Jun walked into the EDF dormitory that would serve as his new home. The Crucible may have proven his place among the other recruits, but he knew it was just a small step. To truly earn the respect of his team—and to prove himself without powers—he would have to work twice as hard.
The dormitory was a sprawling, industrial building lined with rooms on each side and open areas in the center for training and casual gatherings. Jun's assigned quarters were small, with a single bed, a steel desk, and barely enough space to stretch. Yet, despite the bare surroundings, he felt a sense of accomplishment. Every soldier who had survived the Crucible had earned this place.
As Jun unpacked, he heard voices in the hallway. Curiosity got the best of him, and he poked his head out to find Kai and Lyra talking in hushed tones.
"—pushed too hard. Did you see his face?" Kai whispered, a look of concern on his usually cool expression.
Lyra shook her head, glancing down the hall toward Derek's room. "He's not taking it well. The Commander really hit a nerve today, calling him out like that. He may act tough, but… power means everything to him."
Kai noticed Jun and motioned him over. "Hey, you should know that Derek has been at this longer than most of us. He's strong, but… sometimes he lets that get to his head. I think he's still coming to terms with the idea that strength isn't everything."
Jun nodded, understanding but still wary. "I get it. But I'm not here to prove anything to him. I'm here to prove something to myself."
Lyra gave him a small, approving nod. "Good. Just be prepared—Derek isn't the only one with something to prove. Every person here has their own reason for being a part of the EDF. You'll see soon enough."
Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden announcement over the intercom.
"All new recruits, report to Training Sector Alpha. Code Orange."
A "Code Orange" meant emergency training, usually a high-stakes simulation that could change in real time to prepare soldiers for unpredictable threats. Jun quickly followed Kai and Lyra, excitement and anxiety churning within him. His heart raced, not only because of the challenge but also at the chance to prove himself once again.
Training Sector Alpha was a vast, metallic space lined with advanced tech and weapons, where simulations could shift the environment to match real-world locations. The recruits lined up as Commander Volkov and a group of EDF officers stood waiting.
"Today's simulation will be a high-intensity scenario against advanced combat drones," Commander Volkov announced. "Each recruit is expected to engage with teamwork and strategy. There will be no assistance from outside forces, and every mistake will have consequences."
A faint murmur ran through the recruits. Jun's team stood in a circle, exchanging determined glances.
Derek, who had been silent since The Crucible, finally spoke up. "Listen. I know we all have our strengths. But don't slow me down. I don't care if you're powered or not—just don't get in my way."
Jun clenched his fists but nodded. Derek was clearly bitter about Commander Volkov's earlier praise for Jun, but he didn't have the luxury of letting it get to him. Not here.
Volkov gave the signal, and the simulation began.
The metallic floor transformed into a dense, fog-covered forest. The distant sounds of drones hummed through the mist, and red laser beams crisscrossed through the trees, illuminating the eerie landscape. Jun crouched low, instinctively scanning his surroundings as he whispered instructions.
"Kai, take point and scout ahead. Lyra, cover our left. Derek, hold the right flank. I'll stay back to coordinate."
Derek gave him a sharp look but followed the instruction, crackling electricity ready at his fingertips.
As Kai darted forward, his speed leaving faint trails in the fog, a swarm of drones descended, firing rapid shots toward the team. Kai dodged and weaved, his reflexes a blur, drawing the drones' attention.
Lyra, focusing her gravitational control, manipulated the surrounding gravity to lift fallen logs, creating temporary shields that deflected the drones' fire. With a smooth flick of her wrist, she sent the logs crashing toward the drones, scattering them.
Derek wasted no time, unleashing a powerful bolt of electricity that shot through several drones, reducing them to smoldering wreckage. His attack was forceful, but it created a blinding flash that temporarily illuminated their position.
Suddenly, a massive drone emerged from the shadows, larger than any they had seen before. It was equipped with a rotating turret and advanced shielding, which made direct attacks ineffective.
Jun's mind raced. They couldn't afford to attack it head-on; it was too heavily armored. But maybe they could turn its strengths against it.
"Lyra, can you lift that fallen tree to block the turret?" Jun called out. "Kai, distract it from the front, keep it looking at you. Derek, get ready with another electric strike—but hold until it's distracted."
Lyra gave a quick nod, focusing her gravity manipulation to raise the fallen tree and hurl it toward the turret. The drone's sensors flickered as it recalibrated to focus on Kai, who was darting back and forth in front of it, his movements too quick to track.
"Now, Derek!" Jun shouted.
Derek unleashed a crackling stream of electricity, targeting the weakened spot where the tree had hit. The electricity surged through the drone's exposed wiring, causing it to short-circuit. With a final, echoing crash, it collapsed, smoke rising from its shattered parts.
The fog began to lift as the simulation ended, and the metallic walls of Training Sector Alpha returned.
Commander Volkov approached, her gaze sweeping over the recruits.
"Well done," she said, her voice carrying a note of approval. "Each of you showed initiative and adaptation in a high-stress scenario. Jun, your leadership continues to surprise us."
Jun felt a surge of pride, though he kept his face neutral. Derek shot him a glare, clearly unhappy with the recognition Jun had earned yet again.
But Commander Volkov wasn't finished. She turned her gaze on Derek.
"Derek," she said sternly, "you have strength, yes, but relying solely on it will be your downfall. Adapt. Or you may find yourself overtaken by those with far fewer advantages than you."
Derek's jaw tightened, but he didn't respond, his expression a mask of frustration. Volkov's words seemed to hit deeper than any physical blow, and Jun could see the fire in Derek's eyes. This wasn't over.
That night, as Jun returned to his dorm, he couldn't shake the tension that had settled over the team. Derek's resentment, though unspoken, was growing, and Jun knew it could lead to something explosive. But for now, he had earned his place—powers or not. And he would fight with everything he had to keep it.
The EDF demanded the best, and Jun was determined to be nothing less.