The facility buzzes with anticipation as our fifth match approaches. Team Ascendant, the only other undefeated team in the facility. Like us, they're one win away from advancement qualification. Unlike any of our previous opponents, they fight like we do, not with isolated abilities but with seamless integration.

  The arena for our fifth match is stripped bare, no environmental features, no specialized terrain, just a vast flat surface with minimal barriers. Pure skill against pure skill. As we enter the preparation chamber, I feel the weight of what we're about to attempt. No team has reached five consecutive victories since Phase 2 began. We're on the edge of making history.

  Desta's eyes flicker with code as she pulls up their roster. "Team Ascendant led by Vertex, telekinetic specialist with physical enhancement integration. Supported by Cascade, Paragon, and Zenith. All display advanced ability synchronization similar to our methodologies."

  Desta's system access reveals a team composed of the facility's most accomplished solo combatants still remaining after recent advancements. Vertex, their leader, combines telekinetic precision with unmatched physical enhancement integration. Cascade manipulates energy flow with frightening efficiency. Paragon's molecular reconstruction rivals my own capabilities. Zenith's neural acceleration creates combat prediction beyond normal reaction time.

  "In normal human speak," Ember says, small flames dancing between her fingers, "they fight like us."

  Eli's gravity control has come so far, he forms a perfect geometric pattern in the air, objects orbiting in precise formation. "One more win," he says, determination hardening his voice. "Just one more."

  When we enter the arena, the crowd is larger than I've ever seen. Administrative staff line observation decks that are usually empty. This isn't just another match, it's a threshold event.

  Team Ascendant enters from the opposite side. Vertex leads them, tall, lean, with eyes that carry the same focused intensity I recognize from my own reflection. No showboating, no dramatic power displays. They know better. Real power doesn't need to advertise.

  The countdown begins.

  "Combat commences in 3... 2... 1..."

  The instant the signal sounds, both teams explode into motion. We shift into our rhombus formation as Ascendant forms their own diamond pattern. The two teams surge toward center arena like colliding galaxies.

  Vertex meets me head-on, telekinetic energy visibly distorting the air around his hands as he launches into a combination of physical strikes and ranged attacks. I counter with the same integrated style, our movements becoming a blur of telekinetic shields, molecular manipulation, and enhanced strength.

  "Formation breach attempt on right flank!" Desta calls out, her system interface tracking Zenith's neural-accelerated approach toward Eli.

  Eli doesn't panic, he creates a gravity well that warps the space between him and Zenith, turning her direct charge into a curved trajectory that sends her spinning past our formation. Ember immediately capitalizes, sending a precisely controlled flame wall to cut off Zenith's return path.

  Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  The arena becomes a whirlwind of synchronized attacks and counters. Cascade's energy manipulation collides with Ember's flame control, creating spectacular color bursts when the two forces meet. Paragon attempts molecular restructuring of the floor beneath us, but I counter with my own atomic manipulation, turning it into a microscopic tug-of-war between two telekinetics at the molecular level.

  For the first few minutes, the teams appear evenly matched. Ascendant has clearly studied our previous matches, anticipating our standard combinations and countering them effectively. But there's a difference, while Vertex and Paragon might have abilities similar to mine, they aren't as good as me.

  Five minutes in, I catch the subtle tells. Vertex's telekinesis is powerful but lacks the molecular precision I've developed. Paragon has the molecular precision but lack power. Zenith's movements are quick but predictable. Cascade tires faster than Ember. Team Exodus isn't just matching Ascendant, we're outclassing them.

  "They're slowing down," I call to my team. "Standard combination three!"

  We execute with perfect synchronization, the countless hours of training paying off. Eli creates a gravity field that momentarily immobilizes Zenith. Ember sends a precision flame burst that cuts off Cascade and Paragon off from the rest of their team.

  I confront Vertex directly, our telekinetic fields colliding in a visible distortion of air. But where he pours everything into a frontal assault, I've learned efficiency. When he overextends on a powerful but telegraphed attack, I sidestep, letting his energy dissipate harmlessly.

  In that brief moment of imbalance, I strike, not with raw telekinetic force, but with the perfectly integrated combination of enhanced physical strength and molecular-level telekinesis I've refined through my solo matches.

  One decisive blow. That's all it takes.

  Vertex crashes to the ground, his telekinetic field collapsing completely. Without their leader's coordination, Ascendant's formation falls apart. Eli and Ember capitalize immediately, their combined gravity-fire attack neutralizing the remaining team members with practiced efficiency.

  "We yield," Vertex announces, rising to one knee with dignity despite the decisive defeat.

  "Combat concluded. Victory by submission: Team Exodus. Victory streak: 5. Advancement qualification achieved."

  The arena erupts in commotion. Facility staff huddle in urgent discussion. Other assets stare in disbelief. We've done what no team has accomplished since Phase 2 implementation, five consecutive victories, advancement qualification achieved. 4 independents instead of the expected sponsored assets.

  Team Ascendant approaches with genuine respect, Vertex extending his hand in a gesture rarely seen in the facility's competitive environment.

  "That final combination," he says, something like awe in his voice. "We couldn't have prepared for that. Your team's integration has evolved beyond pattern recognition."

  "We will remember you guys," I tell him, the decision already clear between me and my teammates without needing discussion. "When we go fight in the Central Arena"

  Vertex nods, his expression serious. "You'll be joining Apex and the others who've advanced. Either way, you're making history, either as the first team to succeed at Central Arena, or as the latest to discover why no one has."

  As we exit to unprecedented applause, the facility announcement confirms our achievement:

  "Team Exodus advancement qualification confirmed. Central Arena transfer protocols initiated. Team members have 72 hours to complete preparation for permanent facility reassignment."

  Three days to prepare for whatever waits at Central Arena. Three days before we face challenges that have defeated everyone who came before us. Three days until our real journey begins.

  Victory streak: 5. Advancement qualification achieved. Five more victories to freedom.

  We've made history. Now we need to make it out alive.