[Phoenix headquarters]
“So these are your new team members?” Norman asked, raising his eyebrows at the noisy trio. Leo, Mia, and Dagger were bickering with each other, while Ethan watched them with a bored expression.
“They seem quite lively.” Wanda added with a smile, trying to lighten the mood
Mia ignored the squabbling of the boys and approached Emily, who was playing with Mark.
"You're Emily, right? I'm a huge fan of yours," she gushed.
"Thank you," Emily said politely.
"Don't let her fool you, Vice Leader. She's a thief," Leo interjected.
Mia turned to Mark and cooed, "And you must be little master Mark. You're so cute."
"Thank you, noona. You're cute too," Mark replied.
"Stay away from her, little boss. She'll infect you with her cooties," Leo warned.
"Why are you so jealous, hyung? Do you like this noona?" Mark teased.
"What? No way. I don't like her at all," Leo denied.
"I think you two would make a good couple," Mark persisted.
"You're mistaken, little boss. We're not compatible at all," Leo said.
"How dare you pair up my sister with this idiot?" Dagger snapped.
"Who are you calling an idiot, you loser?" Leo retorted.
"I'm not a loser, you brat."
"You're the brat, you sneaky rat."
The argument between Leo and Dagger escalated until Ethan's voice cut through the noise.
"Enough. Stop wasting time and focus on the task," he said in a stern tone.
"Sorry, Leader," the three apologized.
"So, what are your next plans?" Norman asked Ethan.
"We have one week left until the combined raid. I want to use the advanced training ground in the meantime," Ethan said.
"Alright, I'll give you permission." Norman said.
"Thank you. Everyone, report to the advanced training ground in one hour," Ethan ordered his team. He ruffled Mark hair saying his goodbye and left room.
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The advanced training ground loomed large before Ethan and his team, offering a myriad of simulated challenges. In one particular room, a specialized simulation greeted them—a treacherous rat-infested dungeon crafted with intricate holographic projections, hidden traps, and agile virtual rodents scurrying about.
"Hey Mia, you're the priest, right?" Emily inquired.
"Yeah, I can also cause status ailments to opponents for a short duration," Mia confirmed.
"Great. Let's divide your roles," Emily directed.
Mia, with her healing prowess and ability to debuff adversaries, was assigned to maintain the team's health and counter the nimble rats. Leo, the tank, would lead, soaking up attacks and diverting attention away from his companions. Dagger, the agile assassin, was tasked with swiftly eliminating the rats and handling unexpected threats.
As the simulation commenced, the team cautiously navigated the maze's complex passages. Ethan and Emily observed, offering strategic advice.
"Mia, prioritize keeping Leo healthy. Leo, hold their attention and block passages. Dagger, strike fast," Ethan guided.
Holographic rats surged forward, their numbers overwhelming. Mia's healing spells proved vital, keeping Leo standing strong amid relentless attacks. Leo’s stalwart defense provided cover for Mia, who prepared to unleash debuffs. Dagger agilely eliminated rats that slipped past Leo’s defenses.
The team faced unexpected challenges—a swarm of aggressive, larger rats and traps concealed in the passages. Ethan and Emily offered real-time feedback, aiding the team in adapting their strategies.
Despite the difficulties, the team's coordination improved. Mia anticipated the team's needs better, Leo adjusted his defense against larger rats, and Dagger became adept at neutralizing traps and dispatching threats.
Finally, they stood before a massive door—the gateway to the dungeon's boss and their ultimate objective.
"This is the final stretch," Leo declared.
The door swung open, revealing a formidable adversary—a giant rat.
The team squared off against the towering rat boss, its red eyes gleaming menacingly in the simulated darkness. Its fur bristled with hostility as it let out a deafening screech, signaling the start of the battle.
"Stay focused! Mia, keep Leo healthy! Leo, draw its attention! Dagger, strike where you can!" Emily's instructions were clear and urgent.
The colossal rat lunged forward, its massive claws aiming for Leo, who expertly intercepted the attack with his shield. Mia’s healing spells immediately went into overdrive, ensuring Leo's endurance amidst the boss’s relentless assault.
Dagger nimbly darted around the periphery, seeking openings to inflict damage.The boss exhibited surprising agility, dodging some attacks and retaliating with ferocity.
Mia’s debuffs took effect, slowing the boss's movements, allowing the team to capitalize on its momentary weakness.
"Watch out for its tail swipe!"
Ethan's warning came just in time as the boss's tail swept across the ground, aiming to knock Leo and Dagger off balance. Leo braced himself, enduring the blow while Dagger agilely leaped out of harm's way.
As the battle wore on, the team’s coordination became more refined. Mia strategically timed her debuffs, Leo adjusted his defensive stance to protect against the boss's varied attacks, and Dagger exploited every opportunity to strike.
"You all are wearing it down! Keep it up!" Emily encouraged, her voice cutting through the intensity of the fight.
The boss, visibly weakened, launched a final desperate charge, its claws slashing wildly through the air.
The giant rat boss displayed newfound aggression, its attacks becoming more erratic. Its tails swung wildly, knocking Dagger and Leo aside as it lunged towards the team's most vulnerable member.
"Mia, watch out!" Emily's voice pierced through the chaos, but it was Leo who reacted first.
Seeing the giant rat rushing towards Mia, Leo swiftly positioned himself between her and the advancing rat boss.
With impeccable timing, he intercepted the boss's savage strike, his shield absorbing the impact meant for Mia. The force of the blow staggered Leo, but he stood firm, protecting Mia from harm.
"Stay with us, Mia!" Dagger's urgent cry snapped Mia out of her momentary panic.
Regaining her focus, Mia summoned her resolve. With renewed determination, she channeled her healing energy, bolstering Leo's defenses and stabilizing the team's condition.
Leo, undeterred by the blow, held his ground, ensuring Mia had the space to recover.The team’s unity shone through amidst the chaos. Mia regained her composure, Leo stood as an unwavering shield, and Dagger continued to strike strategically.
The boss, weakened by the team's relentless assault, launched a final frenzied attack. With a swift and coordinated effort, Leo, recognizing the danger Mia faced, stepped in once more, shielding her from the boss's last devastating strike.
The boss, now visibly fatigued, faltered as Dagger took advantage of the opening, landing a decisive blow that brought the simulated battle to a thrilling end.
As they emerged from the training simulators, a mix of relief and accomplishment painted their faces. Sweaty and slightly breathless, they exchanged triumphant glances, the adrenaline of the simulated battle still coursing through their veins.
Ethan's critical remark cut through the momentary celebration. "You all need more training," he stated bluntly, his tone devoid of praise.
"Don't pay attention to him. For a first attempt, that was really good," Emily interjected, her encouraging tone a stark contrast to Ethan's seriousness.
Their smiles returned, bolstered by Emily's reassurance. They understood the room for improvement but also acknowledged the progress they'd made.
"We'll do better next time," Mia affirmed, a determined gleam in her eyes, grateful for Leo's protection during the intense battle.
"Absolutely. This was just the beginning," Leo agreed, his commitment to strengthening the team evident in his voice.
Dagger nodded in agreement, silently determined to refine their strategies and skills further.
With renewed motivation, they returned to the training ground, eager to fine-tune their teamwork and overcome the challenges that lay ahead. The camaraderie forged in battle and the determination to excel propelled them forward, ready to face even tougher simulations.