Silent Reckoning

The helicopter blades whirred as Team Unknown approached HQ. As they stepped off the aircraft, a few officers and soldiers along the path halted, exchanging glances that held a mix of respect, curiosity, and a touch of apprehension.

The reputation of the ARM user had undoubtedly spread, and each passing face bore traces of intrigue.

Fon, catching onto the stares, tilted his head with an amused smirk. "Enjoying the view?" he muttered under his breath, feigning a grandiose bow. Bo gave him a nudge, chuckling softly.

"Let's not get too carried away, Terra," Riggs said with mock seriousness.

Val, ever composed, simply continued forward, his steps calculated, exuding an aura of calm intensity that silenced any whispers around them. Only his team could tell he was, on some level, amused by their banter.

As they entered the building, Val gestured toward the underground quarters for his team. "Rest up. Debrief will happen soon enough."

With nods of acknowledgment, the team dispersed into the corridors leading to their designated quarters, already exchanging muttered comments about much-needed downtime.

Val, however, took a different path, moving through the halls to General Luis's office, where Dr. Lewis was already waiting. A subtle but weighted silence filled the room as he entered, the gravity of the mission and the matters it uncovered palpable. General Luis gestured for Val to sit, his gaze steady, expectant.

Val remained standing, offering a respectful nod before beginning his report. "Mission success. Revner has been eliminated, along with the confirmed traitor—Commander Renalds of Sarenos." His tone was calm, controlled, each word spoken with purpose.

The General leaned forward, clasping his hands over his desk. "Good work, Umbra. Another one of Black Lotus's networks crippled." He paused, his gaze sharpening. "But this traitor… you identified him accurately. I'd like to know more about how you came to that conclusion."

Val's gaze shifted momentarily, weighing his response. "Renalds's behavior at the HQ briefing left a few… irregular impressions," he said, choosing his words carefully. "I noticed some minor details—a lack of military decorum, a few nervous glances that, at the time, seemed innocuous. Combined with recent intel and certain… instincts from the field, it all pointed to a suspicion that he wasn't loyal."

Dr. Lewis's brows raised slightly, intrigued by the careful phrasing. "Instincts… and just how reliable have those instincts become?" His tone was probing, but his expression held a mixture of admiration and curiosity.

Val pulled out something and leaned forward, placing a small device—the size of a fingertip—on the general's desk.

Val kept his reply vague, his tone even. "I believe instincts and experience can be valuable, Doctor. This was simply one of those moments where everything aligned."

General Luis looked down at the device in front of him, then exchanged a knowing glance with Dr. Lewis before addressing Val again. "Renalds's betrayal extends beyond his alliance with Black Lotus; he knew things about Clareo's movements, things that could endanger more than just military operations. It's fortunate you acted as swiftly as you did."

Val gave a measured nod. "I understand the gravity of his role and his access. Rest assured, we left no evidence behind."

Dr. Lewis glanced down at his notes, his face set in a contemplative expression. "Your team functioned seamlessly, and your coordination in the field was exemplary, Umbra. I believe we're seeing something that goes beyond ordinary operational success."

General Luis nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We can expect that news of the ARM user's actions will spread, and Black Lotus may already be aware of Renalds's elimination. For now, I want you and your team prepared for what comes next—there will be no shortage of eyes on you."

A brief silence hung over the room as Val's gaze met the General's, both aware of the unspoken weight behind his words.

Before General Luis could end the meeting, Val's voice cut through. "If I may, General… that device includes a list of other men who have sided with Black Lotus. We retrieved it from Renald's possession."

The General's frown deepened as he looked down at the small device. "What do you mean?"

"According to the data, it's not just traitors from Clareo's allied nations. Some of Clareo's own higher-ups are listed as well."

An immediate change swept over General Luis's face. Fury rose in his expression, and his Fire ability flared around his hands, casting a faint, orange glow that lit up the room with an ominous heat. Dr. Lewis instinctively shifted back, but Val remained unfazed, meeting the General's gaze steadily.

"What do you want to do with these people on the list?" Val asked, his voice cold, carrying a hint of challenge.

General Luis's jaw clenched as he held the device out for Dr. Lewis to inspect. "Scan this. Open the list. I want to know exactly who we're dealing with."

Dr. Lewis activated the device, his face growing paler as he scanned through the names. When he finally looked up, there was no mistaking the shock and anger in his eyes. "General… these are high-ranking officials. If word of this gets out…" He left the rest unspoken, but the implication was clear: Clareo would face turmoil from within.

General Luis stared at the list, his expression a mixture of rage and determination. "Then we won't let this sit a moment longer." His gaze shifted to Val, his voice hard and resolute. "This corruption has to be uprooted from where it began."

Val nodded, his eyes cold and resolute. "How would you like to proceed?"

The General's eyes hardened as he handed the device back to Dr. Lewis. "I'm calling an emergency meeting with Clareo's highest officials. But it won't be a standard briefing." A dark glint appeared in his eyes. "We'll mix the traitors among those who are still loyal. This way, none of them will suspect a thing. We'll address the threat where it started, on our terms."

Dr. Lewis nodded, understanding the gravity of the plan. "This will need to be carefully orchestrated. Timing is critical. But if successful, it could prevent a full-scale collapse of trust within Clareo's command structure."

General Luis's gaze shifted back to Val, his expression calculating. "Umbra, call your team to the conference hall. In thirty minutes, we'll lay out exactly how we're going to make this work."

Val gave a single, measured nod, and with a final, respectful bow, he turned to leave. As he moved down the hall toward the underground quarters, his mind was sharp with anticipation. This was no ordinary mission—this was an eradication of corruption from the heart of Clareo.

And tonight, he and his team would be the shadows that would ensure Clareo's security, wiping out those who dared to betray it.