease settled within me, a dissatisfaction that was hard to put into words. I had never been so disappointed in myself.

As I rose from the arena floor, the holographic simulation transitioned back, and The GCU official's voice echoed, "Zane emerges victorious in a compelling match. Candidates, prepare for the next round of one-on-one battles."

I couldn't shake the feeling of inadequacy, the bitter taste of defeat lingering. It wasn't just a loss; it was a revelation of my limitations. The disappointment wasn't just in the outcome but in my inability to tap into the ether, the very essence that supposedly connected us to the cosmic forces.

In that moment, I found myself reflecting on life beyond the holographic arena. Real-life challenges seemed to mirror the internal struggle I had just faced. The pressure to tap into an inner strength, the frustration of falling short, and the sting of disappointment—they resonated with the struggles outside the confines of the simulated battleground.

The echoes of Lianne's words about inner strength and the elusive nature of the ether reverberated in my mind. It wasn't just a matter of physical prowess; it was about transcending the tangible, reaching into the intangible aspects of oneself. Realizing this, I couldn't help but draw parallels between the holographic trials and the challenges we grapple with in our everyday lives.

As I walked away from the arena, the artificial environment fading into the sterile reality of the examination area, I carried not just the weight of defeat but the valuable lesson that failure, in all its discomfort, could be a stepping stone toward growth. I needed to confront my limitations, understand my shortcomings, and find a way to bridge the gap between where I was and where I aspired to be.

Since all the matches concluded, the GCU officer positioned himself in front of the eight candidates once more and spoke, “Now that all the exams have been conducted, I'm happy to say that all of you have been accepted.”

At his words, my mood seemed to lighten up a bit.

“As most of you know, the Golactic Coalation doesn't like sending soldiers out straight into duty, and you're aware that you will be attending the Golactic Coalation academy.”

Everyone nodded as if this were common knowledge, which, for me, it wasn't. I had no idea there was even a Golactic Coalation academy.

I leaned over and whispered in Lianne's ear, “You knew about the academy part?”

She chuckled, “Well yeah, don't tell me you came here with the intention of going straight into the army?”

I shrugged.

“You must be from the sticks,” she finished as we refocused on the GCU officer's words.

“This assessment was a good way for us to know where to integrate you into the program.” The officer handed each one of us a paper with our averaged scores on it.

Mine read “52/100.”

I frowned at the sight. Is this a passing grade?

“When you get to Hendu, your schedule will be set up and preshosen, and the only thing you'll have to take care of is your electives. The Leviathan ship will be here tomorrow at noon. To board the ship, hand them your white paper that shows your passing grade, and you'll be set. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.”

The group dispersed, each candidate processing the news of their acceptance into the Golactic Coalation academy. As Lianne and I walked together, the reality of the situation settled in. I glanced at my paper with the passing grade, still feeling a mix of relief and uncertainty.

Hendu huh. An entirely other planet.