The briefing room was cast in the pale morning light, filtering through the high windows of HQ. The fresh daylight softened the somber setting but couldn't erase the tension that lingered from recent battles.

Val, Bo, Riggs, and Fon entered the room, now in clean attire, though the memory of the previous mission still etched a subtle weariness in their eyes. The new day brought with it a renewed purpose, the weight of unfinished business driving them forward.

General Luis and Dr. Lewis were already waiting, reviewing a set of files marked with the highest classification. As the team settled in, Dr. Lewis glanced up, his expression grave yet focused.

"Glad to see you've all had some rest," he began, offering a brief nod of acknowledgment. "Your last mission was a success, but today, we have a new directive—a high-stakes assassination request."

He tapped a button, and the screen behind him lit up with an image of a man in his early fifties, his sharp features marred by a scar that ran down his cheek. His eyes were cold and calculating. Andreas Revner. Role: Chief Strategist for Black Lotus.

The room stilled, the team's attention narrowing on the image.

"This man," Dr. Lewis continued, "has been a critical player for Black Lotus. Revner is responsible for coordinating several high-profile attacks and inciting political turmoil within allied territories. His elimination will cripple their strategic capabilities."

"Revner's activities have been a thorn in our side for years," General Luis added, his voice edged with a rare frustration. "He's manipulated governments, supplied arms to rogue factions, and fostered alliances that threaten our interests. His death won't just destabilize Black Lotus; it'll send a message."

Val's gaze was steady beneath his mask, his expression hidden but his focus unyielding. "Location?"

The screen shifted, displaying a heavily fortified estate nestled in the Aegis Mountains. It was remote and isolated, surrounded by natural defenses that made it an ideal hiding spot.

"He's holed up in the Aegis Mountains, using the terrain as a shield," Dr. Lewis said, pointing to various markers indicating high points and potential chokeholds. "The estate is practically a fortress, heavily guarded by Black Lotus's elite mercenaries and some high-level ability users."

Bo let out a low whistle, crossing his arms as he stared at the map. "They're expecting trouble."

Riggs smirked, nudging Bo's shoulder. "What, already nervous?"

Bo shot him a look, his voice dry. "Not at all. Just wondering how many of them we're gonna have to 'send a message' to before we even reach the front door."

Fon grinned, tapping the image on the screen. "Maybe we just knock on the front gate and ask them nicely. I'm sure that'll work."

"Only if you're the one who does the asking, Terra," Val replied, a slight smirk hidden beneath his mask. The rest of the team let out a soft chuckle, the humor lightening the tension.

Dr. Lewis cleared his throat, bringing their attention back to the briefing. "Infiltration won't be as simple as knocking on doors or even 'sending messages.' Our intel suggests they're using Revner as bait to lure out high-value operatives."

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Fon scowled, his jaw clenching. "So they want us to come after him."

"Precisely," General Luis said. "Black Lotus is banking on an ambush, expecting whoever comes to be blindsided. That's why this mission is assigned to you—Team Unknown is better equipped than anyone else to handle a situation like this."

Dr. Lewis clicked to a tactical map with different potential routes. "Your objective is to infiltrate, eliminate Revner, and minimize evidence of our involvement. This has to look like a ghost strike—no trail, no witnesses."

Val's voice broke the silence, calm yet authoritative. "Details on his guards?"

"Expect highly trained mercenaries with abilities that match military-grade operatives," Dr. Lewis replied. "They've bolstered security with a mix of physical barriers, patrols, and monitoring systems. And," he paused, "they're rumored to have developed energy shields resistant to elemental attacks."

Riggs raised an eyebrow. "So they have anti-elemental tech now? What's next, a built-in 'Team Unknown' repellant?"

Bo let out a snort, crossing his arms with a hint of amusement. "Good thing we're not a one-trick team."

"Right," Riggs said, grinning. "We're more like a multi-trick team."

"Focus," Val interrupted, his tone half-serious, half-amused. "We'll keep the tricks for later."

Dr. Lewis adjusted the image on the screen to a top-down view of the estate. "Their security is layered, but if you enter through the eastern ridge, you'll have cover. It's a high-risk infiltration, but with speed and precision, you can reach Revner's quarters before reinforcements arrive."

Val's brow furrowed as he took in the security layout. "And what about Revner himself? Any intel on his abilities?"

Dr. Lewis and General Luis exchanged a quick glance before Dr. Lewis responded, his tone cautious. "Revner's known to keep his ability under wraps, even among Black Lotus operatives. However, we've gathered some intel suggesting he might possess an energy-based power—most likely capable of fortifying himself and his surroundings. He's been careful to avoid detection, but there have been a few instances where structures around him showed signs of unusual reinforcement."

"So he's hiding something," Fon muttered, folding his arms. "Great. A fortified building, fortified guards, and a fortified guy."

General Luis leaned forward, eyes narrowing on the team. "Whatever his abilities may be, do not underestimate him. He's a strategist, and his ability may be tied to perception or defense—anything that enhances his tactical advantage. Consider every move you make under a magnifying glass."

Val nodded, his gaze never wavering. "Then we'll proceed with caution. If he's expecting a standard approach, we'll give him anything but that."

Bo glanced at the image, a wry smile creeping onto his face. "Can we consider breaking his 'reinforced' door down with brute force?"

Riggs smirked. "As long as I get to throw in a bit of turbulence, I'm all in."

"Get in, take him out, and leave nothing behind," General Luis said, his voice filled with a grim resolve.

Dr. Lewis then clicked to the final slide, detailing their timeline. "You're set to deploy tonight. We'll have a stealth craft ready to drop you along the eastern ridge. Timing is crucial. Revner's location makes it difficult for regular reconnaissance, so the element of surprise is on your side."

"Nightfall?" Fon muttered, cracking his knuckles. "Perfect. I'm better in the dark anyway."

Bo rolled his eyes, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You'd better be."

Dr. Lewis cleared his throat, pulling them back to focus. "Once deployed, you'll have approximately three hours to get in and out. The longer you're there, the greater the chance of an ambush."

General Luis gave a final nod. "Val, command your team as you see fit. HQ will monitor the mission, but you'll have complete autonomy once you're on the ground. The fewer eyes that see you, the better."

Val's gaze shifted to his team, a steely determination in his voice. "Black Lotus made the mistake of baiting us. Now, they're about to find out what it means to be on the other end."

With a silent understanding, the team left the briefing room, each of them ready for the fight ahead.

The morning sun cast a dim light over the base as they prepared for what could be one of their deadliest missions yet.

As Val moved through the HQ's stone corridors, a familiar unease tugged at his senses. It was faint, like a whisper at the edge of his consciousness—a reminder that not all threats lay in the shadows of Black Lotus. Shaking off the feeling, he continued to the armory, unaware that the haunting presence was only beginning.