As the room fell into an uneasy silence, the tension thickened in the air. The Figure stood with an intensity that demanded attention, the weight of the moment sinking in.

  “Your enemies,” the Figure grimly announced. “The Huechromixix race, a reptilian species. They have only sent equivalence of our twenty-fifth century operatives. These people are also known as one of the best con artists of the universe. The reported capabilities of these beings are having unparalleled strength and stealth abilities that cannot even be detected by thirty-seventh century technology, can shred fifteen meters of titanium alloy and possess the power of mimicry that copy even temperature, dead, inanimate objects and even a human itself. They are not to be underestimated. Our reconnaissance has found they are intricately involved in Jeanne's captivity.”

  Focus tightened within the room as they absorbed the gravity of the situation. Axel remembered his training, this was not merely warfare, it was survival against enemies that might redefine the concept of fear.

  “Additionally,” the Figure pressed on, “are the Chrysalica Race an insect-like race classified as insectoids capable of extraordinary intelligence, rivaling that of a human but with a multitude of sizes and shape. Their capabilities range from hyper intelligence but in their microscopic bodies, body possession that could use human skin like that of clothes, enormous horror that rival planets, and pestilence that promote disease transmissions that has been recorded to wipe out entire galaxies.”

  Axel clenched his fists, anger boiling beneath the surface, the men with him also seething with rage, their eyes turning bloodshot as they see the horrors these creatures do towards their fellow man.

  ‘What kind of monsters sought to malign humanity this way?’ The men thought angrily.

  “The details of your first objective are to rescue the arcanist, some of them may hide underground, some may hide above the clouds while other can be located at the bottom of the sea, these men and women possess extraordinary battle capabilities so don’t underestimate them, they are also reclusive due to them being hunted down by the operatives of the opposition. A fellow operative on the ground will also assist you on how you can communicate with them.”

  The Figure proceeded to show them some examples where they could effectively locate the these people.

  “The details of your second objective are to disinfecting flea-infested areas marked by a supernatural omen termed Rat King. These areas pose great dangers but present opportunities for you to minimize human casualties of the era. Any other humanitarian relief is not allowed as this might result on the disjunction of our future trajectory as well as asking help with any locals, except those who are of arcanist heritages.”

  “For tactical assistance, a minimap will be available in your visual display, providing real-time information such as friendlies, civilians, and hostile forces. It also includes the designated people to be rescued on your objective, the location of the plague infested areas and people who you should not approach or interact with at all costs, it is due to them or their descendants having an impact to our future. Approach this mission with adaptability and vigor.”

  “Your deployment will be five hundred kilometers above sea level to avoid material detection within our planet, this can ensure the secrecy of the mission. The seven of you will be a team and will have the codename Comet for this mission. Please be aware that the leader will be decided on your arrival at the mission site because… the more you know, the more the enemy will know as well.”

  “Prepare yourselves,” the Figure said, straightening. “You are on the brink of embarking on a journey that will test the very core of your being. Train hard, fight harder, and remember, everything happens for the unity and advancement of humankind.”

  Each of the operatives exchanged glances, they could see the resolve and fighting spirit in each other’s eyes. Every one of them is willing to contribute to the betterment of the human race.

  “This will be the end of your briefing, adjourn!” The figure saluted by thumping his chest rather than the standard military salute, then vanished into the shadows, the recruits remained in their places, silence enveloping them. Each person contemplated their commitment, recognizing the profound consequences of their choices, the path they had pledged to follow.

  “Let’s prepare,” Axel finally spoke, breaking the silence. His voice commanded attention, a blend of authority and urgency that reverberated through the room.

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  “Axel, is it? May I have a word?” The Japanese man advanced, his posture straight and purposeful.

  “Of course. I was about to suggest joint training sessions,” Axel replied, extending his hand firmly. “May I have your name please?”

  “Tamaki,” he replied, shaking Axel’s hand with a steady grip. “I’m interested in honing my knife skills, I remember you on one of the operations I participated in. Here’s my address. I hope you’ll join me.”

  He offered a sleek business card, the only markings being the address.

  “Hoy! Hoy! Let me in on the action! I haven’t been to Japan so please let me join.” Kokoy, the Filipino operative said, his expression earnest and humble.

