The day had come for Corporal Reyes to leave HQ, embarking on two years of grueling training under General Luis. Team Unknown gathered in the shadowed corridor just outside HQ's dormitory, their expressions a mix of pride and reluctant acceptance.

Riggs sighed dramatically, crossing his arms. "Don't go soft on us out there, Eagle. If you don't come back sharper than a blade, I'll personally drag you back to training."

Fon grinned, nudging Reyes with his elbow. "Yeah, you owe us that much after all those missed shots during target practice. Don't worry, we'll hold down the fort."

Bo's usually calm face softened as he gave Reyes a nod of respect. "Keep that sharp eye of yours open and watch yourself out there. You've earned that Aurum pin—wear it proudly."

Val watched the exchange quietly, arms crossed, his expression unreadable behind his mask. When the goodbyes were over, he stepped forward, giving Reyes a small, measured nod.

"Stay focused, and you'll be ready when you return." His voice was firm, but beneath it was a hint of encouragement. "We'll be waiting."

With a final salute, Reyes turned and left down the corridor, leaving Team Unknown to exchange looks as they readied themselves for their next mission. It wasn't long before the quiet thrum of HQ's intercom filled the hallway.

"Team Unknown, report to the briefing room immediately. Dr. Lewis will conduct your mission briefing in General Luis's absence," the message crackled.

The team exchanged quick, silent nods and made their way to the briefing room. Once they entered, they found Dr. Lewis standing by the holotable, a series of blueprints and maps flickering over its surface. The typically clinical doctor had a more focused look in his eyes, and his posture held a seriousness that matched the high stakes of the mission.

"Welcome," Dr. Lewis greeted them, his gaze sharp as he took in each of their masked faces. "As you know, General Luis has requested that I lead your mission briefing, given my history with each of you and the equipment customizations I've developed for this team. Today's mission is a high-priority assignment—a covert military operation involving one of the senior operatives of Black Lotus, a high-ranking elder we've been tracking for weeks."

He motioned toward the holotable, and the display shifted to reveal an isolated compound situated in dense forest terrain, the outline of the facility marked with red zones indicating high-security points.

"This mission will require complete precision and coordination. The target is a Black Lotus elder who operates from within a fortified compound located in the Vossan Highlands. Their operation primarily funds the entire Black Lotus network, and intel suggests that eliminating this individual will destabilize their revenue flow."

Bo leaned in, studying the hologram. "What kind of resistance should we expect?"

Dr. Lewis tapped the map, zooming in on a series of patrol routes and guard outposts scattered around the perimeter.

"Their security measures are substantial. The compound is well-guarded with camouflaged sentries along every access route, reinforced by a small but elite force specializing in counter-ambush tactics. They are seasoned operatives, likely trained to detect high-level covert approaches."

Riggs let out a low whistle. "So, we're dealing with pros. Noted."

Dr. Lewis continued, his tone serious. "Which brings me to the most crucial point: you'll be operating as Clareo's special elite squad. This is not an assassination; it's a sanctioned military operation. The pins mark your authority and should act as a warning to anyone who sees them."

He paused, glancing over at Val. "Umbra, as always, you'll take the high vantage point, overseeing the entire mission. The rest of you will be deployed on foot, each of you assigned specific positions around the compound to maintain a secure perimeter. When the time comes, your positions will be crucial to prevent any escape."

Val nodded, his voice steady. "Understood. What's our primary entry point?"

Dr. Lewis highlighted a narrow pathway leading through the northern section of the compound. "This pathway has the least amount of patrol coverage, but it's steep and difficult to navigate. Terra, you'll take the lead on stabilizing the ground here for safe passage."

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Fon gave a mock salute, grinning beneath his mask. "Got it. Consider the ground stabilized."

Dr. Lewis's eyes flicked to Riggs. "Aura, the compound has two elevated guard posts on the eastern and western flanks. Once you're in position, I'll need you to create a wind diversion to mask the team's approach. We don't want to alert anyone inside."

Riggs smirked, rolling his shoulders. "Wind diversion coming right up."

Dr. Lewis turned to Bo next. "Frost, once you've reached your assigned position, you'll need to form a barricade on the south side. The compound has minimal natural cover there, so a barrier of ice will help prevent anyone from spotting Terra or Aura while they work."

Bo's voice was calm and even. "Understood. I'll keep the south side covered."

Dr. Lewis gave a nod of approval before his gaze settled back on Val.

