Moscow's winter was colder than Yeh Yao had imagined.

The moment they stepped out of Sheremetyevo International Airport, the biting wind felt like countless tiny ice needles piercing through their clothes straight to the skin. Even Yeh Yao, accustomed to Malaysia's tropical climate, had to admit Russian cold was an entirely new experience.

"Good lord, it's like a freezer here!" Nasser complained dramatically, tightening his down jacket. "Hawaii's beaches seem so tempting right now."

"This is just Moscow," Marcus said calmly, his breath forming small clouds in the air. "Our destination is further north—it'll be even colder there."

"Even colder?" Nasser's eyes widened in disbelief. "There are places colder than this?"

Michelle smiled faintly. "Welcome to Russia, Nasser. Its winters teach you the true meaning of cold."

The five took a prearranged car to a luxury hotel in the city center. Outside the windows, Moscow's sights unfolded—grand architecture, vast squares, golden church domes, and snow-covered parks. The city exuded a unique charm where history met modernity, East blended with West.

"According to Watchers' intel," Marcus briefed them in the car, "the Gauntlet of Light's wielder is likely a woman named Kristina Ivanova—a Russian Special Forces operative currently stationed at a military base in Siberia."

"Special Forces?" Alicia asked, surprised. "That's not someone we can easily approach."

Marcus nodded. "Exactly. That's why we're stopping in Moscow first—to gather more information and find the right opportunity."

"Any leads?" Eunice asked, flipping through the Book of Prophecy for hints.

"Scattered reports," Marcus replied. "Three months ago, during military drills in Siberia, an 'unidentified incident' occurred. Officially, it was blamed on equipment failure, but witnesses claimed a female officer displayed 'supernatural abilities' to rescue trapped comrades."

"Fits the profile of a Weapon's wielder," Yeh Yao remarked, recalling his first summoning of the Sword.

"One more thing," Marcus added. "Kristina was recently recalled to Moscow for a three-day training course. This is our best chance to contact her."

"So what's the plan?" Michelle asked, her scientific mind always seeking clear steps.

"First, confirm her location and schedule," Marcus explained. "Then find the right moment to approach her—preferably outside military premises."

"Sounds like a spy movie plot," Nasser said excitedly. "I like it!"

Eunice shook her head with a smile. "Nasser, this is serious, not entertainment."

"Who says serious can't be fun?" Nasser retorted, then turned to Marcus. "But how do we track a Russian Special Forces operative? That can't be easy."

"The Watchers have contacts here," Marcus said. "They're gathering intel. We'll get details at the hotel."

After settling in, they convened in Marcus's suite to review the plan. His laptop displayed a detailed dossier—photos, maps, timetables.

"This is Kristina Ivanova," he pointed to an image of a woman in her early thirties with sharp Slavic features—high cheekbones, deep blue eyes, and short blonde hair. Her expression was stern, her gaze radiating unyielding strength.

"She looks... intimidating," Nasser commented. "Like she could kill with a look."

"She's in Alpha Group—Russia's elite Special Forces unit," Marcus explained. "Trained in some of the world's toughest combat, survival, and marksmanship programs."

"That aligns perfectly with the Gauntlet's traits," Eunice mused. "It chooses those skilled in close combat, fearless souls."

Marcus nodded, then indicated a map. "Intel says Kristina is staying at these barracks, training daily at this facility from 7 AM to 8 PM. But tomorrow night, she's attending a veterans' gathering at this club. Our best opportunity."

"A military party?" Alicia asked warily. "How do we get in? Security must be tight."

"Already handled," Marcus smiled. "We have five invites as an 'International Military Advisory Delegation.'"

"Thorough," Michelle approved. "But how do we get her attention? Walking up saying 'Hi, we're Light Weapon wielders here to recruit you' might not work."

"We need subtlety," Yeh Yao suggested. "Maybe weapon resonance? It worked when contacting Michelle in London."

"Good idea," Marcus agreed. "The Weapons share a natural connection. If we emit energy near her, her Gauntlet may react."

With the plan set, they prepared. Marcus briefed them on Russian military etiquette to avoid unintended offense.

The next day, they toured Moscow briefly—both to relax and familiarize themselves with the city. Red Square's grandeur, the Kremlin's majesty, and St. Basil's vibrant domes left deep impressions.

"This city has a unique charm," Alicia remarked by the Moskva River, admiring the skyline. "Both European elegance and Asian mystery."

"Russia has always been where East meets West," Eunice explained, her historian's knowledge shining. "This shaped its culture and national character."

By evening, they changed into formalwear—dark suits for the men, elegant dresses for the women—and donned discreet earpieces for communication.

