The training grounds hummed with energy as students gathered around the combat arena, an expansive facility designed for tactical simulations and sparring matches. The next phase of real-world testing was about to begin, and this time, the stakes were higher.
Aiden and Riko stood side by side, observing the opposing team. Their challengers were a group of upperclassmen, each with well-honed abilities and battlefield experience. Among them was Marcus, a fourth-year student known for his raw power, and Elaine, a strategist whose foresight made her an opponent few could outmaneuver.
Instructor Vasquez stood at the center of the arena, his voice carrying across the grounds. "This test is not just about power—it's about adaptability, teamwork, and strategy. You two," he pointed at Aiden and Riko, "have chosen a unique path. Now prove that your unconventional abilities can hold their own against experienced fighters."
The match was set: Aiden and Riko against Marcus, Elaine, and two other upperclassmen. The objective? Force the opposing team out of the arena or immobilize them within ten minutes.
As the countdown began, Aiden and Riko exchanged a glance. They had discussed their strategies endlessly, but now was the true test. Would their choices hold up under pressure?
"Three… Two… One… Begin!"
The instant the match started, Marcus launched forward with an earth-shaking charge, aiming straight for Aiden. Aiden reacted swiftly, teleporting out of the way and reappearing behind Marcus, only for Elaine to anticipate the move and fire off a barrage of force projectiles to block his escape routes.
Riko phased through an incoming energy blast, shifting into an intangible state just in time to avoid the strike. He countered by increasing the gravity around one of the upperclassmen, forcing them to the ground and slowing their movements significantly. However, Elaine countered by adjusting her own weight, using gravity resistance to remain mobile.
Aiden took a calculated risk, activating his Black Hole Creation ability. Small singularities formed around the battlefield, disrupting the movements of their opponents. However, Marcus powered through, his enhanced strength allowing him to resist the gravitational pull just long enough to close the gap and deliver a devastating punch. Aiden barely managed to reflect the attack using his Absolutely Reflective Field, sending the force of the impact right back at Marcus, knocking him off his feet.
Elaine smirked. "Clever, but predictable." She activated a tracking ability, locking onto Aiden's teleportation patterns. The next time he tried to blink away, she adjusted her own movement speed to intercept. She was learning their techniques.
Riko, noticing the shift, quickly phased behind Elaine and applied a sudden shift in gravity, launching her into the air before locking her into a suspended state. "Not so fast," he muttered.
The battle continued in a blur of tactics and counters. The upperclassmen held the advantage in experience, but Aiden and Riko's unpredictable synergy made them difficult to pin down. With every counterattack, they adapted, learning from their opponents as fast as their opponents learned from them.
With only a minute left on the clock, Aiden and Riko executed their final play. Riko destabilized the battlefield, adjusting the gravitational field beneath their opponents, while Aiden strategically placed miniature black holes to restrict movement. With nowhere to go, the upperclassmen were forced into a vulnerable position. A final reflective blast from Aiden and a well-timed phase attack from Riko sealed the match.
The buzzer sounded. The match was over.
Silence followed before Instructor Vasquez spoke. "Interesting." He folded his arms, studying them closely. "Your coordination is rough, but the potential is undeniable. Keep refining your control. One day, you might just surpass those above you."
Elaine, catching her breath, gave a small smirk. "Not bad, first-years. But next time, we won't hold back."
Aiden and Riko exchanged a glance, their confidence growing. This was only the beginning. Their unconventional choices had been questioned, but today, they had proven that power alone wasn't everything.
They had something even more valuable—strategy.