The Labyrinth materializes around us, different from what I remember from my first solo run. Where before there were stone corridors and crystalline chambers, now we emerge into what appears to be an ancient temple complex. Massive stone pillars stretch toward a ceiling lost in shadow, while the floor beneath our feet is inlaid with circuitry-like patterns that pulse with subdued light.

  "Different than my assessment run," I mutter, extending my telekinetic awareness to scan for immediate threats.

  "The Labyrinth reconfigures for each visit," Lyra explains, silver hair catching the ambient glow as she looks around with evident curiosity. "Never the same path twice."

  Desta's eyes flicker with code patterns as she accesses data through her upgraded quantum computer. "C-rank configuration confirmed. Initial chamber security protocols dormant but activation imminent."

  "In normal human speak: something's about to attack us," Sera translates, flames already dancing between her fingers in preparation.

  I notice Lyra shifting her weight from foot to foot, barely containing her excitement. "Remember, we stay together," I remind her, seeing her eagerness to charge ahead. "No solo heroics."

  She nods quickly. "Got it. Team tactics, just like we practiced."

  The circuitry patterns in the floor suddenly flare brighter, energy flowing toward the center of the chamber where it coalesces into humanoid forms. Four figures materialize, composed of pure energy bound within angular frames that resemble ancient armor. Each wields a weapon of glowing energy: sword, spear, axe, and bow.

  I take a step back, assessing the situation. These are only C-rank threats, perfect for team training without my direct intervention. "You three handle this," I instruct. "Consider it a warm-up exercise."

  Sera raises an eyebrow. "You're not helping?"

  "You don't need my help for this," I reply confidently. "Besides, you three need to develop your coordination without relying on me."

  The constructs waste no time, immediately spreading out to surround them. The archer takes position behind a pillar, notching an arrow of pure energy, while the others advance with coordinated precision.

  Sera takes immediate command, flames intensifying around her hands. "Desta, focus on the archer. Lyra, tank the sword and axe. I'll handle the spear."

  They move with practiced efficiency, better than our training sessions, the real danger sharpening their focus. Lyra transforms both arms into crystalline shields as she places herself directly in the path of the advancing melee constructs. The swordsman strikes first, its energy blade crashing against her defenses with a shower of sparks.

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  "Energy-based entities require disruption of cohesion matrix rather than physical impact trauma," Desta observes clinically, already taking aim at the archer with her energy pistol. Her shots are precisely calculated, striking the construct's core with surgical accuracy.

  "In normal human speak: hit the glowy center part!" Sera calls out, sending a concentrated stream of electricity toward the spearman. The construct staggers as the electrical current disrupts its energy patterns, giving Sera the opening to follow up with an intense heat beam directed at its core.

  Lyra adapts quickly to the fighting style needed, her shields morphing into more complex structures that catch and redirect the energy of the constructs' attacks rather than simply blocking them. When the axe-wielder overcommits to a powerful swing, she creates a curved surface that redirects its momentum, sending it staggering past her.

  "Phase shift!" she calls out, one arm elongating into a whip-like appendage that she cracks toward the off-balance axe-wielder. The crystalline whip wraps around what passes for its neck, and with a powerful yank, she pulls it directly into the path of Sera's flames.

  The construct dissolves as Sera's fire penetrates its destabilized core. "One down!" Sera calls triumphantly, already redirecting her attack toward the spearman.

  Desta finishes off the archer with a series of perfectly placed shots, her quantum computer calculating exactly where to hit for maximum disruption. The construct flickers and dissipates into particles of light.

  "Target neutralized," she reports with clinical precision, already turning to support the others.

  The swordsman proves more agile than its companions, dancing around Lyra's attempts to pin it down. It scores a glancing blow against her shoulder, cutting through her crystalline defense.

  I tense, ready to intervene, but Lyra simply laughs, a sound of exhilaration rather than pain. The damaged portion of her shoulder flows like liquid, reforming instantly. "That tickles!" she taunts, both arms morphing into serrated blades as she goes on the offensive.

  Her shapeshifting abilities allow her to extend her reach unexpectedly, catching the swordsman off-guard. As it backs away from her transformed arms, it moves directly into Desta's line of fire. Three precise shots later, the construct dissipates like its companions.

  The spearman, now alone, attempts to retreat, but finds itself caught between Sera's flames and Lyra's extending limbs. A coordinated attack, Lyra pinning it in place while Sera focuses intense heat on its core, finishes the job efficiently.

  As the last enemy dissipates, the chamber's circuitry patterns dim, signaling the end of the encounter.

  "Well done," I acknowledge, genuinely impressed by their coordination. "That was smoother than our training sessions."

  Lyra's arms flow back to normal human appearance, her eyes bright with excitement. "It felt different, more real! The way we all worked together was amazing!"

  "Threat neutralization achieved with 86% efficiency," Desta observes, holstering her energy pistol. "Significant improvement over training parameters."

  "In normal human speak: we kicked ass," Sera translates with a satisfied grin. "Without Gary having to step in."

  I scan the chamber, looking for the path forward. A doorway has appeared in the far wall, previously hidden, now illuminated by the same circuitry patterns that cover the floor.

  "Let's move," I instruct. "That was just the welcome committee. It gets harder from here."