Crazy Master

One month later

Tony was starting to get used to this new way of life, even though he knew it wouldn't last long.

After morning training, he would go back to cultivating and practicing. Inside the base, he couldn't use his full power, so he only trained within his consciousness.

He also avoided going out too much, since Dina kept following him everywhere, which attracted jealousy from both boys and girls.

— Are you planning to stay here? asked Asti.

— Why? What's out there? Tony replied without even opening his eyes.

— There's a girl who overheard a superior saying that the Alpha team is finally coming back, Asti announced.

— Well, good. What's so shocking about that? said Tony.

— You've been here for a month, and you still don't know anything about the base. Even Hikiri stays informed, added Asti, slightly annoyed.

— And what's your point? Tony asked, still cultivating.

— It's been three years since they left. And no team that stayed out for more than six months has ever come back…

— Honestly? I don't care. So leave me alone, Tony growled.

— Either way, you're required to be there to welcome them, Asti concluded.

Tony opened his eyes and grumbled:

— Fine, let's go now. And then leave me alone.

The three of them left the room. Hikiri followed while reading his book.

In front of the entrance, they had to line up and applaud as the Alpha team passed by.

Five minutes passed. Still no sign of them. When people started clapping, Tony just hoped it would end quickly.

The Alpha group walked past him. He recognized two familiar faces: Arlen and Kamo. Like the rest of their team, they looked straight ahead, expressionless.

— A thunderous round of applause for Arlen, who has reached rank nine! announced a superior.

The soldiers shouted and clapped with renewed enthusiasm. A rank nine could make a difference on the battlefield. Their excitement was easy to understand.

— Alright, I'm heading back. Goodbye, Tony said as he turned around to continue cultivating.

— He's a real addict, Asti sighed.

Later, in the officers' hall, the Alpha team was giving their report. Arlen, as team leader, addressed the higher-ups.

— As you know, things are accelerating. Several bases have already been destroyed, or are still under attack. I think it's no longer time to observe—we must strike, she declared.

— What do you propose, Arlen? asked one of the superiors.

— We should start with the old Prague castle. Its defenses aren't weak, but with my team, I'm sure we can handle it. And we might also rescue Commander Zuma, who's imprisoned there.

Many officers nodded. Passivity wouldn't save them.

All heads turned toward Canou Gérard, the most influential among them.

— That's a very good plan you're proposing… but I've already planned an attack, he said calmly.

The shock was immediate. Canou Gérard usually avoided these kinds of missions.

— With all due respect, sir, where will this mission take place? asked another officer.

— At the Fort of Saint-Michel.

A chilling silence fell over the room.

Everyone knew that this fort, held by the Payo clan, was considered impregnable. Even the Chang clan, superior in numbers, had never dared to attack it.

— You're sending us? asked Arlen.

Her teammates looked tense. They had hoped to rest, not head back out.

— No, I'm not sending you. It'll be a new team, under the command of Commander Darlius.

Darlius, caught off guard, asked:

— Why me, sir? I'm not the most qualified for this…

— Doesn't matter. You'll be going with them into the field anyway, Canou Gérard replied.

Darlius's face fell.

— But… but usually we give orders from the base, not while being out there with them!

— Times are changing, Darlius. Alice, give him the list, said Canou Gérard.

— Darlius, now that you have the list, gather your team and take them to the armory. You leave tonight.

— Tonight?! But sir, at night, assassins roam. There are invisible traps during the day, but deadly ones at night. They could die before even getting there! Arlen protested.

— Don't worry, Arlen. You, you're going to rest. You've earned it. As for you, Commander Darlius—go, said Canou.

Darlius headed toward the door, his face blank. He wanted to protest, but he knew that refusing would mean condemning his family to death.

— Darlius, be careful of the Red Shadows. If you see several decapitated heads placed face to face, kissing… you'll know you're in their territory. I strongly advise against fighting them. But if you do… kill everyone. Otherwise, the survivors will hunt you to your death.

— And the animals? I've never seen them, but I've seen the corpses they leave behind. I hope for your sake that you never meet them. I'm certain they're not from Earth. Good luck… and out there, trust no one but your team, Arlen concluded.

Darlius left the room, pale, and went off to find his team.