Re-Awakened :I Ascend as an SSS-Ranked Dragon Summoner - Chapter 505

Chapter 505: Fourth brigade2
Commander Darius Reeves stood with his arms crossed, that pleasant smile fixed on his face like it had been painted there. Behind him, twenty Fourth Brigade members spread out in positions that looked casual but weren’t—optimal spacing, clear sightlines, weapons ready but not raised.

Professional work. The kind that came from years of coordinated operations.

“We need to talk,” Reeves said again, his tone carrying the patience of someone addressing children who didn’t know better.

Noah’s jaw tightened slightly. “This is an open contract. We responded to a settlement request.”

“So did we.” Reeves gestured vaguely at the crystalline structure blocking the migration route. “Got here about thirty minutes before you. Already identified the problem, started preliminary analysis. We were handling it.”

“Then why did the settlement post an open contract?” Diana asked bluntly.

Reeves’s smile widened. “Because I told them to. Thought it might be… educational. See how the new kids operate in the field. Professional development, you could call it.”

The condescension in his voice was subtle but unmistakable. Not quite an insult, but close enough to feel deliberate.

“You engineered this,” Noah said.

“I facilitated a learning opportunity.” Reeves tilted his head slightly. “Fourth Brigade has been operating in the eastern territories for twelve years. We have relationships, protocols, systems that keep people safe. And then Eclipse Faction shows up—what, two weeks old?—and starts taking contracts without understanding how things work here.”

“We understand fine,” Lila said, her hand drifting toward her weapon harness. A small ravager gun she carried just for the sake of it.

“Do you?” Reeves’s tone remained pleasant, but something cold flickered in his eyes. “Because from what I saw at Settlement Gamma-7 yesterday, understanding isn’t your strong suit.”

The temperature seemed to drop several degrees.

“What about Gamma-7?” Sophie asked carefully.

“Oh, you know.” Reeves gestured expansively. “Just the part where two massive creatures—dragons, the settlers are calling them—had a fight that leveled half the settlement. Property damage in the millions. Craters you could park vehicles in. Buildings reduced to rubble. Fire damage across three city blocks.”

He paused, letting that sink in.

“Spectacular show,” Reeves continued. “Really impressive. The kind of display that gets talked about in every settlement from here to the coast. Eclipse Faction and their dragons, putting on quite the performance.” His smile never wavered. “Shame about all those destroyed homes. About the businesses that’ll take months to rebuild. About the families who lost everything they owned because someone decided flashy combat was more important than collateral damage control.”

“Nobody died,” Noah said, his voice tight.

“This time,” Reeves agreed. “But that’s luck, not planning. You brought Category Five combat capability into a civilian settlement and let it run wild. Those people are alive because your target was incompetent, not because you controlled the situation properly.”

“We handled the threat,” Diana said.

“You created a bigger one!” Reeves’s pleasant tone finally cracked, showing frustration underneath. “You think settlers want protection that destroys their homes? You think they’ll keep hiring Eclipse Faction when every contract comes with the risk that you’ll summon something that demolishes everything they’ve built?”

He took a breath, smoothed his expression back to professional calm.

“That’s the problem with talented young factions,” Reeves continued, his condescension returning full force. “You have power but no judgment. Capability without wisdom. You can fight Category Fives, sure—but you don’t know when NOT to. When discretion matters more than dramatic victories.”

“We saved that settlement,” Seraleth said, confusion evident in her voice.

“You terrified it,” Reeves corrected. “Half the population evacuated yesterday after watching your red dragon level three city blocks. They’re afraid Eclipse Faction will show up for the next contract and destroy what’s left.” He shook his head with theatrical disappointment. “That’s not protection. That’s making people choose between threats.”

Noah’s hands clenched into fists. The worst part was Reeves had points—Nyx’s fight with Darius HAD caused extensive damage. They’d prioritized stopping the shapeshifter over minimizing collateral impact. It had worked out, but barely.

“So what do you want?” Sophie asked, her diplomatic tone strained.

“Partnership.” Reeves brightened immediately, like he’d been waiting for this opening. “Fourth Brigade has infrastructure, experience, relationships. Eclipse Faction has impressive combat capability and apparently unlimited funding from whoever’s bankrolling your operation.”

His gaze flickered over their equipment—the custom tactical gear, the expensive scanners, the Grey family interceptor visible in the distance.

“Corporate backing? Military black budget?” Reeves mused. “Doesn’t matter. Point is, you’ve got resources but no institutional knowledge. We have knowledge but limited high-threat response capability. Combine them, everyone wins.”

“You want us to join Fourth Brigade,” Noah said flatly.

“I want us to work together.” Reeves spread his hands in a gesture that looked reasonable but felt like a trap. “You keep your faction identity, your leadership, your autonomy. But you coordinate with us. Share intelligence, avoid stepping on each other’s contracts, present unified front to settlements.”

“And if we decline?” Lila asked.

