The city of Clareo lay quiet under a moonlit sky, its industrial zones cast in a cold, muted glow. Team Unknown materialized within HQ Command's teleportation chamber, their forms coalescing into the dimly lit room. The faint hum of energy dissipated as they stood still, cloaks settling over their forms.

General Luis waited just outside the chamber, arms crossed, his expression serious but measured. The command room beyond him buzzed with quiet efficiency, analysts studying the mission feeds and data from the night's operation.

General Luis's voice cut through the hum, commanding and direct. "Full debrief now."

The team followed General Luis, their movements synchronized, cloaks swaying in unison as they entered the debriefing room. The central holotable lit up with projections of the industrial zones, red markers blinking ominously on the map.

General Luis gestured at the display, his tone sharp. "This is the pattern we've identified so far. Void-tainted activity is increasing across multiple sectors. Tonight's engagement confirms they're staging something larger. These constructs weren't meant to attack—they were bait."

Val studied the display, his tone cold and analytical. "They're testing our response. Calculating our weaknesses."

Fon nodded thoughtfully. "This escalation doesn't make sense unless they're preparing for a major operation. They're either spreading us thin or forcing us into their traps."

Riggs leaned in slightly, his arms crossed. "And we fell for it tonight. They're already a step ahead, aren't they?"

General Luis pointed at a cluster of industrial zones on the map, his voice growing more intense. "Which is why we can't afford to wait for their next move. If we let them dictate the pace, we'll always be reacting. That's not how Team Unknown operates."

Reyes spoke up, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity. "Sir, if this was a test, they'll expect us to counter. How do we avoid walking into another trap?"

Ember's fiery tone followed, sharp and dry. "We don't walk into traps—we set them. But that depends on whether HQ has any actionable intel."

General Luis turned to Exeo. "You've dealt with Hades' Wrath enough to know their tactics. What's your assessment?"

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Exeo leaned forward, his mask catching the faint glow of the holotable. "This isn't their first time probing our defenses. When they bait us like this, it's usually for one of two reasons: to draw us away from a larger operation or to field-test a new weapon. Either way, we can't take the bait without knowing their full hand."

General Luis nodded. "Agreed. That's why we're shifting focus to their supply lines. Constructs like these aren't random—they require Void energy, resources, and time to produce. If we can find their staging grounds, we can dismantle their network before they can strike again."

Bo's voice carried an edge of curiosity. "And how do we trace them without tipping them off that we're onto their supply chain?"

General Luis gestured to the analysts in the adjoining command room. "That's already in motion. The energy fluctuations you encountered tonight align with smaller incidents near Clareo's outer districts over the past few weeks. It's a pattern, one we're close to mapping completely."

Riggs leaned back slightly, his tone skeptical. "So, what's the play? Wait for them to show their hand, or hit the next hotspot and hope it leads somewhere?"

General Luis's voice was firm. "Neither. We intercept. We'll pinpoint their staging grounds and hit them before they're ready. That's where you come in."

Reyes's gaze remained fixed on the holotable, his voice calm but resolute. "If they're relying on constructs, they'll need a consistent source of Void energy. Narrowing that down should give us a location."

General Luis gave a faint nod of approval. "Exactly. Analysts are finalizing potential sites now. You'll have coordinates within 24 hours. Until then, rest and regroup."

Exeo spoke next, his voice carrying quiet authority. "Understood. We'll be ready the moment intel comes through."

General Luis's gaze swept over the team, his tone softening slightly. "You did good tonight. But this is just the beginning. Dismissed."

The team exited the debriefing room, their footsteps echoing softly in the corridor. Bo, Riggs, and Fon fell into step with Reyes, their camaraderie lightening the heavy atmosphere.

Riggs nudged Reyes's shoulder with a grin. "Not bad for your first major op, Reyes. No fainting this time."

Reyes groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Are you ever going to let that go?"

Bo smirked. "Not a chance."

Fon added with a faint smile. "It's tradition."

Exeo, walking beside Val and Ember, glanced back at the trio. "Don't let them get to you, Reyes. Focus on the mission."

Ember's tone was dry but amused. "And try not to let their antics distract you. They're like children in the field sometimes."

The team's faint chuckles followed them as they stepped into the teleportation chamber. Moments later, they vanished from HQ Command, reappearing in the hotel they had been using as a base of operations.

Inside the hotel, Reyes moved to his usual position near the window, his sniper rifle propped beside him. Exeo placed a hand on his shoulder briefly, a silent gesture of reassurance, before moving to join the others.

Val's voice cut through the room, calm and authoritative. "Rest while you can. Tomorrow, we'll have our next lead."

Ember nodded, his gaze briefly meeting Exeo's. "And this time, we take the fight to them."

As the team dispersed, the city outside lay silent, its shadows stretching long under the pale light of the moon.