The makeshift shield crafted by Toru, while not as robust as the higher-quality variants, was functional enough for their needs. Its increased capacity, though limited by the low concentration of minerals in the surrounding stone, provided a reasonable level of protection. The two of them readied their gear and prepared to face the menacing mist that enveloped the Misty Trenches.

“None of these structures were here before—neither the cottages nor the trenches,” Toru thought to himself. The sudden appearance of these elements was a testament to the Schalter system’s remarkable capabilities. This system orchestrated every facet of the peacekeeper trials, from the interactive UIs to the acquisition and distribution of resources. It even managed the materialization of locations for the objectives and, unfortunately, the somewhat uninspired names they bore.

Without warning, a bullet whizzed through Hitomi’s hair. “Duck!” Toru shouted, pulling her down as a wild barrage of gunfire erupted from an unseen source. The air crackled with the intensity of multiple rifle shots, colliding in a chaotic display of sparks and explosions. It was clear that several groups had chosen this objective, and their presence was making itself known.

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As they huddled behind their makeshift shield, Toru’s keen senses picked up a distinct sound—a slick, mechanical noise of a four-legged war machine patrolling nearby. A laser beam whizzed past their heads, narrowly missing them. They managed to avoid detection, but the close call heightened their urgency.

Toru’s eyes locked with Hitomi’s, and he brought his index finger to his lips, signaling her to remain absolutely still and silent. He was deeply concerned about their precarious situation. “This is bad, really bad,” he thought, his mind racing through possible scenarios.

Among the diverse skills available through the various science and cognition proficiencies, no two individuals possessed exactly the same skillset. This unique differentiation meant that their current adversaries might possess abilities or knowledge that Toru had not anticipated. Specifically, one of the opponents had evidently specialized in Riflecraft in a manner distinct from Toru’s own approach. While Toru had focused on turrets, this enemy had innovatively integrated firearms into mechanical dogs—an advanced and potentially devastating tactic.

The presence of such a formidable foe was a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of the trials. It became clear that they needed to be cautious and strategic in their approach. With the mechanical threat looming nearby and the chaos of the battle raging around them, Toru and Hitomi had to rely on their combined skills and instincts.