THE BEAST FOLKS MIGHIEST WARRIORS

 hours had passed, and all the requested warriors had arrived, each one standing tensely around the war room. Though they recognized one another by reputation, they had never fought alongside each other—only with their respective clans. The air was thick with unease, as none of them knew what they had been summoned for.

Cleon stood at the head of the long stone table, his piercing gaze sweeping over them. "Welcome," he said, his deep voice cutting through the silence. "Take a seat. There's no need for introductions—you all know who I am."

The warriors sat down, exchanging brief glances, still uncertain.

"I'm sure you're wondering why you're here," Cleon continued, his expression serious. "King Kuru has given me orders to assemble a squad of our most capable warriors. Our mission? To infiltrate Nordia… and assassinate their king."

A tense silence filled the room.

Jade scoffed, leaning back in her chair. "That's a death wish."

Cleon met her cold stare without hesitation. "That's correct," he admitted. "I won't lie to you—some of us will not make it back. No matter how skilled we are, the Beserkers are strong, and their numbers far surpass ours."

Pero folded his arms, his voice sharp. "Do you really think this is possible? It's madness. We should be staying here, fighting alongside our comrades, defending our land."

Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room, their agitation growing.

Then Azura spoke, her voice calm but firm. "There is no possible way we win this war unless we complete this mission."

The room fell silent, all eyes shifting to her.

She continued, unwavering, "It's a race against time. No matter how brave we are, there's no way we can hold off the full might of the Beserker forces forever. They'll overwhelm us. But if we kill their king, their entire nation will destabilize. They'll have no choice but to retreat."

Cleon smirked slightly. "That's why you're here, Azura. I've heard from Jeremi of your sharp mind and your strength."

Azura simply nodded.

"But she's right," Cleon said, turning back to the rest of the squad. "This mission will determine the outcome of the war. We don't have the luxury of hesitation."

The warriors sat in contemplation, the weight of the mission settling in.

"We'll be together from now on," Cleon continued. "Strategizing, learning each other's strengths. When the first wave of Nordian forces invades, that's when we make our move. Until then, we prepare. Our survival—and the survival of Delria—depends on it."

"When do you think they'll invade?" asked Maron, his voice filled with curiosity and a hint of unease.

Cleon exhaled, arms crossed. "Honestly, I don't know—could be any moment now. We're tracking their movements, and they're currently stationed at Fekka. But for some reason, they haven't advanced toward us yet. I thought they would have crossed the border by now, which is… strange."

The group fell into a brief silence, contemplating what that could mean.

"Anyway," Cleon continued, "I need you all to familiarize yourselves with each other. I'll start, since you've probably only heard rumors of my abilities. My bloodline is an ancient beast bloodline—I'm a werewolf with fire inner."

The warriors watched him with quiet respect as he finished, then turned toward Sylve, who was next.

Sylve stood slowly, adjusting his glasses. He was young—no older than 19—his white hair slightly covering his timid-looking eyes. His presence didn't radiate power like the others, and some of the warriors exchanged surprised glances.

"My name is Sylve," he said nervously. "I'm from Jada Clan, Squad One. I'm half ancient beast bloodline, half normal beast bloodline. I turn into a bear… with lightning abilities."

The room was silent for a moment. The combination was rare—almost unheard of.

Maron went next. "My name is Maron. I'm normal beast bloodline, a cheetah beast from Bakara Clan, Squad One."

"I'm Jade," said a woman with sharp, playful eyes. "Normal beast bloodline, monkey beast from Zula Clan, Squad One."

"Rakel," said another warrior, his voice deep. "Normal beast bloodline, lion beast from Niom, Squad One."

"I'm Alba," said the next warrior, his large frame making the chair creak as he leaned forward. "Ancient beast bloodline. I'm a minotaur with water inner from Winzo, Squad One."

"Pero from Onjo Clan," said a sharp-eyed man, his tone smooth. "Normal beast bloodline. I'm a falcon beast."

Lastly, Azura stood up, her presence commanding yet elegant. "I'm Azura, from Palm Clan, Squad One. Ancient beast bloodline. I am… a phoenix."

Jade's eyes widened in awe. "Wow, a phoenix?! That's insane! I thought the rumors were fake—the last phoenix was born over a hundred years ago."

Pero smirked. "Ancient beast bloodlines are something else. Some of you are just born lucky—you get to turn into mythical creatures, and on top of that, you can use elemental inner. It's always been rare, though."

The room settled after the introductions, the weight of their abilities now clear to everyone. This was no ordinary squad—each of them was a force in their own right.

"That's it for today, guys," Cleon said, his deep voice carrying authority. "You'll be shown to where you'll be staying. Be ready to leave at any moment. We're on standby—as soon as that invasion starts, we move."

The warriors stood up, murmuring amongst themselves as they filed out of the room, each mentally preparing for what lay ahead.

Sylve hesitated, lingering behind as the others left. His fists clenched at his sides before he finally spoke.

"Uh, Boss?" he said nervously.

Cleon, who was gathering his notes, glanced up. "What is it, Sylve?"

The young warrior hesitated before stepping forward. "Why did you pick me?" he asked. "I'm not the strongest from Squad One. This mission is important—everyone else here is probably the alpha of their squads. I'm not even the omega of ours."

Cleon studied him for a moment, then let out a small chuckle. "Yes, I know that, Sylve. But I didn't pick you based on rank—I picked you because you have the potential to be one of the strongest."

Sylve blinked in surprise.

"You're doing incredible for your age," Cleon continued. "You're developing at an exceptional rate. Believe in yourself more, and you'll surpass everyone."

Sylve's posture straightened, his eyes lighting up with newfound confidence. "Thanks, Boss. I won't let you down."

Cleon nodded. "Good. Now get some rest. We'll need you at your best."

Sylve gave a determined nod before heading out, a fire now burning inside him.