The city hummed beneath us like a living organism. Neon signs flickered in rhythm with distant traffic, and faint currents of Echo pulsed through the air, almost imperceptible—but I could feel them.
Kael led us down a narrow alley, staff glowing faintly. "Tonight's mission is your first aboveground operation using all you've learned. Multiple Remnants are active in the sector, and civilians are at risk. You must coordinate, anticipate, and control your Echo precisely. Any mistake can escalate into chaos."
Mira glanced at me nervously. "Are we… ready for this?"
I clenched my fists, feeling the pulse of Echo surge within. "We have to be."
The shadow hovered beside us. "Remember your training: multi-target control, projection, subtle manipulation, and teamwork. The city itself is a tool. Use it wisely."
Soren appeared from the rooftops above, amber eyes scanning the streets. "Keep up, Hale. This won't be simple."
---
We emerged onto the main street. The first signs of trouble were subtle—shimmering blue distortions in the air, the faint hum of restless energy.
"Targets spotted," Kael whispered. Holo-projections flickered briefly, showing Remnants scattered across the area. Small, medium, and a few larger forms—more numerous than any simulation.
I took a deep breath and shaped ribbons of Echo around my hands. Each strand stretched outward, ready to respond.
"Divide and contain," the shadow instructed. "Do not engage recklessly."
The first Remnant lunged toward a crowded corner. I twisted my hand, and a ribbon of Echo formed a barrier around the civilians while another nudged the Remnant back into the alley.
Soren's amber Echo lashed through the streets, corralling a second Remnant into a narrow passage. Mira, following our lead, extended her own thin blue Echo stream to block stray debris and protect bystanders.
The streets became a battlefield of ribbons, shields, and controlled pulses. Sparks flew as Echo collided with Remnants, sending them scattering without harming humans.
But then a larger Remnant appeared—twice the size of the others, jagged limbs crackling with chaotic energy. It moved unpredictably, faster than any training simulation.
"Focus!" the shadow shouted. "You've controlled small targets—now manage the large one!"
I combined multiple ribbons of Echo, weaving them like threads around the massive form. It roared, swinging limbs toward civilians, but I anticipated its movement, guiding it into the narrower streets. Soren added precision strikes, while Mira reinforced barriers.
The coordinated effort worked. The large Remnant slammed into a dead-end alley and shattered into harmless fragments of Echo energy.
The shadow floated near me. "Excellent. Your training is working in the field. But take note: chaos increases with scale. Every additional target exponentially raises difficulty."
Kael's staff pulsed as she scanned the area. "Mission successful. Minimal collateral. The city sector is secure… for now. But remember, Collectors are aware of your activities. Each operation brings more eyes."
I exhaled, exhausted but exhilarated. The streets were quiet once more, neon reflections dancing across the debris-free pavements.
Mira smiled faintly. "We… did it."
Soren smirked. "Not bad, Hale. You're starting to learn the art of controlled chaos."
I felt a surge of pride. The city had tested me. And I had passed.
But the shadow's voice was solemn. "This is only the beginning. Collectors, higher-level Remnants, and unknown forces are watching. Your next missions will be more dangerous. Survival will require strategy, power, and unwavering control."
I clenched my fists, the pulse of Echo vibrating in my chest. The city below was alive with unseen threats—but I felt ready.
Tonight, I wasn't just surviving. I was beginning to fight.