The dusk air in Rising Sun City was thick with tension as Alaric gathered the squad in a secluded corner of the outer district. The shadows from the towering buildings stretched long across the cobblestone streets, merging with the dark alleys that concealed the bustling life of the city. A year of rigorous training had honed the squad to near perfection, but the intelligence about the Jin Clan's training grounds made even the most battle-hardened soldier uneasy.
Alaric unfurled the meticulously detailed map that Alex had acquired during their reconnaissance mission. Every street, alleyway, and training hall of the Jin Clan compound had been marked. Their targets were clear: two Guardians, four Clan Elders, thirty Nominal Elders, and a hundred Sacred Lord combatants—all well-trained Qi users. Even without seeing them, the aura of these people radiated from the intelligence reports.
"Listen carefully," Alaric began, his voice calm but authoritative. "Alex will take out the two Guardians and four Elders while I target the thirty Nominal Elders. The rest of the squad will cover the surrounding combatants and ensure we can retreat safely."
Liang Chen and Yue Rong, the vice leaders of the squad, nodded sharply. They had spent months training with the squad and were more than capable of keeping order. "Positions will be split according to skill," Liang Chen added, his tone measured. "Advanced-tier fighters will set up ambushes along the entry points. Mid-tier fighters cover exits and provide interference support. Early-stage cultivators maintain lookout and restrain patrols."
Alex's eyes gleamed with anticipation. His peak Origin Realm strength, combined with spatial, ice, and healing magic, made him the perfect assassin for this mission. He smirked lightly, though Alaric could detect the tension beneath. "I'll make sure the Guardians don't even realize what hit them," Alex replied, adjusting the grip on his staff.
Alaric continued, "Timing will be everything. We cannot afford a misstep. Every second counts. Our team's strength is formidable, but these targets are not to be underestimated."
Over the next few hours, the squad studied the maps and ran through drills silently. Alaric assigned positions based on the battlefield layout, ensuring that every man and woman knew their role, every action choreographed to perfection. They practiced setting talismans, traps, and illusionary obstacles that could temporarily immobilize the Jin Clan combatants, giving the brothers a critical edge.
By nightfall, the plan had been fully refined. Alaric and Alex went over the strategy once more. "Remember," Alaric whispered, "we move in, strike, and exfiltrate. Do not let the enemy regroup. Our window is small, and their Strength is deadly."
With the plan finalized, the squad retreated to their safehouse to rest. Every soldier went through their gear meticulously, checking weapons, armor, and talismans. Healing potions were secured, and a few members quietly trained their weaker skills, knowing that the coming confrontation would test every ounce of their power.
Alaric stepped outside into the chilly night air, looking over the city. The lights of Rising Sun City twinkled faintly in the distance, oblivious to the storm about to descend upon the Jin Clan. He could feel the weight of responsibility pressing down on him, heavier than any physical load. "One wrong move," he muttered under his breath, "and this entire squad could die."
He turned back inside, ready to brief the team one last time before the operation began. The plan was precise, the roles clear, and the stakes unprecedented. The Jin Clan's top-tier combatants awaited, and the brothers, along with their team, would soon test every skill, every spell, and every ounce of cultivation they had amassed over the past year.
The night stretched on, heavy with anticipation, as the squad mentally prepared for what would be the first in a series of surgical strikes that could decide the fate of Rising Sun City's most dangerous clan.