If you can hear me... it's time...

Adrian exchanged a glance with Lilith, who nodded her agreement. "Two of us go in," Adrian repeated. "You and me. Lilith and Medea will stay behind, ready to come in if anything happens."

Medea's eyes flared with anger, but she didn't argue. "You'd better call me the moment you sense danger," she warned, her voice low and serious. "Or I'll tear that place apart myself."

Adrian gave a grim smile. "Trust me, I will."

With the plan in place, Zack and Adrian approached the gates of the barracks, while Lilith and Medea remained out of sight, hidden among the trees. 

As they neared, Adrian noticed how Zack's demeanor changed—he stood taller, adopting the posture of someone accustomed to authority. The gate guards recognized him immediately, their eyes narrowing as they looked over the two of them.

"What business do you have here?" one of the guards asked, his tone suspicious.