As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the training grounds, our Arknights stood on the court, their bodies aching from the day’s relentless regimen. The fatigue was evident on their faces, a combination of physical exhaustion and the mental strain from the day's events. But despite their weariness, they knew there was one final challenge ahead before they could call it a night.
Takurov, ever flamboyant in his demeanor, stood at the front, a wide grin on his face as he clapped his hands together to get their attention. "Alright, my weary warriors! I know it’s been a long day, but we’re not quite done yet!" His voice was full of energy, in stark contrast to the exhausted group before him. "For our final session, we’re going to play a little game. Something to test your skills, strategy, and teamwork."
The Arknights exchanged weary glances, some groaning internally at the thought of more exertion, but they knew better than to voice any complaints. Takurov’s enthusiasm was infectious, and despite their exhaustion, they couldn’t help but feel a slight spark of anticipation.
"We’re heading into the woods," Takurov announced, gesturing towards the dark forest that bordered the training grounds. The mere mention of the woods in the dark made a few of them shift uncomfortably. The forest at night was an intimidating place, filled with unknown dangers and eerie silence. But they were Arknights in training—fear was not an option.
Takurov paused for dramatic effect, allowing the tension to build. "We’re going to play a game called 'Hunter and Prey.' Each team will be given a specific target to capture, but beware—another team will be hunting you at the same time. The objective is simple: capture your prey without getting caught by your hunters. And yes," he added with a smirk, "it will be in the dark. Perfect for testing those heightened senses of yours, wouldn’t you agree?"
There was a collective sigh from the group, but it was laced with determination. This wasn’t just about physical ability; it was about strategy, stealth, and working as a cohesive unit. The woods at night would test them in ways the training grounds could not.
Seeing their determination, Takurov continued, "I’ve already arranged the teams. Each group will have five members. Use your strengths, cover each other’s weaknesses, and most importantly, don’t get caught."
He began calling out the teams, pairing students together in a mix of skill sets, powers, and personalities. The groups were diverse, ensuring that each had a balance of strengths and vulnerabilities.
The first team was led by Callus, whose endurance and unyielding nature made him a natural leader. With him were Emma, Matteo, Aslan, and Aurora—a blend of strategic minds and combat prowess.
The second team was headed by Luis, whose sharp mind and explosive abilities would be invaluable. He was joined by Saki, Elif, Enri, and Penelope—a combination of speed, stealth, and raw power.
The third team was led by Haru, whose recent display of both skill and restraint made him a key player. He was teamed with Junko, Angel, Autumn, and Luella—an eclectic mix of support, agility, and stealth.
Finally, the last team was led by Blaze, whose fiery nature and combat skills made him a force to be reckoned with. His team included Ashelyn, Lawrence, Yue, and Azrael—a formidable group with a mix of offensive and defensive capabilities.
As the teams were finalized, the group moved towards the edge of the woods, their earlier exhaustion replaced by a nervous energy. The forest loomed ahead, dark and foreboding, but each of them knew this was the final hurdle of the day.
Takurov’s voice rang out one last time as they prepared to enter the woods. "Remember, this isn’t just about catching your prey or avoiding your hunters. It’s about how you work together, how you adapt to the darkness, and how you overcome the fear that comes with the unknown. Now go, and show me what you’re made of!"
With that, the teams were off, disappearing into the dark woods, the game of 'Hunter and Prey' about to begin.
//////////////
As Haru’s team gathered in the darkening forest, the weight of the game Takurov had explained began to settle in. They huddled close, aware that every rustle in the trees or snap of a twig could be the start of an ambush. Haru took a deep breath and began to explain the game in more detail to his teammates.
"Alright, everyone, listen up," Haru said, his voice calm but serious. "Here’s how this works: Every team has a member who is the prey, but we don’t know who that is in our group. Our job is to hunt down the prey in Luis’s group—Enri—and drag him out of the forest. But at the same time, we need to protect ourselves because another team is hunting one of us. We don't know who in our group is being hunted, and the team we’re hunting doesn’t know their target either. So we need to be on guard at all times."
