As Light slowly opened his eyes, the first thing he noticed was the warmth of someone holding his hand. His teal gaze shifted downward to see a young woman seated beside him. Her long, jet-black hair cascaded over her shoulders, catching the soft morning light and giving it an almost ethereal glow. Her sharp, delicate features were softened in sleep, a stark contrast to her usual focused expression, and her lithe figure, clad in a sleek, dark outfit reminiscent of a deadly elegance, remained perfectly still as she dozed lightly in the chair.

Light’s heart skipped a beat. Riya’s usual sharp demeanor was gone, replaced by a soft, peaceful expression. Her relaxed features made her seem almost ethereal, and Light found himself captivated.

“She must’ve stayed up all night,” he murmured, feeling a pang of guilt.

For a moment, he debated whether to wake her or let her rest. But before he could decide, there was a loud knock at the door.

“Light! You up?” Mark’s voice boomed from the other side.

Light’s eyes widened in panic. Without thinking, he carefully scooped Riya into his arms. Her weight was lighter than he expected, and her warmth lingered against him as he gently laid her on the bed. He pulled a blanket over her, making sure she was comfortable before stepping back.

“Thanks… for everything,” he whispered softly, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

The knocking grew more insistent. “Light! Move it, man!”

“Coming!” Light hissed, hurrying to the door.

Mark leaned against the doorframe, his usual grin firmly in place. “Took you long enough. You okay?”

Light nodded, stepping out and closing the door quietly behind him. “Yeah. Just… tired.”

“Bet you are,” Mark said, patting Light on the shoulder. “C’mon, Lyra wants us to meet the rest of the team.”

Light frowned. “Rest of the team?”

Mark grinned mischievously. “Oh, you’ll see.”

The two walked through the expansive halls of the Apex base. Light couldn’t help but marvel at the high-tech equipment and the sheer scale of the facility. Soldiers and Etherea users bustled about, their determination evident in their expressions.

“You’re quiet,” Mark said, glancing at him.

“Just… thinking,” Light replied. “This place feels overwhelming.”

Mark laughed. “Get used to it. We’re in the big leagues now.”

They reached a large, reinforced door. Mark pushed it open, revealing a spacious room with a circular table at its center. Four figures were seated around it, each exuding a distinct aura.

As Light stepped into the room, all eyes turned toward him.

A young man with sharp features and a confident smirk stood up, twirling a deck of cards between his fingers. His tactical clothing was sleek, with hints of personal flair, and his posture radiated charisma.

“You must be Light,” he said, flipping the cards effortlessly. “Name’s Ace.”

Light offered a polite nod, but before he could speak, Ace held out the deck. “Pick a card.”

Light blinked. “Uh… what?”

“Go on,” Ace urged. “Trust me.”

Light hesitated before awkwardly pulling a card from the deck. It was the Ace of Diamonds.

Ace’s smirk widened. “Perfect.”

The room shimmered faintly as Ace’s Etherea power activated. From seemingly nowhere, a sparkling diamond necklace materialized in the air and fell into Light’s hands.

Mark whistled. “Not bad. My turn!”

Before anyone could stop him, Mark grabbed a card. It was the Joker.

“That’s not good,” Mark muttered.

The necklace disappeared from Light’s hands and reappeared in Mark’s. He grinned. “Finders keepers.”

Before he could take another breath, Lyra strode into the room, her violet eyes sharp and her presence commanding. She moved faster than Light expected, delivering a swift kick to Mark’s side.

Mark stumbled but managed to stay upright. “Ow! What was that for?”

Lyra caught the necklace mid-air, a small smile playing on her lips. “Joker? That’s my necklace.”

Mark groaned, rubbing his side. “I was just holding it for you!”

Ace chuckled, clearly enjoying the chaos.

The introductions continued. A tall, muscular boy with messy dark hair and confident eyes stepped forward. He wore a pair of glowing gauntlets that hummed faintly with energy.

“Name’s Zane,” he said, extending a hand. “Inferno Specialist and general badass.”

Light shook his hand, feeling the faint warmth emanating from the gauntlets.

Next was a silver-haired girl with a blank expression. She carried a large double-edged blade strapped to her back and exuded an air of calm indifference.

“Swen,” she said simply, her voice devoid of emotion.

Light nodded, unsure how to respond.

Mark clapped his hands together, breaking the moment. “So, this is the dream team, huh? Guess I’m in charge.”

Ace snorted. “You? In charge? Please.”

“Why not?” Mark shot back. “I’ve got the charm, the moves, and the brains.”

Lyra rolled her eyes. “You’ve got none of those things.”

The room burst into laughter, and for the first time since joining the Astral Association, Light felt a glimmer of hope.

As the laughter died down, Lyra stepped forward, her tone turning serious.

“This isn’t just a team,” she said. “This is a unit. You’ll be working together, living together, and depending on each other. The missions won’t be easy, and failure isn’t an option.”

Her gaze swept over each of them. “But I chose you all for a reason. Don’t prove me wrong.”

The weight of her words settled over the room, and Light exchanged a determined look with Mark and Riya.

This was the beginning of something big.