“Then you continue independently, which is your right.” Reeves’s smile took on an edge. “Though I imagine you’ll find contract acquisition becomes challenging. Settlements listen when experienced factions advise that hiring unknown quantities might be premature. Especially factions with histories of property destruction.”

There it was. The actual threat underneath the pleasant diplomacy.

Sophie’s expression went carefully blank. Diana looked ready to hit something. Even Seraleth seemed to recognize the hostility despite her unfamiliarity with human politics.

“We’ll consider it,” Noah said finally, forcing his voice to stay level.

“Excellent!” Reeves clapped his hands together. “Take your time. Think it through. Meanwhile—” He gestured toward the crystalline structure, “—we’ll handle this migration issue. Educational observation, remember? Watch how established factions solve problems without causing regional disasters.”

His operatives moved forward with specialized equipment—energy cutters, field dampeners, structural supports. They worked with efficiency, clearly having done similar extractions before.

Noah’s team stood back, reduced to spectators.

“See, this is what experience looks like,” Reeves said, moving to stand beside Sophie. “Twelve years of operations. We’ve built relationships, developed techniques, invested in proper equipment. You’ll get there eventually.” His smile was all teeth. “If you survive long enough. And if you learn when NOT to bring dragons into civilian populations.”

The cutting began. Energy beams focused on the structure’s base, carefully slicing through crystalline material. Within twenty minutes, they’d severed it cleanly, controlled its descent, and deactivated the interference field.

The migration herd resumed movement almost immediately, thousands of beasts flowing back into their ancient patterns.

“Textbook resolution,” Reeves announced. “Settlement’s safe, migration proceeds, minimal disruption. That’s what twelve years of professional operations looks like.”

He turned to Noah, and his expression carried something almost pitying.

“You’ve got talent, Eclipse. Real talent. But talent without judgment just creates bigger messes.” Reeves gestured at his packing equipment. “Think about partnership. Pride’s a luxury young factions can’t afford. Especially ones that like making dramatic displays that destroy civilian infrastructure.”

“We’ll be in touch,” Noah said through gritted teeth.

“I look forward to it.” Reeves headed toward his transports—three heavy vehicles that spoke to budget and resources. He paused at the door, looking back. “Oh, and Noah? Word of advice from someone who’s been doing this longer—dragons make excellent theater, but terrible peacekeeping tools. Maybe keep them in reserve unless you actually want to destroy everything around you.”

His smile was patronizing, condescending, the expression of someone who genuinely believed he was offering helpful guidance to dangerous children.

Then Fourth Brigade loaded up and departed, leaving Noah’s team standing in a successfully resolved contract they hadn’t participated in.

The silence stretched until the transports disappeared over the ridge.

“I fucking hate him,” Diana said.

“He made valid points,” Sophie admitted reluctantly. “About the property damage. About our lack of infrastructure. About—”

“About nothing,” Lila interrupted. “He threatened us with a smile. The whole speech was just telling us to submit or be destroyed.”

“Not destroyed,” Kelvin corrected. “Frozen out politically. Different method, same result.”

Seraleth looked genuinely confused. “We are stronger in combat. Why does political influence matter?”

“Because contracts come through settlements,” Sophie explained. “If settlements won’t hire us—if Fourth Brigade convinces them we’re too dangerous or reckless—our combat capability becomes irrelevant.”

Noah stared at where Reeves had disappeared, his mind working through implications and counter-strategies. The commander had demonstrated resources and political capital Eclipse lacked. He’d used their own success against them, turned the Nyx display into evidence of recklessness.

And worst of all, some of his criticisms were valid.

“We’re not joining Fourth Brigade,” Noah said.

“Agreed,” Sophie replied immediately.

“So we’re making an enemy.”

“We’re declining an ultimatum,” Noah corrected. “There’s a difference.”

They loaded into their transport, the contract technically successful but feeling like defeat. The migration was resolved, Eclipse would get paid, but they’d been put on notice by an established faction with resources to make good on threats.

The drive back was quiet. Everyone processing, running scenarios, considering options.

Noah’s comm buzzed forty minutes into the return trip. He activated it, expecting Sam.

Lucy Grey’s face appeared instead.

She looked exhausted. Not physically, but carrying weight that changed everything. Her composed expression was strained.

“Noah,” she said without preamble. “We need to talk. Now.”

“I’m here,” Noah replied, engaging autopilot. “What’s wrong?”

“I spent the past week coordinating with other family heads. Explaining Arthur, sharing your intelligence, building consensus for response.” Lucy paused. “They’re refusing to act.”

“What?”

“Every family head. They acknowledge Arthur exists, acknowledge the threat, acknowledge your evidence.” Frustration bled into her voice. “And they’re choosing to do nothing. Ancient laws, political complications—every excuse for maintaining status quo.”

Sophie moved closer. “They know he founded the Purge. Know he’s working with Harbingers. And they still won’t coordinate?”

