First to break the silence was Nikolai.
"Recently, is it only the proud victories you show to the Baron?"
Martin let out a dry laugh.
"That's an interesting joke." There was no smile in his voice.
"I heard you distributed a large amount of food to the Outer Ring. Impressive, Black Signal. It's clear why you're still called that. I miss the times when the enemy left no trace behind after you were done with them."
Nikolai immediately shot back.
"I'm still on the front lines. I don't have any obligation to listen to your orders anymore—let alone hide behind the Baron's name."
Those words seemed to touch a nerve, and the air began to crackle with tension—like static electricity before a storm.
"Be careful with your words... kid." Martin's eyes narrowed. "Talking like that, I might start to question where your loyalty really lies."
As Nikolai took a step forward, two guards behind Martin instinctively reached for their weapons.
"Stop it, Nico. It's not worth getting angry for him!"
Ava hurriedly grabbed Nikolai's arm.
Martin's gaze shifted to Ava.
"Oh, oh, it's not every day I see you, Miss Ava. What a wonderful day it is!"
The sharpness he'd had moments ago disappeared, replaced by a pasted-on smile.
"Go to hell."
Ava instantly returned the gesture with a raised middle finger.
"Now, now—" Martin was about to speak when he noticed Konan standing nearby. His smile faded slightly.
"This is a surprise. Where's your usual partner Abiatti? Did you finally get him killed? What was his name... Ace? Mace?"
"That's none of your business."
Nikolai growled lowly.
Martin's expression hardened.
"I don't like the way you're talking."
This time, he reached for the holster on his thigh—Nikolai mirrored the gesture, preparing himself.
However, before either could pull the trigger, a calm and steady voice interrupted.
"Oh dear. Didn't you know that weapon use is prohibited in the Upper District?"
A woman appeared, flanked by two guards.
After a moment of glaring, both Martin and Nikolai slowly lowered their hands.
"See? It could have been easy if you just exercised a civility."
The woman said with a small smile.
Martin snorted in annoyance and began to walk away, but stopped in front of Konan.
"I'd be careful if I were you."
He said in a low voice.
"Those who were in his unit rarely lived long."
With that parting remark, he disappeared through the gate.
After Martin left, the heavy atmosphere was pierced by the sound of heels clicking softly against the ground.
The woman wore a deep crimson coat adorned with faded silver trim, exuding a blend of elegance and practicality.
Streaks of silver wove through her chestnut hair, which was loosely braided and hung down her back. Her smile was soft, but the guards behind her stood ready, like soldiers prepared for any disaster.
"Heh, looks like I found you after all. My favorite duo causing a ruckus this early in the day."
Nikolai remained silent, stepping back from his weapon. Ava gently released her grip from his arm.
"Lucia..."
Ava said with a wry smile.
"Your timing is always impeccable."
Lucia Ferretti playfully bowed.
"Of course, tesoro. Never underestimate a woman's intuition."
She turned to face Nikolai, softening her voice slightly.
"So, what's the deal? Black Signal. Should I have brought some chains with me instead?"
"No problem."
Nikolai replied tersely.
"You're late."
"Ha, I guess I shouldn't expect any words of gratitude."
Lucia chuckled quietly and suddenly glanced to the side.
When she noticed Konan, curiosity flashed in her amber eyes for just a moment.
"Well, well, a new face."
She walked over slowly, hands clasped behind her back.
"I didn't know you've started picking up strays."
Konan nodded slightly. "Konan."
Lucia tilted her head, gazing at him as if she were admiring a work of art.
"Konan... huh." She repeated the name as if rolling it on her tongue.
"Yeah, it's a nice name. I don't recognize your face, though... but that posture, you look like someone who's seen all sorts of hell."
"Perhaps," Konan replied flatly.
Lucia's mouth widened into a smile.
"Hehe, mysterious. I don't dislike that kind of thing."
Ava lightly nudged Konan's shoulder.
"He's basically harmless, so don't worry."
Lucia winked back.
"That's the idea. Now, let's move before the higher-ups start yelling."
She turned elegantly on her heel and began walking toward the gate ahead. Nikolai followed silently behind her, and Konan and Ava mimicked his actions.
They passed through the final checkpoint. Beyond this point, the colors of the city rapidly faded. Gray stonework and the faintly glowing cortenite cells. —— Inner Circle District. Quiet, clean and perfectly managed. Here lies the heart of control.
Eventually, a massive domed structure came into view. The Bastione—an imposing building made of reinforced glass and carved stone. What was once the seat of power for politicians from the old world was now the fortress of the War Council. Only commanding officers and high-ranking individuals in a unit were allowed inside.
Lucia looked back over her shoulder, a smile on her face.
"Let's behave ourselves today, shall we? No threats, no weapons, and Nikolai—let's not punch the map again, alright? The cracks from last time are still there."
"Don't make me promise that," Nikolai muttered under his breath.
Lucia laughed.
"Just like I thought, having you around tightens the mood."
