Chapter 31: An Ambush Unleashed

The air was electric with anticipation as the shrill sound of the whistle signaled the start of the game. Axel's team took up position, their movements slow and calculated as they readied themselves for the bedlam that was bound to break out. The field of play was vast, with rolling hills, gigantic obstacles, and constricted bottlenecks scattered throughout the terrain. The blue flag fluttered discreetly behind them, its location indicated by a raised platform surrounded by barriers.

Lila crouched at the edge of the flag, her sniper rifle slung over her shoulder as she searched the ground for any indication of movement. Kaid crouched beside her, fists balled and feet firmly planted. "Nothing yet," he growled, his eyes scanning from side to side between the open roads coming towards them.

"They'll come," Lila breathed, her tone steady against increasing tension.

Meanwhile, Axel brought Atlas and Ava to the middle of the battle arena, their eyes switching between the platforms and barriers for any indication of Sigma's move. The trio executed their plan, aware that coordination and timing were important in this game.

"Keep your eyes open," Axel whispered softly, his piercing eyes scanning the front. "Sigma won't be giving it away."

"You don't say," Ava teased, her voice tight but airy as she curled her fingers.

Atlas nodded severely, his eyes already on the maze-like arena. "Eyes sharp. They'll try something—just wait."

It wasn't long before the first warning signs materialized. A snapping rustling noise came from a group of obstacles towards the flag. Lila went on high alert, rifle trained on them.

"Kaid," she gasped, her voice husky with warning.

Before Kaid could go anywhere, an individual came from cover—a big, broad-shouldered new recruit with shaved head. It was **021**, coming rapidly and low, his sights on the flag steady. His steps were heavy and even, underlaid by purpose.

"They're here!" Kaid screamed, his posture shifting as he prepared to interpose.

Two more approached the back of **021**, advancing quickly and precisely—**045** and **062**. They had ambushed him. Sigma had launched nearly half of their team out on a coordinated push to capture Axel's flag in the early game.

Lila did not hesitate. Her finger clenched, firing a shot that barely skimmed **045** as he ducked behind cover. "There's more!" she screamed, sidestepping aside.

Kaid was quick, walking in **021**'s path and punching him in the ribs with a quick jab. **021** took the hit, wincing as he counterattacked everything he could, sending Kaid reeling. The blows were savage, their actions slow and relentless.

Behind them, Lila also took another shot, her eyes narrowing as she targeted **062**. The recruit dodged skillfully, and Lila had to change her position. Meanwhile, **045** charged towards the flag, gliding smoothly and quickly as he weaved through the chaos.

"They're splitting up!" Lila cried, annoyance creeping into her voice.

Kaid was already battling a furious war with **021**, throwing punches as he struggled to pin the flag in position. **021** swung with all his might, sending Kaid flying back before delivering a kick to his side. Kaid blocked the kick with his forearm, smiling through his clenched teeth as he landed a stinging uppercut that sent his attacker stumbling.

But the odds were against them. **045** landed on the ground of the flag platform, his movements too swift for Lila to react in time. He ascended the structure quickly, his hands grasping the flagpole as he brought it down.

"They've got it!" Lila shouted, her voice shrill with urgency.

Axel stopped at the center of the battlefield and overheard the sound of Lila's voice. He didn't look around but immediately turned to leave, with a silent instruction for Atlas to follow. "Back to the flag!"

Ava stared before her eyes fixated in Sigma's direction at the arena. "But the—"

"Now!" interrupted Axel sternly, giving her no other option.

The three of them sprinted back to their flag, weaving through the maze-like terrain as the sounds of conflict began to ring out more vocally. Axel's senses were acute, his thoughts racing as he broke down the scenario. Sigma was disciplined, more so than he'd anticipated. But this was far from finished.

As Axel and Atlas approached the flag platform, Cyrus emerged from behind cover, his smile slicing across the chaos like a knife. "Late to the party, Sage?"

"Back up," Axel spat, his stance readjusting as he got ready for battle.

Not a chance," Cyrus said, his smile widening as he bore down on him. His attacks were brutal and relentless, every blow designed to overwhelm Axel.

Axel sidestepped the first punch, firing back with a hard jab which Cyrus barely deflected. Both trainees hammered away at each other with grim determination, the punches heavy but precise as each fought for mastery. Atlas charged forward to assist Axel but was intercepted by **062** and pushed into a fiery exchange.

At the same time, Kaid was fighting to keep up against **021**, his movements stumbling as exhaustion set in. Lila landed another shot, glancing across **045** as he tried to pull away the flag. But Sigma weren't quitting just yet—they were attacking him hammer and tongs, their teamwork forcing him back.

On the platform's edge, **045** was able to sneak past Lila's guard, the blue flag clutched in his hand as he rushed toward Sigma's part of the arena.

"They're getting it!" Kaid screamed, his voice strained with effort as he struggled to get between **021** and his intended victim.

Axel escaped from Cyrus's hold, booting him hard and sending him reeling. "Atlas! Get the flag!"

Atlas broke free from his struggle with **062**, his gaze fixed on **045** as he flew. The pursuit was intense, the scarred earth making each step more difficult. Atlas closed distance with ease, his enhanced increased steps pounding the ground.

But Sigma's ambush had worked. As Atlas crashed into **045**, making him release the flag, Cyrus snuck behind Axel, grabbing the flag that fell and retreating towards his own faction. Axel's angry eyes tracked him, his chest rising and falling as he watched Sigma dominate—at least for the moment.

The group of recruits seated on the sidelines in the arena was abuzz with stage whispers, the arena tension reaching a fevered pitch.