Ian rose from his bed as pale sunlight crept over the hills outside STF Headquarters. The capital city was still quiet at this hour, the distant hum of engines muted beneath the morning calm.
He brushed his teeth, pulled on his work clothes, and headed for the dining hall.
Optimus and Blade were already there.
Optimus clapped Ian on the shoulder.
"All troops are ready. Meet us in the war room when you're done eating."
Blade eyed Ian's tray.
"Why do you always drink a Power Shake for breakfast?"
Ian smirked.
"So I don't look as skinny as you."
Blade scoffed as Optimus laughed.
When Ian finished eating, the three made their way to the War Room.
Launching the War Games
Inside, STF commanders and captains stood around a massive tactical table. Holographic projections of Uthaohiri rotated slowly in the air, urban sectors, deserts, mountains, forests, and oceans, all mapped in detail.
Ian stepped forward.
"Let's start the War Games."
An STF commander nodded.
"The multi-day combat simulation is ready. Droid demon armies are deployed against the entire Galactic Military. Navy fleets and air force wings are also active."
Ian folded his arms.
"Good. Let's see what they're made of."
Above the planet Uthaohiri, massive navy fleets floated in formation. Among them were several Anti-Demon Class ships, massive warships designed solely for hunting and destroying demonic threats.
On the bridge of one such vessel stood Captain Kaelor Vane, hands clasped behind his back as he addressed his crew.
"Listen up. I know this isn't real combat, but today our job isn't to learn. It's to dominate."
He paced slowly.
"We will outperform every other ship in this fleet. We will crush the enemy. And we will not accept anything less than first place."
A gunnery officer leaned toward the crewman beside him and whispered,
"What is this guy talking about? He sounds insane."
Kaelor turned sharply.
"What was that?"
"Nothing, sir."
Kaelor nodded once.
"Good. Then let's show them how it's done."
On the planet's surface, army divisions prepared for engagement. Officers finalized routes and vantage points. Soldiers locked armor, checked weapons, and climbed into armored vehicles.
Dust rolled across a mountain-desert region as convoys advanced toward a simulated demon-occupied urban zone.
Back at HQ, Ian addressed the STF commanders.
"You'll be commanding the demon droid armies. Don't hold back. Make this realistic."
Green indicators flashed across the room.
Ian continued,
"Weapons are limited to thirty percent output. Every soldier is fitted with sensors; vital hits eliminate them. Artillery is permitted in controlled scenarios. Navy and air force units can destroy droid vehicles. Kia users may operate at full power against droids."
The commanders nodded in agreement.
"Begin."
First Engagements
Armored vehicles rolled into the abandoned city. Infantry fanned out through shattered streets as jets screamed overhead.
Then the droid demons appeared.
Winged units dove from rooftops. Massive ground demons emerged from alleyways. Soldiers opened fire, coordinated and disciplined, cutting through the mechanical horde.
Ian and Blade watched through a filming drone.
Blade tilted his head.
"So the droids actually drop when they're shot?"
Ian nodded.
"Yeah. Their durability is calibrated to match real demon resilience."
Blade squinted at the screen.
"That squad's not doing very well."
Ian exhaled.
"That's why this is a test."
Fleet Combat
In orbit, naval fleets clashed.
Missiles streaked across space. Energy cannons fired. Defensive shields flared as droid fleets maneuvered aggressively.
Blade watched Captain Kaelor's ship dominate the battlefield.
"I like the way Captain Kaelor leads. He doesn't hesitate."
Ian nodded.
"If he keeps this up, we should consider promoting him after the War Games."
End of Day One
By the time the first day concluded, the room was quiet.
Ian leaned back in his chair, mentally drained. Blade rubbed his temples.
Ian finally spoke.
"Before the night-ambush selection starts… let's go to the recovery room and get a massage."
Blade stood.
"I agree. My brain's fried."
As they left the war room, the War Games continued across Uthaohiri,
soldiers learning, failing, adapting.