After everything we just went through, you'd think the room would be filled with relief.
It wasn't.
The hotel lights flickered above us, casting soft shadows on the tired, scraped-up faces of Team One. Everyone was quiet—exhausted, sure, but more than that… thoughtful. The kind of silence that only comes after staring death in the face and realizing it'll blink back again someday.
Captain Weiss had already left. Her part in the mission was done, and whatever report she was filing probably had words like catastrophic, suppressed, and Level 3 confirmed.
A soft chime pinged from Nel's watch as she set it down in the corner of the room.
An encrypted holo-message lit the air—Organization seal, clearance code included.
"To Team One. You've exceeded expectations. Your resilience, tactical adaptability, and ability to work with high-tier forces has not gone unnoticed."
"That said… the world is shifting. You encountered enemies you weren't meant to face for another five years. So sharpen your blades. We'll support your growth in any way necessary—but don't waste this time."
"You've earned a month. Use it wisely."
The holo faded.
Nel was the first to speak. "We could actually take a vacation. Rest. You know… do something normal."
I gave her a look. She wasn't wrong—but she already knew the answer before she even said it.
Zach stood up, cracking his neck. "No chance. If what we saw was just a taste of what's coming… we're behind."
Deya nodded, tying her hair back. "I'm heading back to my clan. I've got things to settle. And it's time I stop holding this team back."
Amir smirked, strapping his gear up. "I've been dancing between every weapon in my infinite arsenal. I think it's time I master one—or three."
Nel smiled faintly. "Guess I'll go visit my mother."
Zach crossed his arms. "I think I'm ready to take the next step in my life."
I let out a breath, staring at my own reflection in the black of the turned-off screen. "I'm going home."
We looked at each other.
Different paths. Different clans. Different reasons.
But the same fire.
"November first. York. New City?" Amir said, his usual smile creeping back.
We all laughed—except Zach, who stood there looking slightly confused.
"New York? Why did you say it like that? And it's early May… why would we only have a month off?" Zach asked, completely oblivious.
"What the hell? Even I had time for anime, my brother," I said, chuckling.But all jokes aside, in one month, I expect my team in top condition.
Everyone nodded.
That promise? It carried more weight than any report or commendation.
The world wasn't going to wait for us to catch up.
So we were going to rise—fast.
And next time, we wouldn't just survive.
We'd dominate