Day One: Hell Bootcamp Warm-Up

The buzz in Clareo HQ grew louder as the sun rose, the anticipation among the soldiers almost tangible.

Word had spread fast about the Aurum platoon selected for the five-day bootcamp under Team Unknown's direct supervision. Excitement, mixed with apprehension, lingered in the air as the selected soldiers prepared themselves for what lay ahead. 

The training grounds had been cleared and revamped overnight, reflecting Team Unknown's penchant for unpredictability. Dr. Lewis ensured everything was in order, triple-checking the facilities, simulations, and safety protocols.

Not that "safety" ever stopped Team Unknown from pushing boundaries.

In the briefing room, Team Unknown gathered for final preparations. The holographic map of the training grounds flickered above the table, detailing obstacle courses, combat zones, and endurance trials. 

"Day One," Dr. Lewis began, addressing the team. "Endurance and adaptability." 

Riggs leaned back in his chair, smirking. "So, breaking their spirits early?" 

Ember didn't look up from the map. "No point wasting time. They need to understand what's expected." 

Dr. Lewis shot him a warning glance. "Within reason, Ember. They're not Void Titans." 

Fon tilted his head, his voice calm yet laced with amusement. "But we're treating them like they might be, right?" 

Bo chuckled, shaking his head. "Let's see who passes out first." 

Dr. Lewis sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Remember, the objective is to train, not traumatize. If the med bay starts filling up by lunch, you'll answer to me." 

Val, standing at the edge of the room, crossed his arms. "They volunteered. They know what they're walking into—or they should by now." 

Dr. Lewis gave him a dry look. "Somehow, I doubt they know the full extent of what 'training under Team Unknown' means. Just… try to remember they're still Clareo's soldiers." 

The team exchanged glances, a silent agreement passing between them. It was clear they had no intention of going easy. 

The ten Aurum soldiers arrived at the training grounds just as the sun reached its peak, their postures stiff but resolute. Their gold pins glinted under the harsh light, a stark contrast to the darker, more ominous aura of Team Unknown, who waited for them at the edge of the grounds. 

Dr. Lewis stepped forward, clipboard in hand.

"Welcome to Day One of your five-day bootcamp, soldiers. This training is designed to push you to your limits and beyond. It will test not just your physical endurance but your ability to adapt, strategize, and work as a cohesive unit. The methods may be… unconventional," he paused, glancing at Team Unknown, "but they are effective." 

Riggs leaned closer to Fon, muttering under his breath, "Unconventional is putting it mildly." 

Fon smirked but said nothing. 

Ember stepped forward, his voice calm but laced with an edge that promised no room for failure. "You've seen what we're capable of. Some of you were there three weeks ago, fighting alongside us at the border. You survived. That's the only reason you're here. Don't make us regret this."

Val spoke next, his tone quieter but no less commanding. "This isn't a lecture hall. You'll learn by doing. Fail to adapt, and you won't keep up. Keep up, and you might just walk away from this better prepared for the battlefield."

Dr. Lewis cleared his throat. "One final reminder: Team Unknown has been granted complete freedom to train you however they see fit. Complaints won't be entertained, so you'd better get used to the idea now."

One of the Aurum soldiers, a woman with sharp green eyes, stepped forward. "With respect, sir, we're ready for whatever they throw at us." 

Bo raised an eyebrow, his voice low. "Bold statement." 

Ember smirked faintly. "We'll see how long that lasts." 

Dr. Lewis ignored the comment, motioning for the platoon to line up. "The first day focuses on endurance and adaptability. Follow the instructions given to you. And remember, this isn't a competition—it's survival." 

The opening exercise was deceptively simple: a timed endurance run through a rugged obstacle course. Climbing walls, narrow tunnels, and shifting terrain were only the beginning. Each segment of the course was designed to challenge both physical stamina and mental agility. 

Team Unknown observed from various vantage points, their masked faces unreadable. 

Frost, release phase two, Ember's voice crackled over the link. 

Bo activated a switch, and part of the course shifted—walls rose, pathways narrowed, and previously stationary targets began to move unpredictably. 

The Aurum soldiers faltered but quickly adjusted, their training kicking in. 

Good reflexes, Val noted from his position on a high ridge, his voice even. 

Let's see how long they keep it up, Riggs added, his tone almost amused. 

As the course grew more chaotic, the first signs of strain began to show. One soldier stumbled over a shifting platform, narrowly avoiding a fall. Another hesitated at a fork, unsure which path to take. 

Terra, mark the south route, Ember ordered. 

Fon's voice came through, calm and precise. Marked.

The soldiers glanced at the glowing markers Fon placed, grateful for the guidance. 

They're holding up better than expected, Bo remarked, his tone grudgingly impressed. 

For now, Ember replied. 

By mid-noon, the soldiers were visibly fatigued. Sweat dripped from their brows, their movements slower, less coordinated. 

"Push harder," Ember's voice cut through the entire field, sharp and unrelenting. "The enemy won't wait for you to catch your breath." 

One soldier, the same woman with green eyes, gritted her teeth as she scaled a crumbling wall. "We're not backing down," she muttered.

Riggs chuckled softly. "Got some fight in them." 

Val's voice came through, low but firm. "Focus on finishing, not proving a point." 

Another soldier tripped over a collapsing bridge, earning a sharp rebuke from Ember. "You hesitate, you die. Move or get left behind."

The soldiers pushed on, their determination carrying them through the final leg of the course. As they crossed the finish line, gasping for breath, they found Team Unknown waiting—silent, imposing, and entirely unruffled. 

Dr. Lewis stepped forward, his clipboard in hand. "Day One: Complete. Take an hour to recover before we move to the next phase." 

One soldier groaned, "There's more?" 

Riggs smirked, his tone teasing. "Five days, remember? We're just getting started." 

Ember's fiery gaze swept over the group. "If you think today was tough, you're in for a rude awakening. Rest while you can." 

As the Aurum soldiers collapsed onto nearby benches, gulping down water and catching their breath, Team Unknown gathered in the shade, their conversation low but laced with humor. 

"They're not half bad," Fon admitted, leaning against a tree. 

"They've got grit," Bo agreed, sipping from a canteen. 

Ember crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "Grit isn't enough. We'll see how they handle the rest of the first day." 

Val remained silent, his fiery red eyes scanning the group of soldiers. Despite their exhaustion, he noted the determination still burning in their gazes. 

"They'll make it," he said finally, his tone carrying a quiet certainty. 

Riggs raised an eyebrow. "Optimism? From you? Must be the heat getting to you." 

Val didn't respond, his attention already shifting back to the soldiers. 

Dr. Lewis approached, his expression as exasperated as ever. "You managed not to break them. Congratulations." 

Ember smirked faintly. "Day's not over yet." 

Dr. Lewis shook his head, muttering something about paperwork as he walked away. 

The soldiers, though battered and weary, seemed more determined than ever. Day One was only the beginning, but for them, it was a step closer to understanding what it truly meant to fight alongside Clareo's deadliest force.