Base Omega felt quieter than usual.
Not silent—but subdued. The mission had left bruises, both seen and unseen. Victory didn't come free, and the air carried that weight.
Medical Ward
James sat shirtless on a medbed, cracking jokes as the medic stitched a gash on his shoulder.
"You'd think with a power called Bullet Time, I wouldn't get hit."
The Resonance Twins sat nearby, eating oranges in total sync, as if nothing had happened. The boy twin looked over.
"You got distracted. Too much flair."
James grinned. "Flair is half the fun, kid."
Across the room, Hook—still in her combat gear—sat with her arms wrapped tightly around her knees. She wasn't bleeding. She wasn't bruised.
But her hook-cestus lay beside her, heavy as guilt.
No one bothered her. Not even Khaleed.
Lounge Area – Later
Luna sprawled on the couch, legs crossed, her spear resting against the back. She scrolled through mission logs, analyzing her movements.
Kael sat nearby, silent. His jacket was off, exposing the dragon-shaped birthmark coiled along his back and shoulder. He sipped water slowly, eyes distant.
"He's not out of your head, is he?" Luna asked gently.
"Kaas?" Kael nodded. "No. It's like... he cracked something open. I don't know if I can close it again."
She didn't push. She just leaned her shoulder against his and closed her eyes.
"Rest. We earned it."
Natasha's Office
Night fell.
Natasha stood at the glass, watching the artificial stars flicker across the base ceiling. Evan entered behind her, placing a silent hand on her shoulder.
"He's slipping," Natasha murmured. "Kael's strong, but fire is unstable. If he unravels..."
"Then he won't be the only one who's lost," Evan said. "But if he holds? He might be more than any of us expected."
She nodded. Then turned, a glint of steel in her eyes.
"Time to find out."
Dormitory – The Next Morning
Kael awoke to a coded knock at his door.
He opened it to find Edith, arms crossed, face impassive as always.
"Get dressed. The boss wants to see you."
Training Hall – Five Minutes Later
Kael arrived to find Natasha already waiting. She stood beside a tall figure cloaked in black, face covered by a half-mask, twin daggers resting in crossed scabbards.
The Void Arcana assassin. A shadow who trained Team A in close-quarters.
Natasha gestured between them.
"Kael. You've been dancing around the fire long enough."
She stepped closer, her rapier tapping once against the floor.
"You want control? Precision? You want to make sure the next Kaas doesn't break you?"
"Then you're going to bleed for it."
She looked at the masked assassin.
"Start his training. No limits."
Kael met the assassin's gaze.
The mask gave no emotion. But Kael could feel it—the Void Arcana already whispering around them like a chill in the bones.
"Understood," Kael said.
"Let's begin."