Elias took a deep breath as he stepped out of the classroom. The corridors of the Academy were buzzing with students enjoying their break period, exchanging stories about their classes or speculating about upcoming challenges.
The break lasted for two hours, which, in the grand scheme of things, wasn't much time. For most, it was a chance to catch their breath. For Elias, it was an opportunity to make a move.
He navigated the hallways using directions hastily scribbled down during his last conversation with a fellow student.
His destination: the room dedicated to the Cobra Brigade.
Caleb's words from earlier still echoed in his mind, and though he had hesitated initially, he now felt a tug of curiosity and ambition.
Joining a Brigade — especially one run by someone like Caleb — might be the best way to get a head start on real-world experience.
The room was tucked away in a quieter part of the Academy, its entrance marked by a black-painted door with the image of a coiled cobra etched into its surface.
Elias stopped in front of it, squaring his shoulders. The air here felt heavier somehow, as though the reputation of the Brigade had soaked into the very walls.
Gathering his courage, he raised his hand and knocked. The sound barely had time to echo before a thread, as thin as spider silk but gleaming with unnatural sharpness, coiled around the door handle and yanked it open.
Caleb's signature greeting, no doubt.
"Come in," a familiar voice drawled from inside.
Elias stepped through the doorway, and the first thing he noticed was the room's stark contrast to the rest of the Academy.
Where most classrooms were orderly and utilitarian, the Cobra Brigade's headquarters was a chaotic blend of personal touches.
Maps, weapons, and scraps of monster hides adorned the walls, while a round table in the center of the room was cluttered with papers, empty mugs, and what looked like a half-dissected beast claw.
The air smelled faintly of metal and leather.
Seated around the table were five individuals, including Caleb. Each one turned their gaze toward Elias as he entered, their postures shifting slightly.
It wasn't a warm welcome — it was the kind of scrutiny reserved for someone about to be weighed, measured, and possibly found lacking.
Caleb stood near the far wall, leaning against a bookshelf with his arms crossed.
He hadn't changed much since their first meeting, though his expression carried a flicker of amusement as he watched Elias step into the room.
The other Brigade members, however, were less restrained in their reactions.
The first was a man with a hulking frame and a shaved head, his muscular arms crossed over his chest. He radiated raw power, though his narrowed eyes suggested he wasn't entirely impressed by Elias.
Next to him sat a woman with short, spiky hair and a mischievous smirk. Her fingers drummed rhythmically on the table, and a faint crackle of electricity danced between them.
To her right was a wiry figure cloaked in shadows, their features obscured by a hood. The only visible part of them was a glint of silver daggers strapped to their belt.
The last member was a pale, serious-looking young man who adjusted his glasses as though analyzing Elias like a puzzle to be solved.
As Elias met their gazes one by one, he felt the weight of their auras pressing against him. It was clear they were trying to intimidate him, testing whether he would flinch or falter under their collective presence.
But to Elias, it was laughable. He felt no fear, no discomfort — just the faintest twinge of annoyance. Compared to the oppressive darkness of the willpower test he had endured just days ago, this was nothing more than a light breeze.
"Well," Caleb said, breaking the silence. "You're here. That's a good start."
Elias turned to him and nodded. "I came to take you up on your offer."
Caleb's lips curled into a grin. "The one I made without knowing a thing about you? Bold move." He pushed off the bookshelf and strolled toward the table, gesturing for Elias to follow. "Let me introduce you to the team."
The hulking man was the first to speak, his voice a low rumble. "This the kid you mentioned? Doesn't look like much."
"I get that a lot," Elias replied evenly, meeting his gaze. The man raised an eyebrow, seemingly intrigued by Elias's lack of hesitation.
"Careful, Gregor," Caleb said with a chuckle. "This one's sharper than he looks."
The woman with the electric sparks snorted. "We'll see about that. Name's Zara, by the way. I like to keep things interesting." She winked, the sparks intensifying for a brief moment.
The hooded figure offered a slight nod but said nothing. Caleb filled in the blank. "That's Veil. Don't take it personally if they don't talk much."
The bespectacled young man adjusted his glasses again. "And I'm Arlen. Strategist. Or so I'm told."
Elias inclined his head politely. "Elias," he said simply. "I'll leave the titles to you."
Caleb clapped his hands together. "Perfect. Now that the pleasantries are out of the way, let's get to business."
Elias stepped closer to the table, his gaze steady. "I want in. If the offer still stands."
Caleb studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he nodded. "It stands."
The other members exchanged glances, and Gregor frowned. "Just like that? You're letting him in without testing him?"
Caleb smirked. "Sometimes you trust your instincts, Gregor. And mine are rarely wrong."
Zara leaned back in her chair, arms crossed. "Fine by me. But don't think we're going easy on you, newbie."
Veil shrugged, seemingly indifferent, while Arlen tapped a finger against the table, his gaze calculating. "It's unconventional," he said softly, "but Caleb's instincts have gotten us this far. I'll reserve judgment for now."
"Appreciate the vote of confidence," Caleb said dryly. He turned to Elias. "Welcome to the Cobra Brigade."
"Listen," Caleb said, his tone serious. "This Brigade isn't for show. We take risks. Big ones. If you're in, you're committing to more than just missions. You're committing to the team. You get me?"
Elias met his gaze, his voice steady. "I understand."
"Good." Caleb's grin returned, though it was sharper this time. "Because once you're in, there's no turning back."