For the next few weeks, Exeo's team trained intensely under General Luis's keen guidance, focusing on refining military tactics, sparring skills, and identifying individual weaknesses.
After several tough sparring sessions, they gathered, acknowledging the improvements but also the work that remained.
"I'm pleased with your progress," General Luis announced, his back to the forest. "This month of training has come to an end, and you've all pushed yourselves. Carry these lessons forward; you did well."
Ember stepped forward. "Thank you, General. This month gave us the chance to recognize and strengthen our weaknesses together, and that's a rare opportunity."
General Luis nodded, then began with a tone both instructive and solemn. "Now that training is over, two days from now, you'll represent Clareo at the Annual Military Conference. As Clareo's special unit, this is your moment—not just to demonstrate your strength, but to contribute to Clareo's standing in future negotiations. Show them the power behind Clareo's special forces."
Exeo looked contemplative. "It feels unnecessary, General. Our job is to protect, not to prove ourselves."
General Luis chuckled softly. This isn't about proving anything; it's about presence. You don't need to show off, but by simply performing your duties, you reinforce Clareo's strength."
The general paused for a moment then looked at the five men and his gaze grew more intense.
"Remember, the battlefield isn't about what's appropriate; it's about power. In your line of work, it's not just how you fight but how effectively you do damage, whether with a blade or your ability."
The team exchanged glances, the words sinking in with new weight.
"If I might offer some advice," General Luis added, "focus on shoring up any weaknesses so that, when they're tested in battle, you're ready to act decisively."
Ember sighed quietly; they understood. These last few lessons were reminders of what they'd face soon.
"Well," General Luis finished, "this is your first mission as Clareo's special unit. Let this last training session count."
He gave them each a final look before turning to disappear among the trees.
Two Days Later
At the Military HQ, the team arrived at the front entrance in black hooded cloaks, their uniforms concealed beneath. Only their masks were visible as they made their way inside, led by General Luis, drawing startled glances.
"Let's begin," Luis murmured with a grin as the team followed.
Ignoring the murmurs and stares, they proceeded through the corridors until they entered a large arena lined with tables, each representing a country: Clareo, Uryo, Dheena, Klivro, and more. Soldiers stood behind each table, representing their nation's finest.
The general said, "I've received reports from each country about their strengths and weaknesses but, in my opinion, this should be easy. You all know how to deal with most threats that you might face on this mission."
The general glanced behind him and saw Exeo nodding in agreement and continued.
"But I don't think it would do any of us any good if we were too lax with our opponents. So we'll just go over some basic strategy for now."
General Luis took his seat next to Uryo's commander, nodding to him in acknowledgment as they prepared to begin.
Everyone's eyes fell upon them. Some of those present began to whisper quietly.
"Those are Clareo's special unit?" They whispered among themselves, pointing at the black hooded men who followed behind General Luis.
Most of the commanders in the arena knew how strong Clareo's military are.
Now that the rumors confirmed that Clareo has a special unit, they are all curious to see what kind of threat they may be.
The host stood and addressed the assembly. "Today, each nation will demonstrate its power in one-on-one and group combat scenarios. Victory will be achieved by eliminating the enemy's commander for a full thirty minutes or wiping out all opponents. If no clear winner emerges, the match is a tie. Are there any questions?"
After a few murmurs of surprise, the host continued. "Let the conference begin. First up: Klivro versus Uryo. Teams, step onto the portal circle, and prepare for battle."
The teams disappeared into portals glowing with light, transporting them to a simulated battlefield of barren land, where fierce gusts of wind and swirling dust clouded visibility. The arena's mana magic ensured every detail felt real, pushing the teams to adapt quickly to the environment.
The battlefields are chosen randomly by the host and are different each time, making the game fair.
In this first round of battle, Klivro and Uryo's battle unfolded, with both sides displaying strategies honed over years. They analyzed each other, probing for weaknesses. The combat was intense, yet deliberate, with each team testing the other's defenses and reconfiguring plans on the fly.
