The underground chamber smelled faintly of metal and ozone. Neon-blue light reflected off the walls, pulsing gently like the heartbeat of the city above.
Kael stood before us, staff glowing with a stronger intensity than before. "Today marks the next step in your training, Aren Hale. You've learned to control raw Echo. Now you will learn to manipulate it with precision—multi-target control, projection, and subtle influence over the environment."
The shadow hovered closer. "Your first encounter with a Collector showed you the consequences of recklessness. Mastery is more than power—it is strategy, timing, and foresight. The city itself responds to Echo."
Mira frowned. "Sounds complicated… and dangerous."
Kael smirked. "Yes. But if you survive this, the next mission aboveground will be easier. Well… easier is relative."
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We moved to a circular arena inside the chamber. Holographic projections flickered on the walls—streets, rooftops, and countless Remnants of varying sizes.
"Your first exercise," Kael instructed, "is multi-target control. You'll manipulate multiple Echo streams simultaneously, each responding to your commands. One mistake, and the holograms collapse—simulate real consequences. Focus."
I closed my eyes, feeling the Echo surge in my chest. Fear, adrenaline, excitement—they all fused into a single, sharp pulse of energy.
"Divide your attention," the shadow whispered. "Shape each strand of Echo independently, like threads of a web. Keep one eye on each target."
I extended my hands. Thin, glowing ribbons of blue energy shot outward, snaking around the holographic Remnants. I shaped one into a barrier, another into a whip-like coil to push a target, and a third into a net that trapped a fast-moving form.
Mira gasped. "You're doing it… Aren!"
Soren's amber Echo flashed alongside mine. "Not bad… but your movements are predictable. Anticipate reactions, not just act."
I adjusted, creating subtle arcs in my Echo ribbons, letting them respond to projected Remnants automatically. The holographic targets collided, scattered, and reformed, but I maintained control.
The shadow murmured in approval. "Good. Now, projection. Extend your Echo beyond your immediate reach. Influence objects, project force across distances, interact indirectly with your environment."
I focused on a metallic column at the edge of the arena. A ribbon of Echo extended from my hand, wrapping around it invisibly. With a sharp motion, the column shifted, knocking over a holographic Remnant into another target.
Soren's eyes widened slightly. "Hmm… clever. Using the environment. Not bad for a beginner."
Kael's staff pulsed. "Final exercise: subtle manipulation. Influence without obvious force. Affect movements, guide emotions, or distract. This is what separates a skilled Echo-Reader from one who relies on brute strength."
I concentrated, extending a thin, almost invisible ribbon of Echo toward a holographic Remnant. Instead of hitting it, I nudged its path ever so slightly. Its trajectory changed, avoiding the civilians in the simulation and running directly into my other Echo strands.
The chamber hummed in approval. The holograms dissipated, leaving the arena quiet.
Mira clapped softly. "That… that was amazing. You're incredible!"
The shadow floated closer, voice serious. "You've learned advanced control. But remember, mastery is iterative. Every mission aboveground, every Collector encounter, and every Remnant engagement will test this further. Never assume control is absolute."
Kael's eyes glinted. "Tomorrow, we take this training aboveground. Multiple Remnants, real streets, real civilians—not holograms. You'll need strategy, precision, and teamwork. Are you ready?"
I clenched my fists, feeling the pulse of Echo surge stronger than ever inside me.
"Yes," I said firmly. "I'm ready."
The city above hummed faintly, unaware of the war growing beneath its neon lights.
And soon… I would take everything I learned into the streets.