"Ashes of Crestfall: The Rise of Aaron San Agustin"

Here is your next chapter edited into immersive novel-narrative style with team psychological immersion, realistic American-based adaptation, and natural dialogue. Approx ~1300 words for your sequential drafting:

For the first time in years, laughter echoed from their group as they walked down Silvergate Skyline Avenue, city lights blazing against the darkening summer sky. Hayes walked up front, tall and unyielding in posture, while Marcuz and Rookcracked jokes about Velmont's strict liquor laws.

Lee Chan moved silently at the rear, eyes flicking from rooftop to street corners in old habits. Codyl marveled at the LED billboards flashing crypto advertisements above them, mumbling half-formed code scripts under his breath. Noah walked beside Maya, his silent presence a constant shield around her.

But tonight, none of them were in uniform. Just dark jeans, boots, and shirts hugging frames honed by years of combat. Civilians in appearance—soldiers in soul.

Their boots halted in unison as they turned the corner. Before them rose the Azure Flames Hotel, its towering glass façade glimmering blue and gold under floodlights. The revolving brass doors turned endlessly as black cars pulled up, letting out high-profile guests in designer suits and glittering dresses. Banners proclaimed an upcoming crypto summit and private tech auctions within its grand halls.

"Holy shit," Rook breathed, his mouth falling open as he gazed up. "Did we just walk into the Avengers headquarters?"

Hawk chuckled, clapping him on the back. "You wish, Killer. They wouldn't even let you near the parking lot."

Specter's eyes narrowed with silent calculation. "This place… security is intense. Two plainclothes armed near the valet, drone coverage above… a full private surveillance grid."

"Relax," Aaron murmured, stepping forward. "Tonight's for you. Enjoy."

Bravo glanced at him, brow furrowed. "Wolf… what are we doing here?"

Aaron didn't answer. He simply smiled faintly and walked through the revolving door. They followed, boots silent against the polished marble floor. Crystal chandeliers reflected in vast gold-trimmed mirrors lining the lobby walls. Foreign dignitaries, tech moguls, models, and discreet armed escorts mingled under the subtle melody of a grand piano playing in the corner.

Aaron approached the front desk where a young concierge in a navy vest looked up, her professional smile faltering slightly at his group's imposing presence.

"Good evening, sir. Welcome to the Azure Flames Hotel. How may I assist you today?"

Aaron rested his gloved hand on the counter. "I want an entire floor," he said calmly. "Please help me book the coziest suites available. The cozier, the better."

The woman blinked, momentarily stunned. Her fingers froze above her keyboard. "I… I'm sorry, sir, did you say an entire floor?"

"Yes." Aaron slid his hand into his pocket and pulled out a card—solid black, charred brilliance embedded with a single obsidian diamond. No logos, no insignia, no name.

Specter tilted his head, observing the reactions around them. Guests glanced at the scene, curious. Ghost raised his brows, murmuring softly, "That card again… something familiar."

The concierge's eyes widened, her fingers trembling slightly as she pressed the service call button beneath her desk. Within seconds, a man in an impeccable tailored grey suit approached—a manager with peppered hair, gold name tag reading "Michael Stevens, Guest Services Director."

"Is there a problem here?" he asked smoothly, eyeing Aaron's team with hidden caution.

"No problem at all," Aaron replied, voice calm as ever. He handed him the black card.

Michael's professional demeanor shifted. His pupils dilated as recognition flickered. "Sir… would you please come with me? We will process your request immediately. This way."

He gestured politely, guiding them away from the front desk. Rook elbowed Hawk, whispering under his breath. "What the hell is that card, man? Batman's secret AmEx?"

"Or a CIA kill switch," Hawk muttered back.

They were led to a private elevator guarded by two uniformed hotel security officers. Michael pressed a keycard, unlocking the entire panel, and turned with a respectful bow.

"Mr… sir, your request for an entire floor will be processed under our Elite Executive package. A penthouse is also prepared for your personal use. Please… accept our hospitality."

Aaron simply nodded, gesturing for his team to follow him in. The elevator doors closed silently, and a soft orchestral tune filled the interior.

Doc glanced at him, emerald eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Aaron… what is all this?"

"Freedom," he said softly. "Freedom and preparation."

The doors slid open with a hush of cool air. Their boots sank into thick velvet carpets as they stepped into a vast penthouse suite. Floor-to-ceiling windows revealed the glowing city far below. Modern sofas, sculpted wood paneling, and a marble bar gleamed under golden pendant lights. A spread of fresh fruit, imported charcuterie, and champagne sat waiting on the dining table.

Rook let out a low whistle. "Now this… this is living."

Ghost strode to the windows, eyes darting over the city grid. "Intel heaven up here. Look at those line-of-sight advantages."

Specter simply dropped his duffel on the plush carpet, silent approval glowing in his dark eyes.

Hawk peeled off his tactical hoodie, tossing it onto a leather chair. "Alright, Wolf. Spill it. Why here?"

Aaron lowered himself onto a sofa, fingers steepled before his lips. The city lights reflected off his obsidian eyes as he studied each of them in turn.

"This is a start," he said quietly. "I don't plan to stay in Velmont forever. There are bigger battles ahead… battles that will need us."

Bravo leaned forward, elbows on his knees. "What are you thinking?"

Aaron's gaze shifted beyond them, to the glittering darkness beyond the glass. "Africa."

Reaper's brows furrowed. "Africa?"

"Yeah. Africa," Aaron repeated. "It's a fractured continent of power vacuums, failed states, and shadow conflicts no government will touch. But it's also… opportunity. I plan to establish our own private force there. Not just mercenaries—something different. An organization to balance the rot."

Doc's eyes softened with worry. "You're creating a private army."

"No," Aaron said. "I'm creating a shield."

Hawk chuckled darkly. "You're crazy. But hell… count me in."

Bravo's lips twitched faintly. "You're going to need capital."

Aaron leaned back against the cushions, smirking as he tapped his black card against his thigh. "That's not a problem anymore."

Silence fell, broken only by Rook's gleeful cheer as he popped open a champagne bottle, foam spraying across Ghost's laptop.

"To the Phantom Wolves," he yelled.

"To freedom," Specter murmured, raising his glass.

Aaron raised his in turn, his voice low and resolute. "To the shadows… and to the light."

Outside the penthouse windows, Velmont City gleamed with a million golden lights—unaware that tonight, in the highest room of its tallest tower, a legend was awakening.

And the world would never be the same again.