Episode 21 – The Report

  The golden hall of the Xprian Council was silent.

  Crystals floated above the massive circular table, illuminating the chamber with a pale light. Dozens of councilors sat in their seats, but the tension in the air made it feel as if the entire room was holding its breath.

  At the head of the table stood Vander.

  He struck his fist against the surface once.

  “Enough games. We will now hear the organizational report. Director Dario, begin.”

  Holographic projections rose into the air, displaying numbers, territories, and agent counts from every organization.

  Dario adjusted his posture before speaking.

  “Of the six organizations, only Alpha shows growth… though unstable. The others have lost agents, resources, and territory. Worse still… out of the five thousand registered warriors, only one hundred remain under Lee’s command since he assumed leadership of Alpha.”

  Murmurs spread across the table. Disapproval followed quickly.

  “This is unacceptable!” one councilor snapped. “A boy as director? That should never have been allowed!”

  Lara slowly stood from her seat.

  For a moment, even Leon noticed her hands trembling… but her voice did not.

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  “With all due respect… Lee did not fail. You did.”

  The room froze.

  “While your organizations fell into comfort and fear, Alpha adapted. We rescued innocent women when no one dared to move. We fought in arenas against strategic enemies to earn loyal warriors. We trained without rest. Every drop of blood we shed was worth ten victories.”

  Several councilors glared at her.

  “Insolent girl!” another shouted, slamming the table. “You have no place judging war veterans!”

  The pressure in the chamber intensified — but Leon stepped forward.

  His golden eyes glowed faintly.

  “She is only telling the truth,” he said calmly. “I saw every battle. Every sacrifice. If Alpha still stands… it’s because Lee and Lara didn’t abandon their duty when everyone else did.”

  Silence followed.

  A heavy one.

  Then Vander stood.

  “ENOUGH!”

  His green aura erupted through the chamber, forcing even the councilors back into their seats.

  “You shame the Xprian Council,” he declared. “Blinded by envy of a boy and his sister. While Lee risks his life, you hide your failures behind empty reports.”

  Lara lowered her head respectfully.

  Vander looked at her again.

  “My young one… speak more. I want to hear everything Alpha has accomplished.”

  Lara took a breath.

  “We saved survivors destined for extermination. We recruited warriors from death arenas and survived ambushes. We trained soldiers who can now withstand Krizardian pressure. We gave purpose to those the universe rejected.”

  Vander smiled faintly, though his eyes remained severe.

  “And you…” he said, pointing toward the other councilors, “…did nothing. You rusted in chairs of power.”

  No one answered.

  The humiliation was visible on every face.

  Then Vander raised his hand, green energy gathering around it.

  “The next council meeting will not be held here.”

  The room went completely still.

  “It will take place inside Organization Alpha. All of you will attend. I will see with my own eyes what these youths are building.”

  Thunder echoed across the hall.

  Leon and Lara exchanged a glance — relief mixed with pride.

  Around them, however, the councilors’ expressions darkened.

  And within the Council… envy began to burn.