No second-guessing, no fear, just steps to take.
Outside, the launcher arms rotated into position.
Hydraulic clamps locked around the pod's frame.
00:42…
He tilted his head slightly, eyes still watching.
This was the real test.
The one no simulation could copy.
Here, mistakes had weight. The beast zones weren't just coded images. They weren't designed to teach. They were just… real.
And for someone like him, that was enough.
The last few seconds ticked down.
A low rumble passed through the chamber as the first pods began to drop.
One by one.
Each vanishing into the ground launch tunnel.
No flashes or noise.
Just silence.
Until it was your turn.
Ethan's pod slid forward.
00:12…
He didn't grip the armrests or tense his legs.
He just closed his eyes for a moment.
Thought of the twins.
Of the house.
Of Lilith, sitting with tea in the lounge.
Then opened his eyes again.
00:05…
00:04…
00:03…
00:02…
00:01…
Drop Initiated.
