Rebooting the Arena

Chapter 71: Training Intensifies

The loss to the Crimson Reapers still lingered in the back of Phoenix Reborn's minds. Their defeat had exposed a critical weakness: they weren't prepared to face teams that used beastmastery tactics, summoning creatures to overwhelm their defenses. Now, with the National PvP Circuit Qualifiers looming and a potential rematch against the Reapers on the horizon, Kai knew the team had to push harder than ever to improve.

The training hall was filled with the sounds of battle. Lightning crackled through the air, shields slammed against the ground, and spells exploded in quick succession. Phoenix Reborn had been at it for hours, their stamina tested as they ran through scenario after scenario. Kai, more intense than ever, pushed the team relentlessly, determined to make sure they were ready to face the Reapers again.

"Last time, we didn't adapt fast enough," Kai said, their voice sharp but focused. "Next time we face them, we're not just going to hold out—we're going to dominate. That means we need to train harder and develop new tactics that can counter beast-heavy teams like the Reapers."

Tariq, his shield raised and already glowing with defensive magic, grinned despite the exhaustion on his face. "Bring it on. I'm ready to handle whatever they throw at us. Those beasts aren't getting past me again."

Beast-Specific Counter Tactics

The team had identified the core problem from their previous encounter: the overwhelming number of beasts summoned by the Reapers. These creatures had split their formation, disrupted their positioning, and forced them into a defensive stance that they struggled to recover from. Now, Kai was determined to counter this strategy with precision.

Lena, standing to the side as she adjusted her staff, spoke up. "We need more crowd control. My AoE spells can hit a lot of them, but we need to focus on slowing their advance. If we stop their momentum, we'll control the fight."

Alex, his hands glowing with healing energy, added, "We also need to be ready for when they target our backline again. They'll try to swarm me just like last time. If we stay tighter, I can focus on healing without constantly dodging wolves."

Kai nodded, their sharp gaze moving over the team. "This time, we won't let them split us up. We stay together and move as a unit. Nina, you and I will focus on the summoners again, but we'll need to be quicker—no hesitation."

Nina, quiet but resolute, simply said, "Understood."

The team began a series of intense training drills, simulating wave after wave of summoned beasts, each scenario more challenging than the last. Tariq took point as always, his shield raised high as he braced for the onslaught of summoned creatures. He activated Ironclad Resolve, the protective aura radiating from his armor as wolves and boars charged toward him.

"Hold the line, Tariq!" Kai called out as the creatures slammed into him.

Tariq gritted his teeth, absorbing the impact as he activated Earthshaker, sending a shockwave through the ground that knocked the beasts back. But more came, circling around him, trying to push through to Lena and Alex in the backline.

"I can't hold them all!" Tariq shouted, his voice strained as the wolves began to flank him.

Lena, standing behind Tariq, summoned Glacial Prison, freezing several of the wolves in place, their growls silenced as ice encased them. She followed up with a Chain Lightning spell, stunning the remaining creatures and buying the team precious seconds.

"They're frozen, but we need to move!" Lena called out. "If we stay here, they'll just summon more!"

Kai and Nina, already in stealth mode, blinked through the chaos, using their stealth abilities to bypass the creatures and strike at the summoners hidden at the back. Kai activated Phantom Dance, blinking across the battlefield and landing behind a summoner, their daggers flashing as they delivered a critical strike.

"Summoner down," Kai said over the comms. "Nina, take the next one!"

Nina, silent and focused, moved like a shadow through the battlefield, her Venom Wraith blades coated in poison. She appeared behind another summoner and struck with Death's Embrace, the summoner falling before they could summon another wave of creatures.

The team regrouped quickly, closing in on the remaining creatures as Tariq activated Fortress Unbreakable, creating a protective aura that boosted the team's defense. The summoned beasts, though powerful, couldn't break through their coordinated defense this time.

After the last wave of creatures was defeated, Kai called the team together, their expression intense but proud.

"Better," Kai said, wiping a bead of sweat from their brow. "We're moving faster, staying together, and we're cutting off the summoners before they can overwhelm us. But we're still not fast enough. The Reapers aren't going to wait for us to adapt—they'll keep pressing. We need to anticipate their moves, not just react."

Refining Tactics for Beastmastery

Over the next few days, Phoenix Reborn worked tirelessly on refining their tactics. Each training session was tougher than the last, but the team's synergy and coordination improved with every run. Tariq practiced positioning himself in a way that forced the creatures to funnel into narrow paths, reducing their ability to swarm the team.

Lena experimented with using Glacial Prison in more strategic spots, freezing key areas of the battlefield and slowing the advance of summoned beasts. Her Elemental Cataclysm was now timed to hit at the peak of the creatures' rush, devastating entire waves at once.

Meanwhile, Alex focused on positioning and anticipating damage, setting up healing zones in safer spots and using Time Reversal at critical moments to restore health when it was most needed.

"Kai," Alex said during one session, "if we stick to this formation, I'll be able to heal you guys without needing to move. It'll keep me from getting caught by the beasts."

Kai nodded, their mind constantly running through strategies. "Good. We're going to need that consistency if we're going to outlast them."

Nina continued to perfect her ability to assassinate summoners before they became a problem, working closely with Kai to coordinate their strikes. The two moved like ghosts through the battlefield, striking key targets before retreating into the shadows. Every attack was calculated, every move designed to take out the Reapers' support before they could summon more creatures.

"Nina," Kai said after one particularly successful run, "if we can take out their summoners this fast in the real match, they won't stand a chance. Keep this up, and the beasts won't even be an issue."

After days of grueling practice, the team stood together, feeling the weight of their progress but also the excitement of knowing they were finally ready. Phoenix Reborn had adapted, improved, and strengthened their strategy for the upcoming rematch with the Crimson Reapers.

"We've put in the work," Kai said, their voice filled with pride. "Next time, we'll be the ones overwhelming them. No more hesitation, no more surprises. We know what they're going to do, and we're ready."

Tariq, raising his shield, grinned. "Let them bring their beasts. We'll tear through them this time."

Lena, her eyes glowing with arcane power, added, "I'll control the field. The creatures won't even reach us."

Alex, ever calm and composed, nodded. "We've got the healing and positioning. We'll outlast them, no matter what."

Nina, as always, spoke quietly but with unwavering certainty. "I'll take down their summoners before they can summon anything. They won't see us coming."

With their training intensified and their strategy perfected, Phoenix Reborn was ready for the rematch. They had pushed themselves harder than ever, adapting to the tactics that had once defeated them. Now, they were prepared to take on the Crimson Reapers—and this time, they would emerge victorious.

Phoenix Reborn intensified their training, focusing on countering beast-heavy teams like the Crimson Reapers. With renewed tactics, refined teamwork, and sharpened skills, the team was ready to face their rivals again, determined to dominate the battlefield.