  “My surname is Gu and my given name is Wong. Nice to meet you all. I shall show them the martial arts of my ancestors.” The Chinese man said with flair and flamboyancy.

  “I heard Japanese tattoos are a hit nowadays, count me in.” Martinez, the Brazilian, added in a hurried tone.

  “Let me in the action too!” a voice cut in. Luc, the French operative, smiled. “Let’s sharpen our skills together.”

  As the group exchanged information, the English man stepped forward, exuding confidence.

  “Gentlemen, if any of you are interested in a unique opportunity, I am a marquis of the United Kingdom and qualified to extend an invitation to my country. My name is Edward, by the way.” He paused, making sure everyone was listening. “I can formally arrange for us to train in the art of bayonet techniques two days from now. Who’s interested?”

  Axel considered Edward's proposal, nodding appreciatively.

  “That sounds like an excellent opportunity, Edward. Training under your guidance could significantly enhance our skills. I’m in.”

  The others nodded in agreement, a palpable excitement building in the room.

  “Excellent. This is a formidable team we’re building,” Axel continued. “Let’s ensure we maximize our skills and prepare for the challenges ahead.”

  Everyone agreed, the seven of them went their separate ways for now then decided to meet again in London two days from now.

  Axel did not waste time, he planned to spend the couple of days entrenched in the relentless rhythm of training, trying to attune his body to the new set of equipment that he got. Each dawn greeted him with a new challenge as he donned the specialized equipment, adjusting to the configurations and testing the mechanisms, he aims to make it feel as if the gear was an extension of his very self. The first day was a blur of clumsy movements and broken concentration, but gradually, through sheer determination, he successfully assimilated the skills he once had with the unfamiliar equipment.

  After two days, Axel then traveled across the sea to Britain, immersing himself in bayonet training. Edward found other instructors for them to train efficiently. The training lasted for a week while they also trained in coordination and signals as they have been trained in various fields, making them discard their old habits while establishing a new way of effective communication.

  When their training in the United Kingdom concluded, Axel and his team journeyed to Japan, where they engaged in the ancient art of swordsmanship. The serenity of the training halls belied the intensity of each lesson. Under the watchful eyes of seasoned masters, they learned to move with grace, each stroke of the katana is a dance that melded power with elegance. The philosophy behind each movement seeped into their bones, and for a moment, they felt like a single organism due to their cohesiveness. They also reshaped their combat skills with the dagger and shared their techniques as they are all familiar with the weapon

  After thirty days with rest in between, they polished their shooting skills for ten days. Axel can now shoot nine thousand meters with a deadly accuracy of about nine hundred and ninety-eight out of thousand with all headshots, his team, not lagging behind, also boasting such records. He then spends his last five days resting, he called that girl he got the phone number on the yoga class, they almost went third base, but Axel decided against it as it might affect his battle-ready state of mind, nonetheless, he had a great time with the young lady.

  The day of the mission arrived, they arrived an hour early from the systems countdown at Ford Ord, excitement buzzing through Axel as he assembled with his fellow soldiers, each ablaze with determination. The figure then materialized exactly right on the dot, as the system announced, the soldiers felt he was just waiting there as well.

  “I will be your Operations Officer that will guide you through the mission. If you need me to relay information to other operatives or need assistance, simply think of me in your mind or think of the word mission control and I can connect through your consciousness.”

  The seven gave him a nod without a word more.

  The atmosphere grew heavy as the figure channeled its energy to create a massive portal, a fissure through the fabric of existence itself.

  “Are you ready?” the figure with a commanding tone asking if their resolves are in this mission as he tried to intimidate them. The seven not backing down as they give him a firm answer.

  “Sir! Yes sir!” the men shouted in an affirmative tone.

  “Trample all the horrors, monstrosity and even the gods beneath your boots. For the glory of mankind!”

  The seven of them, wearing All Cloaks that concealed them from head to toe and covered their eyes, shouted in unison.

  “For Mankind!”

  The team walked into the devouring vortex of darkness, uncertain of what lies ahead. However, they all knew that in this mission, loved ones, friends, and family members were not the only ones at stake, but the entire existence of humanity rested on their shoulders. They understood that failure was not an option and that they would rather be unsung heroes buried in the sands of time after accomplishing their mission than remembered as the sinners of humanity who failed to protect the people.