# Dispatch: Challenger M5 1 (challenger_m5_1)

**Target Role**: `teamwork_preview_challenger`
**Working Directory**: `c:\Projects\FreeExile\.agents\teamwork\challenger_m5_1`
**Authoritative User Request**: `c:\Projects\FreeExile\.agents\teamwork\ORIGINAL_REQUEST.md` (specifically section `## 2026-10-01T19:19:13Z` - R5)
**Worker Handoff**: `c:\Projects\FreeExile\.agents\teamwork\worker_m5_1\handoff.md`

---

## Mission
Empirically stress-test the monster AI grid pathfinding engine (`grid_pathfinder.js`):
1. Zero-Heap Allocation Check: Run 5,000 rapid pathfinding queries in Node.js across randomized start/goal coordinates on a 120x90 grid. Verify zero heap growth and 0 GC thrashing.
2. Obstacle Avoidance & Corner-Cutting:
   - Construct L-shaped, U-shaped, and complex maze wall layouts.
   - Verify that all returned paths never cross impassable tiles (`WALL`, `CHASM`, `WATER`, locked `BOSS_GATE`).
   - Verify that diagonal steps never cut corners when either adjacent cardinal tile is blocked.
3. DDA Line-of-Sight Stress: Test 10,000 raycast queries across pure vertical (`dx=0`), pure horizontal (`dy=0`), and diagonal lines. Verify 100% agreement with ground-truth tile inspection and zero NaN lockups.
4. Non-regression of existing collision & E2E tests:
   - `pytest tests/unit/test_encounter_zones.py -v`
   - `pytest tests/unit/test_tile_collision.py -v`
   - `pytest tests/e2e/test_poe2_map_system_e2e.py -v`

Write `handoff.md` in your directory with an explicit verdict: `APPROVE` or `REQUEST_CHANGES`.
Send a message back to parent when complete.