William stepped through the security checkpoint of the military compound, flashing his ID to the guards before being granted access. He had been here countless times before, but today felt different. Today, he wasn't just visiting his mother—he was here to arm himself for the future.
His mother, Dr. Evelyn Graves, had already arranged everything with her trusted military contact—Captain Carter, Matthew's father. William didn't want to rely on his mother's connections forever, but in times like these, it was a necessary advantage.
Inside the restricted tech and armory section, Captain Carter was already waiting, his stance firm as ever. "William Graves," he greeted with a nod. "Impressive work during the wilderness program. You and your team held your own against those things."
William returned the nod. "Appreciate it, Captain. We did what we had to."
Carter motioned for him to follow, leading him towards a secured warehouse. The massive steel doors slid open, revealing an array of high-grade military equipment, all laid out meticulously. His order.
The Arsenal
William's eyes immediately locked onto his ride—a matte-black 1989 AM General Humvee M998. Reinforced armor, upgraded suspension, military-grade comms, and an advanced navigation system.
"Paid in full," Carter confirmed. "She's built to handle warzones."
William ran a hand over the vehicle's hood, impressed. "Perfect."
Carter then motioned towards a nearby table where his tactical gear and weapons were displayed.
Titan Combat Rig – A heavy-duty tactical webbing system reinforced with lightweight composite material, ensuring protection without restricting movement.
Magnetic Weapon Harness – Designed to secure firearms and blades for quick access.
Smart Holster System – Adaptive holsters that automatically adjust to his drawing speed and stance.
Modified Bulletproof Combat Vest – Fitted with customized plating for added durability.
The Firepower
Two HK 416 B Assault Rifles – Reliable, durable, and customizable.
SIG Sauer P365 Handgun – Compact yet deadly.
Two CZ Tactical Sniper Rifles – For when precision was the priority.
Adaptive Custom-Made Combat Gauntlets – Embedded with shock absorption tech and reinforced knuckle plating.
EMP Grenades – Disrupting enemy tech was always a strategic advantage.
Two Kukri Blades & A Couple Bowie Blades – Meant for brutal close-quarters combat.
William let out a low whistle. "This is more than I expected."
Carter smirked. "You paid for top-tier. Your mother trusts you with this, which means I do too. Just don't go doing anything reckless, alright?"
William chuckled. "No promises, Captain."
Captain Carter crossed his arms. "That's what I was afraid of."
A Fitting Legacy
As William strapped on his gear, testing the fit and feel, he caught his mother watching from the doorway. Her gaze was unreadable, but he knew she was worried. He was all she had left, after all.
She finally spoke. "Your father would've been proud, William."
William didn't respond right away, adjusting the magnetic harness over his vest before looking at her. "I know, Mom."
Dr. Graves sighed. "Just... try not to make me regret this, okay?"
William smirked. "Relax. I'm a professional now."
Carter let out a small chuckle. "Sure, kid. Let's see how long that lasts."
William climbed into the Humvee, revving the engine once before nodding at them both. "I'll see you around." With that, he pulled out of the compound, geared up and ready for whatever came next.
William pulled up to the base, the deep growl of his Humvee's engine reverberating through the underground parking lot. As he stepped out, the vehicle's matte-black finish gleamed under the dim overhead lights. His new gear was neatly packed in the back, each weapon and tactical item secured in reinforced cases.
As expected, Matthew was the first to react. He leaned against his Peugeot e-Boxer van, arms crossed, eyebrows raised high.
"Alright, Graves. You wanna tell me how the hell you got the cash for this?" Matthew gestured toward the Humvee and the military-grade equipment in the trunk.
William smirked, shutting the driver's side door. "What, you jealous?"
"Jealous? No. Suspicious? Absolutely." Matthew stepped closer, eyeing the gear. "Look, my dad's a military captain. I know damn well he doesn't just hand out this level of hardware for free, even with your mom pulling strings."
Jessica whistled as she walked up beside Matthew, arms folded. "Damn, William. I knew you were getting some gear, but this? You're out here looking like a one-man strike force."
William chuckled. "I had to make sure I was well-equipped."
"No kidding," Jessica muttered, running a hand over one of the sniper cases.
