[The Sword of All Situation Room]
The room was a fortress of glass and steel, perched high above the bustling city of Belester, its walls lined with shimmering holographic displays and tactical maps flickering in muted blue light. This was one of the top ten command centers in the entire realm, a place where decisions could change the fate of entire provinces. It was aptly named the "Sword of All" a symbol of sharp strategy and unmatched authority.
Inside, the air was thick with the quiet hum of magic and technology intertwined, and the low murmur of voices exchanging rapid-fire updates. Every seat was occupied by some of the realm’s most powerful heroes, commanders, and advisors. Their expressions were taut, their focus unwavering.
"Team leader," came the voice of an assistant, cutting through the tension like a blade. "An urgent request has arrived from the Academy. Orc activity detected in the Troll Area. This is unusual that region has been quiet for months."
Han Geun, the Team Leader of the Situation Room and bearer of the legendary title ’Sword of All,’ stood up from his seat. His tall, lean frame radiated calm authority, and his sharp, hawk-like eyes scanned the flickering data on the central console. "Send a rescue team immediately," he ordered. "Dispatch two A-level heroes. We have no S-level personnel currently available within immediate reach of that province."
The assistant nodded briskly, already typing commands into the console. "Should I summon reinforcements from adjacent provinces and send them through the warp gate?"
"Exactly," Han Geun replied, his voice steady but edged with urgency. "Every minute counts. Activate the warp gates and send all available units closest to the region. Reinforcements must arrive within seven minutes."
"Request completed," the assistant confirmed. "ETA seven minutes. Current defenders: two B-grade instructors and a squad of ten ogres holding the front lines."
Han Geun frowned, the weight of responsibility settling on his shoulders. "If we don’t move quickly, the cadets trapped there won’t last. Most of those young fighters have barely seen real combat. I doubt many can even raise their weapons against such a force."
A junior officer near the table raised his voice, disbelief coloring his tone. "But sir, there were four cadets who actively engaged the orcs."
Han Geun shook his head, correcting him. "Five. Five cadets made a move. I’ve seen the battle footage."
Just then, the sliding door hissed open, and a slender young woman strode into the room with confident grace. Her presence caused a ripple of attention; she was well-known throughout Belester.
"You’re not supposed to be on duty today," Han Geun remarked, surprise evident in his voice.
Sarah Whitmore gave a faint smile but said nothing at first. Her gaze was fixed on the scrolling list of emergency requests across the region. "It’s nothing serious. I was simply reviewing the current requests for rescue."
Han Geun’s eyes flicked to her with recognition. "Sarah Whitmore, the Sword of All and Chief of the Special Strike Force. And if I’m not mistaken, your sister is caught up in this mess?"
Sarah nodded slowly, her face hardening. "Selene is among the cadets trapped in that area."
"Why is she fighting orcs in open battle?" Han Geun asked, genuinely puzzled. "She usually confines herself to duel battles, not dangerous skirmishes ."
Sarah’s lips twitched at the memory of past events. "You said you wanted to kill her during training. But now, I see you’re worried."
"That was training," Han Geun said flatly. "This is war."
Sarah sighed deeply. "Selene is someone who rarely involves herself in complicated battles. She’s not the type to get caught up because of some sense of righteousness."
"Then why is she acting so recklessly now?" Han Geun asked, voice edged with frustration.
Sarah’s eyes darkened. "Maybe it’s fear. Or desperation. She’s not the person I thought she was."
The room quieted as the two exchanged a meaningful glance.
Han Geun chuckled dryly. "You know you’re worried. It shows."
Sarah glanced around, lowering her voice. "The staff can hear everything you’re saying."
"So what?" Han Geun said, grinning. "They need to hear the truth. I’m shameless, I know."
Sarah shook her head but didn’t argue.
Han Geun’s attention snapped back to the battle feeds. "I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that a cadet is fist-fighting an orc. Most focus on magic or weapons, but this one..." His voice trailed off as he studied the screen.
"Cadet Elric Vales, the one who uses psychokinesis, is showing extraordinary skill. And Lucian Crowe with his double casting — pushing the boundaries of magic. Their mana reserves are astonishing."
Sarah nodded. "But look there — who’s that?"
Han Geun’s eyes narrowed, following a fast-moving figure darting through the chaos. "A freshman... triple casting spells? Impossible for someone that new."
"Show me his profile," Sarah demanded.
Han Geun tapped the console. "Kale Vi-rel. Top ranked in the Nexus practical exams a staggering score of 1,202. And it looks like he’s recording this battle with a drone."
Sarah’s brow lifted. "He’s exceptional in every way."
Han Geun smirked. "If they hold out this long, the rescue team will arrive just in time."
Sarah’s eyes locked on Kale’s figure on the screen. "Is he about to activate a skill cube?"
Han Geun shook his head, confused. "To unlock a power, it must match the user’s talent and physique."
The room fell silent as the battle unfolded live before them.
Suddenly, Han Geun whispered, "It’s not magic. Not major magic."
Sarah’s voice was tight. "It’s swordsmanship."
Han Geun blinked. "What am I witnessing? The skill cube is giving him swordsmanship? That’s unheard of."
Sarah’s voice dropped to a determined whisper. "Contact the scout team. We need to recruit him."
"No matter the cost," Han Geun agreed.
"I’ll alert them immediately," Sarah said, pulling out her communicator.
Han Geun’s concern deepened. "Do you think he’ll accept?"
Sarah scratched her head in frustration. "That’s why we have to act fast before someone else does."
As everyone watched, Kale Vi-rel flew through the battlefield, slashing orcs with deadly precision and an almost unnatural grace.
One junior officer whispered in awe, "Where did a monster like that come from?"
They all wondered silently, the questions hanging heavy in the air as the battle raged on.