Max let his words linger in the heavy air for a moment before turning toward the distant horizon of Nullaria. The cursed land swallowed light like a void and twisted it into an eerie green gloom. The warped trees in the distance moved as if breathing, their branches rising and falling with a rhythm that felt disturbingly alive.
The geniuses behind him felt the atmosphere tighten, and even the squad leaders straightened, waiting for his next instruction.
"Now," Max said, his voice calm but firm, "let's hunt down the first demon lair."
A ripple went through the gathered geniuses, a mix of anticipation and nerves. Victor stepped forward. "What plan do you have?" he asked, expecting Max to lay out formations, strategy, patrol routes, or an attack pattern. Something logical. Something structured.
Instead, Max smiled. It was a slow, knowing smile that made every squad leader fall silent.