The group nodded, each of them processing the complexity of the game. It wasn’t just about strength; it was a mental game, one that required them to outthink their opponents while staying a step ahead of whoever was hunting them.
"We know Enri is our target," Haru continued, "but Luis’s team doesn’t know that. They’re probably just as clueless as we are about who in their team is the prey. Luis is a powerhouse with his explosive abilities, and he’s sharp—he’ll be expecting trouble, but he won’t know exactly what. Saki’s teleportation makes her hard to pin down, and Elif is incredibly fast. Penelope can manipulate energy, so we have to watch out for her boosting their attacks or defenses. And then there’s Enri—he’s tough and knows how to hold his ground."
Angel, who was part of Haru's team, spoke up. "I can use my spear to keep them at a distance if we engage. But we also need to be mindful of our surroundings. If we’re too focused on attacking, we might miss the team hunting us."
Junko, always the strategist, added, "We need to keep moving, never staying in one place too long. The longer we stay still, the more time the other team has to find us."
Autumn, who was the most anxious about the game, tried to calm her nerves. "What if we’re the prey? What if one of us gets caught?"
Haru looked at her reassuringly. "That’s why we stick together. If we’re all on the lookout, we can cover each other. We don’t know who the prey in our group is, so we have to protect everyone as if they’re the target."
Luella, who had been quiet, finally spoke up. "We’ll need to watch for traps, too. Luis is smart—he might set up ambushes, especially knowing someone might be hunting them."
Haru nodded. "Exactly. And if we find Enri, we can’t just grab him and run. We need to be ready for their counterattack. We’ll need to neutralize Luis and Saki quickly; otherwise, they’ll make it impossible for us to get away."
As they planned, the reality of the situation settled in. They had to outsmart Luis’s team while protecting themselves from an unknown threat. It was a delicate balance of offense and defense, requiring every member to be sharp, coordinated, and aware of their surroundings.
"Let’s move out in a loose formation," Haru suggested. "I’ll take the lead with Angel. Junko and Luella, cover the flanks. Autumn, you stay in the center. Keep your eyes peeled and stay quiet. If we hear anything unusual, we stop and assess. Remember, we’re not just hunting Enri—we’re also protecting our team from whoever is hunting us."
The team agreed, each of them settling into their roles. They knew the forest would be unforgiving, especially at night, but they were determined to work together and come out on top.
As they began to move deeper into the woods, the sounds of the forest grew louder, filling the silence with the rustling of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl. The darkness enveloped them, making it difficult to see more than a few feet ahead. But they pressed on, their senses heightened, ready for whatever the night had in store.
The game was on, and Haru’s team was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As the group moved cautiously through the dense forest, Haru suddenly raised his hand, signaling for everyone to stop. The team came to an immediate halt, their senses on high alert. Haru’s face was serious as he gathered his thoughts, piecing together the fragments of information they had been given.
"I think I’ve figured something out," Haru began, his voice just above a whisper. The others leaned in closer, eager to hear what he had deduced. "This game is more than just a random hunt. It’s based on our rankings. I’ve noticed a pattern."
He paused, making sure everyone was following. "In Luis’s team, the target is Enri, who is their second-lowest-ranked member. If this pattern holds true, then the prey in our group would be the lowest-ranked member, which is Luella." He glanced at Luella, who looked startled but nodded in understanding.
Haru continued, "If I’m right, the group that Luis’s team is hunting should be the next one down the rankings—Callus’s group. And in Callus’s group, the third-lowest-ranked Arknight is Emma. So, Luis’s team is likely hunting Emma."
The others nodded, seeing the logic in Haru’s deduction. He then went on, "And if we follow this pattern further, Callus’s group would be hunting someone in Blaze’s team. Lawrence is second in Blaze’s group, so that would make him their target."
Haru looked around at his team, his eyes intense. "Which means, if my guess is right, Blaze’s group is hunting Luella."
