Chapter Five: Black Zone Simulation

The Black Zone generator was under the plaza, but its defense system copied combat data from intruders. Six silver phantoms appeared on the displays. They looked like Astra-X. In the observation room, cadets sucked in sharp breaths. "The simulation copied Astra-X?" "How do you fight that? One real frame against six shadows?" Rafe gritted his teeth. "Leon, stay out of my way. I will open the path." Vanguard-S charged and was countered by a silver phantom from the same angle. Shield blade met shield blade. The spear was diverted instantly. Rafe skidded back as alarms screamed in his cockpit. "They read our standard moves," Mira said. "The more textbook it is, the easier it becomes to counter." Leon watched the six phantoms.