The briefing room was unusually quiet, the only sound the faint hum of holographic projectors as they cast blue light across the room. In the center, a three-dimensional map of Kynara hovered, spinning slowly to show the central highnds. Surrounding it were leaders from the coalition: Ethan Walker, Guild Branch Master Darrik Voss, Resistance Leader Joran Kren (via secure hologram), and Federation Captain Alrik Thorne, along with key mercenary and resistance tacticians. The atmosphere was heavy with anticipation.

  The central highnds, dispyed on the map, were marked with red dots indicating Syndicate supply routes and strongholds. It was a rugged region of rolling hills, dense vegetation, and jagged cliffs. The intel gathered from recent missions, including Ethan's skirmish in the eastern badnds, had painted a grim picture. Ve Drasik and Commander Raeth had holed up here, amassing forces for what the coalition suspected was a desperate, final stand or perhaps a devastating counteroffensive.

  Ethan leaned forward, studying the map intently. Iris's voice crackled in his helmet, providing detailed analysis.

  "Recent reports suggest increased Syndicate activity in the highnds," Iris said. "Supply convoys are moving through these routes here and here." Red lines traced across the holographic terrain. "The terrain provides natural cover, making it difficult to track their movements from the air. Ground reconnaissance will be required to confirm troop numbers and positions."

  Joran Kren's hologram flickered as he spoke. "If they're regrouping, we need to move quickly. The longer we wait, the stronger their defenses will become. Ve Drasik has already shown she's capable of withstanding direct assaults and escaping successfully. She's not one to underestimate."

  "Agreed," Voss replied, his voice calm but firm. "But we need to be smart about this. We can't afford to rush in blind. We'll dispatch a scouting team first, gather actionable intel before committing to a rge-scale attack."

  Thorne crossed his arms, his stern expression betraying his unease. "We'll bolster patrols around Valeris in the meantime. The st thing we need is a Syndicate counterattack catching us off guard while our forces are spread thin."

  Ethan nodded. "We've seen what they're capable of. The terror attacks were a reminder that they'll hit us wherever we're vulnerable. We can't let that happen again."

  Outside the meeting, the coalition's forces were hard at work preparing for the next phase of the campaign.

  At the guild's training grounds, mercenaries drilled relentlessly, honing their skills for the battles to come. Resistance fighters joined them, their movements more rough but no less determined.

  Ethan watched from a raised ptform as D-rank Mercenary Ogmungals Foons and resistance vice-leader Marik Vos demonstrated breaching tactics to a group of resistance fighters and E-Rank mercenaries, their booming voice carrying across the field. Malek, nearby, was instructing a team on electronic countermeasures, his typically lighthearted demeanor repced by sharp focus.

  In another corner, Federation soldiers practiced formation drills under vice-leader Lirien Vossel's watchful eye. Though tensions between the factions remained, the shared sense of purpose had forged a fragile but growing unity.

  Ethan approached Kael, who stood observing the drills. "They're coming together," he said.

  Kael nodded. "They know what's at stake. Every day, we get a little closer to taking Kynara back. Let's make sure they're ready when that day comes."

  Later that evening, Ethan, Zyrix, and Eliara found themselves seated at a corner table in the newly renovated Nara's Nest. The cantina, still showing signs of the recent terror attack, had reopened as a beacon of resilience for the people of Valeris. The faint hum of conversation filled the air, accompanied by the clinking of gsses and the occasional burst of ughter.

  Nara herself brought their drinks, her demeanor warm despite the lines of exhaustion etched into her face. "Good to see you three rexing for once," she said with a faint smile. "Try not to wreck the pce this time."

  Eliara smirked, raising her gss. "No promises."

  The three mercenaries toasted, their gsses clinking together. For a moment, the weight of their mission felt lighter.

  "You know," Zyrix began, his tone unusually reflective, "when I arrived on Kynara back then, I didn't think I'd end up in a war like this. Just thought I'd make some credits, take some bounties, and maybe move on to another Sector afterwards. Funny how things turn out."

  Eliara leaned back in her chair. "None of us signed up for this, but here we are. Guess it's not so bad, saving a pnet."

  Ethan chuckled softly but said nothing, his mind drifting to the names etched on the memorial in Valeris. Dax. Leena. Ta, Lyra. Their sacrifices weighed heavily on him, but they also fueled his determination.

  Zyrix gnced at Ethan. "What about you? You've been much more quieter than usual."

  Ethan took a sip of his drink before answering. "Just thinking about what's ahead. Drasik, Raeth, Drakor... It's all building toward something, and I don't think we've seen the worst of it yet."

  Eliara reached across the table, pcing a hand on his arm. "We'll get through it and make things right."

  That night, Ethan returned to his ship, docked securely in Valeris's hangar. The interior was quiet, the faint hum of the ship's systems the only sound. He sat at his workstation, a holographic map of Kynara's central highnds hovering before him.

  On the desk beside him y the molecur dagger, its intricate carvings catching the dim light. Ethan picked it up, its weight familiar yet strange in his hand. The weapon had not seen any use since he brought it from those ruins, its true potential and the cost of wielding it remained a mystery as well.

  "Iris," he said, his voice steady. "Overy the intel we've gathered with the topographical data of the highnds. Let's start mapping out potential weak points."

  "Understood," Iris replied, the map shifting to highlight supply routes, known Syndicate strongholds, and suspected defensive positions.

  Ethan stared at the map, his resolve hardening. The pieces were falling into pce. The final battles were drawing near, and he intended to see them through no matter the cost.