As their journey toward the main mission advanced, they encountered remarkable individuals, formidable monsters seeking to disrupt human progress, and grotesque creatures that seemed to emerge from nightmares. Throughout these encounters, the soldiers of team Comet witnessed the tenacity and fighting spirit of humanity, and it felt as though this mission encapsulated their entire military careers, from the very beginning to this point.

  This motivated the Axel and his team to intensify their efforts on their side objective of disinfecting the plague-infested area. According to their system, the mission indicator showed that they had successfully disinfected two hundred fifty-five villages. Additionally, they encountered no hostile operatives trying to obstruct their progress. This made the trip a little smoother as they even had children to look after.

  The two young bodies of the cheerful Ella and the blonde boy Martin clearly tired from all their traveling, yet they did not utter a single complaint. Maturing beyond their years, they were vaguely sensitive to the energies of any sentient beings and were awed by the performance of the operatives.

  They imagined these operatives as superheroes fighting against the bad guys to protect the people. The young, gloomy teen Edgar, however, contemplated whether he could study under one of these operatives, feeling that it might be his calling. He knew they had lived like rats, constantly on the run because of their abilities and the irrational beings that were intent on hunting them down. In his mind, he envisioned stopping all of these evil creatures that sought to destroy their peaceful lives.

  However, on another side, the young lady who dubbed herself Phoenix was deep in thought. She used to be the rowdiest and most boisterous of the group, but now she was as quiet as a windless lake. She reflected on the grotesque monster that had been eliminated by the spacetime operatives.

  To others, it may have seemed that the creature was merely strong, but she perceived the immense energy it possessed. In her eyes, the entity was akin to a godlike force, capable of leveling entire continents and perhaps even the world if left unchecked.

  Yet, men of different races and colors banded together against it. She struggled to understand how this unity was possible in an era marked by clear divisions. Those men, whom she would have previously labeled reckless and foolish for confronting such a being, had done so.

  Within less than half an hour, she witnessed what felt like mankind slaying gods. This experience shattered her worldview. She became somewhat convinced that the death of her parents was caused by these unseen entities, overlooked by the people of her era.

  She then recalled her rash actions of shouting and mocking the resolve of those dedicated to protecting humanity, filling her with shame and remorse. Axel couldn't help but glance at her as deep lines creased her forehead in a frown. He contemplated whether he should approach her to offer comfort but ultimately decided against it, mindful of her fiery temper and the possibility that she might lash out again. He just kept a watchful eye on her, concerned for her well-being.

  Fairy 001 had been surveying the state of the team for quite a while and noticed that the little arcanist looked haggard, with unfocused eyes. Taking their condition into account, she decided it would be best to set up camp since they were only about ten kilometers away from Rouen.

  She opened her cache, and a destitute-looking abandoned hut emerged. Inside, however, it was surprisingly well-equipped, featuring separate bathing facilities for men and women, as well as a dining hall. The Comet team and the little arcanist were once again amazed by the capabilities of her box. The group relaxed for a while, escaping the heat of the hot noon sun and taking a much-needed break.

  While Luc is cooking for the group, Axel couldn't help but approach Phoenix, feeling concerned as she had been distancing herself from everyone.

  "Missy, you've seemed a bit out of sorts for a while now. Mind telling me what's on your mind?" He spoke.

  Phoenix, who seemed eager to ask something yet hesitant, seized the opportunity to speak her heart.

  "I kind of understand why my parents never let me join them in helping others. They were trying to protect me from being exposed to horrific creatures." She paused and gazed at Axel with intensity in her eyes.

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  "Will I grow strong enough to fight against the beings that bring misfortune upon the land if I join your cause?" she asked with resolve yet an imperceivable trace of doubt flashed through her eyes.

  “Are you ready to lay down your life for this? If death stares you in the eye, will you be able to hold your ground? Will you be able to accept the ridicule of those uninvolved in our cause if you are misunderstood?” Axel locked an equally serious gaze on her, a man who had served his country for half of his life.

  Axel was able to observe that her momentum was faltered by the sudden question. He looked at her pondering expression and after a few minutes without an answer, he spoke in a cold tone.

