Chapter 96: Preparation for the Simulation

Professor Vale's commanding voice echoed through the hallways as he led the students out of the auditorium.

"Follow me to the training grounds," he instructed, his brisk pace forcing the group to hurry in his wake.

The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the sprawling academy grounds as they emerged from the climate-controlled building. A gentle breeze carried the scent of freshly cut grass, mingling with the metallic tang of the high-tech equipment scattered throughout the area.

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As they approached their destination, Levi's eyes widened at the sight before him. The usually open training field had been transformed into a hub of activity. Several assistants, easily identifiable by their distinctive blue and silver uniforms, moved with purpose across the grounds. They were engrossed in the meticulous arrangement of strange devices that Levi had never seen before.

These objects, sleek and futuristic in design, stood out starkly against the natural backdrop. Each device was roughly the size of a dinner plate, its smooth metallic surface broken only by a series of intricate etchings that pulsed with a soft blue light. The assistants placed these devices with careful precision, forming perfect circles at regular intervals across the field.

Professor Vale came to a halt, turning to address the gathered students. His stern gaze swept over the group, ensuring he had everyone's attention before he spoke. "What you see before you," he began, gesturing to the devices, "are state-of-the-art simulation projectors. They represent the cutting edge of essence-infused technology, capable of creating hyper-realistic training environments."

A murmur of excitement rippled through the students. Vale allowed it to subside before continuing. "Each team will be assigned to a simulation zone. The projectors are set in a circular formation, spanning a diameter of over 60 meters. This will be your operational area for the duration of the exercise."

Levi exchanged glances with his teammates. Lysandra seemed to be assessing the situation with heightened interest while the others stood just as clueless as himself.

"Everyone ready?" Lysandra asked, her voice taut with anticipation. The others nodded, too focused to speak. Levi took a deep breath, centering himself as he'd been taught in their meditation classes. He could feel the essence energy within him responding to his heightened state of alertness.

Suddenly, without warning or fanfare, the world around them began to change. The familiar training grounds seemed to melt away like a mirage, the transformation so smooth and seamless that Levi found himself blinking in disbelief.

Where moments ago there had been open fields and distant academy buildings, a bustling cityscape now materialized. Towering skyscrapers reached for the sky, their glass facades reflecting the chaos unfolding below. Streets formed out of thin air, complete with parked cars and bewildered-looking civilians – all part of the hyper-realistic illusion.

Levi marveled at the incredible detail of the simulation. He could even smell the acrid scent of vehicle exhaust mingling with the aroma of food from a nearby café. The distant wail of sirens added to the urban ambiance, and he could feel the rough texture of asphalt beneath his feet. If he didn't know better, he'd swear they'd been transported to an actual city in the midst of an emerging crisis.

The simulated civilians moved with startling realism. A businessman hurried past, his tie askew and briefcase clutched tightly. A young mother tried to calm her crying child, while a group of teenagers stood frozen in shock, their eyes fixed on something in the distance. Each face bore a unique expression of fear and confusion, driving home the gravity of the situation they were meant to address.

"Look!" Toby's shout snapped Levi back to attention. Following his teammate's outstretched arm, Levi's eyes widened in astonishment.

Before them, dominating the wide boulevard that stretched out from their position, a portal crackled into existence. It was as if reality itself was being torn apart, the edges of the breach shimmering with otherworldly energy. The very air seemed to distort around it, creating a dizzying visual effect that made Levi's head spin if he looked at it too long.

The portal pulsed with an ominous rhythm, expanding and contracting slightly with each beat. Tendrils of dark energy lashed out from its depths, leaving scorch marks on the pavement where they touched. An oppressive sense of wrongness emanated from the tear, causing the nearby civilians to back away in terror.

And then without any warning, essence burst forth, and the portal was breached!

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