The recruits were standing at attention, their muscles sore but their spirit unbroken after the tough week of training. Commander Rourke's imposing figure towered above them, his cold eyes scanning the ranks. He was a tall man, his scarred face impassive, but his very presence commanded respect.
"Pay attention!" Rourke's booming voice stopped every whisper dead in the training hall. "You've spent the past week breaking your bodies, and some of you have succeeded in not breaking completely. But training is only the beginning. Today, we separate the fighters from the can't-fighters."
Axel's fists clenched slightly at his hips, his face intent but serene. The recruits behind him stirred restlessly, their faces a mixture of determination and fear.
"Today, you fight," Rourke went on, striding up and down the line. "Recruits will fight other recruits one-on-one in melee combat. No weapons. No excuses. This is a test of your strength, your skill, and your ability to live.".
As the recruits exchanged glances, Cyrus's lips curled into a smile. He glanced briefly at Axel, his sharp gray eyes glinting. "Now this is the time," Cyrus muttered quietly to himself, his voice laced with anticipation.
The assistant stepped forward, his clipboard in hand. "Form groups. One recruit will challenge another to the ring. If you're chosen, step up and prove your worth—or be left behind. Start lining up!"
The recruits paused for a moment, the air thick with tension, before they started to walk towards the sparring area. Tape-marked rings were established throughout the room, each ring having guards surrounding it to keep the fights from spilling over. Axel's team remained seated on the periphery of the room, observing as the first two recruits entered the closest ring.
"Looks like they're going all in," Kaid growled, crossing his arms. "No weapons, fists only."
"Great," Eli drawled. "Just what we need after a week of beating ourselves up."
"Don't complain," Ava said, reclining with a grin. "Think of it as an opportunity to show off."
"I'd rather show off from afar," Lila whispered, readjusting her ponytail.
Axel said nothing, his eyes glued to the ring as the opening fight began. The two rookies had charged into each other with awkward, violent movements, slugging wildly but hard at each other. A mess, yes, but savage, the blows striking with savage force.
"Great, just great," Kaid grumbled, observing the bout with interest.
A figure stepped out of the crowd as the next recruit moved forward. He was tall, broad shoulders, shaved head, and intense green eyes. His physique was solid, muscular, and his movements were quick as he made his way towards the ring. On his uniform was the number **093**.
"You," he said, pointing straight at Kaid. His voice was low and authoritative.
Kaid raised an eyebrow, glancing at Axel for a moment before standing up. "Guess I'm up."
"Don't lose," Ava said with a grin, though there was an edge of seriousness in her tone.
Kaid stepped forward, squaring his shoulders as he approached the ring. His opponent, **093**, smirked faintly, his eyes assessing Kaid like a predator sizing up its prey.
The guards waved them forward, the recruits hovering nearby staring intently. Axel's squad edged to one side, their eyes fixed on Kaid as he and **093** stood nose-to-nose in the center of the sparring room.
The room fell silent, tension building second by second. Kaid gritted his teeth, his jaw set firm. It wasn't a matter of fighting—this was demonstrating he could.
And it started.