Dawn had not yet broken when the candidates assembled on Field 2. The air was thick with morning chill, heavy with anticipation and the weight of unspoken tension. 282 competitors remained, each carrying the exhaustion and adrenaline of the previous Mantle trials. Aïna stretched subtly, feeling the lingering ache in her muscles, but her mind was sharp. The Mantle was closer than ever—but still just out of reach.
She glanced at Sora and Mila, who were already scanning the field, alert and silent. They had survived the individual Mantle challenge, but this… this would test something more. Cooperation, strategy, leadership under pressure.
Ethan Kovač stepped into the center, his presence instantly commanding attention.
— Today, — he began, his voice cutting through the murmurs, — you will be grouped into mixed teams of all levels: S, A, B, C, and D. You have a single objective: reach a specific score within thirty minutes. Fail, and your ranking will suffer immediate consequences.
The candidates whispered nervously. The Chaos Drill had tested their adaptation; this trial would test their unity. Some were eager, some anxious, some skeptical. Aïna felt the weight of her role settle over her shoulders. Leadership wasn't about shouting orders—it was about seeing opportunities, directing without speaking, and keeping everyone alive.
She scanned her team: one S-level, two B-levels, one C-level, and two D-levels. A perfect mix of talent… and potential conflicts.
Tension Within the Team
Mila crouched, frowning, eyes narrowing at the D-levels in their group:
— How am I supposed to work with these… D-levels? They'll just slow us down.
Aïna stepped closer, calm, confident. She knew wasting energy on frustration would cost them everything.
— Listen carefully, — she said softly but firmly. — Every person here has a role. Even the D-levels can contribute if you trust the plan. Lose faith, and it's over.
A heavy silence fell. Sora nodded subtly, acknowledging Aïna's quiet authority. The team understood—leadership could exist without words, without force.
Chaos Begins
The whistle blew sharply. The field had been transformed into a maze: moving obstacles, forbidden zones, and randomly appearing bonus points. Every step could mean a loss or an opportunity.
Aïna assigned roles instantly:
The D-levels were placed in low-risk but crucial bonus zones, where they could earn points safely.
The B-levels covered central areas, anticipating the opponent's movements.
Aïna and Sora formed the strategic column, intercepting and redistributing the ball to open areas.
Every movement was calculated, every adjustment precise—but tension grew quickly.
— Why did you put me there? — shouted one D-level, panic edging her voice.
— For the score! — Aïna replied calmly, not breaking her focus.
The candidate hesitated, then complied. Slowly, the team began to synchronize, each member following the invisible rhythm Aïna had established.
Critical Moments
Midway through, a coordinated attack from S-level opponents forced Aïna's team into improvisation. The D-levels froze, some stepping back instead of passing.
Aïna inhaled, steadying her racing heartbeat. This was the true test: teach without words, lead without imposed authority. Subtle shifts in formation, slight adjustments in timing, careful positioning—gradually, the D-levels began to grasp the flow. Soon, all were following Aïna's silent guidance.
A ball arced toward a bonus zone. Aïna intercepted it, flicked it toward Sora, who passed it to a B-level teammate. The attack had been neutralized. A thrill ran through the field: the team had survived the most complex assault yet.
Eliminations and Results
The final whistle sounded. Candidates collapsed, gasping, drenched in sweat, hearts pounding—but alive. Kovač's voice rang out:
— Your team achieved the required score. But more importantly: Aïna Morel demonstrated exceptional leadership, coordination, and the ability to maximize the potential of all candidates, even the weakest.
The board flashed the results:
Eliminations (10 candidates):
#11, #27, #53, #78, #99, #115, #142, #188, #230, #275 — failure to cooperate under extreme pressure
Promotions: Aïna remains at the top of the B-level ranking, potential Mantle promotion imminent
Progress: The D-levels gained confidence and points toward future ranking
Special Observation: Sora and Mila recognized for adaptability and subtle leadership
Candidates remaining: 275
A mixture of fatigue, relief, and triumph surged through Aïna. For the first time, she had led a team without words, relying solely on strategy, anticipation, and silent guidance.
Final Reflection
Back in the dorm, Aïna sank onto her bed, limbs trembling, mind racing. The Mantle was finally within reach—but she knew the real trial was only beginning.
The Mantle… it represented power, responsibility, and the weight of every life she influenced. Every movement, every decision, every alliance—or betrayal—would now carry consequence.
She stared at the ceiling, feeling the fire of ambition and strategy burn steadily within her.
I don't just need to survive… I must excel. And I will.
Tomorrow, the true test would begin.