After careful selection, the three figured out their order of where they were going and started on the VR Training base, hoping to cut off Normal's intent of strengthening his forces.
(Megaman X8-Stage Intro)
A Screen appeared as lightning crackled, materializing was a slim, tall robot with a Sunflower head as he did a dance pose.
OPTIC SUNFLOWER
The central computer then teleported the three into the VR Training area.
READY
(Cue: Troia Base- Passage- Megaman X8)
"You'll have to complete training sessions for each area in order to move on. The next area may change depending on how well you've completed the previous one." Anna said.
"So what, they're expecting us to complete a training course to get to the Maverick? Who does that?" Diane asked.
"Normal, apparently." Ty said. "How do we know what path we're taking, Anna? Is it like a grading system?"
"There should be a grid map that has three levels along with showing your current location in each room." Anna said.
"Got it." Ty said.
The three proceeded through into the first room as it transported them.
(Music shift: Troia Base- Forwarding- Megaman X8)
"Looks like each area is timed. If we complete the task in a short time were able to go to the top path." Ty said.
"Exactly." Anna said. "But there's a catch. If you take to long to complete each session you'll be sent to the bottom level, if you complete it at a good enough time, you'll continue in the middle, and if you're fast enough, you'll be at the top level." she explained.
"That sounds simple enough." Primrose said.
The three then began running the gauntlet. Each task consisted of defeating either single or waves of Fla-Q or Scorpy-Q. Most of the stages were easy to complete, though they found it difficult at times. Diane's size often got in the way and they were alternating levels from top to middle, but they were able to complete session after session in time.
"I think I get the point of this stage. Wear us down, then the guy at the end tries to take us out." Ty said.
"I get it too. Sure it's a little hard at times, but we got through it." Diane said.
"The next room should contain that Maverick. We should stay sharp." Primrose said.
"I've taken a close look at the area that the target is in, but... I see evidence of the shape having been changed many times by the program in charge. The target itself likely possesses the ability to alter proportional features." Anna said.
"Got it." Ty said as they entered the final room, a massive VR training stadium. Suddenly red flashes went off on their huds accompanied by alarms.
WARNING! WARNING!
A beam of light warped down as a humanoid Sunflower stood before them.
(Megaman X8- Boss Intro)
"Jump Force Operatives? Here?!" it asked in a slightly womanish tone. "Who in the world are you? Why are you here? Who am I?"
"He doesn't even know who he is? Well, this guy's not right in a couple circuits." Diane said.
"Yup. This guy's outta control." Ty said.
"That's where you're wrong. We may not be good guys, but we're no monsters. Such concepts are beyond the grasps of halfwits like you." Optic Sunflower said.
(Music Shift: .execute- Killer Instinct)
"Oh great, here we go." Ty said as the three got ready, seeing their huds showing Optic Sunflowers vitality charge up.
Optic Sunflower then cackled as he emitted a bright light, making the training area flash as constructs were created above. He then teleported using a cage of vines and started firing a concentrated laser from his head, which the others were barely able to dodge.
"Lasers!" Diane said.
"Guess this guy's used to attacking from long range." Ty said. "Fine then, I'll go to him!"
He jumped on the platforms and managed to get a few blows in before Optic Sunflower vanished in his vines again.
"Crap, where'd he go?" Ty asked.
"Over here!" Optic Sunflower called firing a net sphere that bounced around.
"Watch out!" Diane called as she moved Ty out of the way.
"Thanks!" Ty said. "Guess we'll need to be faster than him if we want to beat him."
"Allow me. The Panther Dance." Primrose said as she increased everyone's speed.
"That's more like it!" Ty said as he dashed to Optic Sunflower and kicked him across the floor, Diane smashing him away with her hammer, followed by Primrose cutting into him with her sword.
Optic sunflower was down, but not out. He sparked a bit, before kicking it into overdrive. "Earth Crush!" he called out as a laser pointed down on the trio from above as it got smaller while showing a satellite on a screen in the background.
"Anna, what's happening?!" Ty asked.
"The enemy is using a satellite targeting system, when the laser is pointing at you, dodge it at the last minute to avoid the laser attack, now!" Anna said.
"Don't have to tell me twice!" Ty said as the three dodged the satellite lasers. They continued to do damage to Optic Sunflower before the lasers stopped.
"Now's the time to finish this!" Ty said as he dashed up to Optic Sunflower. He battered his arms and legs with his strikes, then when Sunflower tried to strike back, Ty grabbed one of his arms and ripped it off. He then leaped into the air as Sunflower was reeling and did a double stomp to his face, smashing it in.
"Like an eel…" Optic Sunflower said as beams of light peaked out of his body before he exploded.
"The Show is over." Primrose said.
MISSION COMPLETE
"We don't really need the Weapon Data, Anna, we're not robots." Diane said.
"Don't worry, X, Zero, and Axl already have the data, I think Mari can make something with the extra weapon data." Anna said as a beam floated down and pixalized the Rare Metal. "Well done you three, come on back to the central area."