The air in HQ Command was heavy with tension as Team Unknown materialized in the teleportation chamber. The faint hum of the chamber faded, leaving an uneasy silence in its wake. Shadows clung to their forms, dissipating only as the light adjusted to their presence.

General Luis stood waiting just beyond the chamber, his gaze sharp. Dr. Lewis hovered near the holoscreen, his fingers flying across a keyboard as he processed the data retrieved from the mission.

Exeo stepped forward first, his posture commanding.

"Mission complete. Void Construct Titan neutralized. No additional anomalies detected in that remote zone."

General Luis nodded, his expression unreadable.

"Report to the briefing room immediately. We need to discuss what you found."

The team exchanged brief glances before following General Luis into the adjacent room. The holoscreen displayed a detailed scan of the crater and the destroyed construct. Pulses of faint Void-tainted energy lingered in the area, forming erratic patterns that defied standard analysis.

Dr. Lewis turned to the team, his voice uncharacteristically grave. "What you encountered wasn't just a staging ground. This… this was a beacon."

Ember leaned against the table, his sharp gaze narrowing. "A beacon for what?"

Dr. Lewis tapped the screen, zooming in on the faint energy pulses. "We don't know yet. But the patterns suggest long-range communication—possibly to another region, or worse, to a central command."

Val's voice was steady but edged with concern. "So, this wasn't just about coordinating constructs. It was a message."

General Luis's tone was grim. "A signal. Likely sent before you destroyed the Titan. We intercepted fragments of the transmission, but the data is incomplete. Whatever Hades' Wrath was planning, they now know we're onto them."

Bo crossed his arms, his usually lighthearted demeanor replaced by unease. "Great. So, we just tipped off the enemy that we're watching."

Riggs chimed in, his voice laced with frustration. "And they still managed to send whatever message they needed."

Dr. Lewis adjusted his glasses, his expression dark. "Not entirely. The energy output from the Titan's destruction caused a feedback loop. It disrupted part of the signal. With enough time, I might be able to reconstruct what was sent and where."

Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

Exeo nodded. "How long?"

Dr. Lewis hesitated. "That depends on the complexity of the signal. Days, maybe weeks. I'll need to prioritize this over Beta Team's training."

General Luis's expression hardened. "Do what you need to. Team Unknown, you'll remain on standby until we have actionable intelligence."

As the team left the briefing room, the weight of the mission lingered over them.

In the dim hallway, Ember broke the silence. "A beacon means they're calling for something—or someone."

Fon glanced up from adjusting his gloves. "Could be reinforcements. Or worse, a counterstrike."

Exeo's tone was calm but firm. "Speculation doesn't help. We wait for Dr. Lewis's analysis and act based on facts."

Val's voice was low, thoughtful. "But we don't have time. Whatever's coming, it's already in motion."

The team fell into a tense silence, each member retreating to their quarters to process the implications of the mission.

Elsewhere, in an undisclosed location, Obsidian stood in the center of a cavernous chamber. The flickering light of Void energy illuminated his figure, casting uneven shadows across the walls.

Malik entered, his posture wary but confident. "The beacon's activation was successful. However, the Titan was destroyed before the transmission was completed."

Obsidian turned slowly, his dark eyes piercing through Malik. "Team Unknown."

Malik nodded. "As expected, they were sent to investigate. Their interference disrupted part of the signal."

Obsidian's voice was low, dangerous. "What was transmitted?"

Malik hesitated. "Enough to alert our allies. But the full coordinates of our next phase remain incomplete."

Obsidian's gaze darkened. "Then we move ahead with the contingency. If Team Unknown insists on meddling, we will ensure they're occupied. Mobilize our forces to secondary locations. Stretch Clareo's defenses to their breaking point."

Malik inclined his head. "And the ARM user?"

Obsidian's lips curled into a cold smile. "He will come to regret his defiance. When the time is right, I will deal with him personally."

Malik bowed slightly before retreating, leaving Obsidian alone in the chamber.

Obsidian turned toward the pulsating energy source at the center of the room. His voice echoed softly, filled with malice.

"Let them prepare. Their struggles will only serve to deepen their despair when they see what true power looks like."

Back at HQ Command, the tension among the team was palpable as they reconvened in their private quarters. Ember stood by the window, his sharp gaze fixed on the distant skyline.

Exeo entered, his steps measured as he joined his brother. "You think this is a trap."

Ember didn't look away from the window. "It's always a trap. But it's one we have to walk into if we want answers."

Exeo's voice was calm. "Then we move carefully. Together."

Ember finally turned, meeting Exeo's gaze. The unspoken trust between them was clear, a bond forged through years of battles and impossible decisions.

Val's voice came from the doorway, steady and resolute. "Whatever's coming, we'll handle it. Just like we always do."

The three brothers exchanged a silent nod, their resolve unwavering despite the growing storm.

And in the shadows, the echoes of Obsidian's plans loomed closer, each piece of the puzzle falling into place as the battle for Clareo's future drew nearer.