章 97: They had to

The portal's ominous pulsing filled the air with an otherworldly hum, its rhythmic expansion and contraction both hypnotic and terrifying. Levi stood rooted to the spot, his muscles tense and ready for action.

'This really doesn't feel like a simulation,' Levi thought as he took in his surroundings. Everything felt so real that it was hard to believe it was just an illusion. 

Beside him, his teammates wore expressions of determination tinged with apprehension. It was clear that everyone wanted to perform well in this training—after all, points from instructors played a crucial role in their advancement to the second year.

Levi's gaze drifted to Lysandra. He had hoped she would recognize him, but it seemed his face wasn't as memorable as he'd thought. She stood at a distance, her silver hair gleaming in the eerie light emanating from the portal, her eyes narrowed in concentration. She appeared incredibly serious, considering this was a simulation.