The realization sank in, and Luella’s face tightened with concern. Haru placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Don’t worry. We’re going to protect you. Now that we know who’s hunting who, we can use this to our advantage."
Haru turned to Junko. "Can your clones share information with you if they spot something?"
Junko nodded. "Yes, they can. Whatever they see, I see."
"Good," Haru said, a plan forming in his mind. "We’re going to use your clones to scout and locate the other teams. If we can gather enough information, we can create a situation where all the teams end up in the same place. That’s when we’ll make our move. We’ll cause enough confusion to snag Enri and get him out while keeping Luella safe."
Angel chimed in, "So we create a situation where they’re all focused on each other, and then we swoop in and grab Enri. I like it."
Autumn still looked a bit nervous, but she nodded. "It’s risky, but it could work."
Haru looked at each of them, his confidence contagious. "We’ll need to be quick and precise. Junko, send your clones out to scout. The rest of us will stay here and keep a low profile until we have enough information."
Junko quickly created her clones, sending them out in different directions, each one moving stealthily through the forest. The rest of the group huddled together, keeping their eyes and ears open for any signs of movement.
As they waited, the tension in the air grew thicker. They knew that every moment counted and that any misstep could lead to disaster. But Haru’s calm leadership and clear strategy gave them a sense of purpose. They weren’t just aimlessly wandering through the woods—they had a plan, and they were determined to see it through.
After what felt like an eternity, Junko’s eyes widened as she received information from one of her clones. "I’ve found Luis’s team," she whispered. "They’re moving towards the center of the forest, probably heading for Callus’s group."
Haru nodded, his mind racing. "Good. Now let’s see if we can find the others. We’ll need to time this perfectly."
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As they continued to gather information, Haru’s plan began to take shape. They would create a situation where all the teams converged, using the chaos to their advantage. It was a risky move, but if it worked, they could win this game and protect Luella at the same time.
"Get ready," Haru said, his voice steady. "We’re about to turn this game on its head."
With that, the team prepared to set their plan into motion, knowing that the outcome of this game would depend on their ability to outthink and outmanoeuvre their opponents.
Haru gathered his team close, their faces lit by the dim light filtering through the dense canopy of the forest. The plan was complex, but it had to be. They were up against some of the strongest competitors in the academy, and there was no room for error.
“Alright, here’s the plan,” Haru began, his voice low but firm. “We need to bait the other groups to the center of the forest. We know that Callus and Luis’s groups are already converging—Luis probably used Saki’s tracking ability to find Callus. That means we’re on a clock.”
Junko, her eyes focused and sharp, nodded. “I’ll need to find Blaze’s group, but we can’t just send a clone to bait them in. They’ll see right through that.”
“Exactly,” Haru agreed. “We need to make it authentic. Autumn, we’re going to need you to be the bait. If they see you, they’ll believe it’s real.”
Autumn swallowed hard but nodded, determined. “I can do it. I’ll lead them straight to the center.”
Haru gave her an appreciative nod. “Good. Callus’s group is smart—they’ll likely try to run from Luis’s team at first. It’s predictable, but it makes sense. But if we manage to bring Blaze’s team into the mix, Callus might see it as an opportunity to collect their bounty, especially if they think they can snatch Lawrence while Blaze is distracted.”
Junko added, “Blaze’s team is the real problem here. They’ve got key players like Azrael, Lawrence, Blaze, and Ashelyn—all of them are strong. If we don’t handle this right, they could dominate the field.”
Haru looked at Luella, who was listening intently. “Luella, you can’t afford to face Azrael again after what happened last time. We need to keep him busy. Angel,” he turned to his teammate, “can you distract Azrael with your light abilities?”
Angel, ever confident, grinned. “Leave it to me. I’ll keep him chasing shadows.”
“And I’ll take on Ashelyn,” Haru continued. “This is going to turn into a free-for-all quickly, but we have to stay focused. While everyone else is busy fighting, Luella, you’ll go after Enri. Do you think you can handle him?”
