The next phase of real-world testing had arrived, and the students stood at attention as Instructor Vance addressed them. His gaze swept over the assembled cadets, his voice steady and commanding.
"You have proven that you can hold your own against controlled environments. Now, it's time to face an actual battlefield. Outside the city walls, our scouts have detected increased activity from the Riftborn. Your mission is simple—survive and protect your assigned sectors."
Murmurs spread through the students. This was what they had been training for, but the stakes were real now. Aiden and Riko exchanged glances, each nodding in silent understanding. They were ready.
"Each squad will be assigned a different area to monitor. Some of you will act as vanguards, intercepting threats before they get too close. Others will be positioned strategically for support. Choose your placements wisely."
Aiden and Riko, along with their squadmates, reviewed their battle plan. They had been assigned to an outer perimeter post—an area known for sudden Riftborn incursions. It was a dangerous position, but it also meant they would see the action firsthand.
As they geared up and made their way to their designated sector, the atmosphere shifted. The air crackled with tension, and the sky held a dim, eerie glow from the ever-present energy of the Rift. The city's neon lights flickered in the distance as a constant reminder of what they were protecting.
The moment they arrived, a deafening screech echoed through the air. A shadowy mass emerged from the Rift, its form twisting and pulsing unnaturally. The Riftborn had arrived.
"Positions!" Riko barked, activating his Phase Locking ability to phase out of sight, preparing for a strike from the shadows.
Aiden wasted no time. His Absolutely Reflective Field shimmered around their squad as the first wave of attacks came crashing down. Energy blasts ricocheted harmlessly off his barrier, redirecting back at the creatures. With a sharp motion, he teleported behind one of the larger Riftborn, creating a small black hole just above its head. The creature was instantly sucked in, its form distorted and consumed by the void.
Their squad moved efficiently, utilizing their training and newly honed abilities. Riko's gravitational manipulation turned the battlefield into a death trap, making it nearly impossible for the Riftborn to move freely. When one managed to break through, he used Absolute Reflection, sending its attack right back at it, obliterating the creature on impact.
The battle was relentless. More Riftborn poured from the dimensional tear, each one more aggressive than the last. Aiden and Riko moved in sync, their powers complementing each other. What once had been an uncertain journey of power selection now felt like an undeniable force of nature.
"We can't let them gain ground!" Aiden shouted. "Push them back!"
The squad rallied behind them, striking with precision. Minutes felt like hours as they fought, but eventually, the Rift began to shrink, the creatures retreating back into their dimension.
Silence fell over the battlefield.
Aiden and Riko stood in the aftermath, breathing heavily. Their uniforms were tattered, but they were victorious. As the city lights glowed behind them, one thing was certain—this was only the beginning.