The next morning, the Underground Network's training room was alive with activity. Holo-screens displayed city maps, Echo currents, and Remnant sightings.
Kael stood in front of us, staff glowing faintly. "Today, Aren Hale, you'll learn something crucial: controlling Echo isn't enough. Strategy and teamwork will decide survival."
I glanced at Mira. She frowned. "Teamwork? With… who?"
Kael smirked. "With your allies. The Network doesn't send lone Echo-Readers anymore. You'll work with Soren."
My heart skipped. "Soren? That rogue from the rooftop?"
"Yes," Kael said. "Rogue or not, you two need to cooperate. Survival depends on it."
The shadow hovered beside me. "Consider this a test of skill and coordination. Each of you will handle multiple Remnants simultaneously. Mistakes are costly."
---
We were transported—via hidden elevators and maintenance tunnels—into the neon-lit streets of Lumina District. The city below hummed with the usual noise, oblivious to the chaos we were about to face.
The streets ahead glowed faintly blue—Remnants were nearby. Small ones, medium ones, all moving unpredictably.
Kael's voice crackled through a comm-link. "Contain them, coordinate your Echo, and minimize collateral. Move."
Soren appeared beside me, amber eyes glinting. "Follow my lead… try not to embarrass yourself."
I gritted my teeth. "Fine. Let's do this."
---
The first Remnant leapt from a rooftop, a spiky blue form darting toward civilians. I created a barrier just in time, while Soren manipulated another Echo ribbon to trap a second Remnant.
The shadow's voice whispered, "Use your environment. Pipes, signs, and alleys can amplify or redirect Echo."
I focused, extending a ribbon of blue Echo to loop around a streetlight, channeling it into a precise strike that corralled a third Remnant into the alley.
Soren smirked. "Not bad… you're learning."
Mira cheered softly from behind us. "Aren, you're amazing!"
But the shadow's tone sharpened. "More incoming. Multiple Remnants. You must coordinate, or chaos will spread."
From the rooftops above, a medium-sized Remnant descended. I glanced at Soren, who shot me a quick nod.
Together, we unleashed a combination of Echo waves and ribbons, directing the Remnants into a temporary containment field created from neon light reflections and controlled Echo.
I felt the pulse of the city beneath my feet. Every step, every action, every breath was connected. The Echo flowed like a river between us.
Finally, the last Remnant dissipated harmlessly, leaving the streets quiet once more.
Mira exhaled, wide-eyed. "That… that was incredible. You two worked together perfectly."
Soren's smirk softened. "For now. You're not bad, Hale. Maybe you'll survive this after all."
The shadow hovered closer. "You've learned more than control. You've learned synergy. Strategy is as important as power, and you've taken your first real step as a field operative of the Network."
I exhaled deeply, feeling exhilaration, relief, and a new sense of purpose. The streets were alive, dangerous, but they had taught me something crucial: raw power wasn't enough. To survive, I had to think, plan, and work with others.
Kael's voice came through the comm-link. "Excellent. Mission complete. You survived your first city-wide operation. But remember—Collectors are aware. They are watching. Your next challenge will be harder. And they will not hesitate."
I clenched my fists, feeling the Echo pulse stronger than ever inside me.
This was only the beginning.
And I was ready.