Luella’s expression was determined. “I can do it. I won’t let you down.”
Haru gave her a reassuring smile. “I know you won’t. While you’re going after Enri, we’ll need Autumn to use her music to support us. Keep everyone’s morale up and disrupt the other teams when you can. Junko, your clones will be essential. Use them to keep Luis’s team away from Enri and to confuse them about who their prey really is.”
The group fell silent for a moment, each member running through their part of the plan in their heads. They were about to dive into a chaotic battle where strategy and quick thinking would be key.
Haru looked around at his team one last time, making sure they were all on the same page. “This isn’t going to be easy, but if we stick to the plan, we can pull it off. Remember, the goal is to get Enri out of the woods and protect Luella at all costs.”
With a final nod from each of them, they were ready to execute the plan. This was going to be a free-for-all, a chaotic clash of powers and wills, but Haru was confident they could come out on top.
“Let’s do this,” he said, and with that, they moved into position, ready to turn the forest into their battleground.
//////////////
Blaze led his team through the dense forest, the darkness pressing in on them from all sides. The only sounds were the rustling of leaves and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot. Despite the eerie atmosphere, Blaze was in his element, his fiery nature keeping him alert and ready for anything.
“Ashelyn, keep your magnetic field up,” Blaze whispered, his voice low but firm. “If anything metal moves, I want to know about it immediately.”
Ashelyn nodded, her focus unwavering as she maintained her power, ready to detect any metallic objects that might signal the presence of their opponents. Lawrence and Azrael moved silently beside Blaze, their senses heightened, while Yue followed closely, prepared to support the team with her powers.
“We need to stay sharp,” Lawrence muttered, his eyes scanning the shadows. “We don’t know who’s after us, but we know we’re hunting Luella. If we find her, we need to be quick.”
Blaze smirked, his confidence unshaken. “We’ll find her. And when we do, this game is over.”
They moved deeper into the forest, their movements silent and deliberate. The darkness seemed to grow thicker with each step, but Blaze reveled in it. He thrived in chaos and was eager to prove himself once more.
Suddenly, a faint rustling caught Blaze’s attention. He raised his hand, signaling for the team to halt. “Something’s coming,” he whispered, his eyes narrowing.
Lawrence tightened his grip on his trident, while Ashelyn’s senses extended further, searching for any metallic presence. A figure darted between the trees ahead, barely visible in the gloom.
“It’s Autumn,” Azrael whispered, recognizing the figure. “She’s leading us somewhere.”
Blaze’s grin widened. “Good. Let’s follow her. She’ll lead us right to their group.”
The team moved cautiously, following Autumn as she weaved through the trees. Blaze’s instincts were on high alert, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. They were being led, yes, but was it a trap?
As they followed Autumn deeper into the woods, Blaze slowed his pace, his gut telling him to be careful. “Hold up,” he said softly, motioning for the others to stop. “This feels like a setup.”
Ashelyn nodded, her magnetic field picking up several small metal objects moving in the distance. “There’s something ahead. I’m detecting multiple signals—too many for just their group.”
Lawrence’s expression hardened. “They’re trying to draw us into a trap.”
Blaze’s smirk returned, undeterred. “Let them try. We’ll turn it against them.”
They continued forward, but with even more caution. As they approached a small clearing, they began to make out the outlines of other figures moving in the shadows. Blaze’s eyes narrowed as he realized what was happening. Callus’s group and Luis’s group were converging on the same spot, just as they were.
“It’s a free-for-all,” Azrael said, his voice tense as he scanned the clearing. He could sense the intensity of the situation escalating.
Blaze quickly assessed the scene, recognizing the strategic implications. Luis was there, his sharp eyes taking in the surroundings, and not far off stood Callus, his presence as imposing as ever. Blaze knew this was the moment they had been waiting for—a chance to prove themselves in a chaotic, unpredictable battle.
