The drill continued without pause.
Roland and Darius were carried from the arena on stretchers, both were still conscious, and both laughing through bruises and fractured bones as medics guided them toward the infirmary.
Roland lifted one arm weakly in victory even as he was hauled away.
"Don't forget," he called hoarsely, "I still won more than I lost."
Darius chuckled from his own stretcher. "Yes. I want a fucking rematch."
The arena sealed again, the next group leader stepped forward.
Mira Kel moved with a light bounce in her step, her shoulders loose, and her eyes were bright. She rolled her neck once and exhaled slowly, a grin spreading across her face as she took her place at the center.
"Alright," she thought, excitement buzzing through her veins. "Let's show them how fast is fast! Hehehe!"
She pointed casually toward the waiting candidates.
"Now come on," she said with a teasing grin. "Big sister's waiting for you here."
