"Ughhh, why are we back here?" Eric grumbled, shifting uncomfortably.
"Thaurex told us to meet here, so be patient," Ruco replied calmly. Krumboli and Ethan waited alongside the two, exchanging glances.
"I don't mind meeting the Captain," Ethan added, tapping his foot nervously. "It's just… why here?"
Before anyone could respond, Thaurex stepped out of a sleek vehicle, accompanied by the General. The squad immediately straightened to attention.
"Captain!" Krumboli greeted, snapping a salute, and the others quickly followed suit.
"At ease," Thaurex said with a small smile, his gaze briefly softening.
The General gave a brief nod to the squad before striding ahead, entering the towering black and red headquarters without another word.
"So... we're back?" Eric asked, shifting his weight anxiously.
"Yes, Eric. Sadly, we are," Thaurex answered, still smiling as if the weight of that truth amused him. "Come on. The General's waiting for us inside."
Thaurex turned, leading the way through the imposing entrance of the HQ, and the others fell in line behind him.
"I wonder what the General promised to bring him back," Machine muttered under his breath.
"Probably his whole damn home planet," Ruco replied with a smirk, earning a few low chuckles from the group as they followed Thaurex inside.
The squad made their way through the vast, dimly lit halls of the HQ, the sound of their footsteps echoing off the cold walls.
"Man, remember how this place used to look?" Ruco said, nudging Ethan.
"Yo! It's the old training room!" Ethan exclaimed, grinning at the familiar sight.
Thaurex glanced around, nostalgia flickering in his eyes. "I like what you've done with the place," he remarked with dry amusement.
The General chuckled, clearly pleased. "We made some improvements."
The group reached a set of towering, steel double doors. With a low groan, the doors swung open, revealing an expansive room filled with holographic screens, all casting a bluish glow over the space. At the center was a circular table large enough to fit a war council.
Behind the table stood a man, his presence casting a shadow over the room. A jagged scar ran across his entire face, giving him a sinister appearance.
The man's lips curled into a smug grin as his gaze locked on Thaurex.
"We meet again, Thaurex."