The briefing room was dark, lit only by a hologram of a broken, crystalline world—Xylos, a dead planet used as a Corrupted research outpost.
"Intel suggests the Corrupted are developing a new infection vector there—a Psychic Spore that can bypass physical filters and corrupt via memory and dream," Kaelen stated coldly. "Your mission: infiltrate, secure a sample, destroy the lab, and extract. Enemy presence: confirmed Tier 7 Commander with Tier 6 guardians. Dawn-Class signature detected in orbit—do not engage."
Leyla's eyes gleamed. "Dawn-Class?"
"If you see it, you're already dead. Your window is three hours. We drop you at the edge of the dead zone. You move fast, quiet, and lethal."
Mira studied the hologram. "Spatial fractures all over the planet. I can use them for quick movement, but they're unstable."
"Use them anyway. Time is your enemy." Kaelen looked at each of them. "This is a deniable operation. If you're captured, the Academy will disavow you. If you succeed, you earn your place in Black-Ops permanent roster."
Echo met her gaze. "We'll succeed."