The tension within the room rose as Ava entered the arena. She walked confidently, her mouth carrying a smug smile as she circled her shoulders and raised her arms. Recruit **076** stood before her, being tall and loose in his lanky body. His bright orange mane was a match for the ferocity within his eyes, which were locked intensely on Ava.
"You think you're ready for this?" **076** said, a sly smirk on his face.
"More than ready," Ava replied coolly, flexing her fingers. "Hope you've got good reflexes. You'll need them."
The recruits surrounding the ring leaned in, eager to see how this fight would unfold. From the sidelines, Axel and the rest of the team watched intently.
"She's got this," Eli said, crossing his arms. "No chance that guy can keep up with her speed."
"Hope she doesn't get too arrogant," Atlas growled, his sharp eyes trained on Ava's position.
"Come on, Ava," Lila whispered, her hands clasped tightly.
The whistle sounded, and the fight began.
**076** charged forward in an instant, his pace wild and fast. He hurled a series of quick jabs at Ava, probing her responses. But Ava had already begun to move, her body flowing as she sidestepped each attack with ease.
"Too slow," she quipped, sidestepping another swing and countering with a quick jab to **076**'s side. The impact made him flinch, but he recovered quickly, a spark of annoyance flashing in his eyes.
"You're fast," **076** admitted, circling her carefully. "But speed isn't everything."
"We'll see," Ava replied, her grin widening.
**076** tried again, his punches faster and more accurate this time. Ava parried a hook, her movements smooth as she sidestepped and kicked up at his leg. He staggered but recovered, his sneer now replaced by one of resolve.
The recruits grumbled as the battle raged on, the two fighters alternating blows and pushing each other to their limits.
"She's playing him," Eli replied, his eyes intent as he leaned forward.
"No, she's watching him," Axel replied, his voice even though intent. "She's letting him make a move."
In the ring, Ava was leading **076**, her bare claws catching a little sparkle of light from the lighting as she seemed to dart left before smashing the right. Each movement was calculated, each step meant to keep her opponent guessing.
**076** was not an easy pushover, however. His narrow physique meant he was able to bounce back quick enough, and his punches were sharp, putting Ava on her heels. He did catch one glancing one on her shoulder at one point, but Ava barely batted an eyelash, firing one back to the ribs that left him gritting his teeth with pain.
You're harder than I thought," **076** panted, his breathing ragged.
"Told you," Ava snapped back, her smile never wavering.
As the battle raged on, it was evident that **076** was tiring. His movements were slowing, his blows awkward. Ava, on the other hand, remained spry, her agility propelling her through the vicious rhythm. She saw her chance, charging forward with a surge of speed.
In a blur of movement, Ava swept around the guard of **076** and delivered a crushing uppercut to his jaw. The punch sent him reeling backward, his eyes bulging in shock. The crowd gasped as dazed Ava finished with a spinning kick that sent **076** crashing to the mat.
The room grew quiet as the whistle blew, the signal to end the game.
"Winner: Recruit Ava!" the guard bellowed, his voice piercing the shock silence.
Ava retreated, rolling her shoulders as she grinned down at the defeated opponent. "Told you to keep up," she said, her voice crisp but victorious.
The recruits within broke into gasps, some of them applauding, some giving each other shocked expressions. Axel's group surrounded her at once when she emerged from the ring.
"That was crazy!" Lila exclaimed, her eyes wide with exhilaration.
"Good job," Atlas said sharply, but with a hint of admiration in his voice.
"You made it seem so effortless," Eli said, smiling.
Ava shooed them away with a hand, pride dancing in her eyes. "It wasn't all that difficult. He just couldn't keep pace with me."
Standing across the room, Commander Rourke had his arms crossed and his watchful eye on Ava. His scarred face was deadpan, but the faint squinting of his eyes gave him away.
"They're better, I suppose," he growled to himself, his gaze flying briefly across at Axel. "A lot better."
He turned to one of his aides and spoke quietly. The aide nodded, jotting a note on his clipboard before leaving.
Back at the ring, the new recruit approached, face set. Axel's crew stood by as the fights went on, each one making the air become thicker and thicker.
Axel's thoughts were elsewhere. The Commander's lingering look at his crew made his skin crawl, a crawling tension building at the nape of his head. Whatever Rourke has brewing, Axel knows it won't be long before he finds out.