Tournament of Honours 3

"Nice race out there, it was almost as if you were possessed," Draco said as he walked up to Lin on their way out of the cafeteria for the next round.

"Have you been holding out on us?", Draco continued as Lin continued ignoring him.

Draco proceeded and grabbed Lin on the shoulder, "something about you doesn't feel right. Something way off", he paused and let out a slight smirk.

"Good luck out there, Hori. Hopefully, we end up on opposite teams," Draco started walking past Lin, "I am curious to know what next is up your sleeves. By the way, make sure not to make me look bad and if you cross my path, I'll break you".

Lin was shocked, Draco was an entirely different person.

Before now, Draco had barely spoken to him and now during the competition, he had a load to say?

"Wow! Dude seems really competitive. Or maybe he hates me" Lin muttered.

"Speaking of possessed, Draco seems possessed. Draco's speech pattern and how he walks are now different. You should try to avoid him till we figure out what's going one. Just remember to stay out of his way" Zen cautioning Lin.

****

The commentators began in excitement, as the students once again filed into the battle ground.

"Next up is the team battle, a complex simulation that tests the students' tactical skills and ability to work together as a team".

The crowd cheered as they had been kept entertained by other activities while the students went on their break.

The simulation was called "Hell's Operation," and it was a complex and immersive experience that tested the students' tactical skills and ability to work together as a team. It was the ultimate training exercise, designed to prepare the next generation of soldiers for the challenges of the future.

"Gear up future soldiers, the battle is about to begin," the commentator screamed.

The students began gearing up with the simulation accessories, ready to engage against any opposition.

"Lin, you can do this. We can do this. I can sense you're nervous. You were blustering with confidence before the first challenge" Zen voice was soft trying to get Lin ready for what's ahead of him.

"Even if I get through this round safely, hiding behind this simulation, in the next round, I will have to go up against actual rangers. I have trained for this day, and now I feel like I didn't train enough, Lin paused, "Well, now I have to fight rangers who possess abilities in hand combat. How do you think that makes me feel?

Lin could feel his frustration becoming visible, a good call for him to put on his helmet.

Lin had taken up the red team badge after seeing Draco pick up a blue badge.

"Draco, I am equally curious, let's see what you got" Lin had thought as he strapped the red badge on his arm.

"Well, it makes no difference being in opposing teams, you can not inflict actual pain in the simulation", Zen replied sarcastically.

The PA went live again and the commentator's voice came echoing, "We had upgraded the Hell's Operation to heighten your field experiences. Every shot received in the simulation would inflict pain on your warm meat bag. That being said, do not treat this casually. Kill or be killed"

The battle ground fell into absolute silence for a moment. Then, the audience exploded with excitement loving the idea of a near life battle between the two teams.

The sound from the PA continued, "each team will be given 20 minutes to make preparations and get mission briefings for the battle ahead. Once the Hell's Operation goes live, each team will have ten minutes to either neutralize the opposing team"

"And they had to!," Lin cursed.

"Ya, they had to. Now, you will have to stay focused, make good judgements, and leave the rest to me", Zen boosting Lin's confidence.

"Lin, it is nice being on the same team with you, you have been such an inspiration to me," a cadet beamed at Lin as he strapped in his blue band.

"My pleasure," Lin replied, his voice muffled in the helmet, as he extended his hand for a handshake.

The students were divided into two teams, the Blue Team and the Red Team. Each team was composed of ten members, each with their unique skill set.

The Blue Team was tasked with capturing enemy strongholds, while the Red Team was tasked with escorting VIPs and sabotaging enemy equipment.

"Set! Let the second round of the Tournament of Honors begin," the voice from the loud speaker announced.

The first objective was to capture a heavily fortified enemy stronghold. The Blue Team was tasked with the mission, and they quickly set out to plan their attack. They used advanced technology to gather intel on the enemy's defences and create a detailed plan of attack.

****

The room was filled with tension as the members of Blue Team gathered around the holographic table, their eyes focused on the detailed simulation of the enemy stronghold. The Hell's Operation was about to begin.

Captain Roberts, the team leader, stood at the head of the table. He was a battle-hardened veteran with countless successful missions under his belt. He glanced at his team, the best of the best, ready to carry out their objective.

"All right, listen up," Captain Roberts barked, his voice carrying authority and determination. "Our mission is to capture the enemy stronghold and secure it. Our intel indicates that they have heavily fortified defenses, but we have the advantage of advanced technology and detailed information on their layout. We need to exploit that."

As he spoke, the holographic display showed a three-dimensional model of the stronghold, revealing its intricate architecture and layers of defenses. The enemy had positioned heavy artillery on the outer walls, surrounded by mines and electrified fences. A series of watchtowers dotted the perimeter, equipped with motion sensors and sniper nests. Getting through would be no easy task.

"We'll divide into two teams," Captain Roberts continued. "Alpha Team, led by Lieutenant Johnson, will be responsible for neutralizing the watchtowers and taking out any snipers. Bravo Team, led by Sergeant Thompson, will focus on breaching the walls and securing the main entrance. We need to move quickly and coordinate our actions."

As he spoke, the holographic display split, showing the team assignments and respective objectives. Blue Team members quickly reviewed their roles and prepared their equipment. Advanced camouflage suits that blended with the environment, wrist-mounted grappling hooks, and high-tech drones equipped with thermal imaging were just some of the tools at their disposal.

Once the teams were briefed and their equipment checked, Captain Roberts looked at his watch. "In three minutes, we'll initiate the assault. Remember, this is a simulation, but we're training as if it's the real deal. Lives may not be at stake, but our mission success is. Let's go, Blue Team!"

The room erupted with energy as the team members moved with purpose. They double-checked their gear, mentally rehearsed their routes, and tightened their grips on their weapons. The tension in the air was palpable, a mix of excitement and anticipation.

At the designated time, Captain Roberts gave the signal, and the Hell's Operation simulation began. The room transformed into a virtual battlefield, with the team members instantly transported into the digital representation of the enemy stronghold.

Alpha Team swiftly moved through the dense forest, their footsteps silenced by advanced noise-canceling boots. They crept closer to the watchtowers, their thermal vision goggles scanning for any signs of enemy presence. With impeccable coordination, they synchronized their shots, taking down the snipers without a sound. The watchtowers were now secure.

Meanwhile, Bravo Team employed their specialized breaching equipment, using explosive charges and cutting-edge cutting tools to create an opening in the fortified walls. The detonations echoed through the simulation, but the team remained undeterred. They stormed through the breach, engaging in intense close-quarter combat, skillfully eliminating any resistance they encountered.

Throughout the simulation, Blue Team's communication was flawless, with constant updates on enemy positions, breaches, and clearances. They moved swiftly, using the element of surprise and their advanced technology to gain the upper hand.

Explosions rocked the stronghold as Blue Team continued their assault. The simulation simulated the sounds of gunfire, the crackling of burning structures, and the cries of the defeated enemy. It felt real, the adrenaline coursing through their veins as they fought their way closer to their objective.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of intense combat, Blue Team reached their main objective—the command center. They secured the strong hold.