Ash sighed with relief when Relay regained consciousness. He initially resisted the idea of moving her, but the captain seemed somehow certain that Relay would be fine and their timeline was too important to delay.

The captain accepted the new coordinates without comment, and the helicopters were headed there now.

Nomad’s team travelled in the other chopper, and Shamrock glanced around at his team, whom he never had the chance to meet. The last thing he felt like doing was sharing details of his life with what were effectively strangers, but he already felt responsible for them, and they would soon be fighting for their lives.

Shamrock knew the quickest method to build trust was revealing private or embarrassing events—showing some vulnerability.

Now that Relay had regained consciousness and Patch had given Shamrock the thumbs up that she was okay, he didn't have any excuses.

Shamrock selected the nine other members of his team and then decided to add the captain as well.

Hi, everyone. I’m Shamrock. I help run a small avocado farm—and I hate guacamole. This is my first time overseas. They call me Shamrock because I only have four toes, and I'm here to repay a debt.

No one spoke for ten seconds, and Shamrock’s hope of manufacturing some team bonding faded. They probably thought he had four toes now, too.

Nice to meet you, Shamrock. I'm Relay. Thank you for shocking Nomad. I'll treasure that squeal for the rest of my life.

And like a bomb going off, everyone began to discuss the glorious comeuppance of Nomad and his torture contraption.

Ash still hadn’t become comfortable with hearing other people’s voices inside his head, and some were much louder than others. With a thought, though, all the voices became the same volume, and he found he could mute and unmute people at will.

Despite everyone speaking, it didn't feel much different than standing in a room at a party and listening to all the conversations. Through it all, he learned about the rest of his team.

When the captain had discussed Ash’s team on the C-130, she’d mentioned MacGyver had strong religious beliefs being raised Amish. He had a degree in geology, was clean shaven with long hair, and after some hesitation, revealed he’d volunteered for religious reasons.

Shamrock’s linguist was a gorgeous woman codenamed Syntax. She seemed shocked he hadn’t seen any of her streams. He revealed a little of his home life and complete lack of social media, which sent most everyone into a conversation on how horrible and sheltered an upbringing he had. MacGyver understood, though, having been raised in a similar situation.

Shamrock revealed he could imitate a macaw, which sent Syntax on a long explanation of bird linguistics, and he was ninety percent sure everyone had muted her after the first fifteen seconds. He concluded she was here for fame.

The only stealthy ranged damage on Shamrock’s team came from Longshot. True to her journalistic background, she asked constant questions that Shamrock answered as best he could.

Syntax spoke to Longshot in Japanese, which he assumed was Longshot’s heritage. Like Syntax, Longshot’s motivations were clear. She was here as a journalist.

Patch sat next to Shamrock, and from the man's movements, Shamrock could tell he had unarmed training. Shamrock asked him privately, and Patch admitted he’d been conscripted into the Syrian military when only fourteen. Patch didn't give any indication of why he’d come and seemed uncomfortable talking about his recent past.

Everest didn't talk much either and spent a lot of time openly observing Ash. She took after her mother because she didn't look much like her father, Grizzly. She had a few small braids that framed her face, while the rest of her hair was in a tight bun. The braids each contained beads and added a primal appearance to the athletic beauty.

When Everest caught Ash’s gaze, she asked a question on the general channel, and everyone quieted to hear the answer. Dad said you beat up everyone. Even Fletcher. Is that true?

Ash knew false modesty had its place, and he usually tried to remain humble. That had become much easier after his recent experience with Grandmaster Echo, but going into danger where these people would need to trust him required a different type of answer. I did, Ash responded. After throwing your dad across the room. I’m being honest when I say no one in that room posed any danger to me. Even if they’d all attacked, I would’ve been fine.

The fourteen-year-old Wiki performed two karate chops, his accompanying sound effects thankfully normalized by the chat channel. Are you some type of Chuck Norris?

It surprised Ash that someone so young would use a Chuck Norris reference, but then he remembered Wiki was a historical occult and information prodigy.

Yeah, something like that.

I know some Krav Maga, Tripwire said, sizing Ash up. I don’t want to call you a liar, but for someone who claims to be so tough, you sure have a lot of bruises.

Tripwire tapped his foot rapidly and had a cigar that he constantly twirled between the fingers of his right hand.

Ash nodded at Tripwire, acknowledging the truth of his statement. No matter how good you are at something, there’s always someone better. Ash held out his arm, although the bruises remained invisible inside the poorly lit interior of the helicopter. Far from displaying weakness, these bruises are a testament to my desire for improvement. He nodded at Patch. Our medic will confirm sometimes a bone will mend poorly, and the only fix is breaking it and letting it regrow properly.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

Ash realized Checkmate hadn’t spoken at all. The logic and puzzle genius sat quietly in the dimly lit helicopter, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the cockpit's instruments. Lines of concentration creased his dark skin as he stared intently at the blinking lights. He ignored the steady hum of conversations and kept his unwavering focus forward, his expression calm and unreadable.

Glancing over at Relay, Ash found her once again staring at his right hand. He looked down, wondering what she found so interesting. He considered asking, but the helicopter dropped suddenly in elevation, and he could now see the marker Bruja had placed on his map.

The three helicopter crewmen had ignored everyone, sitting in their fold-down seats like statues. In a blink, this changed as all three sprang into action. Their movements demonstrated a speed and precision only time and practice could produce.

The gunners on each side opened their doors, and the cold desert air swirled around everyone. This turned into a gale as the crew chief lowered the rear ramp.

