The room remained tense as I stepped back from Captain Weiss and scanned the operatives behind her. My instincts were sharp—I wasn't taking any chances, not after yesterday.
"Excuse me if this is rude," I began, keeping my tone measured, "but I need to confirm your identities."
Captain Weiss raised an eyebrow but nodded. "Caution is warranted. Proceed."
Before I could act, a familiar, teasing voice rang out from the back.
"Not recognizing your own cousin? Rude, even if it's by marriage."
A blur of motion shot forward. Instinct kicked in, and I sidestepped with ease.
"How the hell were you even hiding back there, Kieran?" I asked, exasperated.
Kieran straightened up, his wiry frame practically vibrating with energy. His uniform barely looked regulation—collar undone, sleeves slightly rolled up, and that ever-present cocky grin. Despite the carefree exterior, there was an undeniable presence about him. His frame was lean but strong, muscles defined from years of intense training, and his posture radiated confidence. The guy looked like trouble, but damn if he wasn't good at what he did.
"No need for formalities, cousin! Let's kick some ass!"
Nel let out a surprised laugh. "Wait—this is your cousin? The Organization actually sent him?"
"I'm as surprised as you," I muttered, pinching the bridge of my nose. "But don't let his attitude fool you. He's on the brink of a Level 3 domain… and the current wielder of Skofnung."
That got their attention. Even Zach, who had been silently observing, raised an eyebrow.
"Skofnung?" Deya asked.
"Only the best sword in the world," Kieran declared, unsheathing the blade from his back in one smooth motion. The polished steel gleamed under the hotel lights, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and power. Kieran's muscle-bound arms flexed with ease as he gripped the hilt, the movement fluid and effortless. His movements weren't just skilled—they were a show of pure control.
"She's a beauty," Amir admitted, nodding in appreciation. "But best in the world? Last I checked, it's ranked fifteenth."
"Better than anything you've got in that bag," Kieran shot back smugly.
"Wanna bet?" Amir challenged, his tone sharpening.
I groaned. "Both of you, shut up."
Nel smirked, nudging me lightly. "At least the backup comes with entertainment."
Kieran winked. "Entertainment and results, sweetheart. Trust me, you'll love having me around."
"Enough," Captain Weiss cut in, her voice sharp. The room snapped back into focus instantly.
Captain Ingrid Weiss stepped forward. She was a tall woman, her frame a clear testament to years of training and strength. Her dark blue uniform clung to her body, highlighting her solid, muscle-built physique. She wasn't just strong—she was imposing, with every movement exuding precision and power. Her platinum blonde hair, streaked with silver, was pulled back into a tight, efficient bun, and her piercing blue eyes were sharp enough to cut through any distractions.
"We're here to support Team One. Mission comes first. Introductions and planning before anything else."
"Agreed," I said, stepping forward. "We move out in an hour. Get your gear ready. This isn't going to be a walk in the park."
The team dispersed, but Kieran lingered, leaning against the wall with a rare moment of stillness.
"So," he said, his usual grin fading into something more sincere. "You good, cousin? Yesterday sounded rough."
I glanced at him, momentarily caught off guard by the shift in his tone. "I'm fine. We all are. But… thanks."
Kieran nodded, his humor momentarily replaced with something quieter. "Good. Just remember, I've got your back out there."
I gave him a faint smirk. "Let's see if you can keep up."
"Oh, I'll do more than keep up," he shot back, his grin returning. "I'll make you proud, Polaris Jr."
I rolled my eyes and turned away, heading to prepare my gear. The clock was ticking, and the next phase of the mission was about to begin.