Part 1
Night had fallen, and the usual drizzling rain had transformed into a fierce Torrent Rainstorm.Strong winds howled, and hailstones ranging from the size of baseballs to soccer balls smashed relentlessly against rooftops and windows across prosperous cities worldwide. The storm's roar battered walls and roofs alike.
Bases scattered throughout the Dragon Kingdom—some perched on mountainsides, others on elevated terrain or strategic highlands—were not spared from the tempest's fury. The battered roofs and walls of these strongholds echoed with relentless pounding.
Many couldn't sleep that night, fearful their shelters would give way. Some hurried to reinforce their homes from inside, others moved to higher floors, while some watched water creeping steadily higher. It was a chaotic, sleepless night.
Meanwhile, far from the chaos, Commander Long sat quietly in his private base. His personal soldiers had detected suspicious activities infiltrating network systems. The storm outside was fierce, but the threat inside was just as pressing.
Not only was Hidden Dragon Peak Mountain under scrutiny, but multiple other secretive locations had also drawn attention. The capital's intelligence networks had flagged these bases as suspicious—hidden sanctuaries possibly tied to the mysterious Awakening Potion.
Commander Long knew they weren't the only ones with secrets. Several bases across the kingdom operated in shadows, but Hidden Dragon Peak was named specifically, making it a prime target.
He considered the likely next move: sending operatives to test the defenses of the mountain's private bases, probing for weaknesses, and gathering intelligence. The coming days would be critical.
Commander Long rose from his chair, the storm's roar barely audible over the pounding in his chest. The network breach was more than a simple hack—it was a direct threat to everything they had built.
He tapped his communicator."Prepare a meeting. Notify Long Yi, Secretary Wen, Shadow 1 and 2, Dr. Hanzo, Han Yue and the others. We move fast."
Within the fortified command room, the core team gathered, faces grim beneath flickering lights. At the center, Long Yi stood tall and calm, his presence commanding the room.
Part 2
The private meeting room within Hidden Dragon Peak was dimly lit, the storm's thunder rumbling faintly through reinforced walls. Around the long table, Long Yi and his closest confidants gathered, faces sharp with concern and determination.
Long Yi broke the silence."We knew this day would come—the moment silence turns to suspicion, shadows to scrutiny."
Secretary Wen leaned forward, eyes cold but calculating."The leaks inside the capital's intelligence network confirm our fears. Our careful concealment wasn't enough. Others are watching. Waiting."
Commander Long nodded grimly."It's not just us. Multiple secret bases have been flagged, but we've been named specifically. Hidden Dragon Peak is in the crosshairs."
A strategist spoke up."They're probing already—sending operatives to test security, scan for vulnerabilities. We must assume the worst: infiltration attempts are imminent."
Han Yue's voice cut through the tension, calm but firm."The torrent rainstorm will push more survivors to higher ground. Trails up the mountain will be crowded. Patrols can't cover every path. We risk more than just network breaches—we must prepare for physical incursions."
Long Yi's expression hardened."The Awakening Potion isn't just a resource anymore—it's a symbol of power. Control over it means control over the future. We can't let anyone seize it or undermine us."
Secretary Xu, reviewing reports on a tablet, added,"The capital's political factions are fracturing. Some see the potion as a tool for dominance; others, a weapon for revolution. Our controlled demonstration bought time, but that time is running out."
Long Yi tapped the table decisively."We double down on security. Electronic and physical. Increase patrols, tighten access protocols, begin counter-intelligence. No one gets close without being noticed."
He locked eyes with each ally around the table."Our next moves will decide everything. We're not just defending a base. We're defending an empire's foundation."
Outside, the storm grew louder—as if echoing the turmoil inside. An unstoppable force gathering strength.
Part 3
As the storm raged outside, tension simmered beneath the surface within Hidden Dragon Peak Base. Commander Long stood before a holo-map, its glow casting flickering light across the dim war room. Markers blinked steadily—traces of recent probes, hacking attempts on the network, and reports of suspicious movements near perimeter checkpoints.
"We expected this," Long Yi said, calm but sharp. "Every breach attempt tells us who's desperate enough to try. None have succeeded. None will."
Secretary Wen nodded, scanning intercepted communications."They're probing for weaknesses, testing response times and security protocols. Some want the potion's formula, others seek leverage. All are revealing their true colors."
Han Yue looked up from her datapad."This isn't just about stealing the potion anymore. It's power plays—factions jockeying to position themselves for the next phase. Sell to the wrong hands, and everything crumbles."
Commander Long's fingers tapped rhythmically on the table."That's why we set the trap with the controlled demonstration—low purity, limited supply. We control who climbs the ladder. Those who rush blindly will burn out. The rest will wait, watch, and come to us on our terms."
Long Yi's gaze hardened."Prepare a counter-operation. Let's turn their efforts against them. Feed false trails, deploy fake data, shadow their movements. Anyone trying to infiltrate will find themselves exposed—and discredited."
Secretary Wen smiled slyly."When it's time to offer the 40% and 50% purity potions, we'll know exactly who deserves them."
Outside, hail battered the base relentlessly. Inside, a different storm brewed—a storm of strategy, deception, and control. The game was set. The players were in motion.