At that moment, Logan arrived, his sharp gaze scanning over the new gear and vehicle. He didn't say anything at first, simply walking around the Humvee, taking in the reinforced armor plating, the tactical modifications, and the overall structure.
After a moment, Logan gave a nod of approval. "Good choice."
William raised an eyebrow. "That's it? Just 'good choice'?"
Logan glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "I know my limits. I can't decide what's best for everyone. You know what you need, and you got it. That's all that matters."
William held Logan's gaze for a moment before giving a small smirk. "Didn't think you'd be the type to just let go like that."
Logan shrugged. "You're not me. You don't need what I need. I respect that."
Matthew, still unconvinced, pointed a finger at William. "You still haven't answered my question, dude. Where did the money come from?"
William sighed and crossed his arms. "My mom gave me some funds. Three million, to be exact."
"Your mom gave you three million dollars?" Jessica blinked. "Damn, I need a rich mom."
Matthew scoffed. "That explains it. But you know what? It makes sense. She probably wants you to be as prepared as possible. Not that I blame her."
William nodded. "She told me I was the only important thing left in her life. She just wants me to be safe. But…" He glanced back at the Humvee. "She also knows I can't be coddled forever."
Logan leaned against the vehicle, arms crossed. "You made a smart investment. We're going to need every advantage we can get."
Jessica grinned. "So, does this mean we finally have a badass ride for missions? Because I'm loving the idea of rolling up in this beast."
William smirked. "Damn right we do."
Matthew sighed, shaking his head. "Well, I guess we're all stepping up our game now, huh?"
Logan nodded, his expression serious. "We have to. War is coming."
The weight of his words settled over the group. They weren't just students anymore. They weren't just a bunch of talented misfits trying to prove themselves. They were becoming something more—something bigger.
And soon, they'd have to face the reality of what that meant.
---
End of Chapter 36 (Continuation)
Chapter 36 – Continuation
A Night Out with Manny and the Crew
Logan had just finished inspecting William's new gear when his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, Manny's name flashing on the screen.
Manny (Calling…)
Logan answered, placing the phone to his ear. "Been a while, Manny."
Manny's voice came through, energetic as ever. "Damn right it has! Look, me and the guys are out at Inferno Bar. Figured we'd hit you up since you've been MIA. You in?"
Logan smirked slightly. It had been a while since he'd last seen Manny and his crew. Ever since the academy, things had been moving at a different pace—war preparations, cartel business, mercenary work. A drink with some familiar faces didn't sound too bad.
"Yeah, I'll be there. Just don't get wasted before I arrive."
Manny laughed. "No promises, man. Just get your ass over here."
Logan hung up and turned to the others. "I'm heading out. Manny and his crew invited me for a few drinks."
Jessica raised an eyebrow. "Damn, Holt. First time I'm seeing you actually take a break."
Matthew smirked. "You sure you even know how to have fun?"
Logan rolled his eyes. "You'd be surprised." He then turned to Elsa. "You want to come?"
Elsa gave him a small smile. "I'll pass. You need some time with your old crew. Just try not to get into trouble."
Logan chuckled. "No promises."
William gave a lazy wave. "Enjoy. We'll hold the fort."
---
Inferno Bar – Ciudad Juárez
Logan arrived at Inferno Bar, the familiar neon glow reflecting off his gray Stingray as he pulled up. The place was packed—mercenaries, off-duty enforcers, and cartel affiliates filled the booths and dance floor.
As he stepped inside, he immediately spotted Manny, Rigo, and Torres at a corner table, already a few drinks in. Manny waved him over.
"Look who finally decided to show up!" Manny grinned, pushing a drink toward Logan as he sat down.
Rigo smirked. "Thought you forgot about us, bro."
Logan took the glass, swirling the amber liquid before taking a sip. "Just been busy."
Torres leaned back. "Yeah, we heard. Graduated from the academy, took down a cartel, made a name for yourself. You've been making moves, man."
Manny grinned. "And you got yourself a girl. Elsa, right?"
Logan nodded, a small smirk on his lips. "Yeah."
Rigo whistled. "Damn, Holt actually settled down. Never thought I'd see the day."
They all laughed, and for the first time in a while, Logan allowed himself to relax. No war talk, no missions, no revenge plots—just a night of drinks and memories.
Little did they know, this would be one of the last nights of normalcy before everything changed.
---