The next day, Jun found himself standing in front of a massive steel door, the kind that only opened for the most elite of soldiers. He had been summoned after passing the initial trials, but as he stared at the cold metal before him, he couldn't help but feel a wave of uncertainty. His heart beat faster, not from fear but from the weight of what was to come.
The door slid open with a hiss, revealing a sprawling training facility inside, filled with soldiers of every shape, size, and ability. Some were Regades, their powers on full display as they practiced with elemental forces, while others—like Jun—were still honing their skills with physical combat, tactics, and strategy. The air was thick with energy, the tension palpable as the candidates prepared for the next round of trials.
As Jun stepped inside, he was greeted by the stern voice of Commander Rhea Volkov, the highest-ranking officer in the EDF Academy, known for her ruthless efficiency and unyielding standards. She was tall, with dark hair pulled into a tight bun, her eyes sharp and calculating.
"Jun," she said, her gaze lingering on him for a moment. "You've proven yourself in the combat simulations. But now, we see what kind of soldier you really are."
Jun straightened up, his hands clenched into fists at his sides. The Commander's words were sharp, but they weren't a surprise. He had known the tests would only get harder from here.
"You'll be participating in The Crucible," Commander Volkov continued. "This is the final exam for all candidates. It's designed to push you beyond your limits, physically and mentally. Only those who survive the Crucible will be allowed to join the EDF."
Jun's pulse quickened. The Crucible. He had heard the rumors—an intense, brutal trial where the most capable warriors were pushed to the edge of death. No one was guaranteed to make it out alive.
"You will be placed in teams with other candidates," Commander Volkov said, pointing toward a group of five other recruits standing near the far end of the facility. "Each team will face different challenges. These will test not only your combat abilities but your ability to think under pressure, your leadership, and your teamwork. Fail any one of these, and you'll be disqualified."
Jun nodded, steeling himself for what was to come. He made his way toward the team, where the other candidates were already sizing each other up. Among them were Derek, a tall, broad-shouldered Regade with the power to control and generate electricity; Lyra, a quiet but intense young woman with the ability to manipulate gravity; and Kai, a scrappy fighter with enhanced speed and agility. They all had powers—real, tangible abilities that set them apart from the average human. Jun was the only one who didn't.
Still, he couldn't back down. He had made it this far, and he wasn't about to let his lack of powers define him now.
"Looks like we've got a regular here," Derek sneered, cracking his knuckles as he sized Jun up. "Should be fun to see how long you last, man."
Kai glanced at Jun and then gave him a nod of acknowledgment, not saying anything but making it clear he wasn't dismissive. Lyra, on the other hand, just stared at him coldly, her eyes focused as if assessing his every movement.
"Enough chatter," Volkov's voice boomed. "The Crucible begins now. Your first challenge: The Maze of the Lost."
The room before them transformed as a series of walls and structures began to rise from the ground, creating a twisting labyrinth filled with obstacles and traps. The overhead lights flickered ominously, and the hum of unseen machinery filled the air.
"The maze is designed to disorient you," Commander Volkov explained. "You'll face enemies—real enemies, not simulations. Each of you must rely on your skills and instincts to navigate through this labyrinth. But be warned: the maze is also designed to test your trust in one another. One wrong move and your team will fail. There are no second chances."
The steel doors slammed shut behind them, trapping them inside.
"Ready or not," Derek muttered with a smirk, electricity crackling around his hands. "Let's get this over with."
Jun stood still for a moment, feeling the weight of the challenge pressing down on him. His lack of powers didn't matter in the grand scheme of things. He had a plan—one that didn't require supernatural abilities. His strength lay in his mind, his adaptability, and his resolve.
With a deep breath, he followed his team as they entered the maze.
The maze was a labyrinth of narrow passages, sudden drops, and hidden dangers. It was designed to be a perfect representation of the challenges the EDF faced in real combat: chaos, uncertainty, and the constant threat of death. As they moved deeper into the maze, the sounds of mechanical movements echoed in the walls, and suddenly, robotic enemies appeared around the corner—fighting machines designed to test the team's tactical thinking.
Jun's team reacted instantly. Derek fired off a bolt of lightning, frying one of the enemies, while Lyra manipulated gravity to push the others away. Kai darted in, a blur of motion as he knocked down an enemy with a well-placed strike. Jun, though, knew that they couldn't rely solely on brute force.
"Lyra, keep them off balance!" Jun shouted. "Derek, Kai, take the right flank. I'll take the left."
Without waiting for confirmation, he sprinted to his designated position, relying on his agility and quick thinking to outmaneuver the enemy. He wasn't the strongest or the fastest, but he could read the situation, and that made all the difference. With a well-placed series of kicks, he disabled one of the enemies' legs, causing it to crash to the ground.
As the last of the robotic enemies fell, Jun felt a surge of satisfaction. His plan had worked. The team had worked together—and for the first time, he felt like he belonged.