Ayato, Julis, Saya, Kirin, and Claudia sat in the Seidoukan Academy conference room, poring over intelligence reports about the Phoenix Brigade. The group had been meeting regularly to discuss their next steps in dealing with the emerging threat.

According to the reports, the Phoenix Brigade was gaining strength rapidly, and their members were becoming more aggressive in their actions. They had already attacked several smaller schools and were rumored to be planning a major assault on Seidoukan Academy.

"We can't sit back and wait for them to strike," Ayato said, his voice tense. "We need to take the fight to them."

"But we have to be careful," Julis cautioned. "We don't know what kind of forces they have at their disposal."

Claudia nodded. "I agree. We need to gather as much information as possible before we make any moves."

Saya spoke up. "I've been doing some research on my own, and I've found a lead. There's a black market dealer in the city who has been rumored to have ties to the Phoenix Brigade. I think we should pay him a visit and see what we can find out."

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The group agreed, and they set out to locate the black market dealer. After some investigation, they managed to track him down to a seedy bar on the outskirts of the city.

As they approached the dealer, he looked up at them with a sly grin. "What can I do for you fine folks?" he asked, his eyes flickering over them.

"We're looking for information about the Phoenix Brigade," Ayato said, getting straight to the point.

The dealer's grin widened. "Ah, the Phoenix Brigade. They're making quite a name for themselves, aren't they? What kind of information are you looking for?"

"We want to know who their leader is and where their base of operations is," Julis said, her eyes narrowed.

The dealer chuckled. "I can give you that information, for a price."

The group was about to negotiate with the dealer when suddenly, the bar's door burst open, and several armed men rushed in. "It's the Phoenix Brigade!" Saya shouted, pulling out her weapon.

A fierce battle ensued, with Ayato, Julis, Saya, Kirin, and Claudia fighting off the attackers. In the chaos, the dealer managed to slip away, leaving the group with no new information.

As they regrouped outside the bar, Ayato spoke up. "We have to be more careful. They're getting bolder every day, and they won't hesitate to attack us again."

Julis nodded. "We need to keep gathering intelligence and prepare for their next move."

The group left the scene, knowing that the storm was coming and that they needed to be ready to face it.