The moon illuminated the surroundings, and Ash was surprised at how low and fast they flew. The ground didn't seem that far away, and the interior of the helicopter hummed with the sound of the rotors slicing through the night air. The cabin now glowed only with faint red light.

The pilot’s voice crackled over everyone’s headphones, calm and almost bored.

"Echo Team, this is Black Hawk actual. We are Oscar Mike to the LZ. Prep for hot insert. Expect possible tangos on approach. Maintain three-sixty security on dust-off. Be advised, we are wheels up when boots are clear. Confirm readiness, over."

The captain responded, "Black Hawk actual, Echo Team copies all. One mike to LZ. Ready for hot insert. Eyes sharp, weapons hot. Echo Team standing by for dust-off. Over."

Then the captain used chat to give everyone specific directions. We’re a minute out. Brace yourself for a hard landing, as the pilots are assuming a hostile landing zone. When the chief near the back ramp waves, quickly exit the chopper. Move ten feet away, kneel, and tuck your head down using your arms to protect your head from the blowing sand. The chopper will take off as soon as you are all off. Nomad’s team is landing first and will provide cover for both choppers if needed.

The reality of their situation hit Ash as, in less than a minute, they’d enter one of the deadliest places on the planet. He felt a rush of anxiety and fear, and he used Solar Plexus energy to wipe both emotions away, replacing them with confidence.

Ash could see the worry on nearly everyone’s face, and they didn't have the benefit of a Solar Plexus chakra.

Ash selected his entire team and spoke. Nomad demonstrated I’m lucky but didn't tell you why. I can sense danger, which allows me to avoid it. Trust me when I tell you we are in no immediate danger.

The sound of the rotors intensified, echoing off the nearby ground.

"Ten seconds," the pilot calmly stated.

Cool night air mixed with the scent of fuel and hot metal. Ash felt a hard thump, and then the crew chief waved them down the ramp. Ash grabbed his pack and rushed down, leading the way.

Nomad’s chopper hovered thirty feet above, the door gunners providing additional coverage. As the last of team Shamrock disembarked, their Black Hawk ascended, banking sharply away from the drop zone. Nomad’s chopper followed, and in moments, both had disappeared.

Ash remained kneeling and glanced around his team. Everyone wore flak jackets except for him. They all had a pistol on their hip as well—Tripwire had two, along with an assault rifle over his shoulder. Longshot had her bow and a quiver of arrows on her back.

Nomad’s team were all completely outfitted with night vision goggles and far more weapons. They knelt in a wide circle where the two choppers had landed and scanned the area, weapons at the ready.

Captain Riegel had remained with the chopper, but Ash guessed she’d rather be here.

The portrait of the captain, Crash, glowed, pinging Ash directly. Comm check.

Magic mind-speak is an affirmative, Ash replied.

Good, Crash said, unable to hide her relief. I’ll ping you periodically. Hopefully, our connection remains when I’m back at command.

Nomad spoke to Ash over the private chat. Showtime, Shamrock.

Blast sprinted toward Ash and knelt near him, scanning the area. He looked spooky and intimidating in all his gear.

Ash stood and jogged toward the mark on his map, and Blast shadowed him, providing support and cover if needed.

The portraits on Ash’s display glitched and reappeared, each now a different color. In addition, a new symbol hovered in front of each person’s name.

These color-coded symbols appeared on his map, making it easy to see everyone’s position.

Half-crumbled walls and mounds of cut stone littered the area. A minute later, Ash stood in front of an old metal gate that blocked the way into a tunnel. A large warning sign in five languages cautioned of severe penalties for anyone who trespassed.

Blast leaned his weapon against the rock wall and sloughed off his pack in a practiced move. Strapped to the outside were various tools. He removed the bolt cutters, which made short work of the lock. A moment later, Ash stared through the open gate and into the dark tunnel.

In seconds, Blast had replaced the bolt cutters and shrugged back into his pack. He knelt and aimed his weapon into the darkness, waiting.

Ash knelt and placed his hands on the sand-covered tunnel floor. He closed his eyes and listened to his chakras. His Root warned of danger, but it felt distant.

Nomad didn't rush Ash, and after ten seconds, Ash stood.

Ash concentrated on Nomad. I’m heading in. Give me twenty seconds before following.

Affirmative. Light?

I’m good, thanks.

Ash hadn’t had a chance to practice with his newly Awakened Third Eye, so when he concentrated on it to enhance his vision, the result stunned him.

The darkness of the tunnel disappeared. Everything remained in blacks and greys, but even distant details remained clear. The rough stone walls and ceiling were fifteen feet high.

Ash stood and moved at a brisk walk, keeping a firm hold of his Root chakra to sense even the slightest danger.

Ash’s map showed the rest of the group entering the tunnel, and Ash continued.

The tunnel angled slightly downward, but no other openings appeared. A minute later, the walls transitioned suddenly from rough to smooth. His Root and Third Eye remained still.

As soon as Ash stepped on the dusty tiles of the new floor, he felt something change. A surge of energy rushed from the floor into his body. He froze, wondering if his chakras had failed him, but he’d taken no damage.

A heartbeat later, text appeared in Ash’s vision, and from the sudden explosion of conversations in chat, he knew everyone else had gotten the same message.

Radiant Detected…

Femite Templates Found…

Integrating…

Integrating…

Integrating…

Activating Class System…

Complete.

Then Ash’s display glitched again.

“Very interesting,” Bruja said from beside Ash.

Ash yelled in surprise at the sudden appearance of the blonde, pigtailed seven-year-old girl.