Preparations for Action

A cold, fine rain fell with the night. Across the abandoned mine, raindrops hissed against buildings scarred by the ravages of war, without pause.

Rainwater rushed down the surrounding cliffs, flowed over damaged roofs, and dripped onto the relatively dry ground near the cave entrance.

The collapsed iron tower looked like a bird of prey, ready to take flight at any moment.

Ever since the war began, the mine had been almost completely abandoned.

Klein gazed into the rainy night through his goggles, letting their built-in sensors pierce the darkness as he once again considered those officers.

How would they react when they discovered the team had suddenly vanished? Would they think they had been betrayed?

Perhaps. After all, they had indeed been betrayed in some way.

Once this mission achieved its objective, everyone would fully understand the reason behind it all.

"Anything?"

Aio's voice came from above.

"The Calculator just picked up a message, but there has been nothing since."

Nightblade did not look up.

"How is the team doing?"

Aio sighed.

"Kasko polished his weapon to the point where it could split water with a drawn blade long ago. The Calculator is monitoring nearby activity, Dani has sent out her animal companions to scout the roads, and I suppose the Gunner is still tending to his gun?"

"Your insight is as sharp as ever."

"How much longer can we wait?"

Klein drew a breath. After the fierce battle with the Snake-lizard in the cave earlier, the team had lost a member before even setting out—Klin's injuries were severe, and he could no longer continue the mission.

That left them with only six people.

"We are already very close to the deployment window."

"Wait a little longer. He'll come."

As compensation, Pei Geduo had joined the team, with approval