A cold light flickered inside a vast silent chamber. Streams of data floated mid air with names, ranks, energy signatures, all displayed on massive screens.
Two cloaked figures stood there.
The leader would be the one who finally spoke
"Most of these candidates are weak. Not worth our attention." his voice is low.
The other figure be next to speak
"There are… a few with potential, your majesty. I heard that strong ones are going to be there"
The leader didn't answer immediately.
"Keep watching," he said at last. "If anything unusual surfaces…inform me immediately." as he turned slightly.
A faint hum filled the chamber as a kneeling servant appeared through a massive door.
The servant would bow down. "My majesty, about the containment unit… what should we do with him?"
The leader's blue eyes glowed faintly beneath his hood."Azazel stays where he is until I say otherwise."
The servant hesitated. "My majesty, if we release that thing now-"
A blinding flash tore through the air. A violent blast of energy went past the servant, ripping through the chamber wall with a thunderous boom. Smoke and sparks filled the air.
The leader's voice followed, calm but poisonous."Don't make me repeat myself, fool."
The servant trembled, bowing even lower. "Y-yes, my majesty…"
The leader turned back to the screens, the glow from the data painting his expressionless face."Let's see what this tournament really has to offer."
The room fell silent again only the low hum of the machines remained.
Scene Shift Optimus Headquarters
"What do you mean we have a problem?" Lee asked
Zafina stood near the main console and focused on the glowing display.
"I picked up something on our radar. It feels like one of our territories has been breached. We've already lost contact with several patrol units."
Before anyone could respond, the base doors slid open. Dust drifted in as two new silhouettes stepped inside.
Lucia and Vege had entered.
"Well, look who finally made it back," Lee said, standing up. "I was starting to think you two got lost out there."
Lucia smirked, brushing sand off her jacket. "Almost did. Desert winds aren't exactly friendly."
Vege walked past her and placed a compact device on the table. "Mission complete. All the data we gathered is stored here."
Zafina nodded once. "Good work. Any complications?"
Lucia's expression shifted, her usual confidence dimming. "Yeah. The outpost wasn't empty like the reports said. There were people there… but not normal scavengers."
Vege crossed his arms. "We've spotted soldiers who came armed and prepared"
"We managed to gather the data silently" Lucia added.
Zafina turned away from them and moved toward the center of the lounge, where a large circular table lit up as she activated it. A holographic map flickered to life above the surface.
"We'll continue that conversation later. Value City is marked red." she said
Lee frowned. "Who would be bold enough to attack our territory?"
"No idea," Zafina replied, folding her arms. "But whoever it is they must've came prepared for it, looking to take over it completely for some reason, however."
She turned her gaze toward Rai.
"That's why I'm sending you."
Rai blinked. "Huh?"
Zafina would continue. "You'll head to Value City alone. Scout the area. Confirm whether the territory's been taken and identify who's responsible. No engagement unless you're forced to."
Bryan scowled. "Sendin' the kid in solo? He's good but "
Lee would cut in.
"He'll manage, this is exactly what we've been training him for. We are going to send him out on missions where there is risk for encountering some enemies."
Rai straightened, trying to hide his excitement. "Understood. I'll handle it."
Lucia glanced over at him with a crooked grin. "Look at you, all serious. Just don't get yourself killed, rookie."
Rai nodded