he alarm tone buzzed low, but Kael was already awake.
He sat on the edge of his bunk in the dim quarters of Base Omega, elbows on knees, staring at the dragon-shaped birthmark on his forearm. Another morning. Another echo of the past tugging at his spine.
A voice rang out over the intercom.
"Team B. War Room Delta. Five minutes."
War Room Delta
A cold metallic room hummed with quiet tension. The circular holotable glowed in the center, projecting shifting topography and convoy routes. Team B had already assembled.
Luna leaned on her spear, arms crossed. James was spinning one revolver on a gloved finger, looking more amused than concerned. The Resonance Twins stood silently, syncing their breathing. Jonathan handed out coffee, his usual calm, while Kael nodded in appreciation.
The doors hissed open, and Edith stepped in.
Black coat. Karambit at her side. Eyes sharp enough to cut steel.
She tapped a button. A 3D image of a mountain pass flickered to life—tight roads, cliffs, three armored trucks.
"Mission Codename: Ash Thread," she said. "Objective: intercept and capture."
The image zoomed in on the lead vehicle, revealing a wiry man with pale skin and sunken eyes.
"Target is Dr. Revik Kaas. Former government Arcana engineer. Went rogue two years ago. He's trafficking experimental Arcana cores and black-market weapon modules—tech capable of destabilizing entire regions."
Edith's gaze swept over the team.
"Your job is to stop the convoy and bring Kaas in alive. If he resists, subdue. If the tech's unstable—contain."
She flicked her hand. The display separated into three zones.
Assignments
Kael and Luna – "You hit the middle truck. Luna will disable it. Kael, breach and secure the interior. Kaas likes building Arcana-enhanced bodyguards—expect resistance."
James – "Rear truck. Flatten the tires. Take out guards, but keep them breathing unless they give you no choice."
James twirled a bullet between his fingers. "Understood."
Resonance Twins – "Lead truck. Kaas is in there. If he tries to bail, you intercept. No heroics—just stop him."
The boy nodded. The girl cracked her knuckles.
Edith – "I'll run overwatch. Sniper nest on the ridge. Comms open. If anything feels wrong, speak up."
The Warning
Edith's expression darkened.
"One more thing. Kaas doesn't go off-grid without a backup plan. He's smart, unstable, and scared. Scared people do reckless things."
She pointed at Kael.
"You've seen reckless. You know what it can cost."
Kael's jaw tightened. He nodded once.
"Don't let it cost us again."
Gearing Up
As they filed out, the atmosphere turned heavier.
Luna bumped Kael's shoulder. "We've got your back."
James holstered both guns. "Hope Kaas puts up a fight. I need a workout."
The Resonance Twins simply vanished into the corridor, steps in sync.
As Kael reached the armory, he caught his reflection in the mirror above his locker. Eyes burned like embers. Fire Arcana simmered just beneath his skin.
He strapped on his gear. Pulled on his gloves. Focused.
Tonight, Team B would meet the battlefield.
And Kael Aerwyn would see if he was still fire—or only ashes.