Blaze knew this was the moment they had been waiting for—a chance to prove themselves in a chaotic, unpredictable battle.
As the tension in the clearing reached its peak, Haru’s group lay low, hidden amongst the trees, watching as the other teams converged. The plan was already in motion, and now it was just a matter of execution.
From his position, Haru could see Luis’s group moving cautiously, their eyes scanning the area for threats. Saki, with her tracking abilities, was likely guiding them, unaware that they were walking into a trap. Callus’s group was nearby, their strategy likely focused on avoiding conflict until the last possible moment. Blaze’s team was the wild card, advancing steadily, their confidence radiating even from a distance.
Junko’s clones had already begun their work, darting between the trees, creating false trails and misleading the other teams. The clones moved with precision, each one adding to the confusion and disarray that would soon engulf the forest.
Luella stayed close to Haru, her nerves visible but her determination solid. She knew the risks, especially after her previous encounter with Azrael, but she was ready. They had to be.
The moment came swiftly. A rustle in the bushes to the left signaled the arrival of Blaze’s team, just as Haru anticipated. They emerged into the clearing, confident and unaware of the other teams closing in from different directions.
Then, it all happened at once.
A burst of light from Angel’s direction as he unleashed his powers, aiming directly at Azrael to keep him disoriented. The forest was suddenly alive with movement, as Callus’s team broke cover, trying to flank Luis’s group who had just realized the trap they were walking into. Chaos erupted as everyone moved at once, each team trying to outmaneuver the others.
Blaze, ever the aggressor, immediately targeted Callus’s group, his scimitar blazing with energy as he charged in. Ashelyn and Lawrence flanked him, ready to support, but were met by the defensive strength of Callus and Matteo. It was exactly what Haru had hoped for—Blaze’s competitive nature drawing him away, leaving an opening.
Luis, realizing the sudden shift, tried to pull back to a safer position, but Junko’s clones swarmed them, creating illusions that made it hard to determine who was real and who was not. Haru saw his moment.
“Now!” he whispered to Luella, who nodded, her whip ready as she moved towards Enri. With Blaze distracted and Luis’s team disoriented, they had a chance.
Enri, caught in the middle of the confusion, didn’t see Luella coming until it was too late. Her whip cracked through the air, wrapping around his arm and pulling him off balance. Enri struggled, but Luella was quick, using the confusion to her advantage.
Haru watched as the free-for-all intensified around him. Angel was keeping Azrael occupied, his light casting strange shadows in the dark forest. Luis was desperately trying to regain control of his group, but the clones were making it nearly impossible. Blaze and Callus were locked in a fierce battle, their powerful strikes sending shockwaves through the clearing.
Haru moved quickly, taking advantage of the chaos to engage Ashelyn. Their weapons clashed, sparks flying as they exchanged blows. Ashelyn’s magnetic powers were strong, but Haru’s agility and wind-based techniques kept her on the defensive. He needed to keep her busy, to ensure she couldn’t come to the aid of her teammates.
The plan was working, but the fight was far from over. Each team was giving it their all, the forest alive with the sounds of clashing weapons and the shouts of the Arknights. Haru knew they had to keep the momentum, to push forward and secure their victory.
As he parried another of Ashelyn’s strikes, Haru glanced over to see Luella pulling Enri further away, her whip wrapped tightly around him. They were close—so close to achieving their goal. But the battle was still raging, and anything could happen.
The free-for-all was in full swing, and now it was a test of endurance, strategy, and pure willpower. Haru’s team had the advantage, but they couldn’t afford to let their guard down, not for a second. The chaos of the battlefield was both their greatest weapon and their greatest threat.
As the chaotic battle raged on in the forest clearing, the various groups clashed with a fierce display of power and strategy. Each Arknight’s unique abilities shone brightly, creating a mesmerizing yet dangerous spectacle of combat.
