The next day didn't ease in, it launched.
Across the Galactic Empire, new Guardian Headquarters were built into cities almost overnight. Clean, modern buildings designed for one purpose: fast response, local protection, no delay. At the center of it all, Ian stood in a media room, cameras live across every major platform.
"Let's get straight to it," Ian said calmly. "We're launching a new division—the Guardian Program."
Millions watched.
"This is for civilians. No off-world deployments. No long assignments. You stay in your city and protect your people." He paused as reactions flooded in. "If you have a high school diploma and decent physical fitness, you're eligible. We'll train you. Teach you how to handle real threats, demons, organized crime, anything local forces can't manage."
His tone sharpened slightly. "This isn't about becoming soldiers. It's about protecting your home."
The broadcast ended.
Within minutes, applications surged.
Blade walked into the media room with a smirk. "You might want to see this."
"That fast?" Ian asked.
Blade nodded. "Lines are already forming."
They traveled to Solara Minor, a calm, everyday planet. In Auren City, the main Guardian HQ already had a line wrapping around the building, hundreds waiting to sign up.
"…That's a good sign," Ian muttered.
Inside, the building was alive. Registration desks, recruits moving, instructors calling out directions. But the real noise came from the training room.
Caden stood in the middle of it all.
"Again!" he called out.
Two recruits rushed him. He stepped aside, redirected one into the other, and dropped both cleanly. No wasted motion. No hesitation.
"You're not here to brawl," Caden said, pacing. "You're here to end situations fast."
He pointed across the room. "You, evac drills. I want civilians out in under thirty seconds." Then to another group, "Crowd control. No panic, no chaos. Keep people moving."
Blade leaned against the wall, watching. "…Yeah, he's got this."
Ian nodded. "Exactly what we needed."
They visited more HQs across the planet—same energy everywhere. Lines, recruits, momentum. The system wasn't just working… it was spreading.
Back at the STF HQ later that day, Caden finally stepped into the common room. He hadn't been back in days.
Then he saw him.
"Eli?"
Eli turned instantly. "Caden, "
Caden walked over and pulled him into a quick hug. "Where have you been?"
"Intelligence wing," Eli said, shaking his head. "They've been teaching me everything—systems, tracking, data. And they got me in the gym too."
Caden laughed. "You struggling?"
"I'm not built for half those lifts," Eli said immediately.
Caden smirked. "Meanwhile, I'm out here teaching grown men how to fight."
Eli raised an eyebrow. "Already?"
"Yeah. CQB, response timing, evac planning… everything."
Eli nodded slowly. "That's actually crazy."
Caden leaned back slightly. "Yeah… but it's working."
Days passed.
Then a week.
And just like that, the Guardian Division was almost fully operational. Across the Empire, cities that once struggled alone now had protection, fast, local, efficient.
And at the center of it all,
Caden wasn't just part of it anymore.
He was the standard.