At dusk;
Assessment of the first day's teaching results.
Fu Jian stood before Ling Tong, Deep Sea, and the other seven Half-Human Mechs. He declined the greatsword Wang Jixuan offered, took off his trench coat and tossed it aside, revealing his burly Mechanical Body. The Mechanical Eye on the left side of his face flared red.
The drone above Fu Jian's head traced a red circle roughly five meters in diameter.
Standing nearby, Wang Jixuan shouted through a loudspeaker:
"Since this is the first day of training, no ranged weapons are allowed today. You may use any defensive equipment. Safety first.
"The Commander-in-Chief cannot leave this boundary.
"You seven, stay sharp! This is a rare chance to challenge the Commander-in-Chief!
"The drones above your heads are no longer guiding you. Remember your numbers at all times, focus completely, and don't make mistakes in your footwork. One mistake means all seven of you are wiped out.
"Today is only the first day, so I'm not asking you to alter the formation based on an enemy's position. Watch Deep Sea's position closely. Every change follows his hand signals and commands... Come on, let's see what you're made of.
"Remember the three tricks! First, keep equal distance front and back! Second, maintain the same distance from your teammates! Third, don't attack when it isn't your turn!
"Get ready... Begin!"
Deep Sea drew a deep breath. "One!"
The seven immediately leaped apart to the left and right, taking up the seven-star positions. Each faced Fu Jian and raised the crystal-coreless greatswords in their hands.
Fu Jian raised his chin at the seven.
Deep Sea immediately shouted, "Two!"
The seven leaped forward at the same time. Their positions shifted, leaving afterimages behind.
Fu Jian immediately sensed that something was wrong. Two greatswords sliced through the