The first rays of sunlight crept through the hotel curtains, casting long shadows across the room. The team was up early, gathered around the coffee table with renewed energy, but the weight of what lay ahead still pressed down on us.
"We're heading back to the Eisenfrost compound today," I said, my voice steady. "Whatever caused this—whoever caused this—there might still be clues left behind."
Deya frowned, resting her arms on her knees. "You really think we'll find anything? Whoever did this has probably covered their tracks by now."
"Maybe," I admitted. "But it's the only lead we have. We can't just leave this unresolved. Not after yesterday."
Nel stood by the window, gazing at the city below. "We need to be ready for anything. If this ties back to the Schattenreich clan, they might be waiting for us."
"That's exactly why we're going together," I said firmly, glancing at the team. "No splitting up, no unnecessary risks. We move as one unit."
Amir leaned back on the couch, his injured arm still in a sling. He smirked. "That's comforting to hear, considering we barely made it out last time."
Nel shot him a look, but the corner of her lips twitched upward. "Well, if you hadn't tried to play hero, maybe you'd still have both arms in working order."
"Hey, I'm still the best shot in the room, even like this," Amir shot back, earning a chuckle from Zach.
Deya cut in, her tone serious. "What about backup? Did the Organization get back to us?"
Nel shook her head, frustration evident. "Not yet. If they don't respond soon, we'll have to handle this ourselves."
As if on cue, a sharp pulse of essence cut through the air—controlled, but overwhelming.
The team tensed immediately, instincts kicking in.
"You feel that?" Deya whispered, already shifting into a defensive stance.
I nodded, my hand instinctively moving toward the hilt of one of my swords. "Yeah. That's not random."
Amir sat up straighter, wincing as he moved his injured arm. "Someone's here."
Nel turned from the window, eyes narrowing toward the door. "You think it's them? Schattenreich?"
Before I could answer, a firm knock echoed through the room.
"Academy Team One," a calm, authoritative voice called from the other side of the door. "We're your requested backup."
The tension didn't ease immediately.
I gestured for Zach to take position by the door while I moved closer, my essence steady, ready.
Zach glanced back for confirmation. At my nod, he cracked the door open just enough to see who was outside.
"Obsidian Clan," the woman outside repeated, her tone even. "We're here to assist with your mission."
Zach opened the door fully, revealing a group of operatives clad in the sleek black suits of the Organization's elites. At their head stood a tall woman with silver-streaked hair and piercing blue eyes, her presence commanding.
"Good morning, Team One," she said with a nod, stepping into the room. "I'm Captain Ingrid Weiss. The Organization briefed us on the situation. We'll be accompanying you from here on out."
Nel exhaled, her essence dimming slightly. "You took your time, Captain."
A faint smirk crossed Ingrid's lips. "Had to make sure we were fully prepared. Judging by the report, you've already had quite the ordeal."
"We have," I said, stepping forward to shake her hand. "And it's good to have you here. Let's get to work."