[Echleon Temporary base]

Mark stepped out of the scanner, his body still tingling from the radiation. He had just undergone a series of medical tests to check his condition.

Lucien stood beside the doctor who had been treating him, walked over to him and smiled. He took Mark's reports from the doctor.

"How are you feeling?" Lucien asked, putting his hand on Mark's shoulder.

"I'm feeling better." Mark replied.

"Good. It seems like the antidote is working." Lucien said, looking at the tablet. He showed Mark the graphs and numbers that indicated his progress.

"Then does it mean my disease will be cured?" Mark wondered, hoping for good news.

"Yes. If you take these medicines on time." Lucien said, handing him a bottle of pills. He ruffled Mark's hair and winked. "Don't forget to eat well and rest too."

"Okay." Mark nodded, clutching the bottle. He fell silent, his mind drifting to his brother who was still in uncertain condition.

Lucien noticed Mark's distant expression and asked, "Are you thinking about your brother?"

"Yes. Will big brother be alright?" Mark asked, looking up at Lucien with worried eyes.

"Don't worry. He will be fine. He's a strong and brave man, just like you." Lucien reassured him. He hugged Mark and whispered. "You should go to your parents now. They're waiting for you outside."

"Okay. Thank you." Mark said, feeling grateful and hopeful. He hugged Lucien back and followed one of the staff members to the exit.

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Lucien watched Mark leave and sighed. He hoped he was telling the truth.

He turned to a young nurse who bit her lip nervously and asked, "Where's the commander?"

"Sir, he is in team leader Ethan's patient room." the nurse answered.

"Okay. Let's go." Lucien said as he moved out of the room.

Meanwhile, in Ethan's patient ward, he was lying on his bed while Gorgon sat beside him and looked at his dull face. He suddenly remembered the face of young Ethan.

"I'm sorry that you have to go through such a condition," Gorgon said softly. "But don't worry, your brother is getting better and your family is safe."

His hands glowed with a golden color as he cast a healing spell over Ethan.

"Just wake up soon." he whispered.

Lucien entered the room quietly, acknowledging the somber atmosphere. He approached Gorgon silently, respectful of the solemn moment. Gorgon acknowledged Lucien's presence with a nod, his attention still on Ethan.

"How is Mark?" Gorgon inquired as he got up from his seat.

"He's responding well to the treatment. The antidote seems to be effective but the results are not as good as we had expected." Lucien reported, his tone carrying a mix of relief and worry. "And he's understandably worried about his brother."

Gorgon sighed, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "We need to focus on Ethan's recovery as well. Any updates on his condition?" he asked.

Lucien shook his head, his expression growing solemn. "The situation with Ethan is still uncertain. We're doing everything we can, but there are aspects of his condition that are beyond our current understanding."

"Okay. What about demon guild?" Gorgon demanded.

"No sir, but it seems like they would launch their attacks tomorrow." Lucien replied.

"Okay. Tell everyone to arrange themselves according to the plan." Gorgon instructed.

"Okay sir." Lucien agreed.

-------

Ethan's team also arrived at the base. They looked around to find someone to guide them. They soon heard a voice.

"You all must be captain Ethan's teammates." A boy with tousled brown hair and a friendly smile said to them.

"Yes. And you?" Leo asked.

"Oh. Me. I'm Hector." Hector stretched his hand towards Leo.

"So you are Hector." Leo quickly recognized him and shook hands.

"Let me guide you." Hector said as he led them.

Hector guided them through the whole base and finally took them to their respective rooms. He showed them the facilities, the equipment, and the security measures. He also introduced them to some of the other members of the organization.

Meanwhile, as night fell, a group of people gathered around the bonfire. The group included Norman, Gorgan, Hans, Butler, Ethan's team, Hector and few other members of each organization. Wanda stayed with Mark after visiting Ethan.

"So they would attack us tomorrow?" Norman broke the silence.

"Yes. It is likely so." Gorgan replied.

"Is everything prepared?" Hans inquired about the progress of the plan.

"Yes. Everything is ready. Each team is at their positions." Gorgan confirmed.

"Good." Hans nodded.

They all discussed further about the plan, but on the other corner, Hector started a different topic.

"Hey Leo, do you know what happened during Captain's childhood?" Hector asked.

"No, I don't. Vice leader, do you know?" Leo turned his head to Emily.

"No, but Dad knows." Emily said.

"Sir, can you tell us?" Leo asked Butler.

"Okay. I will tell you. Listen carefully." Butler said.

Butler started telling them about Ethan’s childhood and the incident that changed him completely.