Cadets were already training when Gamma Squad reached the outer edge of Training Field Three.
The morning mist still clung low to the ground, drifting slowly across the grass as the rising sun began to burn through it. The academy stretched out before them in organized motion — squads running formation drills, instructors pacing between lines, and the sharp echo of training weapons striking reinforced targets carried across the cool air.
Metal clashed against metal in controlled bursts. Energy training blades hummed faintly as they cut through the air. Boots pressed into damp grass, leaving darkened footprints behind. The entire academy felt… different.
Sharper.
Focused.
Like everyone understood that Phase Two wasn't just another test.
It was where cadets separated.
Where rankings started to matter.
Where weakness became visible.
David inhaled slowly as he stepped onto the field. The cool air filled his lungs, grounding him as he took in the scene around them.
Lucian walked ahead of the group, his posture straight and calm as always. He moved with purpose, stopping near the center of the field where the grass had already been flattened from earlier drills.
June rolled his shoulders as he walked.
"Everyone's already going all out," he muttered, glancing around.
Nyra followed beside him, her gaze scanning the surrounding squads.
"They know Phase Two is close."
June let out a slow breath.
"...Yeah."
Mira stepped quietly beside them, her eyes tracking movement across the field.
"Footwork drills," she said softly, watching another squad move through synchronized motion.
Castiel walked beside David, his pace steady, shoulders moving more naturally now. He still rolled one slightly as they walked, testing the motion.
"They're preparing for open combat," Castiel said quietly. David nodded.
"No terrain."
"No cover."
Lucian stopped and turned to face them.
"We focus on arena movement."
June stretched his arms over his head, then rotated his shoulders.
"No terrain means no hiding." Lucian nodded.
"Correct."
Nyra folded her arms as she studied the surrounding activity.
"So, mistakes matter more."
Mira nodded.
"And positioning becomes critical."
Castiel leaned lightly against the railing bordering the field, his eyes focused.
"And reaction speed."
Lucian activated a projection.
A faint hum filled the air as a holographic display expanded above the grass.
The arena layout appeared.
A circular combat zone hovered in translucent blue light. Barrier walls shimmered faintly around the edges. Elevated observation tiers surrounded the ring, showing where instructors and cadets would watch.
June stepped closer, his eyes narrowing slightly.
"...That's smaller than I expected."
Lucian nodded.
"Designed to force engagement."
David stepped forward, studying the spacing.
"No room to disengage."
Nyra nodded slowly.
"Once you're in, you're committed."
June spun his baton loosely in one hand.
"Finally."
Castiel glanced toward him.
"You ranked third."
June groaned quietly.
"You're never letting that go, are you?"
Castiel gave a faint smirk.
"No."
June shook his head, but there was a hint of a smile.
Lucian stepped forward.
"Formation."
They moved into position.
The damp grass shifted beneath their boots. The last strands of mist curled around their legs as they spread out across the field.
Lucian raised his hand.
"Begin."
Nyra moved first.
Her footwork was smooth, controlled, pivoting slightly as she shifted into position.
Mira followed, stepping right, her posture low and balanced.
June stepped forward, baton rotating once before settling into position.
David adjusted last, shifting half a step to close the formation.
Lucian circled slowly around them.
"Faster."
They reset.
Then moved again.
Sharper this time.
David adjusted his stance, shifting his weight slightly as Nyra pivoted. Mira moved into position. June stepped forward—
Too far.
"Too wide," Castiel called.
June corrected immediately.
"Yeah, felt that."
Lucian nodded.
"Again."
They reset.
The sounds of the academy filled the air around them. Other squads trained nearby. Instructors shouted corrections. Weapons struck training pads with controlled force.
Alpha Squad trained across the adjacent field
. Seren moved calmly through combat drills, her squad adjusting in perfect synchronization.
June glanced over.
"They look ready."
Lucian didn't look.
"So will we."
David focused forward.
Lucian raised his hand.
"Again."
They moved.
Faster.
Sharper.
David pivoted left.
Nyra shifted right.
Mira stepped forward.
June filled the gap.
Lucian nodded slightly.
"Better."
The sun rose higher.
The mist began to fade.
Sweat formed along their backs as the pace increased.
June wiped his forehead.
"...Okay. This is harder than I thought."
Nyra smiled faintly.
"Arena removes mistakes."
Mira nodded.
"No terrain to recover."
Castiel watched carefully.
"Half-step delay, D."
David adjusted.
Lucian nodded.
"Better."
They continued.
June exhaled heavily.
"...I take it back."
Nyra glanced at him.
"About what?"
"I liked the written exam."
Nyra laughed quietly.
"You hated the written exam."
"I changed my mind."
Lucian resets the formation.
"Again."
They moved.
Because Phase Two was coming.
And Gamma Squad—
Was getting ready.