---
The hum of the simulation room buzzed with tension as Unit 06 assembled in their usual spot. The lights dimmed overhead. Leo stood in front of them, arms crossed, eyes sharp as razors.
"You've all grown stronger," Leo began. "But this next simulation is to test something else—your coordination. You'll face a single enemy. A monster that's smarter, faster, and more destructive than anything you've faced."
Henry muttered, "So, basically a nightmare?"
Leo ignored him. "Kayden. From now, you're acting captain."
Kayden straightened. "Wait—why me?"
Leo walked toward him. "Because you've got the best balance of strength and discipline. Use it. Don't let me down."
The others glanced at Kayden, each offering a brief nod of trust.
Leo turned away. "Simulation start."
---
Simulation – Crimson Wastes
The world shifted into a burning wasteland. The cracked red earth stretched for miles. Smoke rose from distant fissures. A single roar shook the dust as a giant horned vampire beast, four meters tall, emerged from the haze. Its claws scraped the rock, eyes glowing with hatred.
Kayden exhaled and stepped forward. "Form around me—just like Leo drilled us. Hit from all angles."
The unit spread out.
Henry twirled his staff and called out with flair, "Wind Dance!" A tornado of slicing winds surrounded him as he ran, keeping the beast distracted with agile dodges. "You're looking ugly today, big guy!"
Devin took cover behind a rock, locking onto the beast's weak spots. "Perfect Shot!" he shouted, firing twin soul bullets that slammed into its shoulder. Sparks flew.
Kira activated her soul armor, shimmering with icy patterns. "Frost Arrow!" she whispered, releasing a flurry of chilling bolts that froze one of the beast's legs to the cracked ground. "It's stuck!"
The vampire beast growled and lunged at her.
But Zane intercepted. His flaming soul armor blazed to life. "Scorch Fang!" His longsword erupted with fire as he slashed across its chest. "Back off, freak!"
"Shadow Slash!" came Elliot's voice from behind. Shadowy tendrils curled around him as he cut through the beast's side, vanishing into the shadows again. "Hit it hard, Kayden!"
Now was the moment.
Kayden roared, his bulky soul armor crackling with thunder. He raised his massive Storm Hammer, eyes glowing blue.
"Storm Hammer—full charge!"
Electricity surged from the hammer's core as he leapt, spun mid-air, and slammed it directly onto the beast's head. A sonic boom tore through the simulation space. The beast howled—then collapsed, unmoving.
---
Simulation Room – Exit
The team dropped to their knees as the simulation faded. Everyone was breathing hard. A mix of exhaustion and pride filled the room.
Leo stepped forward slowly, expression unreadable.
"That," he said at last, "was impressive. Your synergy is improving."
They all looked up.
"But it's not enough," he added. "Timing was off. Attacks were sloppy. You've got potential—but polish it."
They all groaned.
"Also," he added with a faint smirk, "Kayden. You're still captain."
Kayden blinked. "Still?"
Leo turned toward the exit. "Unless you plan to step down."
Henry sighed dramatically. "Captain Hammer, huh? Guess we have to salute now."
Zane smirked. "Only if he stops shouting in combat."
Kayden rolled his eyes. "Get used to it. I'm the voice of thunder now."
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