Enu vs. Oscar(5)

The instructor's voice rang out across the venue.

"And there she goes! Annis has taken to the rooftops, moving swiftly across the ruined cityscape. But what makes her so suited for this scouting role? Let's break it down!"

Annis leaped from one crumbling rooftop to another, her movements impossibly light, as if gravity barely applied to her.

She was using Qinggong, an ancient martial arts technique that allowed her to move effortlessly across surfaces, defying normal physical limitations.

With Qinggong, one could run up walls, leap great distances, and tread on water or even fragile surfaces like tree branches without breaking them.

"What we're seeing here is a remarkable demonstration of Qinggong—a technique that enhances agility, balance, and movement control! In an apocalyptic terrain filled with unstable structures and debris, this makes her nearly untouchable!"

While most cadets would struggle navigating through the ruined buildings—risking falling through weak floors or getting trapped in dead ends—Annis traversed the landscape with absolute ease.

She barely made a sound as she landed on a rusted metal beam, her eyes scanning the area below.

"This high ground advantage allows her a complete view of the battlefield. If there are enemy movements, she'll spot them first."

She narrowed her eyes, focusing on distant buildings.

From this position, she could locate the safest routes, spot potential ambush points, and identify where flags might be hidden—all without exposing herself to enemy fire.

"With her speed and precision, Annis can quickly relay information back to Enu and Hanz, helping them avoid danger and move efficiently through the battlefield. A perfect choice for the scouting role!"

Meanwhile, in the stands, Kieran was practically bouncing in his seat. "Damn, she's fast! It's like watching a freaking ninja."

Elijah smirked. "She's not just fast. She's reading the battlefield like a hawk."

Visconti nodded. "If Oscar's team doesn't catch on soon, they're going to have a serious problem."

Back on the battlefield, Annis crouched low as she spotted something suspicious in the distance.

She placed a hand on her earpiece. "Enu, I've got eyes on something."

The instructor's voice echoed through the venue, capturing the attention of cadets in the stands.

"Annis has spotted something! But what exactly has caught her attention?"

Perched atop a broken rooftop, Annis narrowed her eyes.

Her enhanced vision allowed her to zoom in on the distant figures moving below. At first glance, they looked like standard obstacles—scattered wreckage, abandoned cars, and collapsed buildings. But something was off.

"Oh? What's this? Annis isn't looking at the enemy team—she's looking at the terrain itself!"

Annis adjusted her position, tilting her head slightly.

The ground was too smooth. Amidst the cracked pavement and debris, there were certain areas that looked… undisturbed. Too perfect. It was a subtle detail that most wouldn't notice, but Annis wasn't most people.

Her lips curled into a smirk. "Enu. I think I found their trap."

A murmur spread through the audience. Even Kieran leaned forward in excitement. "Wait, wait—trap? Where?"

Visconti studied the holographic display. "Smart move. Oscar must've used his clay dolls to create false ground or hidden pits."

The instructor's voice boomed again.

"Let's break this down! Oscar's gift allows him to create clay dolls of varying sizes—but that's not all. His ability also lets him manipulate the terrain! Those patches of smooth ground? They're not natural—they're carefully crafted traps!"

Down on the battlefield, Annis tapped her earpiece. "There are five trap zones. Sending locations now."

"That's impressive! Not only did Annis detect the traps, but she's also figured out their placement without stepping into them!"

In the stands, Kieran let out a whistle. "Damn, she's scary. Oscar's team thought they were setting up a perfect ambush, but she's already five steps ahead."

Annis crouched low on the crumbling rooftop, her gaze locked onto the battlefield below. She tapped her earpiece twice—an unspoken signal before she spoke.

"Blackbird, this is Ghost. Five anomalies detected in Sector Echo-Four. Marking positions now."

Enu, positioned inside an abandoned building, leaned against the wall as he responded. "Copy, Ghost. Send coordinates."

Annis pulled a small notepad from her belt and swiftly scribbled shorthand symbols—encrypted not just in words but in placement.

She then snapped a picture using her wrist device and sent it through their secured channel.

"First zone: 10 meters east of the collapsed radio tower. The surface looks undisturbed—likely a sink trap."

"Second zone: Behind the overturned semi-truck, near the broken streetlamp. Possible concealed pitfall."

"Third zone: Two blocks south of my position, past the pharmacy ruins. Ground slightly elevated—possible clay construct below."

"Fourth zone: Adjacent to the train station remains, near a rusted fence. Debris pattern is unnatural—watch your step."

"Fifth zone: Directly west of the wrecked police station. Surface too even—either a dummy trap or the real deal."

There was a pause before Enu's voice came through again. "Received. Good work, Ghost. Maintain overwatch."

"Affirmative, Blackbird. I'll keep an eye on the foxes."

From the stands, Kieran frowned, leaning toward Elijah. "What the hell are they saying?"

Elijah smirked. "They're speaking in code. If anyone intercepts their comms, they won't be able to decipher it."

Visconti adjusted his gloves, eyes glued to the holographic display. "More importantly, they've just gained a huge advantage. Oscar's team set the traps, but now Enu's team knows exactly where they are."

The instructor's voice boomed over the arena.

"A brilliant maneuver by Annis! By identifying the trap zones, Enu's team now holds the upper hand! The question is—how will they use this intel?"

Back on the battlefield, Enu smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Alright, time to make some noise."

Inside the abandoned building, Enu crouched beside the rough, hand-drawn map. His eyes flickered with calculation as he studied the five trap zones Annis had marked.

If Oscar's team thinks they hold the advantage, then it's time to turn the tables.

He pressed his earpiece. "Ghost, continue overwatch. I need eyes on all movements."

"Copy that, blackbird," Annis responded, her voice steady despite the wind whipping around her as she sprinted across the rooftops.

Enu turned to Hanz and Annis, his voice low but decisive. "We're setting counter-traps. If they want to box us in, we'll make them pay for it."

Hanz smirked, gripping his sword. "Now we're talking."