Nia nodded, accepting his words.
She had never imagined this turn of events, yet in his presence, she sensed the gravity of her role and the loyalty it demanded. TEC's fate was now as much her responsibility as his.
They spent the next several hours discussing the nuances of their new roles, mapping out a strategy to reinforce TEC's new hierarchy.
She would oversee the training, ensuring every member understood the expectations and values of this new TEC. Cassian himself would focus on strategy, expanding their reach and influence through a structured network of operatives.
By dawn, the changes had already begun.
Under Nia's supervision, teams of TEC members gathered in training fields, undergoing rigorous exercises meant to weed out the undisciplined and uncommitted. Cassian stood by, watching their determination.
It was essential that only those who could withstand the demands of TEC's new order remained.
As Nia led a group through drills, he noticed how her tone had shifted, stronger and more assertive. Her presence commanded respect. There was something different about her, a determination to uphold the responsibility he'd placed on her.
Later, he summoned her to his office, wishing her to understand his broader plan.
He explained TEC's potential alliances, the rival factions that might seek to challenge them, and the weaknesses he'd identified within their own ranks.
She listened intently, nodding as she processed his words.
"You're planning for more than just stability, aren't you?" she thoughtfully asked. "And you're aiming for control."
"Not just control," he replied, leaning back. "I'd like TEC to be indispensable. We will be the force that others have no choice but to recognize, especially Libra and AU."
For the first time, she felt the full weight of his ambition. This wasn't just about taking Kingston's place; it was about reshaping TEC into something far greater than anyone could have anticipated.
In the days that followed, TEC members adapted quickly to the new structure, each person acutely aware that under Shade's leadership, mediocrity had no place. Nia was diligent in enforcing this standard, and her dedication inspired loyalty among those who followed her commands.
Cassian, meanwhile, continued to operate with a cool focus.
Word of his ruthless takeover had quickly spread, and though whispers circulated, there was a newfound respect between him and his followers.
The role he'd chosen was demanding and isolating, but it was necessary. TEC's survival depended on him becoming something other than Cassian.
With Nia by his side, TEC's foundation grew more solid. Their alliance was unspoken, a shared understanding that bound them.
He knew that TEC's future was finally in capable hands. And as Shade, he would lead them into it—an unstoppable force.
While as Cassian and a member of AU, he had his own duties and mission to finish. So between TEC and AU, it felt like he was always in a critical state.
And it did not help that his mother and Nia were the two most motivated and curious women around.
After a month of preparation and planning, they were now inside their new office. With dimly lit, modern interiors, it embodied a sense of power and discretion.
Dark, polished surfaces and metallic accents created a sleek, professional atmosphere.
Nia leaned over the desk where a map of the major regions and factions was spread before them, her brows furrowed in concentration.
"Libra and AU have held dominance for years. They'll see TEC's rise as a threat. We need to make them understand that our intentions are to work with them, not disrupt them," she said, "for now, that is."
Cassian took in Nia's words with a quiet nod. Was this girl serious, or did she not have an idea of what it meant to strategize?
While a plausible effort, her idea did not feel calculating enough on the move they were about to make.
He traced a line along the map and said, "Wrong. We need to disrupt them, but not now. It's our presence that needs to be reestablished in the city again."
Nia leaned closer, her eyes locked onto his mask. Then she glanced back at the map.
"Fine," she agreed. "But to make that happen, we need a calling card—something unmistakably ours. A mark that says TEC has appeared again."
Cassian's eyes narrowed behind his mask as he considered her words.
"It's more than just making a statement," he added. "We need to show that TEC offers what neither Libra nor AU can alone: information, security, and a presence that's rooted in both loyalty and force." He paused, "But we'll start small—one territory at a time. A steady progression that will signal our strength without setting off every alarm in their ranks."
Nia looked up, understanding the calculated patience that marked Cassian's every move.
"Then we start with the borders," she suggested, pointing to a ring of smaller territories that both Libra and AU had previously disregarded. "They'll be easier to sway, and they're already situated between the two major factions. Libra won't see them as a threat, and AU will view them as beneath their attention."
Cassian's nod was approving, his thoughts already three steps ahead.
"We'll secure these outposts subtly, so they feel valued but not indebted to us—yet. Their loyalty will grow as we provide them with resources, protection, and information. Once we gain something out of it, we'll bring them into TEC's fold."
He leaned back, his fingers drumming thoughtfully on the polished surface of the desk as he looked at the place where he took his first mission.
Then he added, "And as for Libra and AU… we'll make sure word of our expansion reaches them through leaks."
"We can give AU a hint of our military capabilities without fully showing our hand. As for Libra, we'll give them just enough of a glimpse into our information network. And for both, we can put Shade into the spotlight."
Now she was finally strategizing.
"For now," he said, "I'll send word through a few well-placed operatives. We'll draw up formal invitations for a meeting in one of the neutral territories."
Nia's fingers skimmed along a nearby region on the map, a smaller, less conspicuous zone where neither faction held sway.
"Here," she suggested, tapping her finger on a neutral zone bordering both factions. "This location has no allegiances. They'll see it as less of a threat."
Cassian nodded, having already thought about it.
"It's ideal. And neutral enough to give them a sense of control while they're on our ground. As for the message… It'll be brief but firm. We're inviting them to join us, not summoning them."
They spent the next few hours drafting the messages. When they finished, Cassian carefully penned the final note. Each invitation was crafted to show respect but with an unmistakable undertone: TEC was here, a rising force that neither Libra nor AU could afford to ignore.
Satisfied, he handed the sealed invitations to a courier who slipped away to deliver them to AU's and Libra's representatives.
As they waited for a response, Cassian and Nia moved on to preparing TEC's own operatives. He called a gathering of TEC's inner circle—those loyal and skilled enough to protect their interests.
In the dim light of TEC's meeting hall, he addressed them as Shade.
"We're stepping into a new era," he began, his mask reflecting the faint light. "TEC is no longer a hidden faction. We're not content to exist on the sidelines. The time has come for others to recognize our strength and value. And for that, we will expand—not just in numbers, but in purpose and influence."
The crowd of operatives nodded, their eyes fixed on him. As for Cassian, he saw the force he had created.
While it was an accolade, it was nothing worth being satisfied about. This particular group was still small and incomparable to forces like Libra.
Nia stepped forward to speak.
"Each of you has proven your loyalty, your skill. We have gathered the strongest, the sharpest. You're here because you're not just soldiers—you're part of a vision. Our vision. And TEC will rise because we are united."
Cassian watched as the room resonated with her words. He couldn't have chosen a better second-in-command.
Together, they would make sure TEC stood as a force to be reckoned with.