The first rays of dawn sliced through the clouds, scattering light across the courtyard of Jade City. Alaric leaned against the balcony railing of the squad's central hall, the crisp morning air brushing against his face. Below him, the 28-man squad moved with precision, the rhythm of their movements a testament to the months of grueling training and discipline.
A year had passed — a year of endless drills, skirmishes with beasts, cultivation, and strategy sessions. And now, as the training period came to an end, the results were undeniable. Every man and woman in the squad had grown far beyond what they had been a year ago.
Alaric's eyes drifted toward the forest path that led into the horizon. He smirked faintly, masking the mix of pride and mild envy stirring in his chest. Alex is finally back.
His younger brother's return had been long awaited. Alex had spent three months in the forest, alone, sharpening his abilities. And judging by the faint shimmer of his aura as he emerged from the tree line yesterday night, he had grown in ways that made Alaric both proud and cautious. Peak Origin Realm — the strongest cultivator in the squad. With his mastery of healing, ice, and spatial magic, Alex was now not just a fighter but a cornerstone of their group.
Alaric exhaled slowly, letting the words settle in his mind. "My younger brother is now way stronger than me," he muttered under his breath, smirking to hide the pang of both pride and challenge he felt. The Phantom Emperor's mana had accelerated Alex's growth to levels most could only dream of, and breaking through to Sage Realm would now require Alaric to push himself further than ever before — likely beyond anything he had imagined when they first began this journey.
The courtyard below was alive with motion. Yue Rong oversaw a small squad, her aura bright, movements fluid and commanding. Beside her, Liang Chen barked orders, a streak of fire flaring from his blade as he demonstrated a new tactical formation. The two vice-leaders had fully stepped into their roles — directing the squad, perfecting drills, and ensuring every member was sharp, focused, and battle-ready.
Alaric's eyes softened slightly as he watched the scene unfold. The months of training, the sweat, the injuries, the countless late nights of cultivation and strategy — it had all culminated in this moment. The team was cohesive, disciplined, and now fully equipped, each member armed with tailored gear, talismans, and all necessary resources to face even the most dangerous enemies.
A light breeze carried a faint rustle of paper, and Alaric's hand moved to the letter he had just received from Captain Lin Mei. The seal was intact, but the words inside made his eyes narrow with focus. A 5-star clan — greater and far more dangerous than the 4-star stronghold they had previously conquered. A challenge unlike anything they had faced before, requiring precision, coordination, and the full extent of their newly honed abilities.
He folded the letter carefully, letting the gravity of the mission sink in. "We're ready," he whispered to himself. Not a statement of bravado, but a quiet acknowledgment of the squad's growth and readiness. They were no longer the group of soldiers who had first arrived in Jade City — they had become something far stronger, far more formidable.
Alaric's eyes scanned the courtyard one final time. Every soldier moved with purpose; every aura pulsed with strength. Yue Rong's icy control, Liang Chen's fiery precision, Audrey and Griffin's destructive coordination, and the others' combined mastery of their respective realms — they were a living force, a squad capable of executing even the most daring of plans.
He allowed himself a small smile as he descended the balcony steps and walked among them. "You've all done well," he said, voice steady, carrying authority and warmth. "The year of training has ended, but now the real tests begin. Tomorrow, we leave for the 5-star clan."
The squad straightened, eyes sharp, hearts synchronized with the pulse of anticipation. They were ready.
Alaric stopped in front of Yue Rong and Liang Chen. "You two will oversee final preparations for the journey. Make sure every member is fully equipped, fully rested, and fully aware of their roles. We cannot afford any mistakes."
"Yes, Commander," Yue Rong replied, her calm confidence unwavering. Liang Chen's grin mirrored hers, and a faint heat flared along his blade as he nodded in agreement.
Alaric's gaze shifted to his brother, who stood a few paces away, hands clasped behind his back, eyes scanning the squad. "Alex," he said, voice quieter this time, "your growth… it's remarkable. We'll need that strength in the upcoming mission."
Alex smirked faintly, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "Don't worry, big brother. I'll make sure no one slows us down."
Alaric chuckled softly, the tension in his chest easing slightly. The year of training was over, but the battlefield awaited. And with his squad, his vice-leaders, and his brother at his side, he knew they were ready to face whatever came next — stronger, smarter, and more deadly than ever before.
As the sun dipped lower, painting the courtyard in orange and gold, Alaric allowed himself a brief moment to reflect. They had trained, grown, and bonded. Now, they would step into the next chapter of their journey. The 5-star clan awaited — and with it, a new test of everything they had become.
And Alaric's heart thrummed with anticipation, excitement, and the quiet, unyielding determination of a leader who knew his squad would not fail.