Uh yes Dblade is right this is a training simulation and there are ways to neutralize the opposition without using lethal force. 

And no the villain creating energy shields isn't using life force but concentrated energy that she can manipulate to create lots of geometric shapes with multiple properties like being sound-baffling or air-tight or resistant to kinetic force. Her power is different from Aurora who creates entire constructs from her imagination that work like their real-life counterparts. Kind of like Susan Storm to Green Lantern.