"Well then, shall we go?" (Murielle)
Achieving her purpose, Murielle asked us to head inside the helicopter.
The inside of the helicopter was wide enough to fit at least 30 people and was fully equipped with seats, belts, and sets of windows that allows you to see outside.
After going inside the trio of men greeted the pilot and co-pilot, asking them that it was now alright to go as we've already seated.
Receiving confirmation, the blades above turned faster and faster as the helicopter began turning on.
Although at first it was a little bumpy, after we were high enough the ride towards the mountain was so steady that if it wasn't for the loud propellers I would've believe it if they said that we were riding a car on a highway.
Curiously looking outside, the window, I then asked Ken a question.
"Where are we heading to exactly? I can't see anything."
"You'll see soon, just wait."
Five minutes after he said so the helicopter suddenly stopped moving horizontally.
Looking outside I still couldn't see anything no matter how hard I looked but my suspicions were soon answered.
As if the surrounding snow was just an illusion the area suddenly distorted.
From the formerly snowy mountain base, appeared a metal gate large enough to fit 10 modified helicopters at the same time.
Seeing that we were in shock Des delivered a quick explanation.
"technology right now is much more advanced than you think. It's just that the governments are mostly the ones that have access to them."
"what you're seeing right now is called a [Chameleon Gate]. It is made using specifically designed mirrors that reflects the surroundings, all attached to a metalloid gate. This allows it to somewhat mimic the environment, letting it blend in with the environment just like that of a chameleon. Hiding it completely from sight."
After seeing that the gate was now fully visible, Murielle took a joker card from her pocket and swiped it on a screen inside the helicopter.
After the swipe a holographic symbol suddenly formed below the helicopter. This served as some sort of identification as after the appearance of the symbol the gates quickly began opening.
The sound of turning gears, and metal clashing rumbled across the mountains. After a few seconds a loud tick was heard, signaling that the gate was now full open.
The helicopter we were riding on then began going down inside the hole made.
Passing the gate, we were then greeted a huge helicopter pad that carried 20 helicopters of the same type that we were using.
Many people with varying military uniforms were also seen below, as they lined up one after another, ready to welcome those who have arrived.
Safely landing on the pad, the propellers slowly slowed and eventually stopped, the doors of the helicopter were then opened and came out Murielle with us following behind her.
"Welcome Back, Madame Murielle!!"
A loud shout was heard from all the lined-up personnel, greeting the high jester.
…
"Go inside."
After arriving, me and Fred were guided by a bald man to a room where we will now be staying.
The man wore what seemed to be a brown military uniform with silver outlines, and a black turtleneck shirt that fitted the body tightly below his uniform.
The 3 red armbands on his uniform signified that he was close to promotion and that sooner or later, the outlines on his uniform would turn golden.
Before leaving us with the man, Ken briefed us about the organization so that we won't get into unnecessary trouble.
The identity of a person's uniform was one of them.
"A person's uniform is a clear implication of his/her position in the organization,
Brown with sliver outlines refers to a Normal non-combatant /combatant
Brown with golden outlines refers to a Mid Position non-combatant /combatant
Dark Blue with golden outlines refers to a Semi-high position non-combatant
Dark Violet with golden outlines refers to a Semi-high position combatant
White with golden outlines refers to a High Position Non-Combatants
Black with golden outlines refers to a High Position Combatants
Each uniform is also ranked based on the number of armbands
Armbands can number 1 to 3, 1 being the lowest and 3 the highest.
Just like any organization, you can climb up the ranks either through your own achievements, or through your own personal connections or power.
However, most of the staff here are only able to attain a Mid position despite being in the organization for years.
that should be a clear reminder to you on how powerful those who are colored above them are."
"By the way, my and Des's uniforms are currently Brown with golden outlines, we have 3 armbands each but after successfully completing this mission we would be receiving Dark Blue uniforms later. Jake on the other hand, due to being the son of a High Position Combatant is currently a Semi-high position combatant with 1 armband."
"Hey I had some achievements too! Don't make it sound like I only got my position because of dad!"
Ignoring him, Jericho asked Ken;
"Dark blue, so your going to be a non-combatant?"
"Yes, my gift is not fitted for combat so despite being stronger than Jake currently, sooner or later he will soon surpass me combat wise."
"As for me, although being a combatant allows you to earn quicker money than a non-combatant, I don't think an extreme life where I have to be regularly sent to fight suits me." (Des)
Ending it with that, we were told more common knowledge in the organization and were then picked up by the bald man.
"Although one room should contain 4 of you, since you guys are the last batch you two can monopolize this room."
"Thank you." (Jer and Fred)
"No problem, the room should already contain all your necessities such as pre-cooked food inside. Stay there until you are to be told to move, DON'T go outside without permission. Understood?"
"Yes"
Bidding us farewell, the man went on his way.
"to think an amazing base like this would actually exist inside of a mountain, the world really is wide."
I couldn't help but agree to Fred's words.
Once we passed the metal gate and landed inside, going further in we were then greeted by the sight of an enormous black fortress lit by thousands of lights.
It's width roughly being fourth of New York city, that even when you consider that the barracks contains about 100 000 personnel, there were a LOT of extra space left.
On our way further inside, we passed by libraries filled with books from all around the world, training halls filled with all types of equipment from weapons to armor, and combat halls in the form of a dome with an arena in the center and spectators' seats all around.
But what further surprised us was that the fortress actually had establishments such as clothing shops and Cafés.
{Rather than a fortress, this is starting to seem more like a night city.}
Entering our room, it contained 4 large beds on both sides with a giant window in the middle. There were individual tables and closets for each bed and a fridge on the right side of the room. The room also had a private restroom with a shower and a toilet.
"I wonder how Millie is doing right now."
"…"
After we reached a certain point we were separated from Millie. As a disciple of someone who was in the top 5 in power, she was allowed to skip classes and was transferred directly to the advanced class.
Although the Program was to only start 2 months from now, we were already being classed according to our gifts and personal strength.
"Although I do believe that when it comes to potential you are as good as most of the advanced class kids, it takes time to nurture your gift and your current strength is one of the weakest right now. So, without a proper sponsor you can't skip like Millie." (Murielle)
"What do we do now Jer?"
"We take this time to train, although I had improved so much, compared to Millie who can create flames by will my current strength is very lacking."
"Training again? Will you die if you don't train?"
Hearing Fred, Jericho could only helplessly smile. But that smile soon turned into a frown as a cold glint flashed in his eyes.
{This difference in treatment was a good reality check for me. Although my gift has unlimited potential, as it is now it will still take quite a bit of time before I reach the realm of superhumans like Millie.}
The boy's determination was once again tested.