The room remained tense as I stepped back from Captain Weiss and scanned the operatives behind her. My instincts were sharp—I wasn't taking any chances, not after yesterday.
"Excuse me if this is rude," I began, keeping my tone measured, "but I need to confirm your identities."
Captain Weiss raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Caution is warranted. Proceed."
Before I could act, a familiar, teasing voice rang out from the back. "Not recognizing your cousin? Rude, even if it's by marriage!"
A blur of motion shot forward, and suddenly someone was lunging at me. Reflexively, I sidestepped with ease.
"How the hell were you hiding back there, Zane?" I asked, exasperated.
Zane straightened up, his wiry frame practically vibrating with energy. His suit barely looked regulation, the collar undone, and his trademark cocky grin was plastered across his face. "No need for formalities, cousin! Let's kick some ass!"
Nel let out a surprised laugh. "Wait—this is your cousin? The Organization actually sent him?"
"Unfortunately," I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Zane may not look it, but he's on the brink of la level 3 domain. And he's the current holder of Skofnung. So if he could act professional for once—"
"Professional?" Zane interrupted, feigning offense. "I'll have you know I'm the most professional person here. Right, Captain Weiss?"
Captain Weiss sighed, clearly used to him. "Zane, try not to embarrass me within five minutes. We're here to assist, not cause chaos."
"Relax, Captain," Zane said with a dismissive wave. "I've got everything under control."
"What's a Skofnung?" Deya asked, confused.
"Only the best sword in the world," Zane declared, drawing the blade from his back in one fluid motion. He grinned as the polished steel caught the light.
"She's a beauty," Amir admitted, glancing at the weapon. "But best in the world? Last I checked, it's ranked fifteenth."
"Better than anything you've got in that bag," Zane shot back smugly.
"Wanna bet?" Amir challenged, his tone sharper.
I groaned, already feeling the headache forming. "Will both of you shut up," I muttered, rubbing my temple.
Nel smirked, nudging me lightly. "At least the backup comes with entertainment."
Zane winked at her. "Entertainment and results, sweetheart. Trust me, you'll love having me around."
"Enough," Captain Weiss said sharply, cutting through the banter. Her tone immediately brought the room back to focus. "We're here to support Team One. Mission comes first. Introductions and the mission plan before anything else."
"Agreed," I said, stepping forward to regain control. "We move out in an hour. Everyone, prep your gear and get ready. This isn't going to be a walk in the park."
The team dispersed, but Zane lingered, leaning casually against the wall.
"So," he said, his grin fading into something more sincere. "You okay, cousin? Yesterday sounded rough."
I glanced at him, momentarily caught off guard by his change in tone. "I'm fine. We all are. But… thanks."
Zane nodded, his usual humor replaced with rare seriousness. "Good. Just remember, I've got your back out there."
I gave him a faint smile. "Let's hope you can keep up."
"Oh, I'll do more than keep up," he shot back, his grin returning. "I'll make you proud, Polaris Jr."
With a roll of my eyes, I turned and walked away to get my gear ready. The clock was ticking, and the next phase of the mission was about to begin.