The decision was made, and the rest of the day moved into preparation.
The announcement spread quickly through the facility that tomorrow would mark the beginning of the combat phase.
By the evening, the candidates were summoned once again into the underground training hall.
The massive chamber stretched wide. Its reinforced walls humming faintly with layers of protective barriers of metal and some electronic waves.
Rows of candidates gathered in formation. Their postures were stiff and restless. The air carried a very clear nervous energy, like the taut string of a bow pulled to its limit.
Captain Adrien stepped to the front of the platform, his presence commanding silence as always as a veteran they all respected.
His eyes swept across the assembly before his voice rang out, firm and steady.
