It wasn't often that Leila found herself sitting in her office, but today, she had to pull out all the stops to ensure her kids didn't get caught up in something bigger than they could handle.

Therefore, she was in her official uniform, sitting at her desk, waiting for the lawyers to come by and explain their options.

The room was somewhat sterile, though a few photos, including a new one featuring her and Team 0, gave it a semblance of personality.

No award graced the walls, as most of her accomplishments were not something she could talk about, much less be rewarded for. Still, no one would dare mistake the place for a common grunt's workplace, what with it being located on the fortieth floor, with one of the best views.

Finally, a knock announced the people she had been expecting. "Come in!" She called out, and the door opened to reveal her new allies, Martin Hayes and Sylvia Chan.

Martin, an older gentleman with a meticulous appearance, was known for his by-the-book approach and his ability to convince even the strictest judge that all procedures had been followed. On the other hand, Sylvia, younger and more dynamic, often provided a fresh perspective on complex issues and had been suggested by her mentor in case she needed a more creative touch.

The two sat down with little preamble, both uncaring of social niceties, which Leila could appreciate.

"We've reviewed the situation thoroughly." Martin began, his tone measured. "Team 0's actions in the dungeon, while extreme, were within the bounds of self-defense and mission parameters. Given the threat posed by the F-rank Awakener and the evidence of a larger poaching operation, their response was justified. No serious judge would convict.”

Sylvia nodded in agreement, her expression serious. "However, the fact remains that they killed an F-rank Awakener. This isn't something that can be brushed under the rug, especially considering the potential involvement of the Emerald Guard's upper brass. We could push the envelope, but it risks blowing up in our faces.”

Leila leaned back in her chair, her fingers steepled before her. "So, what are you suggesting? Public hearings? You know they won't be satisfied with just an internal inquiry."

Martin adjusted his glasses. "Public hearings would be ill-advised. It would bring unnecessary attention to Team 0 and potentially escalate tensions with the Guilds. An internal inquiry might be preferred, but given the circumstances, it's unlikely to yield any results that warrant disciplinary action, making the Emerald Guard extremely frustrated. Still, considering how likely it is that they were involved in setting up the operation, they won't be able to make too much of a fuss."

"Cost of doing business, huh?" Leila scoffed, already beginning to see where things would be headed. The uneasy truce between the AA and the Guilds, especially in the wake of the KLF attacks, relied mostly on everyone doing their best not to shake the status quo too much.

If anyone was found doing something explicitly illegal - like what Team 0 had discovered in the desert dungeon - they would be quickly dealt with, and the responsible Guild would pay some fines to make the problem quietly go away.

"The problem, of course, is Brandon Lawrence's death." The masked woman added gravely.

Martin leaned forward, his expression grave. "Exactly. The death of an F-rank Awakener, particularly in these circumstances, can't be simply ignored. It will require a delicate balance to manage the legal and political fallout. We suggest keeping Team 0 away from any public or legal proceedings. They're young, and under pressure, they might say something that could be twisted against them by any half-decent prosecutor."

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Sylvia interjected, her tone analytical. "In terms of defense, we can argue the necessity of their actions due to the immediate threat posed by Lawrence. Their duty was to investigate and neutralize the poaching operation, according to 18 U.S. Code § 3051 D. Encountering an F-rank Awakener, especially one involved in illegal activities, put them in a dire situation. Their response, though tragic, was within the scope of self-defense and mission completion."

Leila nodded, absorbing their words. "What about the Guild? We can't ignore their involvement."

Sylvia sighed. "Handling the Emerald Guard will be tricky. They'll want to protect their reputation, and they might push for retribution - taking a pound of flesh from us, to show we can't just kill their people without consequences. However, given the evidence of their involvement in the poaching operation, they're in a vulnerable position. We can leverage that."

Martin added "An agreement is likely if we promise not to pursue the investigation into the poaching operation too aggressively. It's not ideal, but it would protect Team 0 from legal action and keep the peace with the Guilds, which we desperately need now, what with the lack of high-tier manpower we have."

Leila's jaw tightened at the suggestion. Letting the Guild get away with their illegal activities rankled her, but she understood the necessity of protecting her team. "I don't like it, but if it keeps Team 0 safe and out of the courts, we might have to accept it. However, I want to make it clear that any attempted retaliation by the Emerald Guard will not be tolerated - without exception. If I get even a whiff of them coming close to my kids, there will be hell to pay."

Martin and Sylvia nodded in agreement, understanding her request. "We'll draft a proposal for the agreement and begin negotiations with their legal department. We'll keep you updated on the progress.” Martin assured her.

Soon after, the two lawyers departed, taking all their papers along. They were already busy discussing how to approach their counterpart, so they could gain the upper hand from the beginning.

Leila sat alone in her office, her mind racing with the discussion’s implications. Protecting Team 0 was her priority, but the thought of letting the Guilds continue their shadowy operations was a bitter pill to swallow.

The problem is that I can't be sure the AA's current weakness was not deliberately planned. We were so close to shifting the balance in our favor, and now we have to fight for every inch again.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. "Enter." She called out, her tone still holding a hint of the frustration she felt.

The door opened, revealing Marcus Bethany, her mentor and one of the few people she trusted implicitly. Marcus was a force to be reckoned with, a massive man with a thick mustache and a presence that seemed to fill the room. Despite his imposing appearance, he was known for his keen, strategic mind and ability to mask his true strength until needed, a trait she had always admired.

"Leila." He greeted, his voice deep and resonant. "I just saw the Hayes and Chan walk out of here. Thought you might need someone to bounce ideas off."

Leila offered a small smile, grateful for his presence. "Marcus, thank you. I could use your insight."

He took a seat across from her, the reinforced chair creaking under his immense bulk, his gaze sharp and assessing. "Tell me everything."

Leila recounted the events, explaining the legal advice she had received and her own concerns about the Guilds and the AA's current state. Marcus listened intently, his expression thoughtful.

"The AA's focus on Kashmir is troubling." Marcus finally spoke, his voice grave. "It's leaving us exposed, and the Guilds are taking advantage of it. We've worked hard to claw back some control, but this situation with Team 0… It makes me think we are losing the ground we earned."

Leila nodded in agreement. "I know. And I'm worried about the bigger picture. This feels like more than just a coincidence. They are trying to test us. See how much they can push, and I don't like it."

Marcus leaned forward, the chair creaking as his eyes narrowed. "We need to tread carefully. The Guilds are like a starved animal right now, dangerous and unpredictable. If we give them the chance to take a bite out of us, they will. We can't allow them to regain the upper hand."

Leila sighed, feeling the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders. "I'm considering taking Team 0 on a training trip away from the state, maybe go see an old friend. Let things cool down a bit. I can't justify putting them even more in the crosshairs, especially if bigger players start moving. It was one thing when it was just minor Guilds, but this… It's too much for them, they are not ready.”

Marcus nodded approvingly. "Good idea. Keep them out of the limelight, let them grow stronger. And it gives us time to investigate further, see what's really going on behind the scenes."

As the conversation drew to a close, Marcus stood up, his towering figure casting a long shadow across the room. "Be careful, Leila. There's more at play here than we know. And remember, I'm always here if you need me."

Once he had left, Leila sat back in her chair, her mind racing with possibilities. Marcus's visit reinforced her concerns but also gave her a renewed sense of purpose. She needed to grow stronger, not just for Team 0 but also for herself. The conspiracy she sensed brewing in the shadows of the AA and the Guilds was a threat she couldn't ignore.

I need to be ready for whatever comes next. She thought, determination steeling her resolve. For Team 0, the AA and the balance of power hanging by a thread.