Chapter 17: They're coming.

Somewhere in an unknown area, The Chrono Reapers' new hideout exuded an air of clandestine sophistication., it was a sanctuary shrouded in secrecy. The main chamber, adorned with ancient relics and illuminated by dim torchlight, served as the nerve center of their operations. Adjacent to it, the living quarters provided a haven for the weary warriors, each room adorned with simple yet elegant furnishings, offering solace amidst the chaos of their mission.

The assistant strode into Evolution's chamber, his expression was grim. He approached the white-haired leader with a mixture of apprehension and determination, knowing that he had to report the events that had unfolded at their former base.

"Evolution," the assistant began, his voice steady despite the turmoil raging within him. "The bandits have struck again. They attacked our base with overwhelming force, and despite our efforts to defend it, they succeeded in overpowering us."

Evolution's eyes flashed with fury as he listened to the assistant's account. His fists clenched at his sides, his anger palpable in the air.

"What happened to our forces?" Evolution demanded, his voice laced with disdain. "Were they not capable of holding their ground? Especially with you with them!"

The assistant lowered his gaze, a sense of shame washing over him. "I'm afraid not," he admitted reluctantly.

A growl of frustration escaped Evolution's lips as he paced the room, his mind racing with thoughts of vengeance and retribution.

"Pathetic," he said, clearly annoyed at his subordinates. "To think that we, the Chrono Reapers, could be so easily defeated by those hoodlums is just a disgrace to our name."

He then continued "We cannot afford to wallow in our failures. We ignore them for now and rebuild our strength for now."

The assistant nodded in agreement, his resolve hardening with each passing moment. "Agreed. But what about Kazuya? Shouldn't we track him down? He is a valuable asset in our project, surely we can't leave him behind"

Evolution's expression darkened at the mention of Kazuya's name. "No," he said firmly. "It's too late now, cannot waste our resources on him. He is no longer our concern."

The assistant's brow furrowed in confusion. "But why? Surely he could-"

Evolution cut him off with a wave of his hand. "There are greater forces at play now," he said cryptically. "They already know about him now and those forces will stop at nothing to get what they want.

"They will come for him."

The assistant was confused at first but then he realized who Evolution was talking about. There was only one organization that Evolution was always worried about.

It was the Temporal Order.....