The Eclipsed Order

Chapter 105: Chapter 105: Beyond the Headquarters

By the time evening arrived, Ares and the two others had finally reached the main headquarters of the Eclipse Order.

Even from outside the estate, the scale of the headquarters was difficult to ignore.

The compound occupied a vast area of land, surrounded by high stone walls that concealed most of the facilities within, while several towers and large buildings could be seen rising above them. The headquarters was not merely a residence or a place where members gathered; it had been constructed as a complete base of operations, containing training grounds, living quarters, storage facilities, meeting halls, offices, and various other areas necessary for an organization of its size.

As Ares entered through the main gate, the sound of steel immediately caught his attention.

CLANG!

CLANG!

Two figures were moving across the training grounds at a speed that would have been difficult for an ordinary knight to follow.

Their swords collided repeatedly, each exchange producing a sharp metallic sound as they moved around one another, their footwork precise and their movements controlled rather than reckless. Several other members were standing around the training area, observing the fight while maintaining a respectful distance.

And among them stood Lydia.

She had been supervising the training, carefully watching every movement of the recruits, but the moment she noticed Ares approaching, her attention shifted entirely toward him.

"Stop."

Her voice carried across the training ground.

The two swordsmen immediately disengaged.

The surrounding members followed without hesitation, lowering their weapons before turning toward Ares.

Within moments, the entire training area had fallen silent.

Lydia stepped forward and lowered her head.

"Great Eclipse."

The others followed her example.

"Great Eclipse."

Ares looked over the group for a moment before raising his hand.

"You may stand."

Everyone straightened.

Ares then turned his attention toward Lydia.

"How are things progressing?"

Lydia’s expression softened slightly. There was a quiet sense of satisfaction in her eyes as she answered.

"Everything is proceeding according to plan. The new recruits have completed their initial evaluations, and their assignments have already been determined according to their individual abilities. Those suited for combat have been placed under the appropriate combat units, while those with specialized skills have been assigned to the divisions where their talents will be most useful."

She paused briefly before continuing.

"Their training is also progressing without any significant problems. The instructors have reported that most of them are adapting faster than expected."

Ares nodded.

"Good work, Lydia."

Those three words were enough to make her expression brighten noticeably.

"Thank you, Great Eclipse."

Ares glanced toward the main building.

"Where are Vhan and Vince?"

"They are inside the main building," Lydia replied. "They are currently meeting with several officers and senior members regarding the organization’s recent activities. I believe they are reviewing the reports from the various divisions."

"I see. Then I’ll speak with them afterward."

"Understood."

Ares continued forward, with Draven and Cedric following behind him.

The moment they passed through the inner gate, Draven slowed down.

He looked around.

Then he looked around again.

"...Master."

"What?"

Draven stared at the headquarters with an expression that was difficult to describe.

"This place is considerably larger than I imagined."

Ares glanced at him.

"Is that supposed to surprise you?"

"I knew the headquarters was large, but this is no longer something I would simply call a headquarters. There are multiple training grounds, separate buildings for different functions, residential quarters, administrative facilities, storage areas, meeting halls, and enough space for hundreds of people to operate without interfering with one another."

Draven looked toward the enormous central structure that dominated the compound.

"How can they built something like this?"

Draven gave him a doubtful look.

"That distinction does not make it any less impressive."

Cedric, meanwhile, was quietly observing everything around them.

Unlike Draven, who seemed fascinated by the scale of the headquarters, Cedric’s attention kept moving from one section to another, taking in the members training throughout the grounds and the various facilities that surrounded the central area.

Then he noticed something.

"Master."

Ares followed his gaze.

At the center of the headquarters stood a large statue of Ares himself.

It was positioned prominently within the central courtyard, overlooking the surrounding grounds and the pathways leading toward the main building. The statue had been constructed as a representation of the Great Eclipse, with an imposing appearance that reflected the image the organization had created around its leader.

"It appears your people hold you in rather high regard, Master."

"I can see that."

"You should be pleased."

"I would be more pleased if they had asked me first."

Cedric covered a faint smile.

"Nevertheless, it is impressive."

Ares sighed and continued walking.

The headquarters became even more impressive once they entered the main building.

The interior had been designed with the same purpose as the rest of the compound, with broad corridors connecting different sections of the organization and several offices positioned along the inner halls. Members moved between departments carrying documents and reports, while others stood aside whenever Ares passed, immediately lowering their heads in acknowledgment.

"Great Eclipse."

"Great Eclipse."

"Welcome back, Great Eclipse."

Ares acknowledged them with a slight nod as he continued toward the upper section of the building.

Draven quietly observed the people around them.

"So this is what the Eclipse Order has become."

Ares glanced at him.

"What do you mean?"

"When I first learned of your organization, I imagined a hidden group operating from the shadows. I did not expect it to develop into something resembling a complete institution with its own military force, administration, intelligence network, training facilities, and specialized divisions."

Draven looked ahead.

"Your people are truly extraordinary, Master."

Ares said nothing.

He simply continued walking.

Eventually, they arrived before a large set of doors.

Two guards standing outside immediately stepped aside.

Ares entered.

Inside the spacious meeting room, several people were gathered around a large table. Documents and reports had been arranged across its surface, while several officers were standing beside it, apparently in the middle of discussing various matters.

The moment Ares entered, the conversation stopped.

Everyone turned toward him.

Vhan and Vince immediately stepped forward, followed by the other senior members.

They lowered their heads respectfully.

"Master."

Ares nodded.

"It has been some time, Vhan. Vince."

Both men straightened.

"It is good to have you back, Master," Vhan said respectfully. "The organization has continued to operate according to your directives in your absence."

Vince followed.

"The various divisions have also maintained their assigned operations. We have encountered several developments during the past few weeks, and we were in the process of reviewing them before your arrival."

"Good. Give me the complete reports later."

"Of course, Master."

Ares’s gaze moved across the room.

He noticed several people whom he did not immediately recognize.

"Are these the officers responsible for the current reports?"

Vhan nodded.

"Yes. They are the senior officers overseeing several of the organization’s divisions. Since the recent expansion of our operations, their responsibilities have increased considerably, so we have been coordinating their reports before submitting them to you."

One of the officers stepped forward and bowed.

"It is an honor to meet you again, Great Eclipse."

The others followed.

"We are honored by your presence."

Ares gave them a calm look.

"I expect all of you to continue performing your duties properly. The organization has grown considerably, and with that growth comes greater responsibility. Do not allow the increase in numbers to compromise the discipline or secrecy that have allowed the Eclipse Order to reach this point."

"Understood."

Vhan lowered his head once more.

"We will ensure that your expectations are met."

Ares nodded.

"Then continue with the reports. I’ll hear everything from the beginning."

"Yes, Master."

The officers immediately returned to their positions.

As Ares took his place at the head of the room, Draven and Cedric remained behind him, silently observing the gathering.

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