The sun climbed higher in the Clareo sky, casting a warm glow over the city as the hotel bustled with midday activity. Inside their suite, Team Unknown was gathered in varying states of readiness when Exeo's wrist device emitted a soft beep. The small screen flashed with a message from HQ Command.

Exeo tapped the device, his expression sharpening. "HQ has sent coordinates. We're checking out now."

Riggs groaned, flopping dramatically onto the couch. "Midday checkout? Couldn't they wait until after dessert?"

Bo smirked, tossing a pillow at him. "You've had three breakfasts already. How much more do you need?"

Fon, stretching as he leaned against the wall, added with a yawn, "I think Riggs just doesn't want to leave the endless buffet."

Val, sitting by the window, cut in with his usual calm. "Enough. Get your gear ready. We move in five."

As the team filed out of their suite, the commotion began almost instantly. Whispers spread like wildfire among the hotel guests and staff as the group made their way to the lobby. Their disguises were still active, but the air of intrigue surrounding them was impossible to suppress.

"Is that them?"

"They're leaving already?"

"Why do they look so… important?"

The whispers turned into subtle phone flashes, as a few bold hotel guests attempted to sneak photos of the group.

Riggs glanced over his shoulder and muttered through the Mind Link, Are we celebrities now? Should I wave or just sign autographs?

Bo chuckled aloud, his tone mischievous. Pose for them, Riggs. Give them a show.

Ember sighed, brushing past a gawking couple. "You two are insufferable."

A child holding an oversized ice cream cone stepped directly into Fon's path, staring up at him with wide eyes. "Are you guys from the movies?"

Fon crouched slightly, his tone serious as he answered. "We're just passing travelers."

The child nodded solemnly. "You're too cool to be normal."

Fon straightened, his expression smug as the group suppressed laughter. Riggs clapped him on the back. "Congratulations, kid. You're famous."

Outside the hotel, a small crowd had gathered, drawn by the excitement within. The moment the team stepped out, hushed gasps rippled through the crowd like waves. A few brave souls even attempted to ask questions, only for the group to ignore them entirely as they disappeared into a discreet alleyway.

The moment they were out of sight, Val activated the teleportation sequence, ensuring no eyes were on them.

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In a flash of light, the group vanished, leaving behind only a flurry of speculation and excitement among the hotel's guests.

The team reappeared in HQ Command's teleportation chamber, the familiar hum of energy filling the room as their forms solidified. The stark lighting and cool air of the command center were a sharp contrast to the bustling streets of Clareo.

Bo shivered slightly, glancing around. "Is it just me, or was that crowd even more intense than earlier's breakfast crew?"

Fon nodded, running a hand through his hair. "They didn't even try to be subtle this time. I felt like a zoo exhibit."

Riggs grinned. "At least they didn't start asking for selfies."

The Bellator brothers stood to the side, observing the trio's antics with quiet amusement. Val leaned against the wall, his arms crossed, while Ember and Exeo exchanged knowing glances.

Ember's gaze shifted to Reyes, who had been uncharacteristically silent since their return. "Reyes?" he asked, his voice cutting through the chatter. "You've been quiet. Everything alright?"

All eyes turned to Reyes, who stood stiffly by the chamber door. His face was pale, and his eyes were wide with the telltale signs of panic.

Bo tilted his head. "Uh… Reyes?"

Riggs leaned closer, squinting. "Oh no. Don't tell me—"

Reyes swayed slightly, his grip tightening on his rifle case. His lips parted, as though he was about to say something, but no words came.

In Val's mind, Deleo's voice broke through with a burst of mocking laughter. "He's going to faint. Again. This is priceless."

Val's lips twitched as he suppressed a laugh, shaking his head slightly. "Reyes," he called out, his voice calm but firm. "Breathe."

Too late. With a soft thud, Reyes collapsed backward, his sniper rifle still secured in his grip. The room fell into stunned silence before chaos erupted.

Bo doubled over, laughing so hard he nearly fell over. "I—I can't believe it! Again?"

Fon slapped a hand over his mouth, tears streaming down his face as he struggled to stifle his laughter. Riggs, sprawled against the wall, gasped for air between bouts of hysterics.

Ember crouched beside Reyes's unconscious form, his expression caught between exasperation and amusement. "He's consistent, if nothing else."

Deleo's voice hummed in Val's mind, dripping with sarcasm. "Poor Reyes. Seems the crowd have broken him."

Val exhaled slowly, his tone faintly amused. "He'll be fine."

Exeo, ever the composed leader, pinched the bridge of his nose and muttered, "This is getting ridiculous."

General Luis entered the chamber, pausing briefly as he took in the scene. With a heavy sigh, he gestured toward the team. "Enough. Get him up and pay attention. We have work to do."

Reyes had been revived and now sat at the table with a sheepish expression, avoiding everyone's gaze. General Luis stood at the head of the holotable, his demeanor as serious as ever.

The holoscreen displayed the coordinates and surveillance feeds of an abandoned factory on Clareo's outskirts. Void-tainted energy signatures pulsed faintly on the map.

"This is the confirmed staging ground," General Luis began, his voice cutting through the lingering tension. "We've traced multiple constructs to this location. Your objective is simple: obliterate it. Leave no traces."

Exeo nodded sharply. "Understood."

General Luis's gaze swept over the team. "Expect heavy resistance. This isn't just a factory—it's a forward base. Destroy it, and we cripple their supply chain."

Val's voice was calm and steady. "What about civilians in the area?"

"Evacuated," Luis replied. "You have clearance to use full force."

Ember leaned back slightly, his tone dry. "Good. It's about time we went all out."

General Luis nodded once. "You deploy immediately. Good luck."

The team rose, their masks sliding into place as they prepared to leave.

Val's voice came through the link, calm but commanding. "Teleporting in three..."

With a flash of Void energy, the team vanished from HQ Command, ready to face the storm awaiting them.