The holographic figures dissolved into fragments of light as the final wave of the first phase dissipated. The arena fell silent, the only sound the soft hum of the mana sensors and the team's steady breathing.
Andrey lowered his staff, his gaze sweeping the arena. The beacon still pulsed at the center, its golden light unwavering.
From the console, Clestine's voice echoed, calm and measured. "Phase one complete. You held the objective effectively. Your coordination is solid, but there's room for improvement in your reaction time to flanking maneuvers."
She paused, her fingers moving across the holographic interface. "Phase two: Pursuit. You'll be tasked with hunting down a high-value target through a simulated urban environment. The target will be fast, evasive, and supported by smaller units. You have two minutes to prepare."
