Lyra quickly switched the mode. This time, the arena was a Hyper Dash combat simulation where Ren faced virtual Dashers, each with unique skills and techniques. The goal was to retrieve a nexus crystal, but not in the most obvious way.
Ren had to understand the arena layout, analyze his opponents' movements, and find weaknesses in their strategies.
The opponents appeared on the other side of the arena, and everything unfolded in seconds. Ren didn't charge in immediately but quickly assessed the situation.
Ren hides behind a wall, observing the situation through his integrated scanner.
Ren : " Alright, three opponents. Not real, but programmed to react like pros. No room for error. Analyze, prioritize, plan."
He spots the Guardian, the Guardian is stationed at the base of the crystal, in a defensive stance. Heavy armor, slow but relentless if I get too close. No point facing it head-on. It needs to be distracted.
His gaze shifts to the Watcher. Up there, on the elevated platform to the left. The Watcher is scanning the area. It's the key to their defensive strategy
Ren : " if it sees me, they'll know where I am. I need to disrupt its line of sight, or I'm done before I reach the crystal."
Finally, he notices the Scout patrolling.
Ren : " The Scout… fast and twitchy. Never stays in one place, always moving to monitor entry points. I'll need a decoy to throw it off. "
He studies the terrain around the crystal, calculating an approach.
Ren : " The crystal is suspended above an open zone. No direct cover. But if I take the tunnel on the right, I can reach the ruined building and climb to the platform opposite the Watcher. From there, I can use a flash grenade to blind the Watcher and distract the Guardian.
Step 1: Divert attention. A smoke grenade in the central tunnel should make the Scout think I'm coming from that direction. With luck, it'll go to investigate.
Step 2: Neutralize the Watcher. From the platform on the right, a well-placed flash grenade should blind it for a few seconds.
Step 3: Go for the crystal. Dash straight in, using what little energy I have left for a boosted jump over the Guardian to grab the crystal. "
He takes a deep breath, checking his resources.
I've got enough energy for two dashes and one boosted jump. No more. If I mess up any part of this…
He straightens up, activating his exosuit's stealth mode.
Ren : " Let's go, Ren. It's just training. They're virtual, but the victory? That'll be real."
He throws the smoke grenade into the central tunnel and moves toward the side platform.
First move. Don't get spotted. A successful distraction is half the battle.
He reaches the platform, arms his flash grenade, and throws it toward the Watcher.
Second step. Watcher blinded. Stay calm.
He notices the Scout returning, hesitant, but it's too far to intervene. Ren dashes toward the crystal.
Boosted jump… now! Grab it!
He snatches the crystal and dashes toward a safe zone, his heart pounding. But just as he was about to return to his base, one of the Dashers activated a trap
a force wall suddenly appeared in front of him. Ren evaluated the situation in a split second, narrowly avoiding the attack by propelling himself to the side. He adjusted his trajectory and, in a final burst of effort, successfully delivered the crystal to his base.
Lyra : "Not bad,"
Lyra remarked, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes.
Lyra: "You've learned to anticipate, read the terrain, and exploit weaknesses. But you still have work to do on your reaction timing."