“They’re terrified,” Lucy said bluntly. “Arthur’s ancient. He’s already taken multiple family heads. Those remaining think drawing his attention puts them at risk. Better to let him focus elsewhere than provoke confrontation.”

“Cowardice,” Seraleth said with disgust.

“Politics,” Lucy corrected. “But I’m sending reinforcements anyway. Five warships, two hundred soldiers, support equipment. Everything I can spare. They arrive in one week.”

“That’s significant commitment,” Kelvin observed.

“Lucas is my brother,” Lucy said simply. “Arthur trapped him. Other families can hide behind neutrality—Grey family is acting. Your reconnaissance gave us actionable intelligence. We’re using it.”

“How?” Noah asked.

“By going back north. To that facility. Arthur was personally present. That means it’s important. Hit it hard enough, maybe force response.”

“Or get killed,” Diana muttered.

“Both possible,” Lucy agreed. “But sitting here while Arthur builds his network isn’t an option. If families won’t help, Grey family handles this ourselves. With Eclipse support, if you’re willing.”

Noah looked at his team. Sophie’s expression showed tactical calculation. Diana looked eager. Kelvin seemed nervous but determined. Seraleth appeared ready despite some degree of confusion. Lila’s face was complicated—her parents’ facility, her family’s involvement.

“We’re willing,” Noah said. “But not blind like last time. One week gives us preparation time. Coordinate with your reinforcements. Plan actual assault, not reconnaissance.”

“Agreed,” Lucy said. “I’ll send intelligence packets. Troop manifests, equipment specs, tactical options. When warships arrive, we’ll have full military support for whatever operation we decide.”

“And Lucas?” Noah asked quietly.

Lucy’s expression flickered—vulnerability showing briefly through her composure. “Nothing yet. Shadow dimension doesn’t respond to conventional detection. But if we capture Arthur, force information from him…” She didn’t finish.

“We’ll get him back,” Noah said.

“I know.” Lucy’s smile was brief, tired. “One week. Use it well. Train your people, coordinate resources, prepare for operation that might give us leverage against Arthur.” She paused. “And Noah? Thank you. For not giving up on my brother.”

The transmission ended.

“So,” Kelvin said. “We’re assaulting a heavily defended Purge facility. Where Arthur might be. With elite soldiers. And probably Harbingers.”

“Looks like,” Noah confirmed.

“Cool cool cool.” Kelvin’s laugh was slightly manic. “Just checking mission parameters.”

Lila had been staring out the window. Now she spoke, her voice carrying that edge Noah recognized from their academy days.

“My parents are there. Managing operations for Arthur. When we go back…” She didn’t finish.

“We’ll deal with that when we get there,” Noah said gently.

“Will we?” Lila turned to look at him. “Because last time you told me to hold back. And you were right—going alone would’ve gotten everyone killed. But if we’re going back with military support, with warships and soldiers and actual assault plan…”

“Then it becomes combat operation,” Sophie finished. “Different rules of engagement.”

“Exactly.” Lila’s hands clenched. “I want them alive if possible. Want answers. But if it comes down to mission success versus their survival…”

She didn’t finish, but everyone understood the choice she was making.

“One week,” Noah said. “We train, prepare, and when Lucy’s reinforcements arrive, we go back and finish this.”

—

They reached headquarters as evening settled. The eclipse symbol above the entrance caught fading sunlight.

Sam waited in operations, his expression suggesting news.

“How was the migration contract?”

“Educational,” Sophie replied dryly. “Fourth Brigade showed up, handled everything themselves, made clear they expect us to partner or face political consequences.”

“Ah.” Sam grimaced. “I was afraid of that. Commander Reeves has been consolidating power for years. Doesn’t like competition.”

“He can deal with it,” Diana said. “We’re not joining Fourth Brigade.”

“Then expect contract acquisition to become difficult,” Sam warned. “Reeves has influence with settlement coordinators. If he advises them Eclipse is unreliable, they’ll listen.”

“So we prove him wrong,” Noah said. “Handle contracts professionally, build our own relationships, demonstrate consistent capability. Our reputation will speak for itself eventually.”

“Eventually,” Sam agreed. “Short term might be tight though.”

“Won’t matter in a week,” Kelvin said. “We’re going back north with Grey military support. Full assault on Purge facility.”

Sam’s eyebrows rose. “That’s ambitious. Dangerous. Possibly suicidal depending on defenses.”

“Lucy’s sending intelligence,” Sophie said. “We’ll plan properly this time.”

“One week to train,” Noah added. He looked at Sam. “Get word to all members. Next seven days, we focus entirely on combat preparation. Chi training every morning, tactical drills every afternoon, equipment checks between. Anyone not ready for Category Five threat response when warships arrive stays behind.”

“You’re taking everyone?” Sam asked.

“Everyone who qualifies,” Noah confirmed. “This isn’t reconnaissance. This is war.”