The arena's silence broke with the sound of attacks, both calculated and chaotic, as the soldiers fought. Neither side sought a quick victory; instead, they waited for the moment they could truly gain the upper hand.
The match, a spectacle of tactics and counter-tactics, lasted a full thirty minutes, ending in a draw as both sides suffered equal losses.
Monitors in these rooms broadcast the battles live, allowing soldiers from other nations to observe and learn from the combat styles and strategies.
With the battlefield cleared, and between the two countries which was announced as tied, medics rushed in to tend to the wounded, while soldiers moved to lounge areas to recover.
After the host had announced the result of the first match, the next match announced was Dheena's Blackcrows against Sol's Team Silver.
In the arena, soldiers from both sides moved with fierce resolve. Dheena, known for their formidable military, was a powerhouse. In contrast, Sol's forces, though respected, were regarded as the underdog.
The intensity was palpable. Teams traded blows, probing each other's defenses, while the audience held its breath, unable to predict the outcome.
Ember, as the strategist of the team, watched the match closely. He leaned toward General Luis. "Interesting matchup," he muttered. "They're unfamiliar with each other's tactics, making it a true test of improvisation."
The general simply nodded. "That lack of knowledge forces them to adapt on the spot—an invaluable skill in combat."
The thirty minutes passed, and once again, the battle ended in a draw, fueling worldwide commentary.
"Well, this is unexpected," Ember muttered under his breath.
General Luis turned his head in response, not looking quite sure what he was reacting to.
Ember continued, "I guess it's a draw."
When the host announced the results of the second match, which ended with a draw, commentaries from all over the world started flowing. The conference served its purpose, demonstrating that strength lay as much in knowledge as in brute force.
More matches continued, some less intense than the previous ones. Some countries clearly hadn't prepared adequately, while others surprised everyone with unexpected strategies.
Finally, it was time for Clareo's special unit, known as the Unknown, to face off against Dregas's elite Blue Army—a battle that had been eagerly anticipated. The Blue Army was powerful and experienced, known for its devastating efficiency on the battlefield.
There were a lot of people who doubted that this match would be able to finish without bloodshed, but there were also those who didn't want to believe it at all.
There was no doubt that both teams were extremely skilled and capable of doing anything on the battlefield, and in fact, they might have been too skilled; thus, many had hoped for this match to end quickly with a draw.
"Now this will be interesting," General Luis mused after hearing some hush whispers and reactions from the crowd. He leaned back, eyes glinting with anticipation.
Exeo stepped forward, looking at the general. "We're ready, General. Any last words of advice?"
General Luis nodded. "Lead your team as you always do. Trust in each other. Show them the strength of Clareo."
Exeo nodded and turned to walk towards the portal. As they moved toward the portal, Ember remained momentarily with General Luis.
General Luis gave Ember a knowing look. "You've got a strategy?"
"Of course," Ember replied confidently. "The Blue Army's strength is in their relentless tactics. But we have the advantage of surprise and flexibility."
Ember continued, "In this match, the Blue Army is a special unit and one of the strongest, while our Unknown team is a special unit that is almost as strong. Our only advantage is a surprise which can be broken by them once they know about us. This is where your advice would come into play."
He had been a General during his younger years before retiring after some battles that ended badly. Now, he still knew how things worked.
That said, General Luis had been in countless battles and he was a great strategist. He would not simply say something that sounded right without knowing the real reason.
He also knows of Ember's capabilities, and that the Bellator family always had inherited some genes of being a military strategist. It was one of the main reasons why they were known as the Bellator, and their bloodline was very long. This is why, he trusted whatever plans Ember is cooking up with Exeo's leadership, both can help the team grow.
"Good," the general said approvingly. "The Unknown needs no more than that. Now, go show them what Clareo is capable of."
Ember nodded, joining Exeo as they stepped into the portal.
And so, the match between two powerhouses is about to begin.