Chapter 25: The Plan

As they approached the Neo-Kyoto

Escort Committee (NKEC) Headquarters building, the gravity of the situation

weighed heavily on the team. The sun cast long shadows across the Velhara

Prime District, the towering skyline of Neo-Kyoto glinting in the

light — but the beauty of the city did little to ease the tension they all

felt.

Inside the sleek,

high-tech NKEC headquarters, Kyrin called the team into a private strategy

room. The walls flickered with holographic displays of recent events and

intelligence feeds. He turned to face them, his expression dark and serious.

"I think it's time

we talk about the Z Organization," Kyrin began, his voice

low and measured. "From what we know so far, they've been pulling strings from

the shadows — even within Segrito."

The room grew quiet,

the weight of his words sinking in.

"You all saw Kaelon

and Crix's deaths," Kyrin continued. "But what if I told you their so-called

deaths were just part of an elaborate deception? The shots that hit their car

were carefully placed — not to kill them, but to force them off the road and into

the Vortex Valley. The crash left them critically injured,

on the brink of death… and that's when Lord Z made

his move."

Rin's eyes

widened. "You're saying… he saved them?"

Kyrin nodded

grimly. "Exactly. He waited until they were at their weakest — when desperation

would override reason. If he'd approached them when they still had strength and

pride, they likely would have refused his offer. But when you're seconds away

from death, when your life is slipping through your fingers… not even a

seasoned assassin can resist a lifeline. Lord Z gave them that lifeline — and

with it, Dark Ripple Energy."

The mention of

that energy sent a shiver through the room. Everyone knew how dangerous and

corrupting it was.

Kyra folded her

arms, her brow furrowed. "So, it wasn't just a rescue — it was a

transformation."

"Exactly," Kyrin

confirmed. "The Kaelon and Crix we knew are gone. Whatever they've become… it's

something far more dangerous."

Senjuro, who had

been quietly processing everything, finally spoke. "This also tells us

something crucial about Lord Z. He's not just some powerful leader. He's

leagues ahead of Professor Z and even Segrito.

This whole thing — from their supposed deaths to their revival — was a

carefully orchestrated gambit. And we fell right into it."

Blaze clenched his

fists. "Then we're facing an enemy who's not only powerful but also strategic.

That's a dangerous combination."

Kaito nodded in

agreement. "We need to find out more about this Lord Z. If he's strong enough

to control Segrito's top assassins and transform them with Dark Ripple Energy,

then we're already several steps behind."

Kyra's eyes hardened. "Then we catch up. Fast."

Kyrin activated

the holographic display, showing a map of the Northern Rift Expanse — one of the suspected locations of Z

Organization's stronghold. "Our mission is clear. We track their movements,

gather intel, and prepare for an assault. But we can't go in blind. We'll need

to split up, cover more ground, and stay sharp. If Kaelon and Crix are back…

they won't be the same assassins, we fought before."

Mirae spoke up,

her voice steady despite the tension. "Then we'd better make sure we're ready

for whatever they've become."

As the team

exchanged determined looks, the gravity of the battle ahead settled over them.

They weren't just fighting an organization — they were facing a mastermind who

had already outmaneuvered them once. But this time, they wouldn't be caught off

guard.

This time, they'd be ready

As the team gathered around the

strategy table in the NKEC headquarters, the tension was palpable. Holographic

maps of the Velhara Prime District flickered in front of them,

showing every possible entry point and the vast forested areas surrounding it.

Kyrin stood at the head of the table, his sharp eyes scanning the team.

"Alright," Kyrin began, his voice calm

but commanding. "We know the Z Organization has set up their

hideout somewhere near Velhara Prime, and we need to approach

carefully. There are three possible entry points — and we'll split into three

teams to cover them."

He pointed at the map, highlighting

each route.

"Route One: Downtown Velhara Prime. This

is the most direct — and the most dangerous. It's heavily populated and

patrolled, which means we'll likely encounter resistance fast. That's why I'm

taking this route with Senjuro and Rin. We'll

handle whatever comes our way head-on."

Rin smirked. "You know I like a good

fight."

"Route Two: The Northern Forest. This

area gives us cover and a better vantage point, but it's also tricky terrain. Kyra,

you'll lead Mirae, Taro, and Kaito through

this route. Your job is crucial — you'll be scouting ahead and analyzing their

security. We'll need to know their patrol patterns, guard placements, and any

possible ambush points."

Kyra nodded, her face serious. "We'll

stay sharp."

"Route Three: The Southern Forest. It's

the least obvious route, which could give us the element of surprise. But that

also means we don't know what kind of defenses they have there. Zyren,

you'll lead Akira, Akio, and Hiroshi through

this path. Stick to your tactics and be ready for anything."

Zyren grinned, his usual confidence

showing through. "We won't let you down."

Senjuro crossed his arms, thoughtful.

"What's the plan once we reach the hideout?"

Kyrin's eyes gleamed with

determination. "Kyra's team will go in first — not to engage, but

to observe. Once you've gathered enough intel on their security, you'll signal

us. Zyren's team will then follow Zyren's tactics to draw

attention away from the hideout's main entrance — create a diversion, cause

some chaos. And while they're distracted…"

He pointed at the downtown route.

"We strike from the front."

Rin raised an eyebrow. "And what's

this 'tactic' you're talking about, Kyrin?"

Kyrin smirked. "You'll see when we get

there."

Blaze chuckled. "That's never a good

sign."

The room filled with the sound of

engines roaring as the team dispersed, each group taking their designated

vehicles. The night sky stretched above them as they sped toward their

respective routes, the city lights fading behind them.

In the Shadow Reaver,

Kyrin's team raced through the crowded streets of Velhara Prime. Senjuro kept

his eyes on the road while Rin checked his weapons.

"You think this Lord Z guy is really

as dangerous as Kyrin says?" Rin asked, his voice casual but tinged with

curiosity.

Kyrin's face hardened. "He's more

dangerous. We haven't even seen his full strength yet — and that's what worries

me."

In the Northern Forest,

Kyra's team moved silently through the dense trees, the cool night air brushing

against them. Mirae moved ahead, scanning the area through her visor while Taro

and Kaito flanked her.

"We stick to the plan," Kyra

whispered. "No engagements unless absolutely necessary. We need intel, not a

firefight."

"Got it," Taro replied.

The Southern Forest was

darker, the shadows deeper. Zyren led his team with quiet confidence, moving

through the underbrush like a predator.

"Stay close and stay quiet," Zyren

instructed. "We hit hard and fast when the time comes."

As the teams closed in on their

respective positions, the tension in the air grew. They were stepping into the

unknown — and they all knew the price of failure.