They were all led to board a channel shuttle which would take them to the edge of dome city.
Channel shuttles were an advanced mode of transportation developed using the modern technology discovered. It was an advanced form of train transport for mass transportation as it was underground and the channels represent the rail tracks, but gravity manipulation in the channels made the shuttle float in the air. Non-existent friction, incredible suction and propelling force, coupled with an incredible engine in the shuttle made it travel at an incredible speed within the channel. It was a major achievement for human advancement as it helped improve transportation and made it a lot faster, smoother and safer.
Inside the shuttle was a picturesque, futuristic atmosphere and design, with high-end technology, beautiful blue neon lights and a serene, smooth feeling to it. There were round tables with seven chairs each for the members of the group. There were a few refreshments and rations provided on the table and since each table was identical to the next, the groups were free to choose whichever one they wanted.
Ian was amazed by the atmosphere. He had heard of the channel shuttles but it hasn't been installed in his city, and even if it was, the cost of commuting in one was abysmal and he knew he could never afford it. That was probably why his city hadn't gotten one installed until now.
"Where is this gonna take us?" Jake asked as his group sat down at a table. He still kept looking around the shuttle in amazement, unlike Ian who quickly composed himself.
"The outskirts of dome city," Bria replied as she tapped away on her watch.
Flint, on the other hand, was mesmerized by the beauty who was a part of their group and barely noticed his surroundings. He ogled her as they sat down but somehow couldn't bring himself to propose again. He also experienced a certain anxiety when talking to beautiful girls. After his initial impulsive proposal, he could barely talk to the girl anymore. His impulsive proposal was stopped so now he couldn't even bring himself to say a word in front of her.
Blake also stared at the newcomer but not for the same reason as Flint. He was interested in her strength. "The Sergeant said that she was an exceptional first year. Does this mean she's in the S class that I've heard in the rumours but
no one's ever been known to have been in one?"
"If she's an S class and I'm not, does that mean she's stronger than me?" he thought. "And if she isn't the only one, does that mean there are even more monsters in that class?"
"What would Drake say when he hears about this?" he panicked. "What if Dad hears about this? That there was a higher class which I didn't get into. I'll be in a shit ton of trouble. Just how strong is she in the first place?"
To his surprise, Chelsea who had kept her head down all this while looked up at him. He felt an instant chill run down his spine as her eyes met his. Her eyes alone were intimidating, and the indifferent look she gave him made him feel small. It was almost like she didn't even consider him as anything more than a bug.
"Ahem!" Alia cleared her throat to get everyone's attention. Chelsea broke eye contact with Blake at the sound but he couldn't take his eyes off her as rage boiled deep within him.
"I wouldn't be made to feel small again!" he thought. "Especially not from someone who isn't a part of my family!"
"Do I have everyone's attention?" Alia called, causing Blake to finally look at her. "I know it's not my place since our group leader is right here but can we talk about our strategy for this raid? Each group is gonna come up with a system. We should too."
"That would be the group leader's responsibility, right?" Bria said with a smile. "What do you say, leader?"
Chelsea looked right into Bria's eyes for a few tense seconds, causing the latte to be uncomfortable as everyone waited for her to speak.
"Do whatever you want," she said as she looked away. Her voice was just as beautiful as her face as it came out smooth with a certain melody to it. "I was told to only contribute minimally and that's what I intend to do."
"Why is that?" Blake asked. "You are a first year too. Are you trying to say that you are a lot stronger than the rest of us?"
She turned her gaze back to Blake with the same calm and indifferent stare before replying. "Yes."
The simple answer and the confidence behind it shattered Blake's ego. He had thought about it and he could perceive it, but hearing her say it so confidently while looking into his eyes made him feel even worse.
"So, I guess we won't be getting much help from you, right?" Ian asked.
"You aren't in a position to be asking that question," Flint hissed, annoyed that Ian had the guts to talk to such a beauty nonchalantly when he couldn't. "You won't be of any help either."
"Did I hurt your simp feelings?" Ian smirked. He knew Flint wouldn't be able to make a move on him in the shuttle.
"What?!" Flint hissed.
"What?" Ian cocked an eyebrow. "You've been ogling her ever since she joined the group."
Chelsea stared at the silver head for a few seconds as well before looking back down and ignoring the rest of the exchange.
"You.....!"
"Soldiers, buckle up your seatbelts and stock up on your rations!" Anvil's voice filtered through the speakers. "We'll be going on turbo mode as we approach the outskirts of dome city. I don't want anyone sprawled on the floor when we do!"
Everyone scrambled to put their rations and refreshments in the dimensional space of their watches as they buckled up their seatbelts and held on to their seats.
The shuttle soon went turbo at breathtaking speed but it was over in a few seconds as the shuttle stopped slowly.
"Now everyone, get out!" Alvin yelled. "The raid is beginning!"