  “If such questions stump you, then you’d best be useful elsewhere.” Axel prompted, observing her moment of hesitation.

  He turned his back to her and began to check his equipment. In Phoenix’s mind, she clung to the hope that the people hung on the gallows in Bayeux were not her parents, so she wavered to answer.

  After a few hours of rest and a change of new clothes, the little arcanist seemed much more energetic, so they decided to travel toward the city on the horizon. As they approached, they entered a city that embodied art, where every cobblestone whispered tales of history and creativity.

  Strolling through the winding streets, they were greeted by striking architecture that ranged from charming half-timbered houses to majestic Gothic cathedrals, each narrating the story of prosperity during the Middle Ages.

  After a while, they’ve reached their destination and arrived at Saint-Ouen Abbey, located north of the city. They entered through the side doors, then navigated the concealed passageways behind the church’s walls which were hidden from prying eyes. They then went down a steep staircase that led underground to the crypt. Fairy 001 opened the door to one of the mausoleums, revealing a stairway that descended about a hundred meters that led to an underground shelter.

  Surprisingly, the air, which one would expect to be dry and stale, was as fresh as that found in a forest. There, all the rescued arcanists had gathered.

  Upon seeing them, the arcanists who had initially been apprehensive were reassured by the operatives already on site. Cries of surprise and happiness filled the air. Ella’s parents, Martin and Titus, gathered as they spotted the children. They hugged one another, and the children eagerly expressed their desire to share the epic tales of their adventures.

  “Mommy Claire! Daddy Allan! Guys, I’m here! I know you’re in there, please see me!” Phoenix's voice echoed through the winding passages as she ran deeper into the subterranean refuge. Desperation dripped from her voice as she urgently shouted.

  Alex and his elite special forces team, battle-hardened and accustomed to such haunting reunions, stood in solemn silence, heads bowed in quiet solidarity. Their usual stoicism faltered just for a moment, revealing the weight of heartache they carried. Nearby, Fairy 001 watched with a heavy heart, shaking her head in disbelief at Phoenix's refusal to accept the tragic truth.

  While the atmosphere was heavy, the five men then heard a ring in their ears. It was the system, not Mission Control, notifying them about the main objective. Fairy 001, noticing their expressions, knew it was time for them to leave. She approached Axel and handed him a sleek black card, then gestured with a wink, signaling him to call her.

  Before he could respond, she vanished into the deeper parts of the hideout. Axel stored the card in his Personal Storage Space without even glancing at what was written on it, as his focus was solely on the prompt he had received.

  [Main Mission: Rescue Jeanne D’Arc from the Huechromixix and Chrysalica Stronghold]

  [ALERT: This mission holds the power to reshape the very fabric of human history. Proceed with utmost caution. Failure is not an option. Failure may result in setting humanity back three hundred years into darkness. The stakes are unimaginable. Do not falter!]

  [Mission Objective: Infiltrate the seventeenth level underground of the enemy's breeding space, where extraterrestrial operatives are plotting to implant an insectoid controller in her brain. This insidious manipulation will strip her of her unique talents, turning them against us. You must rescue Jeanne D’Arc before the microscopic operative of chrysalica arrives and controls her.]

  [Mission Duration: 06:29:58 – Currently Ongoing]

  [Participants: Limited to twentieth and twenty-first century spacetime operatives.]

  [Warning: The operatives of the Opposition are of all equivalent twenty-first century.]

  [Warning: The number of operatives outnumbers human operatives by one to five.]

  [Warning: The Operators of the Opposition are accompanied by brainwashed humans of this era.]

  [Warning: The Operators of the Opposition are wearing skin identical to human skin. Your judgement needs to be absolute.]

  [Advisory: Melee combat is only allowed in this operation as modern firearms will change the timeline trajectory.]

  [Advisory: The All Cloak is prohibited to be equipped as this will change the timeline trajectory.]

  [Notice: French Soldiers and Farmers on the scene are on your side but be aware of spies among their ranks.]

  [Notice: The Burgundians and Englishmen on the scene can be killed on sight.]

  [System: Your team will be designated as main infiltrator and will spearhead the operation. Will you accept?]

  [Yes] [No]