The team returned with the intelligence and left a trail of destruction behind, but the mission had exacted a heavy toll. Danu received immediate medical care, but the psychological scars of the operation lingered for everyone.
At headquarters, Arjuna and Alya received commendations for their success. Yet, both knew this was merely the beginning. In a private briefing, the Commander General handed them a new, even more challenging mission.
"No matter what we face out there," Alya said quietly, "we have to remember who we're doing this for."
Arjuna's eyes were steady, but behind them lay an unease he couldn't fully hide. A greater threat loomed on the horizon, and they had no choice but to prepare for what was to come.