The doors of Bastione opened with a low, rumbling mechanical sound. A spacious circular hall appeared, with pale blue light pouring in from the skylight overhead. Once a place for deliberation, now stripped of decorations and banners, only cold steel, silence, and ruthless efficiency remained.
In the center was a metal round table, gleaming like ice. Four chairs were evenly spaced around it. One of them was already occupied by someone as Martin was standing off to the side.
"Finally made it, huh?" The man sitting in the chair across from them sprawled his leg and let out a half-opened gaze. His silver hair fell loosely over his shoulders, and he wore a deep navy coat with buttons intentionally misaligned. A lollipop was casually placed at the corner of his mouth.
"Dante..." Ava whispered. "The guy who thinks meetings are nap time."
Dante languidly raised one hand. Behind him stood twin guards, remaining utterly still.
"Hold on a second. I'm here on time, alright? It's just you guys love the theatrics."
Lucia laughed and sat directly across from him.
"If I were pure-hearted, I might take that to mean you've missed us."
Nikolai sat down silently, straightening his back and crossing his arms. His guards stood to his left and right, maintaining an air of silence. Konan stood behind him on his left, while Ava positioned herself on the right.
In that moment, a heavy metallic sound echoed through the hall.
The door at the back of the round table opened, and a man entered.
Commander Bryce. Draped in a dark navy military coat, with his collar upturned. A cigarette perpetually clung to his lips, the smoke rising slowly like a fuse toward the sky. His face looked as if it was chiseled from rock, with every wrinkle telling the tale of battles fought. His eyes sparkled with a coldness as if he had witnessed the world's end itself.
His walk had a slight irregularity, a sign of continuing to move without proper treatment.
"Sit down and shut up." His voice was low yet carried a weight that dominated the space. "I've only slept three hours. I'm reaching my limit."
Lucia gave a mock salute and grinned. "Good morning, Commander."
Bryce silently slammed a pile of dusty documents onto the table. He didn't take a seat.
He exhaled smoke through his nose and opened the folder in front of him. He pulled out a rough satellite image and slammed it down on the center of the table.
"We have a new problem."
The map depicted the outskirts of a region once known as Lombardy—now transformed into the Red Zone. However, several markers were densely clustered in the northwestern area.
"In the past 72 hours, over 11 groups of assailants have gathered near the 4th Sector. They are no longer just scattered raiders. They are organized, armed, and their movements are backed by intelligence."
He paused to flick the ash from his cigarette.
"I don't believe in coincidence."
Lucia leaned forward, squinting at the map.
"That's near the old fuel processing tunnels, right? If they get in there, it'll be worse than winter rats."
"Correct," Bryce nodded. "If they seize the cortenite stockpile there, our operations in here will be paralyzed for a month."
Dante stifled a yawn and said, "Can't we just wait for them to take each other out? Raiders aren't exactly the friendliest bunch."
Bryce shot him a sharp look.
"But what if they don't fight each other?"
Dante shrugged.
"Well, then it means we'll finally have a war worth using ammunition for."
Lucia sighed.
"Regardless of how you put it… you have a point. If they're coordinating, that's unprecedented movement. We have to find out why. Someone is leaking information to them."
Bryce quietly nodded.
"Deploy reconnaissance teams immediately. If external involvement is confirmed, we'll strike hard."
He tapped the map with his finger.
"We need to organize a joint operation. Dante, you're in charge of surrounding defensive placements. Lucia, adjust the supply lines and retreat routes. Martin, you'll handle the flanking maneuver from the outer perimeter. Move quietly. And… Nikolai."
Finally, his gaze landed on Nikolai.
"You will lead the frontline strike team. Hit the first nest and flush them out. Make it a show of force."
Nikolai nodded silently. "Understood."
Martin chuckled softly.
"Well, well, looks like the juicy role goes to you after all."
Nikolai's gaze finally caught Martin's.
"If you want to switch places, feel free. But only if you're prepared to step out from the shadows of the baron at least once."
That seemed to ignite something, and Martin leaned forward slightly. His tone remained soft, but there was poison behind his words.
"You've been quite assertive lately, Nikolai. I wonder what your pretty fiancée would think of this bravado?"
Ava immediately stepped forward, clenching her fists and revealing her anger. However, Nikolai raised a hand to restrain her.
"Don't talk about her."
"Oh? But it's relevant, isn't it? She lives in the inner circle now, right? Those who live in peace are incredibly fragile."
Just as Nikolai was about to say something, Lucia's voice smoothly interrupted.
"Boys." She said lightly. "Can we not turn this room into a graveyard before the mission even starts?"
Dante leaned back in his chair, putting the candy stick back in his mouth.
"At least let us get out of ground zero before you start fighting."
Bryce stood up, his cigarette almost burnt down to the filter.
"This mission isn't optional. There's no room for negotiation in this coordination. Handle it well. Otherwise, I will make you regret it."
With that, he started walking towards the door but suddenly stopped, turned his back, and delivered one last remark.
"And… if anyone acts recklessly on-site, I'll report them directly to the Baron. Personally."