The staging area buzzed faintly with the sound of preparations as the Beta team—ten Aurum-ranked soldiers—stood in formation. The dim overhead lights cast stark shadows across their faces, each expression a mix of tension and determination. They had been summoned without much detail, but the gravity of the mission hung heavy in the air.

At the far end of the room, the reinforced doors hissed open. The faint clink of boots echoed as Team Unknown entered. Though silent and faceless beneath their black hooded cloaks, their presence was unmistakable.

The Beta team straightened instinctively, their postures stiffening as the six figures approached. The gold pins on Team Unknown's cloaks gleamed faintly, a subtle reminder of their unmatched rank and authority.

Ember stopped at the head of the group, his fiery gaze hidden behind the mask, but his voice was sharp and commanding. "This mission is not a test. It's a battle. One where hesitation will kill you, and mistakes will cost lives."

Val stepped forward, his tone steady but cold. "You've been chosen for this because the brass believes you're ready. We don't. But that doesn't matter now. You're here, and you'll follow orders. If you don't, you'll regret it."

One of the Beta soldiers, a broad-shouldered man with a scar cutting across his cheek, took a half-step forward. "With respect, sir, we're ready. We've trained for this."

Fon's piercing gaze shifted toward him beneath the mask. "Training isn't survival. You've seen our methods, but you've never fought beside us. This isn't about your skills—it's about whether you can function as a unit under fire."

Another soldier, a lean man with sharp features, spoke up. "We fought alongside you during the attack on the borders. We held the line then. We'll hold it now."

Riggs let out a sharp exhale, his tone laced with irritation. "That was defense. Controlled chaos. This is an assault. If you think it's the same, you're delusional."

Bo, standing at the back, folded his arms. "You're not here to prove anything to us. You're here to follow orders. Remember that, or you won't last long."

The room fell into tense silence. Ember finally broke it, his voice cutting through like a blade. "Two of you stood out during training. Serra and Kieran, step forward."

The green-eyed woman and the broad-shouldered man exchanged brief glances before stepping out of formation. They stood tall, though the weight of Ember's attention made their confidence waver slightly.

"You've shown potential," Ember said, his tone devoid of praise. "But potential means nothing without execution. Serra, you're sharp and calculated, but you hesitate. Kieran, you're quick to adapt, but reckless. Both will get you killed if you don't learn control."

Serra's jaw tightened, but she nodded. "Understood, sir."

Kieran's response was more confident. "Won't be an issue, sir."

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Val stepped closer, his tone dropping lower. "You're both wrong if you think this is about understanding. Out there, you'll make split-second decisions that will decide who lives and who dies. If you falter for even a second, we'll bury you."

Serra's composure faltered slightly at Val's words, but Kieran held his ground, though his hands curled into tight fists.

Fon gestured toward the rest of the Beta team. "The rest of you—your performance during this mission will determine if you're worth keeping in the field. Stay in formation, follow orders, and do not engage without authorization unless your life depends on it."

Riggs stepped forward, his tone sharp and mocking. "Let me make this clear: we don't need you out there. You're not a backup. You're baggage. Prove me wrong, and maybe I won't regret you being here."

Bo glanced at Riggs briefly before addressing the Beta team. "This isn't a game. It's survival. Every choice you make out there matters. Trust each other, or you'll fail."

Dr. Lewis entered the room quietly, his usual clipboard replaced by a tablet displaying the mission map. He cleared his throat, drawing the room's attention. "The mission parameters have been updated. Karnaxis Rift is fortified, with multiple checkpoints along the outer perimeter. Your objectives remain the same: infiltrate, neutralize key threats, and eliminate the production site."

The holoscreen behind him flickered to life, showing an overhead view of the Rift. Multiple zones were highlighted, each with detailed notes on defenses and patrol patterns.

"Team Unknown will lead the assault," Dr. Lewis continued. "Beta team, you'll handle secondary objectives. Support Team Unknown's infiltration, secure supply lines, and neutralize any resistance along the way."

Serra frowned slightly, raising her hand. "What's the fallback plan if we're overwhelmed?"

Dr. Lewis's gaze shifted toward her. "There isn't one."

Her eyes widened slightly, but she quickly masked her reaction.

Ember stepped forward again, his voice sharp. "This is your chance to prove you belong here. Stay out of our way, do your jobs, and maybe you'll survive. Otherwise, you're expendable."

Val's voice cut through the room like a blade. "If you can't follow orders, we'll leave you behind. Understand?"

"Yes, sir," the Beta team responded in unison, their voices steady despite the tension.

Dr. Lewis tapped his tablet, ending the briefing. "You have four hours until deployment. Use the time to prepare. Gear up, review the mission, and get your minds in order. Failure is not an option."

As the Beta team filed out of the room, their movements stiff but purposeful, Team Unknown remained behind.

Fon crossed his arms, his expression unreadable. "They'll crack the moment things get real."

Bo's eyes narrowed. "Maybe. But they'll learn fast, or they'll die."

Riggs leaned against the wall, his tone laced with frustration. "The brass threw them into this too soon. We don't have time to train them on the field."

Val's eyes glinted behind his mask. "We don't need to train them. We just need them to do their jobs."

Ember's tone was cold and final. "If they don't, they won't come back."

Dr. Lewis watched the exchange silently before stepping forward. "They'll hold the line. They don't have a choice."

The room fell into silence as Team Unknown prepared themselves for what lay ahead. Four hours to gear up, plan, and steel themselves for the battle to come.

Outside the staging area, the Beta team huddled together, their faces tense but resolute.

Serra glanced at Kieran. "Think they trust us?"

Kieran smirked faintly. "I wouldn't either, if I were them. But that's not the point. We trust each other. That's enough."

Serra nodded, her green eyes hardening. "Then let's not give them a reason to leave us behind."

The clock ticked down toward deployment, the weight of the mission pressing on every soldier in the room. Beyond Karnaxis Rift, Hades' Wrath waited, their forces ready to defend their stronghold.

For the Beta team, this was their trial by fire. For Team Unknown, it was another impossible mission. And for Clareo, it was a fight they couldn't afford to lose.