"Umbra, I'll leave the overall command to you. The goal is to keep everyone concealed until we can identify the elder and confirm his location inside. The less noise, the better. HQ will monitor all feeds, and I'll be watching for any fluctuations in your equipment—especially yours, Val. As you know, normal equipment can't withstand the Void's energy, so I've customized yours accordingly."

Val's hand brushed over the customized equipment Dr. Lewis had prepared—gear that could handle the power of the Void without succumbing to its chaotic energy. "Noted, Dr. Lewis. We'll keep comms clear unless necessary."

Dr. Lewis gave a small, approving smile, his expression proud yet serious. "Then you're all set. Once on the ground, keep in formation and follow Umbra's commands. Remember—this is a special military operation, and every move counts."

Bo, Riggs, and Fon exchanged glances, each of them adopting a more focused expression as they prepared mentally for the mission. Val observed them with a quiet sense of confidence; they had been through countless missions together, and he trusted them implicitly.

As Dr. Lewis deactivated the holotable, he stepped back, nodding in approval. "Good luck, Team Unknown. We'll be monitoring from HQ."

With a final nod, the team left the briefing room, their cloaks rustling softly as they moved with purpose down the corridor. The energy among them shifted, a focused intensity replacing their usual banter. Each member was lost in their own thoughts, preparing mentally for what lay ahead.

They reached the deployment zone, standing in formation as they activated their masks. The cloaks billowed slightly around them, and each one adjusted their pinned rank insignias—a gold pin for Bo, Riggs, and Fon, and an obsidian black pin for Val. The chain linked each pin securely to their cloak's shoulder, a symbol of their rank and authority within Clareo's elite forces.

Val spoke through the Mind Link, his tone calm but carrying a firm edge.

Get ready for deployment. We're moving as a unit. Stick to the mission briefing, and remember: no mistakes.

The shadows stretched around them as Val's voice came through the Mind Link, calm and measured.

Move into positions and keep it silent. This elder won't be making it easy.

In smooth, fluid motions, the team dispersed into the darkness, each taking their respective approach to cover the compound. Bo slipped southward, Riggs headed east, and Fon took a position along the northern ridge, the slight tension of excitement in his steps.

Moments later, one by one, each voice came through the link, steady and focused.

Bo's voice was calm. South position secured.

Riggs chimed in next, his tone carrying a hint of anticipation. East side locked in.

Terra here, all set on the north, Fon added, his voice both steady and eager.

From his vantage point, Val surveyed their positions, nodding in silent approval.

There was a faint hum as the teleportation activated, and in an instant, the dark interior of HQ vanished, replaced by the cool, dense night air of the Vossan Highlands.

They crouched in a dense patch of underbrush, the compound looming in the distance, faint lights marking the perimeter.

Val glanced around, his HUD scanning the area as he assessed their surroundings. All positions—move out.

Fon moved swiftly, silently, securing the northern path with his abilities as he stabilized the ground for the team's approach. Riggs, already positioned at the eastern side, created a controlled gust of wind, sending leaves and dust swirling into the air, effectively masking their movements.

Bo advanced to the southern section, ice forming around him in low barricades as he established a secure perimeter, his eyes focused, hands steady.

Val took his position on the ridge overlooking the compound, his gaze sweeping across the facility with a calculated calm. The vantage point provided a clear view of his team's movements, each of them blending seamlessly into the dark, their figures barely visible even with the faint glint of their pins.

Dr. Lewis's voice came softly through the link. HQ confirms all team members are in position. Good luck, Team Unknown.

Val's voice was steady as he responded, his focus unwavering. Roger that, HQ. We'll maintain radio silence from here.

For a moment, a heavy silence settled over the team as they awaited Val's next command. The compound was still, only the occasional sweep of a flashlight or the faint rustle of leaves breaking the quiet. But beneath the surface, tension simmered—a tension each member could feel, a shared anticipation for the mission to unfold.

Val's gaze sharpened, his voice a low murmur over the link.

All units, hold positions and wait for my signal. Keep an eye out for any movement, especially on the perimeter. This elder isn't taking any chances, and neither are we.

Fon's response was a barely audible acknowledgment, followed by the quiet hum of readiness from Bo and Riggs.

HQ remained vigilant, Dr. Lewis monitoring every movement, every flicker of the feeds as he watched the operation unfold from afar.

In the stillness, Team Unknown remained poised, shadows within shadows, waiting to strike at the precise moment Val commanded.