The weight of transformation pressed heavily on Michael, now Lieutenant Kodama. The mask of wood that concealed his face was not just a tool of protection but a barrier—a wall that kept his past, his true identity, hidden from the world. The name Michael Lockwood would not be spoken again. No one could know that he had survived the battle; the world needed to believe he was dead.
It had been days since Arwin had revealed the fate of his former self. The king had declared Michael's death, blaming the Zeranthians for putting a death mark on him. His "sacrifice" would rally the kingdom's soldiers, stoking their patriotism. But the truth was far more complicated—Michael had not died. He was here, alive and disguised under the name Lieutenant Kodama.
Kodama, a name tied to the spirit of the forest, echoing strength and quiet power. It was fitting for a man whose past life was now a shadow, buried deep beneath layers of wood and mystery.
His new role was a quiet one. He was no longer a front-line commander. Instead, he would serve as a handler—the mastermind who worked behind the scenes, pulling the strings of his squad without ever stepping onto the battlefield.
He entered the briefing room to find his squad already assembled. Eight individuals stood at attention, their faces a mix of curiosity, respect, and perhaps, just beneath the surface, skepticism. Kodama's rank was known to them, as was his ability to rise quickly within the ranks. But there was an undeniable gap between them and him. Most of them were level 5 or even level 6, while he remained at level 3. A lieutenant with less experience in raw power was a curious figure to lead such a talented team.
Without acknowledging the tension, Kodama stood tall and surveyed the squad before him. "I'm not here to make grand speeches," he said in a voice that was calm but unwavering. "From now on, I am your leader. You will follow my orders, and together, we will shift the tides of this war. But before we begin, I want to understand each of you. Your abilities, your skills, your specialization. Introduce yourselves."
The room was silent for a moment before the first squad member stepped forward. A woman, dressed in a sleek, form-fitting outfit, her movements were graceful, and her eyes sharp. Her name was Leena.
"I'm Leena," she said, her voice steady. "I specialize in stealth, speed, and precision. I strike from the shadows, with no warning. When I'm needed, I'm there before the enemy knows it."
Next, a man with a heavyset build and an air of raw strength stepped forward. He wore a dark cloak adorned with earth sigils, and his fists were thick with power. His name was Toren.
"Toren," he introduced himself with a deep voice that resonated like the earth itself. "I'm an Earth Mage. My abilities are grounded in the very earth beneath us. I can manipulate the terrain—raise barriers, form shields, create traps. My job is to protect the team and control the battlefield."
Following him was a woman whose presence brought an unexpected calmness to the room. She wore simple robes, her hands glowing faintly with a soft, healing light. Her name was Lira.
"I'm Lorra," she said quietly. "I specialize in healing. My magic can mend wounds, ease pain, and restore strength. I'm here to keep the team standing when the battle gets rough."
The next figure was leaner, with a sharp gaze and a calculating air. His movements were quick and precise, and his control over space was palpable even from a distance. He was Kyran.
"Kyran," he said with a flicker of a smile. "I control space. I can bend distances and create portals to move us across the battlefield in an instant. I can also manipulate the environment to disorient and confuse the enemy."
Rhia was next. The fiery mage was hard to miss, her hair a vibrant red, her presence radiating an intensity that made the air around her feel warmer. She crossed her arms and spoke confidently.
"I'm Rhia. Fire is my domain. I wield destruction—incendiary blasts, fiery barriers, and everything in between. When you need things burned, I'm the one you call."
Zephyr, the lightning mage, stepped forward, his body almost vibrating with raw energy. His eyes sparked as though lightning coursed just beneath his skin.
"I'm Zephyr," he said, his voice quick and sharp like a bolt of lightning. "I can move faster than the eye can follow, and my magic strikes fast and hard. I disrupt enemy lines, paralyze them, and take down any who can't keep up."
Thorne was the next to speak, his large frame dwarfing most of the others. He wore heavy armor, his shield strapped to his back, and his sword glinted in the dim light. His voice was steady, unwavering.
"I'm Thorne," he said simply. "I'm your frontline defense. I take the hits, hold the line, and make sure the enemy doesn't get past me. I protect the team. That's what I do."
Finally, Vorn, a man who seemed to almost blur with the fluidity of his movements, stepped forward. His dual swords were always at his side, poised for action.
"I'm Vorn," he said, his voice smooth and confident. "Dual swords are my specialty. I attack swiftly, and when the enemy thinks they have me, I'm already two steps ahead."
Kodama nodded as each member of his squad spoke, taking note of their abilities. This team, though diverse, held great potential. But potential alone would not win wars. It was their ability to cooperate as a unified force that would determine their success.
"Thank you," Kodama said, his voice steady. "Now, we move forward as a team. But before we begin any mission, I want to see how well you work together. Meet me on the training field tomorrow. We won't start with combat. I want to see how you cooperate. It's not about who's stronger or faster. It's about how well we function as a unit. Show me what you can do when you work together."
The squad exchanged glances, some with a hint of skepticism, others with curiosity. They were used to challenges, but this was different. Kodama wasn't asking them to fight. He was asking them to prove they could think and act as one.
Kodama turned and walked toward the door, leaving them to reflect on his words. Tomorrow would be a test of their unity—not just of their raw power, but of their ability to come together as a team