Explosion

When Lyra returned to Unit T9, she found that things had already moved forward with the Macraite incident fallout.

Ryan had officially been promoted, gaining a rank boost to Commander.

Lyra's achievements, meanwhile, were documented carefully in Hazel's records, set aside for year-end commendations—but her position stayed the same.

As for the mysterious death of Wolf, the soldiers had come to a silent agreement with the story Ryan submitted: Wolf had faced the creature alone in a final, heroic stand, and though Lyra tried to save him, she could only avenge him in the end.

Ryan, seeing Lyra's potential, briefly considered recommending her as his deputy. But Hazel intervened with a knowing smirk.

"She's still young—don't push her into the spotlight too fast," Hazel warned. "Besides, if she's deputy, it won't be long before she sets her sights on your position next."