The streets of Lumina District were quieter than usual that evening. Neon lights flickered softly, and a faint hum of Echo lingered in the air, almost like the city itself was holding its breath.
Kael led us through the alleys, her staff glowing faintly. "Tonight's mission is reconnaissance. Minor Remnants are rare in this zone, but your real challenge will come from aboveground surveillance. Collectors are aware of your activity. They may probe… test… or ambush."
I swallowed. "A probe?"
Kael's eyes narrowed. "Yes. One wrong move, and it becomes extraction."
The shadow hovered closer, voice tense. "Collector probes are precise. They measure skill, control, and potential. You'll need everything you've learned so far… and more."
Mira's hand found mine. "We can do this… right?"
I nodded. "We have to."
---
We reached a deserted plaza where the streets opened up into a small square. Neon billboards reflected faint blue echoes from the walls.
Then, from above, a figure dropped silently onto the plaza. A Collector. Taller than any I'd seen, clad in black armor with faint circuits glowing like veins. Its mask was angular, expressionless, with multiple scanning lenses rotating slowly.
"Citizen Aren Hale," it said, mechanical voice cutting through the air. "Your activity has been noted. Stand down for examination."
Kael stepped forward. "No. Aren and his team are not surrendering."
The Collector raised its arm. A faint pulse of energy shot toward us.
"Form a defensive perimeter!" the shadow urged.
I acted instinctively. A swirling blue shield formed around us, absorbing the pulse harmlessly. Mira clung to my side, eyes wide with fear.
Soren appeared beside me, amber eyes glinting. "Don't just defend. Counter. Push them back. Show control."
I focused, shaping a ribbon of Echo to intercept the next pulse. The blue and gold collided mid-air, creating sparks that illuminated the plaza.
The Collector tilted its head, analyzing our movements. Then, with a swift motion, it sent a concentrated shockwave toward the ground, knocking debris into the shield.
"Keep it steady!" the shadow shouted.
I extended my Echo into a spinning, circular barrier, absorbing the shockwave while redirecting some of the energy back toward the Collector. The armored figure stumbled slightly, but its mask remained impassive.
Kael's voice came through urgently. "This is a test! Don't kill it—show skill and strategy!"
I took a deep breath, analyzing the Collector's movements. Every pulse, every beam, every step had a rhythm. I began anticipating its attacks, shaping Echo into precise forms—ribbons, barriers, and spikes—to control space, protect Mira, and push the Collector back strategically.
Soren's amber Echo lashed alongside mine, helping to corral the Collector's energy. Together, we forced the figure back, step by cautious step.
Finally, the Collector paused, scanning us with multiple lenses. "Noted," it said flatly. "Potential observed. Extraction delayed. Continue monitoring."
With a sudden hum, it leapt backward, disappearing into the city's rooftops.
Mira exhaled, trembling. "That… that was close."
I lowered my hands, chest heaving. "We did it… barely."
The shadow floated beside me. "This was your first encounter with a real Collector. They measure, assess, and adapt. Today, you survived, but remember… every Collector in the city is watching now. Your actions have consequences."
Kael's eyes glinted. "This was only a probe. Next time, they won't just observe. Prepare yourselves."
I clenched my fists, feeling the surge of Echo. Fear, adrenaline, and determination mixed inside me.
This wasn't just about survival anymore.
It was a war.
And I was determined to fight.