The facility was quieter than usual that evening, the corridors echoing only the distant hum of generators and the faint, rhythmic clatter of security patrols. Outside, the sky had turned a deep indigo, the city lights reflecting off the glass towers in fragmented, shifting patterns.
Inside Narad's office, Om sat across from Narad, whose presence carried a quiet authority. The room was minimally furnished: a long table with a few chairs, holographic maps of the facility projected from the surface, and a subdued hum of integrated AI monitoring systems running in the background. Dawon lay curled up in a corner, tail flicking, eyes half-lidded, drifting between sleep and alertness.
Narad broke the silence first. "Om, we need to discuss the situation before your upcoming mission." His voice was calm but carried an edge of concern.
"The League of Evil… we know they've shown an interest in you. With the Chinese-maintained sector of the Forbidden Zone coming up, the risk is exponentially higher. It is… a perfect location for a second assassination attempt."
Om met his gaze, unflinching. "I know." He leaned back, steepling his fingers, the faint pulse of the ancient language in his mind grounding him.
"But it won't be easy for them. I've already formulated strategies to counter potential threats."
Narad raised an eyebrow. "I hope your confidence is justified, Om. What measures are you considering?"
Om with Zero's help, projected a concise list of tactical protocols onto the holographic table:
1. Perimeter Surveillance: Deploy passive energy sensors along the entry points to detect sudden movements or supernatural anomalies.
2. Decoy Protocols: Use false trails and simulated energy signatures to confuse potential assassins.
3. Rapid Extraction Routes: Predefined escape corridors within the sector for both Om and Dawon, should they encounter overwhelming threats.
4. Crowd-Combat Awareness: Prioritize spatial awareness to avoid entanglement with high-density creature clusters while maintaining tactical advantage.
5. Allied Support Coordination: Signal pathways to alert other trainees or friendly forces in case of unexpected aggression.
6. Dawon's Integration: Use the lion's instincts for detection, and environmental adaptation, rather than direct combat engagement.
Narad studied the holographic list, nodding slowly. "Comprehensive. If executed properly, it should minimize risk. I agree with your approach."
Om inclined his head. "The key is anticipation. Predict their moves before they make them. We control the environment, not the other way around."
Zero's voice chimed in as a short, factual suggestion:
[Master, I recommend prioritizing perimeter integrity and early anomaly detection. Dawon's combat capability is limited; use him primarily as a sensor.]
Om acknowledged the input with a subtle nod.
Narad's expression shifted slightly. "There is, however, a variable you have not fully accounted for." He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "Dawon. Your bonded companion. He is… significantly weaker than other apex beasts likely to inhabit the sector."
Om's gaze flickered toward the sleeping lion, who had stirred slightly but did not lift his head. Dawon had grown under Om's care, but compared to the predatory wildlife of the Forbidden Zone—even the tamed, Chinese-controlled section—he was comparatively fragile.
Narad continued, voice steady but firm: "That place… is where he ran from previously. There is a history. I am concerned that his survival instincts may override your control, especially under stress or in the presence of high-level threats."
Zero interjected briefly:
[Dawon's Stress response likely to trigger flight over combat. Probability of deviation from commands under extreme threat: 67%.]
Om considered the numbers. They were accurate; Dawon's instincts were honed for survival, not calculated battle strategy. That was part of why Om had chosen him—he could empathize, guide, and protect—but it introduced a variable in any high-stakes operation.
"I understand," Om said softly, almost to himself. "He's not the strongest. But he's smart, perceptive, and my partner. If we design the strategies around his strengths—tracking, sensing, environmental adaptation—he becomes an asset rather than a liability."
Narad leaned back, steepling his fingers. "That is a calculated approach, but there is a fine line. If the creatures—or the terrain—overwhelm him, it could compromise your entire operation. I need you to be honest: can you guarantee his control in all circumstances?"
Om smiled faintly, though the weight of responsibility pressed on him. "I can't guarantee perfection. No one can. But I can guarantee preparation. He will have every advantage we can give him, and I will monitor him constantly. That's the only way this works."
Zero's voice in his mind was crisp:
[Maintaining constant line-of-sight and cognitive feedback loops with Dawon. Adaptive control is critical to survival.]
Narad nodded slowly. "Very well. But Om, remember this: if Dawon panics or flees, your strategies must account for that. Contingency plans are essential. You cannot allow reliance on a single variable to dictate outcomes in such an environment."
"Your survival is the top priority."
Om's lips pressed into a thin line. "Understood."
"Everything we plan will include contingencies. Dawon is important, but I won't rely solely on him. He's part of a plan, not the plan itself."
The room fell silent for a moment, the only sound the low hum of the AI monitoring system and the occasional twitch from Dawon's sleeping form.
Narad finally spoke again, voice measured.
"Then proceed. Your strategies are sound, provided you remain disciplined and adaptable. The League's operative may strike, but they will not anticipate your full range of preparations."
"And I hope everything works in your favor."
Om inclined his head, steeling himself. "They may try. But this time they will fail."
Narad's gaze softened slightly, though concern lingered. "Keep in mind, Om. The zone is not forgiving. Even a single mistake could have cascading effects."
Om looked toward Dawon again. The lion's golden eyes were barely visible under the low lighting, but Om felt the familiar sense of connection. "I'll account for every variable," he said firmly. "And we will come back."
Narad exhaled and leaned back, finally relaxing his shoulders. "Good. Then we are agreed. You proceed with your mission as planned, with layered strategies, contingencies, and constant monitoring of Dawon. Let no detail slip through."
Om stood, stretching his arms briefly before moving toward the corner where Dawon lay. The lion lifted his head slightly, ears twitching, sensing his master's presence. Om crouched, resting a hand on Dawon's mane.
"We'll be ready," he murmured, the weight of responsibility heavy but tempered with confidence. "You, me, and everyone else—we'll adapt, survive, and come back stronger."
Narad watched the exchange, noting the calm determination in Om's posture. "Remember, Om, strategy is only effective if executed. Preparation is vital, but execution will define survival."
Om nodded once. "I know. And I won't fail."
As they left the chamber, the low hum of the facility surrounded them. Beyond these walls, the forbidden zone awaited—a controlled sector, yes, but still fraught with danger. The League of Evil would be watching. Dawon would need protection. And Om would need to anticipate every move, every threat, every hidden danger.
But for the first time, he felt ready.
He had plans. He had strategies. And above all, he had a friend.
And that, Om knew, was more than enough to face the shadows waiting in the Forbidden Zone.