Chapter 29: The Curator's Class

The acrid smell of ozone burned Kasper's nostrils as he entered the academy's combat arena. His nanobots buzzed beneath his skin, responding to his unease. Around him, two dozen senior-year students whispered and pointed at the impossible structure dominating the space.

Where training dummies once stood, a maze of liquid metal and shadow towered three stories high, its walls rippling like dark mercury. The structure occupied nearly half the massive arena, making even the most hardened students step back.

*Something's wrong*, Kasper thought, his enhanced senses screaming danger. *This isn't standard academy tech. Not even close.*

***

"Welcome to Advanced Combat Psychology," a voice purred from above. "I'm Commander Victoria Cross."

A figure descended from the rafters, each movement precise and controlled. Her standard-issue uniform had been modified with bands of brass and copper that pulsed with subtle energy. Silver implants traced elegant patterns along her temples, their soft blue glow reflecting in her predatory eyes.

The senior students were quickly dismissed, leaving only Kasper's team. His stomach tightened. *Why just us?*

Lucas's fingers flew across his datapad, his face pale. "Those implants," he whispered to Maria, "they're quantum-linked neural enhancers. Military grade. The power output alone could—"

"Careful, Mr. Mendoza," Cross cut him off. "Some questions are better left unasked." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "Though your technical insight is... promising."

Maria's medical scanner whirred to life. "These readings can't be right," she muttered. "Her neural patterns are completely—"

"Fascinating?" Cross appeared beside them instantly. "Like your own unique abilities, Cadet Alvarez? Your healing modifications have drawn quite some attention."

Maria flinched. Lucas stepped forward protectively, his datapad projecting a subtle energy shield. "Back off," he warned, showing unexpected steel.

***

Sarah's hand found Kasper's arm, her touch gentle but possessive. "Stay close," she murmured. "Something about her energy signature feels wrong. My medical scanner's going haywire."

"Because hiding behind your girlfriend is exactly what a future bounty hunter should do," Nailah's voice dripped sarcasm. The words stung because they held truth.

Sean activated his tactical comm. "Team channel active," he subvocalized. "Whatever happens in there, we stay connected."

*When did Sean become the responsible one?* Kasper wondered.

Cross materialized between them, moving faster than even his enhanced reflexes could track. "Military-grade nanotech," she observed, studying Kasper with unsettling intensity. "Quite the collection you're carrying, cadet. Your father's work, I assume? Or perhaps... your brother's?"

The mention of Javier hit like a physical blow. *How could she know?*

***

Valerian's cybernetic eye whirred as he analyzed the maze. "Twenty-meter-high walls, quantum-locked metamaterials," he reported through the team channel. "Similar to Caribbean Defense Force containment systems. But the power requirements would be—"

"Impressive?" Cross smiled. "You're not the only one with interesting family connections, Mr. Xander. Though perhaps we should discuss your sister's recent... activities another time?"

Valerian's face went carefully blank, but his tactical overlay highlighted multiple defense weaknesses. He shared the data silently with the team.

"The maze responds to neural patterns," Lucas added through the comm. "It's reading our—" His datapad sparked suddenly, making him yelp.

"No technological shortcuts today," Cross chided. "This is about raw survival."

***

The commander's voice turned deadly serious. "The rules are simple. One hour. Reach the center. Retrieve the target. Survive. The maze will test you individually and as a team. Your comm systems will work, but don't expect any other tech to function properly inside."

She gestured to the walls. "The structure reconfigures every five minutes. Physical and psychological dangers are very real. Medical intervention is possible but costly."

Maria's hands glowed subtly. "I can stabilize most trauma, but—"

"But healing has consequences, doesn't it?" Cross's smile was knowing. "Every gift comes with a price."

***

"And the target?" Kasper asked, dreading the answer.

Cross's smile widened. "Encrypted data on Project Lazarus. Consider it... motivation."

The team exchanged loaded glances through their tactical display. Sarah's grip tightened imperceptibly. Nailah's stance shifted to combat-ready. Sean's usual humor vanished.

"One last thing," Cross called as she ascended. "The maze might contain some... familiar faces. Try not to let past ghosts distract you."

A figure flickered to life at the maze's entrance – Javier, exactly as Kasper remembered him. The sight knocked the breath from his lungs.

"Well, little brother?" the apparition smiled. "Ready to learn the truth?"

***

"Ignore it," Sarah urged, her voice honey-sweet. "Stay with me. Stay safe."

"Or face it head on," Nailah challenged. "Unless you plan to hide forever."

Sean's voice cut through their comms, unexpectedly authoritative. "Enough. We've got twenty minutes to plan before the maze seals. Valerian, tactical assessment. Maria, triage protocols. Lucas, any tech we can salvage. Now."

The team snapped to attention, surprised by his command presence.

"Standard infiltration formation," Valerian suggested. "My eye can scan for structural weaknesses."

"I've got rear guard," Nailah stated.

"Maria, Lucas, center position," Sean continued. "We'll need both healing and tech. Kasper—"

"With me," Sarah interrupted. "I need to monitor his vitals."

"Actually," Kasper decided, "I'm taking point with Valerian. Clear head, focused mission."

Something flashed in Sarah's eyes – concern? Annoyance? – before her gentle smile returned. "Of course. Just be careful."

***

As they entered the maze, Cross's voice floated down. "Oh, this will be entertaining. Let's see what you're really made of, children."

The walls sealed behind them with a sound like a tomb closing.

Above, Cross touched her temple implant. "Asset assessment initiated," she subvocalized. "Sarah, maintain cover. Special attention to the de la Fuente boy's nanotech. The Curator's collection has room for one more prize."

The maze hummed with malevolent energy, ready to test them all.