The military highmand.


    "He''s back now, so I guess there''s no reason to worry anymore, right?"


    The man speaking had a grin on his face as he extinguished his cigarette in a specially designed ashtray nearby. On his shoulder, golden oak leaves glimmered alongside three stars.


    Everyone seated around the conference table sported medals of at least two stripes, indicating their high ranks within the military.


    Since it was an internal meeting, the atmosphere was informal. Unlike their political counterparts who sat rigidly, these were warriors, rugged and unpretentious.


    Some lounged casually, legs kicked up, while others slouched in their seats, the room thick with the tang of smoke. The ashtrays on the table were overflowing.


    The country''s military had installed a venttion system exclusively for the smoke in their meeting rooms. So despite the relentless smoking, the room never felt stuffy.


    This ragtag group of men, though appearing rxed, were the very core of the country''s militarymand. Among them were Timothy and Beck, seated towards the lower end of the table, noticeably distant from each other. Their mutual disdain was palpable.


    Normally, a meeting of this caliber wouldn''t include them. But given the discussion''s focus on an important individual, and their connection to that person, they were summoned.


    "Now that the brat''s back, we''re less worried. But he''s still the same, hates meetings. Told us not to bother him unless it''s crucial. Right now, he''s at the base whipping those young bucks into shape," another officer with the same rank chimed in.


    While there was some irritation at this person''s disregard for protocol, his return was evidently a relief. Had he attended, the prime seat to the right of the head would be his - the youngest, yet most revered.


    Another officer sipped from a travel mug. "They needed a good dressing down. In these three years he''s been gone, Virell''s been nearly flipped on its head by these rascals. Multiple insurrections, all thanks to their freaking internal squabbles!"


    More importantly, that bunch was beyond their control; they were like a pack of wild wolves who would solely submit to the lead wolf—their king.


    These young men, mostly the offspring of military families, were thrown into the forces early, passing through rigorous trials. They excelled in every way but obedience,


    a real headache.


    en


    It took a tough character to tame another. Since this man took charge of Fort Titan


    and the Viper Squad, he''d kept them in check like no other.


    "Alright, now that he''s back, Fort Titan remains under hismand. Return all interim powers, and keep your hands off," the head officer dered, rapping the table for emphasis.


    Murmurs of agreement followed, "Who''d want to meddle? We''ve long washed our hands of it."


    "Exactly, Fort Titan''s a hot potato. If it weren''t for these three years without a leader, no one would bother touching it."


    Fort Titan indeed was a hot potato. Initially, it hadn''t existed within the military''s structure, created for overseas operations and special missions.


    It wasn''t tied to any specific location; its jurisdiction extended to any foreignnd they trod upon. This was why no one coveted itsmand.


    One officer chuckled triumphantly. "Bet those knuckleheads are getting whipped into shape now."


    "And good riddance, let him rough them up a bit more. These past three years, they''ve been nothing but a thorn in my side."


    "It''s a relief he''s back. I almost


    thought he''d never return," another officer murmured under his breath.


    "If he''d stayed away any longer, Viper Squad might''ve disbanded."


    "Alright. Moving on to the next agenda," the head officer announced as he tapped at the table, turning his attention to Timothy and Beck. "Let''s hear about that girl."