"Remember, our goal is contacting Kristina, confirming she's the Gauntlet's wielder, then persuading her to join us," Marcus reminded them before departure. "Avoid unnecessary attention, especially from other military personnel."

The "Red Star" club, an exclusive venue for officers and officials, was understated outside but lavishly decorated within, blending traditional Russian and modern aesthetics.

Their invitations passed security checks smoothly. About fifty guests, mostly uniformed or formally dressed men, mingled in the grand hall with solemn yet lively atmosphere.

"Target location?" Yeh Yao whispered to Marcus, scanning the room.

Marcus subtly gestured right. "Near the bar—blonde in the black dress."

Yeh Yao spotted Kristina immediately. Even among tall soldiers, she stood out. Though wearing a simple black dress rather than uniform, her posture and alert eyes betrayed her military bearing.

"We split up," Marcus instructed quietly. "Yeh Yao and Alicia, approach the bar; Nasser and Eunice, standby near the dance floor; Michelle and I will monitor from the entrance."

The operation commenced. Yeh Yao and Alicia casually ordered drinks at the bar while observing Kristina. She conversed with officers, stern but occasionally nodding or smiling.

"She's highly alert," Alicia noted softly. "Even in social settings."

"Military training," Yeh Yao replied. "We need the right moment."

The opportunity came when Kristina stepped aside alone for vodka. Yeh Yao subtly summoned a wisp of his Sword's energy—a tiny glow in his palm.

Instant reaction. Kristina stiffened, her eyes locking onto his hand with shock and wariness. Setting down her glass, she confronted them directly.

"Who are you?" she demanded in accented English, voice low and threatening. "That energy... it's not normal."

"We seek the wielder of the Gauntlet of Light," Yeh Yao replied bluntly, knowing honesty was best with a trained soldier. "And I believe we've found her."

Kristina's fists clenched reflexively. "Not here. Follow me."

She led them to a secluded terrace. Yeh Yao alerted the others via earpiece, and soon the full team assembled in the freezing cold.

Kristina eyed the newcomers suspiciously—until she noticed the faint glows from their hands. Her expression shifted from caution to astonishment.

"You're all... wielders?"

"Yes," Yeh Yao confirmed, fully summoning his Sword. "I bear the Sword of Light. This is Alicia, my friend. Nasser wields the Hammer; Eunice, the Bow; Michelle, the Staff."

The others manifested their Weapons, multicolored energies intertwining spectacularly in the night.

Kristina's face cycled through disbelief, wonder, then resolve. She inhaled deeply, then extended her hands—golden light swirling into ornate gauntlets covering her forearms, their surfaces etched with the familiar ancient runes, each pulse vibrating the air.

"The Gauntlets of Light," Eunice breathed. "Legend says they're the ultimate melee weapons."

Kristina dismissed them, then met Yeh Yao's gaze squarely. "What do you want from me?"

Marcus stepped forward. "Major Ivanova, we need your help. The world faces an unprecedented crisis. Only with all five Weapons united can disaster be averted."

Over the next half-hour, they detailed the Hellgates, the Shadow Realm's incursions, and the future entity's plans. Eunice presented corroborating prophecies.

Kristina listened intently, interjecting with precise tactical questions. Her military mindset sought actionable intelligence and threat assessments.

"So you've assembled all five wielders," she summarized finally. "What's the mission?"

"Per the Book," Marcus explained, "we must locate and seal the major Hellgates, then confront this future entity to stop its plans."

"Sounds like war," Kristina observed, a warrior's glint in her eyes. "And war is my expertise."

"Then you'll join us?" Yeh Yao asked directly.

Kristina weighed the question silently, then nodded. "Da. But I must report to my commander for special leave. This may require... creative explanations."

"Understood," Marcus said. "We'll accommodate your duties."

"One more thing," Kristina added. "I want full knowledge of these Weapons—their origins, why they chose us, their full capabilities. If I'm to fight, I must know my arms."

"The Book and Michelle's family archives have records," Eunice offered. "We can study them together."

They arranged to meet next morning at the hotel to finalize plans. Leaving the club, Yeh Yao felt unprecedented hope—the team was finally complete.

"We did it," Nasser cheered as they walked Moscow's icy streets. "Sword, Hammer, Bow, Staff, and now Gauntlets! Our superhero squad is assembled!"

Eunice rolled her eyes. "Nasser, will you ever stop?"

"Hey, optimism's necessary," he shot back. "Especially when facing doomsday."

"Speaking of which," Michelle interjected, "what's next? All five wielders are found."

"Per the Book," Marcus said, "we target the primary Hellgate—likely in South America. Intel suggests Machu Picchu is the epicenter."

"Machu Picchu?" Eunice echoed. "The Inca ruins? That fits the 'Lost Garden' prophecy."