The first rays of sunlight crept through the hotel curtains, casting long shadows across the room. The team was up early, sitting around the coffee table with renewed energy, but the weight of their task still hung heavily in the air.
"We're heading back to the Eisenfrost compound today," I said, my voice steady. "Whatever caused this—whoever caused this—there might still be clues left behind."
Deya frowned, her arms resting on her knees. "You really think we'll find anything? Whoever's behind this has probably covered their tracks by now."
"Maybe," I admitted. "But it's the only lead we have. We can't just leave this unresolved. Not after yesterday."
Nel stood by the window, gazing out at the view below. "We need to be ready for anything. If there's a connection to the Schattenre clan, they might be waiting for us."
"That's exactly why we're going together," I said firmly, glancing around at the team. "No splitting up, no unnecessary risks. We move as one unit."
Amir, leaning back on the couch with his arm still in a sling, smirked. "That's comforting to hear, considering we barely made it out last time."
Nel shot him a look, but her lips twitched upward. "Well, if you hadn't tried to play hero, maybe you'd still have both arms in working order."
"Hey, I'm still the best shot in the room, even like this," Amir shot back, earning a chuckle from Zach.
Deya cut in, her tone serious. "What about the backup? Did the Organization get back to us?"
Nel shook her head, frustration evident. "Not yet. If they don't respond soon, we'll have to handle this on our own."
As if on cue, a sudden spike of essence cut through the air, sharp and unmistakable. The team immediately tensed, the faint hum of power rippling through the room.
"You feel that?" Deya whispered, already shifting into a defensive stance.
"Yeah," I said, my hand instinctively moving to the hilt of on of my sword. The energy was strong—controlled, but overwhelming.
Amir sat up straighter, wincing slightly as he moved his injured arm. "That's not random. Someone's here."
Nel stepped away from the window, her eyes narrowing as she glanced toward the door. "You think it's them? Schattenreich?"
Before I could answer, a firm knock echoed through the room.
"Academy Team one," a calm, authoritative voice called from the other side of the door. ".We're your requested backup."
The tension in the room didn't ease immediately. I gestured for Zach to take position by the door while I moved closer, my essence steady but ready to react.
Zach glanced back at me for confirmation. At my nod, he cracked the door open, just enough to see who was outside.
"Obsidian Clan," the woman outside repeated, her tone even. "We're here to assist with your mission."
Zach opened the door fully, revealing a group of operatives dressed in the sleek black suit of the organization elites . At their head stood a tall woman with silver-streaked hair and piercing blue eyes, her presence commanding.
"Good morning, team one," she said with a nod, stepping into the room. "I'm Captain Ingrid Weiss. The Organization briefed us on the situation. We'll be accompanying you from here on out."
Nel visibly relaxed, her essence dimming as she let out a breath. "You took your time, Captain."
Ingrid's lips quirked in a faint smirk. "Had to make sure we were fully prepared. Judging by the report, you've had quite the ordeal already."
"We have," I said, stepping forward to shake her hand. "And it's good to have you here. Let's get to work."