The earth spikes had gotten to every part of the battle ground and that included their flag post.
Everyone including the mechanical puppets had thought that the earth spikes were a desperate attempt by Blake's team but none of them knew it had a greater purpose.
From the special screens which had appeared the moment Castiel activated Night mist, the students were able to see mechanical puppets formation.
4 of them were relentlessly attacking the barrier, while the last one was standing beside their flag.
Inside the earth dome, Castiel was concentrating on keeping the Night mist active, thereby reducing the vision of the mechanical puppets.
Brian was still busy with the task at hand, while Blake, Luciano, and Tessie were maintaining the barrier array.
Yes, only the 3 were powering the array. Blake and Luciano were in charge of 2 parts of the array, while Tessie was in charge of the last part.
"Done." Brian said panting as he had completed a mini underground tunnel to the enemy's flag.
"This might take a while so try to distract them as much as possible." Blake said as he jumped into the hole.
He had noticed from his lightning attack that mechanical puppets had incredible mana senses, and even though Night mist drastically reduced one's mana senses, he couldn't take chances.
That was why he decided not to use lightning reinforcement to increase his speed, rather he would crawl to the other end.
…
Outside the dome.
Damon's team had just been eliminated. Not only had Haldor and Esmeralda been 'killed' by the mechanical puppets, but their flag had been captured.
When they joined the rest of the team, they saw when the barrier dropped, but soon it came back up.
"That's strange…" Damon said with furrowed brows.
"I know right. Why will you take down an array only to bring it back up again?" Haldor said.
"No that's not it." Damon said.
Due to him being a Darkbringer he senses a decrease in the darkness energy of the Night mist and piecing together the part of the barrier being taken down and brought back up.
'Does it mean only 3 people were maintaining the array all this while?" Damon thought.
'If that is so, then why isn't the barrier stronger?' Damon began taking a close look at the rock spike before seeing the one that went towards the flag.
"Unless…" The moment Damon turned to the mechanical puppet's flag he saw the ground shattering and Blake who was encased with mana, came out and grabbed the flag.
"4500 points to Blake for being the most outstanding in the team, and 3000 points to each person in team 1." Immediately Instructor Zirrack made the announcement, the mechanical golems were warped away.
"Good job guys." Blake said as he initiated a team high-five.
"To be honest, the plan was to continue the exercise for 2 more classes I never expected anyone of you to have completed the exercise." Zirrack said.
"The exercise aimed at focusing on objective, but at the beginning, every one of you was focused on fighting the mechanical puppets.
It was at the ending that Damon realized this, but it was already too late. As for Blake, he was cautious right from the start and it was at the middle of the battle he realized it, then at the ending that he formulated his plan."
According to the rules, you weren't allowed to make killing attacks, but it was at the moment when they tried to eliminate Castiel that Blake understood the real aim.
Due to their insane healing factor, combat skills, and tremendous mana control, Blake knew it was impossible to beat.
"Your team is composed of 5 people and if the rest of the team misses something you are meant to inform the rest." Instructor Zirrack said "So, remember team exercises are about coordination and objectives. Class dismissed."
"Alright, guys let's go get some rest. Same place, same time." Blake said to the team as they headed to their various rooms.
Unknown to Blake, his ingenuity had greatly affected both Luciano and Damon.
Luciano was impressed by Blake's performance both in and off the exercise. He no longer saw him as someone strong and worthy to be his friend, but he began seeing him as a great leader.
The only reason he had never fought for the leadership position was that he didn't care, besides no one could order him around, but right now he was actually ready to be led by Blake.
On the other hand, Damon was greatly displeased with himself. He was undoubtedly one of the strongest, but he was indifferent about almost everything.
The exercise greatly limited Blake who mostly relied on weapons and the fire element for mobility and support, but he still outperformed him.
Blake made him realize that for a long time now, he has been sleeping on his current level and if care isn't taken he wouldn't even be able to eat Blake and Luciano's dust.
…
After Blake was done taking his bath, he went straight to his bed to take a quick nap, but that was when the system spoke to him.
[I was greatly impressed by your performance and for that, I will like to congratulate you and give you a reward. You will be rewarded with information and guidance on anything you want as long as it isn't under the dangerous category.] The system said.
"There are so many things I want to know, but right now I think I will put the reward on hold." Blake said to the system.
[Whenever you are ready.] The system agreed.
…
At the agreed time, Blake and the team were in one of the practice rooms and the training was about to begin.
'Is it me or is Luciano excited about the training?' Blake couldn't help but think when he saw Luciano's expression.
"First of all, I would like to say congratulations to each and every one of us on our first official victory as a team."