[ Before the blast... ]
Deep within the dense forest located just behind the Academy, four shadowy figures stood in a tight circle.
They were all clad in heavy red and black cloaks, each bearing the exact same sinister cult insignia over their chests. They were highly equipped—bristling with enchanted daggers, lethal artifacts, and high-tier stealth gear.
Their leader, Zero, slowly crushed the dying embers of their small campfire under his boot, completely extinguishing the flames before turning to face his squad.
"It has been a difficult road, my friends," Zero said, his voice low and grim.
"But we must accomplish our mission. We are fortunate to have made it this far without being discovered or losing a single member. Our preparations are solid, yet there are no guarantees in this line of work. I am certain even greater difficulties await us from here on out."
Hearing his grim tone, the youngest assassin Viper in the group frowned and blurted out in an annoyed tone.