Callus viewed the battlefield like a chessboard. With Matteo and Aurora at his side, he engaged Blaze’s group with calculated precision. Blaze’s fiery onslaught was relentless, but Callus knew endurance was his team’s strength. Manipulating the sand beneath their feet, he created barriers and traps, attempting to slow Blaze's advance. Matteo added support with his shield, while Aurora's frost tried to freeze Blaze’s momentum.
Callus noticed Luis's group attempting to flank them amidst the chaos, but his focus never wavered. He was determined to guide his team through the storm, knowing that their strategic advantage lay in maintaining their composure.
Blaze thrived in the chaos, a whirlwind of energy and aggression. His fiery scimitar slashed through Callus’s defenses, scorching the earth with each strike. The thrill of battle fueled his determination, and he kept a keen eye on the entire battlefield, ready to prove his dominance.
As he fought, Blaze noticed Haru’s team moving strategically, and Luis’s group struggling against Junko’s clones. The unpredictable nature of the battle excited him, and he pushed harder, eager to emerge as the strongest.
Luis found himself in a challenging situation. Junko’s clones swarmed his team, making it difficult to distinguish friend from foe. Saki’s tracking abilities were pushed to their limits, and Luis’s long-range attacks were less effective in the close-quarter chaos.
He fired arrows to clear a path, recalculating his strategy. Despite the disadvantage, Luis wasn’t one to back down. He began searching for openings, determined to regain control and lead his team to victory.
Haru’s mind raced as he engaged Ashelyn. Her magnetic abilities were a formidable challenge, pulling his dual katanas off course with each swing. She hovered above him on a metal shield, directing a barrage of weapons from every angle.
Despite the relentless assault, Haru remained composed, analyzing the battlefield. He saw Luella dragging Enri away as planned, but his focus stayed on Ashelyn. Her combat skills were impressive, backed by sharp intelligence.
“You’re smarter than I gave you credit for,” Ashelyn remarked, her voice a mix of admiration and challenge as she sent another wave of weapons his way.
Haru dodged the projectiles with a burst of wind, propelling himself out of harm’s way. “Maybe it’s the mixed Butchonsaw blood in you,” Ashelyn continued, her tone tinged with curiosity and respect. “Or maybe you’re just that good.”
Haru smirked, his eyes locking onto hers. “Could be both,” he replied, deflecting another flying weapon with one of his katanas.
But as the battle intensified, Ashelyn's magnetic control became overwhelming. She managed to disarm Haru, pulling his blades from his grip with a powerful magnetic pulse. Haru found himself at a severe disadvantage, his weapons now in Ashelyn's control, flying around him in a deadly orbit.
Just as Ashelyn prepared to press her advantage, a sudden gust of wind swept through the battlefield. Emma appeared beside Haru, her eyes narrowed with determination. “I’m only helping you this one time—for Aurora,” she declared, her voice firm as she joined Haru in the fight.
Together, Haru and Emma unleashed a coordinated wind attack, their combined powers creating a turbulent force that disrupted Ashelyn's control over the weapons. The swirling wind pressured Ashelyn, forcing her to divert her focus to maintain her magnetic hold.
Haru seized the opportunity, rushing in close to Ashelyn while Emma manipulated the wind to keep the floating weapons at bay. Haru used the wind to propel himself up and over Ashelyn, his body twisting in mid-air. Ashelyn tried to pull her shield back, but the combined wind pressure from Emma and Haru kept it stationary.
In a swift move, Haru landed behind Ashelyn, his hand on her shoulder. With a surge of wind power, he forced her to the ground, pinning her beneath the metal shield she had been using to dominate the fight.
Ashelyn struggled, but Haru’s control over the wind held her in place. “You’re good, but sometimes, teamwork beats raw power,” Haru said, his voice steady.
Emma, still maintaining the wind barrier, looked down at Ashelyn with a mix of respect and detachment. “This is for Aurora,” she reiterated, her tone firm but distant.
Ashelyn, breathing heavily, finally relented. “Alright, you got me. But don’t think this is over, Haru. Next time, I won’t hold back.”
