The announcement of the Vanguard Initiative spread through the underground cities like wildfire, igniting equal parts hope and skepticism.
For weeks, the Council's recruiters moved from district to district, seeking Supes willing to undertake the monumental task of reclaiming the surface.
But not just anyone could join. Each recruit would have to prove their worth through grueling trials designed to test their abilities, resolve, and loyalty.
Tobi stood among a crowd of Supes gathered in the dimly lit arena beneath the central city dome.
The space, carved from stone and reinforced with glowing blue veins of telekinetic energy stones, thrummed with latent power. Around him, dozens of recruits fidgeted nervously, their murmurs blending with the hum of the arena's energy.
Friend's voice was calm but sharp in Tobi's mind. 'They're not looking for just strength, you know. They'll want to see how far you're willing to go.'
"Strength alone won't get us through the surface anyway," Tobi muttered. "But I won't fail."
Before he could dwell on the weight of his words, a sharp voice cut through the crowd.
"Recruits, form up!"
A woman clad in dark armor adorned with white illumination stones stepped forward, her presence commanding.
"I am Commander Matilda, and I will oversee these trials. If you succeed, you'll earn a place in the Vanguard. If you fail, you'll return to the safety of your districts. No shame in that—the surface isn't for everyone."
Her gaze swept over the crowd, lingering on each face before she continued.
"Your trials will consist of three phases. Phase one: physical endurance. Phase two: stone proficiency. Phase three: tactical coordination. Only those who excel in all three will move forward."
Tobi's heart pounded as the recruits were directed into groups. Friend's voice was a steadying presence. 'One step at a time, Tobi. Just focus on what you can do.'
The first phase was a grueling test of endurance. The recruits were led to a sprawling obstacle course carved into the cavern walls.
Jagged rock formations, steep inclines, and pools of murky water awaited them, each designed to push their physical limits. The glow of white stones illuminated the course, casting sharp shadows across the uneven terrain.
"Begin!" Matilda's voice echoed through the arena, and the recruits surged forward.
Tobi darted into the fray, his lean frame allowing him to maneuver through tight spaces and scale the jagged walls with ease.
Around him, except Moritaka, other recruits struggled to keep up, their breaths ragged as they hauled themselves over obstacles. He glanced back once, catching sight of a fellow recruit slipping into the water, only to be pulled out by a nearby supervisor.
"Keep moving," Friend urged, his tone insistent. You've got this.
Tobi's muscles burned as he cleared the final hurdle, landing in a crouch on the far side of the course. His chest heaved, but a surge of determination propelled him forward.
As he crossed the finish line, he saw Commander Matilda watching, her expression unreadable.
Phase two focused on stone proficiency. The recruits were led into a chamber where glowing crystal pedestals lined the walls, each holding a stone of a different color.
Green for healing, blue for telekinesis, red for destruction, white for illumination, and gray for mind manipulation.
The supervisors explained the task, each recruit was to demonstrate their ability to manipulate at least one stone, with extra marks awarded for versatility.
When Tobi's name was called, his heart pounded as he stepped forward, nerves jangling. He approached the blue stone first, its faint hum growing louder as he reached out.
The energy surged into him, familiar and powerful. Concentrating, he lifted a nearby crate with ease, guiding it smoothly back to the ground.
A murmur rippled through the observers, and the supervisor nodded approvingly, jotting down notes.
Next, Tobi moved to the red stone. Its energy felt wild and volatile, sparks flying the moment his fingers brushed it. His mark flared, reacting instantly to the stone's power.
With a sharp burst of focus, Tobi unleashed a small destructive force that shattered a metal target into fragments.
The chamber fell silent for a moment before the supervisor's pen halted mid-note, his expression shifting to one of astonishment.
"Unbelievable…" he muttered. Having proficiency in two stones was rare—something most had never seen before.
Encouraged by the reaction, Tobi turned toward the white stone. Its energy was calming, steady, unlike the volatile red stone.
But as he reached for it, Friend's voice rang sharply in his mind, stopping him in his tracks.
"You've shown enough, Tobi," Friend said, his tone unusually stern. "No need to push it. There's a low chance you'll succeed, and if you fail, you'll only embarrass yourself."
Tobi hesitated, his hand hovering over the pedestal. Slowly, he withdrew it, letting out a small breath.
Friend's reasoning made sense. He had already demonstrated more than anyone expected, and pushing further wasn't worth the risk.
The supervisor's gaze lingered on Tobi as he stepped back into line. Whispers spread among the recruits, and even some of the supervisors exchanged curious glances.
Tobi tried to keep his expression neutral, but the astonishment on their faces left him with a flicker of pride. Friend's voice softened.
"You've done more than enough. Now, let them wonder."
Tobi stood quietly, watching the others take their turns. For the first time, he felt the weight of the mark on his chest not as a burden, but as something uniquely his.
The final phase was the most challenging, tactical coordination. The recruits were split into squads and tasked with navigating a simulated mission.
The arena transformed into a maze-like structure, with hidden traps and holographic enemies activated by embedded gray stones.
Tobi's squad consisted of four others, including a burly Supe named Lamin, whose gift for telekinesis was matched only by his confidence. Arya, the squad leader, quickly took charge, her tactical mind guiding them through the maze.
"Tobi, you're on point," she said, gesturing to the front. "You our best sensor. Let us know if you feel anything."
Tobi nodded, his mark tingling as he led the group forward. The maze was dimly lit, its twisting corridors disorienting. Friend's voice was a constant presence in his mind. 'Careful. There's something ahead.'
A holographic enemy materialized suddenly, its form flickering but menacing. Tobi reacted instinctively, releasing a burst of blue energy that disrupted the projection. Lamin followed up, hurling debris to trigger a hidden trap before it could activate.
"Good work," Arya said, her voice clipped but approving. "Stay sharp."
The squad continued, each member contributing to their success. By the time they reached the mission's endpoint, they were battered but triumphant. As the simulation ended, the arena returned to its normal state, and the recruits were ushered back into the main hall.
Hours later, the results were announced. Commander Matilda stood before the gathered recruits, her expression as severe as ever.
"You've all shown remarkable skill and determination," she said.
"But only a select few will join the Vanguard. The rest of you should be proud of your efforts."
Names were called, one by one. When Tobi's name echoed through the chamber, relief and pride surged through him. Friend's voice was quiet but pleased. 'You're in, Tobi. Now the real challenge begins.'
As the new Vanguard recruits assembled, Matilda addressed them. "You are the first wave. The surface awaits, and with it, humanity's future. Prepare yourselves."
Tobi's heart raced as he stood among the chosen.
The trials had tested him, but the real test lay ahead. The surface beckoned, and with it, the promise of a new beginning and the dangers of an unknown world.