"And like El said, we do our first run with them and it'll be easier for us, so that when we help people who haven't done it yet or are less, um, prepared than London, we'll be in a better spot."

"Fine."

"So we're in agreement to run with London today, future arrangements pending?"

"Seems like it."

"Cool. Any other business?"

"I guess who we're inviting along for the first week's runs? Other than Bea and Liesel's alliance."

Sure, they can tackle that topic.

Luckily it's pretty much settled - there's only so many indie alliances they're comfortable enough with for this kind of run... So they can get it out of the way quickly. 

Good, good.

And, the next day, they all arrive to the entrance to the gym a bit early. 

London meets them there. Practice yesterday went well, so Bea is feeling confident.

Good; Luthien's bright eyed and bushy tailed and ready to start when everyone else is. 

Soon as their slot time rolls around.

They can discuss strategies until then.

Probably Luthien, El, Shinta, and Dani should go in first, given their power levels - Shinta's machine gun will also be more useful if she's not worrying about friendly fire. (This is usually by far the least advantageous spot.) 

The best defense is a strong offense?

It sounds like here - they're gonna wanna move fast. The sooner they're out, the better.

Makes sense. They'll try to keep up.

Luthien will try not to leave them behind. 

Here goes nothing, then.

Onward. 

Where it turns out that, yes, having two insanely deadly mages - plus a fire specialist, and honestly Shinta and her machine gun is pulling more than her fair share - along is incredibly helpful. Downright essential actually. 

They get through the course in nearly record time, plus or minus some blood. They've got fewer injuries than last time, at least. 

El's thinking she may want to pull her punches a bit less. Hard habit to break.

They don't have to worry about conserving mana, too, which has been a big concern their entire school career... The enchantments on the obstacle course mean they're not really spending mana, and at graduation - it'll be all or nothing. 

"You guys were holding back?"

"Some."