It took a minute or two to get things back on track after the audience finally settled down. Sylvia's face still had traces of mirth but soon grew solemn before saying, "Included in everyone's gear packs are suicide pills that you can bite into if you are targeted by a squealer and you have no way to get away. Long range snipers… high priority is given to end the lives of captured individuals who cannot escape or fight back against the squealers."
"Let's continue as we only have one monster left to review: Juggernaut." On the screen, a silver monstrosity appeared that had the figure of a lizard with a man's body along with a spiked tail. The jaws were open, revealing multiple rows of jagged teeth and the eyes were golden orbs with vertical slits like a snake.
"Some of you might have had the misfortune of seeing this monster in action in the last few horde waves. There is absolutely no question that you flee on sight. It has the capability to survive the attacks of multiple Genji and still retreat in safety. It can tear apart azurite armor as if it were paper.
With its incredible mass, one could potentially hear it from far away, but unlike the squealer, it has an incredible leaping ability and has been seen leaping up to half a mile away. Prior to the new shielding tech being implemented on the wall, it leapfrogged into the lower district multiple times and wreaked havoc before being driven away.
If you feel 2 or 3 thunderous thuds that shake the ground, the juggernaut is practically on top of you. They are extremely territorial but have been known to wander outside its territory. The only time it was briefly injured was when a magic round hit its eye, but it only infuriated it and the damaged eye regenerated to new within 30 seconds.
It then leapfrogged to the sniper and slaughtered him limb from limb. The strategists believe that if the Juggernaut wanted to, it could run around Bastion unimpeded, even with multiple Genji support. They don't understand why it doesn't do this and always pulls back.
Outside of horde attacks, the only times it appears is if prey enters its territory around Trebz or when groups start moving a certain distance away from Bastion. Conjectures have been made that the Juggernaut is corralling us into Bastion for it to feed on us whenever it pleases.
Fortunately, we will not be going into its territory or past a certain distance, so it is unlikely to show up, but we must prepare for the worst-case scenario. The plan is to split off into 2s and 3s and scatter in every direction if it appears.
Lastly, we know for a fact there is more than one because when they first appeared years ago, 3 simultaneously attacked a city at once and annihilated it. This concludes the monster review."
Sylvia tapped something on the podium and the screen showed a 3D map of Naren City along with all the buildings.
"The distress signal was confirmed to be coming from a partially destroyed hospital at the center of the city. We have confirmed it is a party of 3 men and 2 women and they are low on ammo and barricaded themselves on the second floor of the hospital. Upon reaching the target, assess for injuries, secure the package, and wait for reinforcements before evac.
If we approach at the outskirts of the city along this path, there is also a military supply depot on the way to the hospital. We can resupply on ammo there. The other groups in C-squad will be hitting various other targets within Naren City. Air transport will fly us to the outskirts of the city and won't be back until the order to retreat is given or mission is a success.
If there are too many zombies on the ground, payloads will be dropped to clear the field and decoy explosions will be set away from landing to throw off the Jackals. Everyone will be deploying with parachutes in case of contingency situations. Once you reach the city walls, branch out into groups of 5.
Review your party members now and make sure you are seated together on the plane. Every party should have 2 melee classes and 3 short range support classes as the team composition. Long range support are the lone wolves. Spread out and find high ground to support ground teams. Conceal yourselves if no ground teams are in your vicinity. Transport is arriving in 1 hour! Get your gear packs right outside the room! Be on the field ready to board in 1 hour! Dismissed!"
Kain shuffled out near the back and picked up a gear pack. He checked the contents and found he had a dozen magic rounds, a dozen armor piercing rounds, 50 of each water and ration pills, 3 black suicide pills, med pack, a steel dagger for close combat, and a comms link. He organized everything needed within his watch as well as various pockets on his uniform.
Kain was about to go look for Barton and Desmond, when a finger tapped his shoulder. He turned and his eyes widened as it was none other than Lady Sylvia and she was smiling at him! He did a double take, before being slightly mesmerized by seeing the girl up close. She was even more beautiful up close and was probably only a year or two older than him.
"Hello, Lady Sylvia. Is there something you need of me?" He bowed his head slightly as per protocol.
"Come with me to my office, I would like to discuss something in private with you."
Kain was somewhat lost and was scratching his head, before hurriedly replying, "Yes, of course Lady Sylvia."
The others who filed out of the room noticed Kain being singled out and shot jealous gazes at his back while he trailed after the girl. He noticed some of the gazes and simply shrugged his shoulders at them.
As soon as they entered her office, she threw her beret onto her desk and propped her feet up. She sighed and threw a water pill in her mouth and started to suck on it liberally as Kain stared at her smooth neck move up and down while swallowing the water.
"Ahhh…I always hate debriefings because I have to talk so damn long. Make yourself comfortable. While we are in private, no need to say Lady as per protocol."
Kain still looked confused as he sat down across from her.
"We don't have much time, so I will be as direct as possible. I want you to take me…"
Kain's mouth dropped open while Sylvia laughed and completed her sentence, "as your backer."
After taking a while to process what she said, "Lady…I mean Sylvia… I am confused as to why you wish for this? I mean I don't even have my power yet."
Sylvia assessed his reaction and nodded in appreciation, "I think I'm beginning to like you more and more. Any other person would have jumped at the chance and would practically be licking my boots. Let me explain a bit more. Earlier, you broke the orb when being tested. The only other time this occurred was to someone near and dear to my heart…my father, who is the principal of Taria Academy. That time it happened when he was breaking through, but for you, it broke even when you don't have a power. My guess is that your power is simply amazing."
Father, just you wait. You always chided me saying that I am spoiled but you can't say anything If I scouted someone even stronger than you! I can't wait to see the look on your face!
Kain was already feeling a little light-headed at the entire situation. Staring at Sylvia's grinning face while she seemed to be thinking about something, he said, "I hate letting people down. What if my power is worthless?"
Sylvia waved her hand, "Don't worry. Just trust in a woman's instincts. Take this pill. It is the newest enhance pill that speeds up awakening of one's power. All I ask in return, is your assistance and loyalty."
Sylvia took out a pill with a swirling vortex of colors and Kain knew it was no ordinary pill. He thought of the many years of struggling to survive on missions, of receiving gifts from Saya but never reciprocating in return. Most of all, he thought of the moment when he thought he was protecting Saya from harm, but in reality, she saved HIS life.
No one wants to be weak while others are strong. Actually, the ones who desired power the most were the weakest. He only took a brief moment before decisively throwing the pill into his mouth.