Void Projection (Part II)

The training gym settled into a quieter rhythm as Team Unknown reset the space for another round of testing. Sparring dummies were moved aside, and obstacles were repositioned to create a mock maze designed for stealth and agility training. The team gathered around, their focus shifting entirely to Val's next attempt. 

Ember, as always, took charge. "This time, we're prioritizing precision and movement. No strikes, no flashy displays. Just see how far you can guide the projection through without losing control." 

"Great," Riggs muttered, leaning against the wall with a smirk. "More creepy ghost stuff." 

Bo shot him a dry look. "Ghosts are silent, Riggs. Take notes." 

Dr. Lewis's voice crackled through the intercom again, his tone carrying its usual no-nonsense authority. "And let's keep the damages to zero this time. I'm not in the mood to explain why we're over budget on gym repairs." 

Riggs raised a hand, mock innocent. "What makes you think I'd break anything?" 

Val, already seated cross-legged on the mat, shook his head faintly at their banter before closing his eyes. The familiar pull of the Void answered, threading through his senses as he summoned the projection once more. Dark energy swirled and condensed, coalescing into the shadowy humanoid form that hovered a few feet in front of him. 

"You're getting faster at this," Deleo remarked in his mind, his tone laced with amusement. "Soon enough, you'll be summoning me for casual chats."

"We already do that," Val muttered internally, his focus sharpening on the projection. "Except I don't summon you. You just show up uninvited." 

Deleo gasped in mock offense. "Uninvited? I'm hurt, Val. Truly."

"Less talking, more projecting," Val retorted, directing the figure toward the maze. 

The projection moved cautiously, its shadowy form gliding through the narrow paths of the makeshift course. It wove around obstacles with fluid precision, slipping through tight spaces where a physical body would have struggled. 

"Nice," Riggs called from the sidelines. "If we ever need a creepy scout, you've got it covered." 

"Creepy is better than clumsy," Bo added, his gaze fixed on the projection. "At least it's quiet." 

Val's concentration wavered for a moment as Deleo chimed in again, his voice playful. "Quiet? I can fix that. Should I hum? Maybe narrate? 'And the mighty Val sends forth his heroic shadow to conquer the dreaded dummy maze—'" 

"Deleo," Val interrupted, his jaw tightening. "Not helping."

"Oh, but I am," Deleo replied, the grin audible in his tone. "You just don't appreciate my artistic contributions."

The projection flickered slightly, its edges rippling as Val exhaled deeply to steady it. 

"Focus," Ember warned, his voice cutting through the room. "If this were the field, that flicker could've gotten you caught." 

"I've got it," Val replied, his tone resolute. 

"Do you?" Deleo teased. "Because I could tell you a riddle right now. Really test your multitasking skills." 

"Try me," Val muttered, guiding the projection toward a low obstacle that required it to crouch and slip beneath a beam. 

"Oh, I will," Deleo replied, his voice dropping to an exaggeratedly serious tone. "What has roots as nobody sees, is taller than trees, up, up it goes, and yet it never grows?"

Val rolled his eyes internally. "A mountain. Easy."

Deleo clicked his tongue. "Too quick. All right, try this—what has a head, a tail, is brown, and has no legs?"

"A coin."

"Fine," Deleo grumbled. "But how about—"

"Deleo," Val interrupted again, guiding the projection toward the end of the maze,

"Never," Deleo replied cheerfully. 

Despite the interruptions, the projection moved steadily, slipping through the final turn of the maze and stopping just shy of the sparring dummies at the end.

Val exhaled, his body sagging slightly as the tether between him and the projection dissolved, the shadowy form evaporating into the air. 

Ember stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Not bad. Better than before. You kept it stable, even with distractions." 

"Speaking of distractions," Val muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

Riggs smirked. "Let me guess. Deleo's commentary?" 

"Oh, you have no idea," Val replied dryly. 

Deleo's voice was smug in his mind. "You're welcome."

Dr. Lewis entered the gym, tablet in hand, his gaze sweeping over the team. "Well? How's it holding up?" 

"He's improving," Ember said, nodding toward Val. "Projection's stable, movements are precise. But he's still getting used to maintaining control for extended periods." 

"And the strain?" Dr. Lewis asked, his eyes narrowing slightly as he studied Val. 

Val shrugged, grabbing a water bottle from the floor. "Manageable. For now." 

Dr. Lewis raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Keep working on it. We'll need it ready for field use sooner rather than later." 

As Dr. Lewis left the room, Riggs stretched, cracking his neck as he eyed the dismantled maze. "So, what's next? More shadow tag, or do we finally get to test it against moving targets?" 

Ember shook his head. "Not yet. Val needs to master movement first. Combat comes later." 

Riggs sighed dramatically. "Fine, but only if I get to name the shadow when it starts fighting." 

Val blinked at him, incredulous. "You want to name my projection?" 

"Why not?" Riggs said with a grin. "Shadowy McCreepface has a nice ring to it." 

Bo groaned. "Riggs, stop. Just stop." 

Fon, who had been silent for most of the session, finally spoke, his tone even. "Call it whatever you want, as long as it works when it matters." 

Val shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Let's focus on making it work first." 

Ember clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention. "Reset the gym. We're going again." 

As the team moved to rearrange the maze and obstacles, Deleo's voice hummed softly in Val's mind. 

"You know," Deleo began, "all this complaining, and yet you're still improving. Maybe I should keep talking."

Val exhaled slowly, his focus sharpening. "Do whatever you want, Deleo. I'll keep proving you wrong."

"That's the spirit," Deleo replied with a chuckle. 

The gym filled with the hum of energy once more as Val prepared for another round, the quiet determination in his eyes matched only by the unwavering support of his team.