Haru smiled briefly, releasing his hold on Ashelyn and helping her up. “I wouldn’t expect anything less,” he replied.
Emma didn’t linger. With a nod to Haru, she turned and dashed back into the chaos of the battlefield, leaving Haru to continue on his own. The brief alliance was over as quickly as it had begun.
Haru took a moment to assess the situation. He spotted Luella in the distance, closing in on Enri. She moved with determination, her whip expertly wrapping around Enri’s legs, pulling him back as he struggled to escape.
Enri, realizing he was trapped, tried to fight back, but Luella was relentless. With a final, decisive blow, she knocked him down, leaving him practically entrapped as she began dragging him out of the forest.
Haru watched as Luella, her face set with resolve, successfully completed their mission. The plan had worked—despite the chaos and unpredictability of the battle, they had managed to capture their target.
As the chaos of the battle reached its peak, the sound of Takurov’s stretching echoed through the clearing, drawing the attention of all the combatants. His lanky frame extended with exaggerated motions, and with a loud clap of his hands, he announced his presence.
"Alright, alright, my valiant Arknights!" Takurov’s voice rang out over the din of the fight. "The match has ended! Cease your fighting!" The declaration cut through the tension in the air, and the participants began to slow their movements, glancing around to take stock of the situation.
Takurov continued, "Luella has successfully captured Enri, securing the win for Haru’s team! Congratulations, everyone! The rankings for today’s match are as follows!"
Haru, who had been catching his breath after the intense battle, couldn’t help but let out a victorious shout. "Yes! Finally on top today!" His face lit up with a mix of pride and relief. The effort and strategy had paid off, and this victory meant more to him than just a win—it was proof that he could lead his team to success. His teammates, Junko, Angel, and Luella, joined in the celebration, their exhaustion momentarily forgotten in the joy of their victory.
Next, Takurov turned to Callus and his team. "Second place goes to Callus’s team. You may not have captured anyone, but you also didn’t lose anyone. A solid effort as always, but no top spot this time."
Callus, ever the stoic, simply nodded. There was no visible frustration on his face—only a calm acceptance. Matteo and Aurora looked to Callus for a reaction, but he remained composed. "It’s not always about coming first," Callus said, his voice steady. "Consistency and learning from each battle matter just as much."
Blaze’s team was next. "Third place goes to Blaze’s team," Takurov announced. "You fought fiercely, but capturing was not in the cards today. Still, you protected your prey, and that’s commendable."
Blaze’s fiery temperament flared up for a moment, his frustration evident as he clenched his fists. "Next time, it’s my win," he muttered to himself, determination etched across his face. Ashelyn, Lawrence, and Azrael, though tired, shared a look of agreement. The battle may not have gone their way, but they weren’t disheartened—just more determined for the next challenge.
Finally, Takurov addressed Luis’s team. "And last but not least, Luis’s team. You were hunted, and unfortunately, you didn’t manage to capture anyone."
Luis let out a resigned sigh, running a hand through his hair. He had anticipated a better outcome, but today hadn’t been their day. Saki, Elif, Penelope, and Enri gathered around him, their expressions a mix of disappointment and resolve. "We’ll learn from this," Luis said, his voice firm. "Next time, we’ll be better prepared."
Enri, still shaken from being captured, nodded vigorously. "We need to tighten up our strategy," he added, grateful for Luis’s leadership even in defeat.
As the teams began to regroup, there was a shared sense of respect among them. The battle had been intense, but it had also been a learning experience. Each team had shown their strengths and weaknesses, and there was a silent acknowledgment that every victory and defeat was a step toward improvement.
Takurov, ever observant, smiled to himself. The day had been grueling, but the lessons learned were invaluable. "Well done, all of you," he said, his tone uncharacteristically sincere. "Now, let’s head back. You’ve earned your rest."
With that, the exhausted but determined Arknights began making their way out of the woods, ready to reflect on the day’s events and prepare for whatever challenges lay ahead.