Chapter 9: Baptism by Fire
The sun was just beginning to rise over the Protector headquarters as RagRocK and the other recruits assembled in the training yard. The air was crisp, carrying a sense of urgency that matched the steely determination on Commander Kaur's face.
"Welcome to your first day as survivors," she began, pacing before the recruits. "You've been given powers, but those powers mean nothing without discipline, control, and strategy. From today onward, you are no longer civilians. You are Protector candidates. The training will be brutal, and failure is not an option. Do you understand?"
"Yes, ma'am!" the group shouted in unison.
RagRocK felt a surge of adrenaline as he stood among his peers. He could feel the weight of his new power, the connection to the arsenal of weapons he had yet to master.
Tripathi, as usual, couldn't resist muttering under his breath. "I didn't sign up for boot camp. Where's the part where we get capes and cool nicknames?"
RagRocK suppressed a laugh, shaking his head.
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First Trial: Combat Simulation
The first exercise was a combat simulation designed to push the recruits to their limits. The training yard transformed into a holographic battlefield, complete with alien invaders modeled after the Vaekrans.
"Your objective is simple," Commander Kaur announced. "Survive."
The recruits were split into pairs. RagRocK was partnered with a tall, stoic woman named Zara, whose ability to manipulate metal gave her an air of quiet confidence.
"Stick to me, and don't get in my way," Zara said as they entered the simulation.
"I'll try not to," RagRocK replied, hefting a holographic assault rifle. As soon as his hands touched it, his instincts kicked in. The weapon felt like an extension of his body, and he moved with a precision that surprised even himself.
The simulation began with an onslaught of holographic Vaekrans. Zara used her powers to create shields and spears out of metallic debris, while RagRocK provided cover fire. Together, they took down wave after wave of enemies, their synergy growing with each passing moment.
When the simulation ended, Commander Kaur observed them with a nod of approval. "Good teamwork. But don't get complacent—this was just the warm-up."
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Tripathi's Unexpected Talent
Tripathi, on the other hand, wasn't faring as well. His partner, a hot-headed recruit named Vikram, was less than thrilled about being paired with someone whose powers weren't combat-oriented.
"What am I supposed to do with you?" Vikram snapped as they faced a simulated Vaekran.
Tripathi dodged an incoming attack, grinning. "Distract them with my charm, obviously."
To everyone's surprise, Tripathi managed to outwit several holographic enemies, using his agility and quick thinking to lead them into traps set by Vikram.
At the end of their trial, Tripathi approached RagRocK with a triumphant smirk. "See? Who needs brute strength when you have brains and unparalleled charisma?"
"You're unbelievable," RagRocK said, shaking his head.
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The Protector's Creed
As night fell, the recruits gathered around a campfire to hear from a veteran Protector, Major Radhika Singh. Her scarred face and weary eyes spoke of battles fought and sacrifices made.
"The Protector's Creed isn't just words," she began, her voice steady. "It's a promise to humanity, to yourself, and to those who didn't survive the experiment. You're here because you were chosen—not by luck, but by potential. Never forget that."
RagRocK listened intently, her words resonating deeply. He thought of Aryan's sacrifice, his family's struggles, and the devastation caused by the Vaekrans. He clenched his fists, silently vowing to uphold the Creed.
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A Glimpse of the Future
Later that night, RagRocK sat alone on the edge of the training yard, staring up at the stars. The weight of his new reality pressed down on him, but he also felt a spark of hope.
Tripathi joined him, plopping down with an exaggerated sigh. "Penny for your thoughts?"
"Just thinking about what's ahead," RagRocK said.
"Well, don't think too hard," Tripathi replied. "You'll need that energy for tomorrow's torture session. I mean, training."
Despite himself, RagRocK smiled. "Thanks for the reminder."
Tripathi grinned. "That's what I'm here for, my friend. To keep you grounded—and occasionally entertained."
As the night wore on, RagRocK felt a renewed sense of purpose. The journey ahead would be grueling, but he was ready to face it—one challenge at a time.