The night sky stretched above them, vast and endless, its expanse littered with twinkling stars. Seraphina leaned back against the sturdy tree trunk, arms folded behind her head, stealing glances at Mia, who sat on a neighboring branch with an almost dreamy expression.
"You know," Seraphina mused, "this is the first real breather we've had since this whole thing started. Almost makes me forget we're technically in the middle of a battlefield."
Mia chuckled. "Don't get too comfortable. This selection process isn't over yet."
Seraphina shifted, peering at her with curiosity. "Speaking of which, what exactly is this selection for? No one's been clear about it."
Mia hesitated for a moment before sighing. "It's not officially disclosed, but given my connections, I've got a pretty good idea. This isn't just some random competition. It's an opportunity. They're scouting for potential candidates for the special forces. The people applying here? They aren't just your average cadets—they're highly trained young soldiers."
Seraphina blinked. "Special forces? Well, that certainly explains the sheer amount of insanity. But Mia, with your technical skills, you could've made a name for yourself elsewhere. Why go through all of this?"
Mia's lips curled into a mischievous smile as she leaned back. "True, I probably could've built a cushy- life outside. But when I was little, I got caught up in a hostage situation—pure bad luck. I thought that was it for me, but then this badass special forces officer came in and wiped the floor with those guys. It was so cool! Can you believe those criminals were crying and begging for mercy afterward? Talk about instant karma!" She laughed at the memory.
Seraphina listened quietly, a small smile playing at her lips. There was something strangely comforting about Mia's chatter—earnest, unfiltered, and full of life.
Her moment of contemplation was cut short when a noise broke the quiet.
Both girls tensed. A group of four entered the clearing below—a woman and three boys, all completely oblivious to their hidden observers. Their conversation, however, was anything but subtle.
"I'm telling you, eating a snake is completely safe if you cook it right," one of the boys declared confidently.
"Yeah, and I'm telling you, I watched you scream like a banshee when that snake lunged at you earlier," the woman countered.
"That was a battle strategy!" he protested. "I was distracting it!"
Another boy snorted. "Right. And I suppose running away was also part of that master plan?"
The third boy, who had been silent until now, added, "Guys, we should focus. We don't even know how many badges we need to guarantee we pass."
The first boy scoffed. "Ugh, you sound like a nerd."
Mia, despite herself, let out a loud snort of laughter.
The group froze.
The woman snapped her head up. "Did you hear that?!"
Mia clamped a hand over her mouth, but it was too late. Seraphina, still perched on her branch, sighed. "Idiot."
Realizing their cover was blown, Mia quickly pulled herself together. "Uh, well… surprise?"
The four recruits scrambled into defensive stances, drawing their weapons. "Who's there?! Show yourselves!"
Seraphina dropped down smoothly, landing with practiced ease. Mia followed a little less elegantly but still managed a grin. "Hi, we were just enjoying the stars, but I guess we can fit a little fight in before bedtime."
The woman narrowed her eyes. "You two—you're strong, aren't you?"
Seraphina cracked her knuckles. "You'll find out soon enough."
The fight was swift and decisive. Seraphina weaved through their attacks like water, dodging blows with a smirk, while Mia, using her quick reflexes and tactical prowess, disarmed two of them with surprising efficiency. The woman, realizing their odds, tried to rally, but Seraphina knocked her weapon away and sent her sprawling with a well-placed kick.
Panting, the remaining recruit hesitated before finally surrendering his badge. "You guys are monsters."
Seraphina grinned, pocketing their newly acquired prizes. "Aw, that's the sweetest thing anyone's said to me all night."
As they stood catching their breath, the sky began to shift. The first rays of dawn painted the horizon with hues of gold and pink. A faint mechanical hum filled the air.
Drones soared overhead, their robotic voices carrying through the trees: "The test is now complete. All recruits are to cease combat and proceed to the designated exit point immediately. No further fighting will be permitted."
Mia and Seraphina exchanged glances.
"Well," Mia said cheerfully, "looks like we made it."
Seraphina stretched, rolling her shoulders. "Let's not keep them waiting, then."
Side by side, they walked toward their next challenge, the weight of their stolen badges jingling lightly with each step.