The early morning sunlight painted the horizon as we approached the Eldoria War Zone. William Vance had been unusually quiet during our journey, his mind clearly preupied with the events at my home. ra sat between us, her cheerful chatter filling the ufortable silence.


    "Will you be staying long at the War Zone, Mr. Knight?" she asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.


    I smiled at her enthusiasm. "I''m not entirely sure yet. That depends on what Commander Keller has in mind."


    The truth was, I needed this assignment. Not just for the resources it would provide, but to put distance between myself and the aftermath of the Umbral Covenant incident. Three days to solve the Divine Needle problem – and the War Zone might have resources I couldn''t ess elsewhere.


    William cleared his throat. "Remember our agreement, Knight. You fulfill your obligation to Commander Keller, and I''ll ensure your... recent activities remain private."


    I nodded, understanding the subtext. Bodies disposed of, stories fabricated, tracks covered – William Vance had connections that made problems disappear. In exchange, I was to lend my expertise to the struggling Eldoria War Zone.


    As our vehicle approached the massive gates of thepound, I felt a familiar tingling sensation in my temple. The ck spot was still there, contained but persistent.


    "We''ve arrived," William announced, his voice returning to its usual formal tone. "Commander Keller should be waiting for us."


    The gates swung open, revealing a sprawling militarypound. Rows of training fields stretched across thendscape, popted by soldiers in various stages of practice. Some sparred with weapons, others practiced formation techniques, and a few sat in meditation, clearly cultivating energy.


    Standing at the entrance was a tall, imposing man in a crisp uniform adorned with medals and insignias. Beside him stood another familiar face – Ari Steele, the young warrior I''d encountered during myst visit to Havenwood City. <q ss="phantom-imprint">C@h&a#p^te*r! p^r*o$v+id$ed via *.</q>


    "Mr. Vance," Commander Keller greeted, extending his hand. His grip was firm, his eyes assessing me with military precision. "And you must be Liam Knight. Your reputation precedes you."


    I returned his handshake. "Commander. I hope that reputation is favorable."


    A faint smile crossed his weathered face. "That depends on who you ask."


    Ari Steele stepped forward, practically bouncing with excitement. "Mr. Knight! It''s an honor to see you again. Your demonstration at the Jade Moon Vi was incredible!"


    His enthusiasm was infectious, and I found myself smiling despite the persistent pain in my head. "Thank you, Ari. I''m looking forward to seeing what you''ve learned since then."


    Commander Keller gestured toward the main building. "Shall we discuss the details of your assignment inside? The morning chill still has bite to it."


    As we walked, William turned to Commander Keller. "I trust you''ll find Knight''s services valuable. However, I must rify that my role in this arrangement is simply that of an intermediary. I''ll be returning to Havenwood City immediately."


    Keller nodded. "Understood. Your contribution is noted and appreciated, William."


    We entered a spacious office, maps and tactical disys covering the walls. After ra said her goodbyes and left with her father, Commander Keller wasted no time getting to business.


    "Knight, I''ll be direct. The Eldoria War Zone has consistently rankedst in inter-war zonepetitions for the past three years. Our fighters have spirit butck proper training in advanced techniques."


    He paused, studying my reaction.


    "I''m offering you the position of special coach for our elite team. Your knowledge of alchemy and cultivation methods could give us the edge we desperately need."


    I leaned forward. "What exactly is the goal here, Commander?"


    Keller sighed, pointing to a chart on the wall. "The annual Inter-War Zone Championship is in two months. Realistically, I''d be satisfied if we could move up fromst ce to somewhere in the middle of the rankings."


    Ari couldn''t contain himself. "The problem is Veridia City''s War Zone. They''ve been undefeated for five years straight, ever since Ignazio Bellweather became their head coach."


    The name seemed to carry weight. Commander Keller''s expression darkened slightly.


    "Bellweather is a legend in martial cultivation circles," he exined. "His techniques are revolutionary, his strategies unmatched. Some say he''s working with the Veridia Martial Guild to enhance his fighters beyond normal human limits."


    I absorbed this information, my mind already calcting possibilities. "And you want me to help close that gap?"


    "Not close," Keller rified. "Just narrow it enough to save face. Our funding depends on our performance in thesepetitions."


    The pain in my temple red again, reminding me of my own pressing deadline. But instead of discouraging me, it strengthened my resolve. If I was going to die in three days, I might as well make bold promises.


    And if I survived... well, I''d need to deliver on those promises.


    "I understand the situation," I said, rising to my feet. "And I ept the position."


    Keller seemed relieved. "Excellent. Ari will show you to your quarters and introduce you to the team. We''ll start with modest goals—"


    "Commander," I interrupted, my voice calm but firm. "I don''t do modest goals."


    Both men stared at me, confusion evident on their faces.


    "With all due respect," I continued, "the techniques I''ve inherited from my father,bined with my knowledge of alchemy, aren''t meant for achieving mediocrity."


    Themander''s eyebrows rose. "What exactly are you suggesting?"


    I met his gaze steadily. "I''m not suggesting anything. I''m making a promise. Under my coaching, the Eldoria War Zone won''t just improve its ranking."


    I paused, letting my words hang in the air.


    "We''re going to take first ce."


    The silence that followed was deafening. Ari''s jaw had dropped, and Commander Keller''s expression had shifted from confusion to concern.


    "Knight," Keller said carefully, "I appreciate your confidence, but you need to understand what you''re up against. Bellweather has spent years building his program. His fighters are practically superhuman."


    I smiled, not backing down. "Then we''ll just have to be something beyond that."


    Keller exchanged a nce with Ari. "You can''t be serious."


    "I''ve never been more serious in my life, Commander. First ce or nothing. Those are my terms."


    "And if you fail?" he challenged.


    The pain in my temple pulsed again. If I failed, I''d likely be dead anyway.


    "I won''t," I stated simply. "Now, if you''ll excuse me, I''d like to meet my team. We have a lot of work to do and not much time to do it."


    Without waiting for a response, I turned and walked toward the door. Behind me, I heard Ari scramble to follow.


    As I stepped out into the hallway, I heard Commander Keller mutter to Ari, "Sess at a young age can make onecent. Clearly, Liam Knight doesn''t know what the name Ignazio Bellweather signifies..."


    I smiled to myself. Let them doubt. Soon enough, it wouldn''t be Bellweather''s name that carried weight in the War Zones.


    It would be mine.