Tri Realm: Reborn in Iron

The tension in the air was palpable, and it hung over the group like a heavy fog. Sergei's recount of the mission had set the stage for what was now an unthinkable crisis—one that demanded quick, decisive action. Viktor, however, wasted no time as he moved toward a communications device secured in his jacket.

Without a word, he dialed into HQ, the static crackling before a voice on the other end picked up.

"This is Viktor. Situation update: Code Z is confirmed. Virus containment is in progress, but the situation is escalating. We need immediate backup and a full evacuation of the area."

The voice on the other end was muffled, but the gravity of the situation came through loud and clear. "Understood. Viktor, provide your coordinates for extraction and further instructions."

"Coordinates are being sent now. We're deep in Sector 12, outskirts of Irkutsk, Russia. The infection point has been identified at the old research facility," Viktor responded, his voice calm yet laced with a tension that was hard to ignore. "The virus is unlike anything we've encountered. HQ needs to act fast. We can't afford this to spread any further."

He glanced over at Akio, who had been listening intently but still seemed confused. "What's this Code Z you're talking about?"

Viktor's expression remained unreadable as he locked eyes with Akio. "Code Z is the highest-level classification we have, reserved for global-scale threats. It's a situation that, if not handled immediately, could cause catastrophic damage, not just to Russia, but to the entire world. The virus is the key element here, and we don't know just how far it could spread or what its true potential is."

Akio nodded, his mind racing. "But I can help, Viktor. This sounds like a mission I should be part of."

Viktor gave him a stern look, his eyes sharpening as he shook his head. "No, Akio. This mission is far beyond your capacity. You may be strong, but you're not ready for something like this. You're thirteen, and while I recognize your abilities, this isn't your fight."

Akio clenched his fists, his frustration bubbling up. "I've trained my whole life for moments like this. I'm not just some kid who's going to sit back and watch while the world's at risk."

Viktor's gaze hardened, his voice unwavering. "You may be strong, but your place is still out there—training, learning, evolving. Right now, you are not part of this operation. The team here is the only one suited to handle this. It's not about strength; it's about experience and understanding the scope of this threat. You're not in the military, and you're not part of the assassination team. This situation isn't for you. We are the assassins of the country, Akio. You're not one of us yet."

Akio's pride stung at those words. He thought back to his training—his years spent in the cold, isolated mountain base, honing his skills. Then, his brief time with the elite attack team that had taken out terrorists, and how he had eventually been moved into this unit. But it had never felt like he belonged. Something always seemed... off.

Viktor's words hit harder now. He wasn't part of the assassination team. Not really. He was just learning from them.

His mind drifted to the past—his training, the missions, everything he had been through. Was he truly just a tool? A student sent to learn? His thoughts were interrupted as Viktor snapped him back to the present.

"You should stand down, soldier," Viktor said, his voice carrying a finality that left no room for argument.

 Akio opened his mouth to protest but then stopped. Viktor was right, as much as it hurt him to admit it. He wasn't one of the elite. He wasn't even truly a soldier in the traditional sense. He had trained under Ivanov, but even that had been unconventional. He wasn't part of any one team, and maybe that was his path—to be something different altogether.

Before he could respond, a helicopter's roar sounded in the distance, cutting through the icy morning air. It was Ivanov.

Viktor's phone buzzed, and he glanced at it. "Your ride's here," Viktor said, his voice softening slightly. "Ivanov's coming to pick you up."

Akio glanced toward the door. It wasn't a surprise; Ivanov had been waiting for the right moment to take him back. He'd trained him for this moment and more, and it was time for Akio to leave the fieldwork to the professionals.

The helicopter touched down, and Ivanov stepped out, his expression as cold and unreadable as always.

"Akio," Ivanov said simply, his eyes briefly meeting Viktor's. "Let's go. The mission is over for you."

Akio hesitated, but Viktor's words echoed in his mind. This mission was not meant for him—not yet. He turned to Viktor, nodded, and then walked out to meet Ivanov.

As Akio boarded the helicopter, Ivanov's gaze never wavered from the horizon. There was no need for further words. He understood what needed to be done.

Akio sat silently, his mind a whirl of conflicting thoughts. There was so much he still didn't know about his past, about why Ivanov had taken him in and what his true role in this world was meant to be. But for now, he would follow Ivanov's lead. There were battles to be fought—but they were not yet his to claim.

The helicopter lifted off, leaving the chaos behind as they flew toward an uncertain future.