Shadows in the Intelligence Branch

While Aiden, Elena, and Kael had been pushing through their physically demanding missions, Udo and Zofia had been working under a different kind of pressure. Chosen for the Intelligence Branch, they had been sent on covert assignments, slipping through the cracks of Eldian society unnoticed. Though part of the same unit, Udo and Zofia's duties differed drastically from those of their comrades. Their path was one of subtlety and deception, drawing them into dangerous webs hidden beneath the surface.

The Beginning of Their Journey

From the moment they stepped into the Intelligence Branch, Udo and Zofia understood that their roles would require more than strength and strategy on the battlefield. Their missions demanded keen observation, quick thinking, and a willingness to get their hands dirty—literally and figuratively. What set their work apart from that of their friends was the sheer amount of secrecy involved.

They were tasked with handling Eldia's internal security, ensuring that nothing escaped the watchful eyes of the crown and the military. Theirs was a world of gathering intelligence on potential threats within, ensuring loyalty, and eliminating risks before they became crises.

The First Mission

While Aiden, Elena, and Kael trained in rigorous, combat-heavy operations, Udo and Zofia were sent into the heart of the capital with a completely different assignment: to monitor suspicious activity among the military ranks, particularly within the Military Police. Their mission was simple in theory but complex in execution. Recent movements within the Military Police suggested a growing number of soldiers could be working secretly to undermine the Queen's authority—either in pursuit of power or with the intention of contacting enemies like Marley.

Disguised as low-ranking clerks, Udo and Zofia had spent weeks among the inner workings of the Military Police. It was there that Zofia's natural charisma came into play, allowing her to blend effortlessly into the environment. She had a knack for navigating social circles, making friends with high-ranking officers and quietly gathering information about who might be hiding dissenting views.

Udo, meanwhile, worked in the shadows, going through records and encrypted messages. He had uncovered strange discrepancies in patrol routes, supply orders, and communications between certain Military Police officials. It wasn't long before he noticed that a handful of key officers were falsifying reports and moving funds to unknown sources.

Felix Joins the Team

It was during this mission that a new member was assigned to their team: Felix, a skilled operative known for his ability to manipulate and uncover truths through interrogation. Felix was sent to support Udo and Zofia, ensuring that their work didn't go unnoticed and providing extra muscle when the need for force arose.

Udo and Zofia were initially hesitant about Felix's inclusion. He was brash, overly confident, and had a tendency to push boundaries. But Felix's effectiveness soon became apparent. He had a way of cornering people, forcing them to reveal information they didn't even know they were giving away. This was a man who had no qualms about bending the rules or using underhanded methods to achieve the mission's goal.

Cracking the Case

Their investigation came to a head when Udo, after weeks of analysis, discovered a hidden pattern in the Military Police's patrol schedules. A select group of officers had been altering routes to avoid specific areas, suggesting they were smuggling sensitive materials or people in and out of the capital. This led Uto to believe there were traitors within the Military Police—soldiers who were secretly working with Marley to undermine Eldian security.

Zofia had been crucial in securing the final piece of the puzzle. She had developed a close relationship with one of the officers involved, using her charm to gain access to restricted areas. During one of her "routine" conversations, the officer slipped up and mentioned a secret meeting that would take place outside the walls.

With this new intelligence in hand, Udo, Zofia, and Felix reported their findings to their superior. The next phase of their mission involved organizing a covert raid to expose and apprehend the traitors. Felix, naturally, volunteered to spearhead the raid, his eagerness evident. But it was Zofia and Udo who had laid the groundwork for success, their patience and diligence proving key.

The Raid

The raid was carried out under the cover of night. The intelligence unit, led by Felix, infiltrated the secret meeting location, catching the rogue officers in the act. A tense standoff ensued, but the traitors were outnumbered and unprepared. The Military Police officers were captured without a single casualty, their plans to funnel information to Marley exposed before they could cause irreversible damage.

Though Udo and Zofia had successfully rooted out the traitors, the mission raised more questions than it answered. Who else within the Military Police could be working with Marley? How deep did this conspiracy go? And how long had these officers been in communication with Eldia's greatest enemy?

Aftermath and the Next Step

The successful raid ensured Uto and Zofia's reputation within the Intelligence Branch. Their place was solidified, though the challenges ahead would only grow more complex. The traitors, while subdued, had left behind a trail of suspicion. Uto could only think that this incident has increased there credibility with the Officers.

And yet, with their mission complete, they took a brief moment to reflect. They had passed their test, completing their objective before Aiden and his team had finished theirs. But their success was bittersweet. The threat of Marley's infiltration loomed large, andUtdo and Zofia would be on the frontlines of Eldia's internal war—a battle fought in the shadows, far from the front lines but no less dangerous.

"Good work, both of you," Felix said, leaning casually against the wall after the raid. "But don't relax just yet. There's always more to uncover."

Zofia, always cool-headed, gave him a nod. Udo, simply stared into the distance, already contemplating their next move.