The air in the Captain’s chamber felt heavy after the meeting. Whisper Wind broke the silence:

—What about that boy, Saico? —she asked, looking at the young man with curiosity.

—He’s not an Elemental yet —Ziggy replied with a firm tone, though his expression did not dismiss the possibility.

—Not yet? —Reckless raised an eyebrow in disbelief—. Ziggy, we don’t have time to train rookies, let alone protect someone weaker than ourselves.

—I agree with Reckless —interjected BJ, crossing his arms—. We’re not in a position to carry unnecessary weight.

Saico clenched his fists, feeling the tension in his chest grow with every word. Finally, he spoke:

—I don’t need you to protect me. I may be weak now, but I’ll find a way to help.

Ziggy watched him in silence, noting the glimmer of determination in his eyes —a look that reminded him of himself five years ago. However, before he could respond, an alarm sounded throughout the base.

—Intruders detected! —the robotic voice of the security systems filled the room.

—It can’t be... —Max murmured as Reckless was already moving toward the exit.

—Ziggy, what’s happening? —Saico asked, trying to remain calm.

—Grunts... and something else —Whisper Wind answered while scanning the holographic panel.

—The LEGATUS can’t get involved —Ziggy ordered quickly, stopping Reckless before he could advance further. His tone brooked no argument—. DESTURIOS and VENATOR, this is your responsibility.

Within seconds, the lower-ranked soldiers were already mobilizing. Among them were Jazz and Flow, both from the DESTURIOS rank, and Punk from the VENATOR rank.

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—What do we do? —Saico asked, feeling himself falling behind.

—Observe —Ziggy answered, placing a hand on his shoulder—. Learn how the Elementals work.

As the DESTURIOS and VENATOR spread out through the underground passages of the base, the first waves of Grunts appeared, advancing with clumsy movements but with palpable destructive force.

—Maintain formation! —Jazz ordered, planting her sword into the ground and creating a wall of earth that blocked the path of several enemies.

Flow, his sword engulfed in flames, charged straight at the Grunts, burning several with a swift spin. Meanwhile, Punk used bursts of water to disorient the enemies and keep them at bay while the others secured the more vulnerable areas.

Saico observed from an elevated vantage point beside Ziggy, marveling at the coordination and strength of the Elementals. However, something caught his attention: a deeper, more guttural growl resonating through the corridors.

—That’s not a Grunt... —Whisper Wind murmured, already back at the holographic panel.

—ALPHA detected —the base’s system confirmed.

—Jazz, Flow, Punk, fall back! —Ziggy ordered over the communicator.

But before they could regroup, an ALPHA beast emerged from the shadows. It was massive, with thick skin and spines along its back that emitted an eerie glow. It roared furiously and charged directly at them.

Jazz took the initiative, raising a wall of earth to halt its advance, but the ALPHA tore through the barrier with ease. Punk and Flow launched a coordinated attack. While Flow burned the creature’s front legs, Punk used water to target its weak spots.

—Don’t lose the rhythm! —Flow shouted, dodging a strike from the beast’s tail.

Meanwhile, Saico watched, gripping the edge of the balcony with his hands. Something within him screamed that he had to do something, but Ziggy stopped him again.

—It’s not your time yet.

The battle continued. The ALPHA was formidable, but the experience and coordination of the DESTURIOS and VENATORS managed to overpower it. Jazz finally delivered the finishing blow, driving her sword deep into the creature’s skull as it tried to rise from the ground.

—Objective neutralized! —Punk announced, his chest heaving from the effort.

The alarm ceased, and a triumphant silence filled the base. Ziggy looked at Saico, who appeared more determined than ever.

—Do you still want to join? —Ziggy asked with a half-smile.

—More than ever —Saico replied without hesitation.

Whisper Wind, observing the scene, gave a slight nod, as if reconsidering her stance on the boy.

—Then prepare yourself, because this was just the beginning —added Ziggy as the Elementals returned to the chamber with victorious expressions.