"According to our intel, a rebel faction recently escaped from Takaiwa City and has now entered the jurisdiction of Azura Dragon City."
"They're ruthless, targeting freshmen from various academies. Our mission is simple: locate and eliminate them."
Captain Kanji's team had five members already. With Renji, that made six. The others were the same teammates who had accompanied him on the previous mission investigating the Burning Clan.
"When are we heading out?" asked White Bear, whose booming voice and towering stature gave off polar bear vibes.
"If there are no issues, we move now."
"No problem."
"Let's go."
With a few nods and no objections, the team departed.
They gathered under the city wall at the Executive Department's parking zone and climbed into their wooden cart — a reinforced spirit-vehicle powered by energy stones. As usual, Kanji drove.
"Since we've got a new face, let's do our standard intro round," he said casually from the front seat.
"Knowing each other's abilities and combat styles is vital for teamwork."
One by one, the team introduced themselves:
White Bear: "I'm Thunder Element, pure offense. Smash first, ask later."Red Wind: "Water and Wind dual system — healing, control, and feints." Her playful voice hinted at a younger girl beneath the mask.Black Serpent: "Fire and Beast Taming — I handle backup assault." His raspy voice sent a chill down Renji's spine.Yellow Wolf: "Puppeteer and Illusion — I do recon, assassinations, and surprise strikes." He sounded calm and experienced — likely close in age to Kanji.
That last one caught Renji off guard. A rare dual-specialty combo — both abilities from special departments. That level of rarity hinted at serious talent.
Now it was Renji's turn.
"Umm... I'm Wood and Spirit Eye. As for what I'm good at... well…" He scratched his head, awkwardly searching for the right words.
"No pressure," Kanji said, chuckling. "Just observe and follow for now. We'll figure it out as we go."
"Thanks, Captain."
Their destination? An abandoned city about 20 kilometers north of Azura Dragon City. Half the size of Azura Dragon, it had been a small city during the height of the Holy Empire. But after the Empire's collapse and the subsequent beast tide invasion, cities with only third- and fourth-level psychics fell quickly. Now it was a ghost town — the perfect hideout for rogue factions.
The ride took about 30 minutes.
Once there, Kanji's team parked the cart and approached silently, weaving through ruins until they reached a vantage point by a collapsed wall.
"Yellow Wolf."
With just that cue, Yellow Wolf stepped forward. Pressing his palms together, he summoned a pulse of invisible energy and released it.
A minute later, he whispered, "Got them — 200 meters east, inside a structure."
"White Bear, you'll break in from the front with me. Yellow Wolf and Black Serpent flank. Blood Moon and Red Wind, you're our support and control team."
"Understood!"
Everyone split into position.
Inside that east-side building, a dozen rough-looking rebels huddled around a map.
"Brother Jin, Azura Dragon just had a batch of new students awaken. They're probably out on beginner missions. It's our chance," said a pudgy man with squinty eyes.
Brother Jin, the ringleader, was in his mid-20s, full of swagger with slicked-back hair.
"Perfect. Time to let those academy brats know the Ji Gang isn't to be trifled with."
"Yeah! Trust in Brother Jin and you'll live forever!"
"Trust Brother Jin, eternal life!"
The group burst into cheer.
Then... knock knock.
"Who is it?!" one of them barked.
Everyone was accounted for. No one was outside.
"Who's there?!"
"We're here to bring you warmth," said a cheerful voice behind the door.
"What the hell?!" Brother Jin growled. "No one brings warmth to places like this!"
BOOM.
Two hands smashed through the wooden door, ripping it clean off its hinges.
"Told you we were bringing warmth." Kanji smirked.
"Azura Dragon Executive Department?!"
Panic broke out. The insignia on Kanji and White Bear's uniforms gave away their identities.
"Damn it! They're fast. What now, Brother Jin?!"
"Don't panic — it's just two of them! Get them!"
With a barked order, Brother Jin and his gang charged.
"White Bear — leave a few alive," Kanji muttered.
"Roger that."
White Bear's fists sparked with crackling lightning as he charged the group, a juggernaut of electric fury.
These rebels were barely at early third-level strength, with maybe a few mid-levels. White Bear was a third-level advanced. They stood no chance.
The rest figured Kanji was easy pickings. He looked lean. But what they didn't know?
He liked close combat.
Left hook. Right jab. Bone-shattering strikes. One hit — down.
"Tighten formation! Fight smart!" Brother Jin shouted.
The rebels regrouped and shifted to ranged tactics.
That's when a giant black serpent burst through the wall, bearing three puppets with gleaming blades.
In the blink of an eye, three rebels were down.
"Ambush! RETREAT!" Brother Jin roared.
Too late.
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