Stephen left the briefing room, his boots striking the floor in quick, measured steps.
He didn't head straight for his office. First, there was something more crucial to handle.
His squad needed to be ready, truly ready, not just for another standard sweep, but for the unknown horror Ivy had warned him of.
He strode into the preparation hall, where his soldiers were gathered, some cleaning their weapons, others checking supplies.
The moment they saw him enter, the room straightened, as if his mere presence had commanded discipline.
Stephen's sharp eyes swept over them. "Listen up," he began, voice firm, no room for argument.
"We're not treating this like our usual runs. I want extra gear loaded. Double ammunition. Reinforce your vests, shield pads, anything that will buy you more time if things go south. No excuses."
The room paused. A murmur of surprise rippled through the soldiers.
They had done this sort of mission countless times in the past two months.
