Zander sat in his office within the Phoenix Clan military base, the air thick with a sense of restrained frustration. His piercing eyes scanned the piles of documents cluttering his desk—reports from scouts and commanders detailing the situation on the front lines, enemy positions, and ongoing operations. Despite the importance of the information, the act of reviewing them made Zander restless. He was the belligerent type, a man who thrived in the chaos of battle, not someone who enjoyed being confined to an office reading reports and issuing commands from behind a desk.
As he skimmed yet another report, his frustration reached its peak. His hands twitched as though yearning for the hilt of his sword, and he muttered under his breath, "This isn't what I was made for."
Beep! Beep! Beep!
The sudden sound of his intercom jolted him out of his thoughts. Zander tapped the answer button, and the screen lit up with the face of a beautiful green-haired woman. Beatrice, his efficient and ever-composed aide, stood at attention, her expression calm but purposeful.
"Commander Zander," she said, her voice clear. "A messenger has arrived and insists on meeting with you. He bears the seal of the Council."
Zander groaned, leaning back in his chair as if the news had physically drained him. "Can't you find an excuse and send him away? I hate dealing with the rats from that group of spineless bastards."
"Well, sir…" Beatrice hesitated. "He says the matter is urgent and cannot be delayed."
"Of course he does," Zander muttered bitterly. "Fine. Send him in."
"Yes, sir." Beatrice saluted crisply before the screen flickered off.
It wasn't long before the door to Zander's office slid open. A slender man, no taller than five foot ten, entered the room. His movements were quick and efficient, his entire demeanor radiating purpose. A hooded cloak obscured most of his face, and his simple yet practical clothing hinted at someone accustomed to avoiding attention. Twin daggers hung from each side of his waist, adding a subtle menace to his otherwise unobtrusive presence.
The messenger stopped a few feet from Zander's desk and saluted respectfully.
"You said you had an urgent matter to report," Zander said, his voice gruff but measured, though his eyes betrayed his impatience.
"Yes, sir," the man replied, his tone even but urgent.
"Alright. State your business."
The messenger straightened. "Sir, the Council received a report approximately a few days ago. A King-stage Sirius elder is advancing toward your base."
Zander's eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained composed.
The man continued. "I was sent to warn you and to relay the Council's instructions. They insist that you intercept him before he reaches any settlement—preferably far from here."
A scoff escaped Zander's lips. "And why did they send you? Couldn't they have just alerted me through the intercom?"
The messenger hesitated briefly. "The Council did not want to risk Sirius spies intercepting the message and alerting their forces."
Zander leaned back in his chair, the beginnings of a sardonic grin tugging at his lips. "So they're aware of spies within our ranks and yet they do nothing about it? Typical. What a bunch of incompetent cowards." He exhaled sharply, his irritation evident. "Anyway, I've received the warning. You may go."
"Yes, sir." The messenger bowed slightly before turning and exiting the room as quickly as he had entered.
As the door slid shut behind the messenger, Zander let out a long, exasperated sigh. "A King-stage Sirius elder," he muttered to himself, his voice laced with dry humor. "Just what I needed to brighten my day."
He glanced at the abandoned pile of reports on his desk and swept them aside with an impatient motion. "Guess paperwork will have to wait," he said, rising to his feet. His frustration melted away, replaced by a spark of anticipation. Finally, something worth his time—something he could face head-on.
The intercom beeped again, and Beatrice's face appeared on the screen.
"What are your orders, Commander?" she asked, her composure unwavering despite the gravity of the situation.
"If this Sirius elder thinks he can waltz into our territory unchecked, he's in for a rude awakening, Zander said sharply.
"Understood, sir," Beatrice replied. "Should I contact General Aiden for additional support?"
Zander smirked, crossing his arms. "For a mere King stage mutt. No need I've got this-Besides i wouldn't want to interrupt his training time with that little monster of his
A flicker of amusement passed over Beatrice's face, though she quickly masked it with a salute. "Very well, Commander. I'll relay your orders immediately."
As the screen flickered off, Zander grabbed his sword, the familiar weight of the hilt grounding him. He strode out of the room with purpose, a grin stretching across his face. "Let's see what this elder is made of."
Sometime later, the Phoenix Clan military base hummed with activity, soldiers moving in tight formations, weapons gleaming under the midday sun. Zander stood in the command center, his towering presence commanding the attention of everyone around him. he had sent scouts ahead to confirm the information the messenger had given, and the reports from scouts had confirmed it—a Sirius elder was indeed sneaking into Phoenix territory and he wasn't alone. He was advancing with an elite squad of Sirius soldiers, all of them highly trained and exceedingly dangerous.
Zander leaned over the map table, his sharp eyes scanning the layout of the surrounding terrain. His jaw tightened. "A group like that would be devastating if they get close or within our territory. And I'll be damned if I let a pack of glorified mutts take even a step inside Phoenix territory."
He turned to Beatrice, who stood nearby, her composure unwavering despite the gravity of the situation. "You're in charge while I'm gone," he said firmly. "Keep the base locked down and the defenses tight. If anything—anything—seems out of the ordinary, respond immediately. Understood?"
Beatrice saluted, her green hair catching the light as she nodded. "Understood, Commander. What are your orders if reinforcements are required?"
"You're smarter than half the leaders in this region combined," Zander said with a grin. "I trust you'll make the right call besides i don't think I'll require any to deal with a pack of mutts. But to err on the side of caution, prepare mobile squad and have the ready just in case." He tapped the hilt of his sword, a spark of anticipation gleaming in his eyes. "But let's hope it doesn't come to that. I'm going to intercept these mangy wolves myself."
Beatrice hesitated, concern flickering across her face. "Commander… are you sure about this? A Sirius elder and his elites—"
"Please, Beatrice," Zander interrupted, flashing her a cocky grin. "You've seen me in action. You should know better than to worry. Besides, I've been itching for a good fight. Don't deny me this."
Beatrice let out a sigh but nodded. "Very well, Commander. Stay sharp out there."
Zander turned, his long coat trailing behind him as he strode out of the command center, the anticipation of battle fueling his steps.