Moody's expression hardened. They were finally closing in. He turned to the team, barking out instructions. "Medea, you take four people and deploy Anti-Apparition Jammers the moment you get into position. Make sure no one gets out." His voice was sharp and commanding. "The rest of you, ten, including Alex, stick with me. The targets tonight are smugglers, just like last time. Don't let a single one escape." His grizzled features darkened further as he added, "And, watch your damn spells. We don't want any magical creatures caught in the crossfire."
The Aurors, now fully aware that they were gearing up for a combat mission, seemed more eager than concerned. Most of them had no fear of confrontation, if anything, they were ready for action. Then Alex spoke up. "Wait a minute!"
Hearing Moody's deployment plan, Alex felt as though his entire worldview had been shaken. "So... we're just going to charge in? No recon, no setup, just go?" His voice carried clear disbelief. Did the Ministry of Magic always handle fights this way?
Moody gave him a strange look. "What's the problem?"
The other Aurors turned toward Alex, their expressions a mix of curiosity and amusement. "Hah, looks like the kid's never seen real large-scale combat before," an older Auror chuckled. "Listen, Wilson, this isn't a formal duel. We're here to catch criminals, not trade pleasantries."
A few others smirked, covering their mouths as if suppressing laughter. To them, Alex's reaction must have seemed naïve, typical of someone who hadn't yet adjusted to the brutal efficiency of Ministry raids.
Moody, however, didn't share their amusement. He knew better. Alex was no inexperienced recruit. He had seen what the young wizard was capable of firsthand. Alex Wilson was not the type to flinch at a fight. And now, Moody realized, Alex wasn't afraid, he was calculating. The Aurors might not see it, but Moody did.
Alex ignored their reactions, keeping his attention on Moody. "We don't even have intel on how many of them there are, what terrain they're using, or what kind of backup they have. Rushing in blind is reckless."
"I understand your concern," Moody admitted, still watching him carefully. "But time is of the essence. We don't know how far along they are in their smuggling operation. We have to move."
"I get that," Alex said. "But your approach is still too hasty." Before anyone could interject, he raised a hand and splayed out his fingers. "Before engaging in any battle, we need to determine five key elements: weather, terrain, enemy numbers, firepower, and external interference." He curled his fingers in, raising only his thumb. "First, weather. It's nighttime. Visibility is low. If we rush into enemy lines without preparation, we risk losing track of targets or even mistaking allies for hostiles. That leads to unnecessary casualties."
He raised his index finger. "Second, terrain. We have no idea what kind of environment they're in. Ireland is full of mountains and forests, if they're stationed on high ground, we'll be at a disadvantage. If they're in dense terrain, we risk ambushes. If they're underground, rushing in is suicide."
His middle finger rose. "Third, enemy numbers. Right now, we've only confirmed the presence of one Silver Wands member. That doesn't mean he's alone. After their last loss, they could have reinforced their numbers. What happens if we're outnumbered?"
His ring finger joined the count. "Fourth, firepower. We're assuming we're only facing wizards, but what if they've got alchemical weapons? High-risk magical creatures? Smugglers like them deal with all sorts of things. Last time, you used alchemy against them. You don't think they came prepared this time?"
Finally, his pinky. "Fifth, external variables. What if they have hostages? What if the goods they're smuggling include intelligent magical creatures? If we charge in, they could use them as bargaining chips, or worse, as shields."
Alex let his hand drop, scanning the group. "If you rush in without thinking, you don't just risk your lives, you risk failure. And I don't do failure."
As Alex methodically laid out his tactical analysis, the gathered Aurors, including Moody, were momentarily stunned. It was rare to hear such a structured and detailed breakdown of combat strategy, especially from someone so young. Moody, ever the pragmatist, rubbed his chin before speaking. "Alright, you've made your point, but what do you suggest we do? We can't afford to waste time sneaking around if it means tipping them off."
"Don't worry, I have a plan," Alex replied smoothly. "First, we need to determine the precise location of both our forces and theirs, along with the terrain advantages."
Without further explanation, he reached into his space ring and began pulling out neatly folded sheets of paper. At first, the Aurors exchanged confused glances, until Alex unfolded them. Maps. Not just any maps, but highly detailed topographical charts complete with latitude, longitude, and elevation contours. There were maps of Ireland, parts of the UK, and even more distant regions, clearly indicating how much preparation Alex had put into his work. Alex scanned the northern section of Ireland before tapping a specific point on the map. "We're here. Based on my tracking, the enemy is positioned near Cape Ellis, about three kilometers north. We'll regroup at this high ground, roughly one kilometer from their position."
The Aurors leaned in, studying the map with newfound respect. Moody simply nodded. "Alright," Alex said, rolling up the map and tucking it away. "Once we reach the designated location, I'll conduct reconnaissance and adjust the battle plan accordingly. Move out!"
Without hesitation, he grabbed his broomstick and launched into the air. There was a brief pause among the Aurors, but instinct took over, and they followed suit. It was only after they had been flying for a while that it fully dawned on them, when had Alex become the one giving orders? And, more importantly, why had none of them objected?
Even Moody had followed his lead without question. The realization sent a ripple of unease through the more experienced Aurors. They had spent years fighting on the frontlines, yet here was this young wizard, who had never been part of any official military or law enforcement operation, delivering orders as though he were a seasoned commander. And the worst part? His strategy made sense.
As they flew, the group found themselves subconsciously reviewing and absorbing Alex's earlier tactical breakdown. Some of them had never considered such factors before, things like terrain advantages, visibility limitations, or enemy reinforcement probabilities. His approach wasn't just careful; it was methodical. They weren't sure whether to be impressed or unnerved.
Before long, they neared the target location. Alex took the lead in descending first, landing smoothly on the ground. The others followed, forming a loose circle around him. But instead of immediately launching into another briefing, Alex took a moment to activate a shielding jammer, planting it firmly into the soil. "Even though we're the attackers, prioritizing our own safety is non-negotiable," he said as he adjusted the device. "Especially out here, where there's no backup."