Challenge! (1/2)

Roderick had given them an ultimatum. Either they succeeded in the challenge, or they would have to leave the battlefield. The man still couldn't understand why they wanted to risk their lives. Were they crazy?! 

"What are we doing?" Josh asked expectantly. 

"Oh, you'll see!" The commander looked mischievous. He then turned toward the army. 

"Everyone! There will be a Trial of the Combatants! You know the drill, we need 20 volunteers. Everyone else keeps setting up the defense perimeter!" He quickly instructed, and tons of soldiers raised their hands excitedly. 

Soon, a small platoon assembled before them. They instantly got to work. They began setting up some more metallic plates in a rectangular shape. What happened next surprised Josh.