A week after returning to Westoria, the Starborn reunited with the main forces. Ren spent a full month in medical, receiving proper treatment for his wounds.
Virgil let out a slow sigh as he lit a cigarette, tapping the ashes into the tray beside him. This was the first briefing in months. "Right," he said, voice level. "I'm glad you all made it back in one piece. Most of you, anyway. The operation was a failure, but it's nothing we can't recover from. It's time for our next move."
"That's it…?" Rin's voice cut through the silence, sharp with disbelief. "Just move on?" Her fists clenched. "This is the first time one of us has actually died! You think that doesn't mean anything?! We shouldn't even be in a fucking briefing right now!"
Virgil narrowed his eyes. "I suggest you remember your place, Sakurai." He paused, exhaling smoke. "But… you may be right."
"No, I am right," Rin shot back. "We're still people, with emotions. You seem to forget that."
"Rin, calm down." Arthur's voice was colder than usual. "This is still our commander."
Virgil let the tension sit for a moment before speaking again. "We'll hold off on the next mission. For now, there's something more important to discuss." He flicked his fingers, activating a holographic screen behind him. "Starborn is bringing on two new recruits."
The screen shifted, displaying two profiles.
"The first is someone you all know—Elowen Cysra. She was meant to be a member from the start, but she couldn't undergo the same training as the rest of you due to her support-type abilities. The second is a new recruit, fresh from a military program that identifies candidates for elite units." Virgil took a drag from his cigarette. "His name is Clyde Winslow."
A second image appeared, showing a young man with a sharp gaze.
"He possesses a technique he calls The Chain of Judgment. He can mark anyone he subconsciously deems evil, binding them with chains. The more unjust he perceives them to be, the more their powers are suppressed. If taken to the extreme, the chain will snap, and Clyde will be granted access to the Judgment Blade." Virgil's gaze darkened slightly. "He's never used it before. That's all we know."
Arthur crossed his arms. "We're getting a full breakdown of his skills?"
"It's best to understand what your teammates bring to the table." Virgil flicked the cigarette, watching embers fall. "His reaction speed is exceptional. If he doesn't want to get hit, he won't. Keep that in mind."
Arthur gave a small nod. "Right. Does he have some kind of unique background?"
"Not at all," Virgil replied. "Just your average soldier with exceptional capabilities." He stood, pushing his chair back into place. "I just ask that you be ready for your teammates' arrival. You're all dismissed."
No one said a word as they filed out of the briefing room. The air was heavy with something unspoken—failure, disappointment, exhaustion. The mission had gone south in the worst way possible, and though they had returned, it didn't feel like a victory.
As they parted ways, none of them exchanged goodbyes. The halls of Gabriel Aurelius' estate were grand, pristine, yet tonight they felt cold.
A letter arrived soon after, sealed with Gabriel's insignia. A personal message, written in his own hand, offering condolences for Ryoma's death. Despite his position, despite the war, he had taken the time to address each Starborn personally.
For some, it was comforting. For others, it only deepened their unease.
"Hey, Lyra, what do you think makes us special in Gabriel's eyes?"
Reid sat slouched on a couch in the corner of Lyra's room, his arms draped lazily over the backrest. Lyra lay on her bed, staring at the ceiling, her fingers idly tracing patterns against the sheets.
"You mean the letter?" she asked. "I guess we do live in one of his many abodes… but I don't know why we're special. Rin told me the offer was originally meant for only Sosuke. He convinced Gabriel that we deserved it just as much."
Reid blinked. "Really? I didn't know that."
He was quiet for a moment, as if turning something over in his mind. "I spoke with Kallard once," he admitted. "She was curious why Gabriel seemed so reluctant to include me. Apparently, I'm his least favorite of Starborn."
Lyra finally turned her head toward him. "It probably has to do with your lack of control," she said bluntly. "But despite that, you're still strong. He should know that by now."
Reid frowned, his fingers tapping idly against the armrest. "He's a good person," he said, though his voice lacked confidence. "I'm sure he has his reasons."
"Reasons," Lyra echoed. Her gaze drifted to the ceiling again. "From what I've read, the Sword Saint was the only man stronger than Gabriel. They were rivals for years—hated each other. And yet, Gabriel is here, creating the best possible environment for the Sword Saint's son to thrive."
Reid sat forward slightly. "What are you getting at?"
Lyra exhaled. "It's just strange."
Reid shook his head. "Sosuke's strong. He probably just wants to use that strength for the war."
"Perhaps." Lyra stretched before sitting up. "Maybe I'm overthinking things just to keep my brain working."
Reid chuckled. "You always did." He sighed. "You couldn't have at least tried to make me look better a few times as kids? Maybe I could've stayed in the family."
Lyra hesitated, caught off guard. "I… uh…"
"I'm just messing with you." Reid forced a laugh. "Sorry. I guess I get jealous sometimes. You're so much smarter than me. Makes me wonder how many people realize we're twins without us explaining."
Lyra turned to the window, her eyes fixed on the courtyard below. "I'm sorry, Reid," she murmured. "But life wasn't so bad outside the Valcrest family, was it? It wasn't so great inside of it."
Reid's expression darkened slightly.
"They're shitty people," Lyra continued. "You'd have ended up worse if you'd stayed. Trust me."
Reid stared at her for a long moment before leaning back again, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Not if I was with you, sis." He cracked his knuckles. "Besides, I can push myself through anything. I'll prove to them I'm stronger than anyone in that stupid family."
Lyra's gaze softened. "I'm sure you will."