The morning air was crisp as Alister and the squad leaders stood before Guild Master Yuuto and Lady Aiko, just moments away from boarding the aircraft that would take them out of the megacity and beyond the outer defensive lines.
The aircraft was ready, its engine on standby, awaiting its passengers. Each of the squad leaders was suited in the newly issued black and white techy outfits, face masks covering the lower half of their faces.
The suits were made to fit each individual, their smooth metallic surfaces glinting softly under the sunlight, a proof of the cutting-edge technology they were created with.
Lady Aiko stood beside Yuuto, as she scanned each of them with her piercing gaze. She adjusted her glasses before speaking to them.
“These suits are the latest from the Wei family. They are designed to boost your physical combat prowess by up to 50% and are highly durable. They can withstand the weight of a two-ton boulder before even showing a scratch.”
Ren, the highest-ranking squad leader, adjusted his glasses as well, practically copying Lady Aiko’s movements.
“Thank you, ma’am.”
“I see mine are according to the specifications I provided, and I’m really grateful.”
“You’re welcome,” came her reply.
Yuuto, who had been silently observing each of them, finally spoke.
“Alright, now remember everything I’ve taught you.”
he said, as he took a look at each of them.
“This mission is not just a contest of skill and an opportunity to enrich the guild but a place where your teamwork and coordination should shine through. Always make sure you have each other’s backs.”
One by one, the squad leaders nodded, each offering their thoughts.
Hiroshi crossed his arms, his expression stern. “No need to worry, Master. I’ll give it my all, as always.”
“You can count on me, Master Yuuto. I won’t let you down,” Kaida said with a touch of enthusiasm.
Ren simply nodded, his demeanor calm but serious. “I’ll ensure the mission’s success, sir.”
Razorgri let out a low grunt but nodded nonetheless. “We do this all the time, so it isn’t a big deal.”
Goro added, “Don’t worry, we won’t fail.”
As their words echoed in the air, Lady Aiko’s gaze shifted to Alister, who stood slightly apart from the others. Adjusting her glasses again, causing them to glint, she gazed at him curiously.
“And what about you, Alister? You haven’t said a word.”
Alister flexed his hands, the material of the suit creaking slightly with the movement.
“Oh… sorry, ma’am. I’m not used to gear covering my whole body like this, so I was lost in thought.” he admitted, his voice sounding slightly muffled by the mask.
“It might take a little getting used to.”
In truth, his thoughts were completely different.
‘These suits are tight as hell! Why the hell do we even need them? How am I supposed to fight with my claws in this?’
He sighed, but forced himself to remain composed on the outside.
‘Anyhow, I’ll be relying on Cinder and the others, so I guess I don’t need to worry.’
Lady Aiko raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. “Just make sure you’re ready. Your life’s on the line now, so you can’t afford to space out like that.”
“Understood, ma’am,” Alister said, straightening his posture slightly.
“Alright then,” Master Yuuto said with a touch of enthusiasm. “With all this out of the way, I believe it’s time Aiko and I head back; we’ll be heading out for another meeting.”
Yuuto turned around and began to walk away. “Alright now, see you all later.”
Just as he was about to leave, he paused. “Oh, nearly forgot something.” He smiled, then walked up to Alister, placing his hand on his shoulder, making him lean forward slightly.
“You don’t have to worry about anything. Give it your all out there and don’t hold back so much.”
“What-?”
Before Alister could finish asking his question, Yuuto pulled away, then said, “Alright, you all better not die on me now.” Yuuto waved as he walked away.
As they prepared to board the waiting aircraft, Ren glanced at Yuuto with a slightly uneasy expression, as if he was summoning the courage to say something.
He adjusted his glasses, then cleared his throat before speaking.
“M-Master Yuuto, are you still not going to try stepping outside with us again? You said things would be okay by today, right?”
The atmosphere shifted immediately. The other squad leaders, who had been enthustica, suddenly looked downcast.
Their shoulders seemed to slump slightly, as if the weight of Ren’s question had pressed down on them. Alister, standing slightly apart from the others, noticed the change. He looked around at them, silently wondering what had caused this sudden shift in mood.
Yuuto paused, his back still turned to the group. The silence stretched on, the air feeling
thicker with each passing second.
Finally, Yuuto slowly turned his head, looking over his shoulder before fully facing them. His expression was blank as he met Ren’s gaze.
“Oh, Ren,” Yuuto said, his tone light but firm.
“We’ve talked about this. You don’t need me out there. You’ll all be fine on your own. You make it sound like you’re all kids going to the park without their parents.”
Ren stuttered, feeling less confident under Yuuto’s gaze. “Sir, but last time you said-”
“Enough now, Ren,” Yuuto interrupted, his voice echoing with a touch of sharpness.
“You’re wasting time. Don’t make the people of this city watching from that drone over there think the White Comets are irresponsible.”
He glanced pointedly at the hovering white drone nearby, its cameras pointed at them, broadcasting their every move to the citizens of the megacity.
Ren’s voice hitched as he quickly regained his composure.
“U-understood, sir. We’ll be going now. See you when we return.”
Yuuto gave a brief nod, his expression softening slightly with a smile.
“I’ll be here when you return. Remember, the city is counting on you.”
Ren took a deep breath, then turned to his team. “Everyone, let’s move out.”
All listened to his order and began boarding. The weight of the earlier moment still seemed to linger around them, but the seriousness in their eyes for the mission they were about to
embark on seemed to mask it.
As the aircraft doors slid shut behind them, the engines roared to life, and the craft lifted off, leaving Yuuto and Lady Aiko behind.