Today marked our first expedition mission, and we found ourselves aboard a helicopter, soaring through the skies. As we peered down, a chilling sight greeted us—the hazard zone. The once thriving city now lay in ruins, its buildings destroyed and abandoned.
My gaze scanned the desolate landscape below, and I could make out the ominous figures of demons lurking within the dilapidated structures
"Arihara, where are we headed today?" Saori asked, her focus on cleaning her katana.
"We're going to Zone E," I replied, double-checking our mission briefing.
"Zone E? Well, I suppose that's fine, But why are we taking a helicopter instead of a jeep?"
"It's an expedition," Shin chimed in, his tone laced with a hint of exasperation.
"Huh? Who are you calling an idiot?" Saori retorted, raising an eyebrow in mock offense.
Shin chuckled, his eyes filled with amusement. "No one in particular, Saori. Just stating a fact."
"Now, Now... Listen to me first." I chimed. "It's gonna be a long day so let's plan ahead."
I accessed the system and brought up the expedition map, zooming in on the designated landing zone. "This is where we're going to land," I explained, tracing my finger over the marked area. "We can expect demons to be waiting for us, so as soon as we touch down, Shin and I will remain in the helicopter for support. Hoshiko and Saori, you'll take point and clear the immediate area."
Hoshiko crossed her arms and pouted, pointing at Saori. "Why do I have to be partnered with her?!"
Saori raised an eyebrow, a playful smirk forming on her lips. "Got a problem with me?"
"Haha... well, Saori is an attacker, while you're an all-rounder." I accessed my system inventory and retrieved the drone, holding it in my hands. "With this drone, I'll provide support for both of you. And Shin, make sure to provide cover fire for our team."
"Roger that!" they all responded in unison.
However, the pilot's voice broke through the conversation. "Apologies for the interruption, but we'll be landing in 1 minute."
I turned my attention to the pilot and gave a nod of acknowledgment.
After a minute, we arrived at the designated landing zone. Saori and I secured the rope, allowing Hoshiko to gracefully jump from the helicopter and land with ease. Saori followed suit, using the rope to descend to the ground.
I turned to the pilot, requesting a favor. "Pilot, would it be possible for us to remain here until the landing zone is clear?"
"Sure thing," the pilot replied.
Next, I directed my attention to Shin. "Shin, take position and provide cover fire for Hoshiko and Saori."
"Roger that!" Shin swiftly stowed his rifle in his inventory system and mounted the M134
Saori's voice crackled through the radio,
"Arihara, there are level 4 to 6 demons in the area!"
"Roger that," I responded, turning to Shin. "Shin, provide cover fire for Hoshiko and Saori."
"Here we go!" Shin swiftly adjusted his position and unleashed a barrage of bullets toward the approaching demons, effectively suppressing their advance.
Meanwhile, I activated my drone and initiated its speed buff skill. The drone hovered above Hoshiko and Saori, radiating a bright light as I activated the buff through my system. "Here comes the speed buff, Saori! Hoshiko!"
Empowered by the speed buff, Hoshiko and Saori moved with even greater agility, swiftly slicing through the charging demons one by one. Their movements became a blur as they effortlessly dispatched their adversaries, capitalizing on the increased speed granted by my support.
"Thanks for the support, Arihara!" Saori's voice echoed through the radio, filled with gratitude
After a few minutes, I took out another drone from my inventory and used it to scout the perimeter. "It seems that everything is clear," I muttered to myself, observing the surroundings for any signs of danger. Satisfied with the assessment, I signaled the pilot to land.
The pilot nodded, skillfully maneuvering the helicopter to touch down safely on the ground. With caution, we stepped out of the aircraft.
As the helicopter ascended and left, I looked up and watched it disappear into the distance. "There goes our ride.
"It's fine," Shin said, giving me a thumbs up and a confident grin. "As long as you're here, we're safe."
"Yeah, it may be the lowest difficulty, but there are rumors that a level 20 demon is lurking around here."
"Eh?! Isn't that dangerous?" Saori said, visibly concerned as she sheathed her katana back into its sheath.
"Yeah, I haven't encountered a level 20 demon before," Shin added, taking out his rifle from his inventory system and holding it ready.
The level limit of demons is 20, which is typically associated with S+ rank demons found in higher zones like Zone A. Those demons are incredibly powerful, and only squads ranked 1 to 5 have the capability to defeat them.
"Well, well, if it isn't Arihara from Squad 14," a voice echoed, drawing our attention. Turning towards the source, we saw a girl with striking lavender-colored hair, tied into loose side braids with vibrant orange ribbons. Her face remained concealed behind a mask, Gripping a naginata tightly in her hands, she approached us confidently.
"Alice from Squad 4," I acknowledged her presence, turning my attention to Alice Futaba and her squad member who stood behind her.
Alice, the leader of Squad 4, was known for her formidable skills and expertise with the naginata. Though her face remained hidden behind a mask, her reputation as an exceptional attacker preceded her. I could sense a quiet confidence emanating from her.
"Hello, Alice." I greeted her, extending a hand in a gesture
Alice nodded curtly in response, acknowledging the introduction. "Likewise, Arihara. I've heard of your squad's endeavors in Zone E. Seems like we have a common goal. Though different since we're here to check if the rumors are true."
"Hi~ Hi~ Arihara!" A lively voice called out, and I turned to see a girl with long pink hair that transitioned into a pale blue hue at the ends. She wore her hair in a bun, secured to the right side of her head.
"Atsuko," I acknowledged her presence with a slight smile.
Atsuko Mizumoto, the gunner of Squad 4, was known for her outgoing and talkative nature. She had a tendency to disregard the current mood or flow of a conversation, always eager to express herself. However, when it came to the battlefield, she transformed into a relentless and bloodthirsty maniac.
Atsuko grinned mischievously and shook my hand enthusiastically. "The pleasure's all mine, Arihara!"
"I see," I replied, glancing at the surroundings. "I guess we can wait for them a bit before we proceed."
As we waited, Atsuko started humming a lively tune. Alice kept a watchful eye on the surroundings, her weapon at the ready.
Not long after, two figures emerged from the shadows, approaching us with graceful movements. They were identical twins, both with short silver hair and striking blue eyes. Their appearances were almost ethereal. They each carried a pair of daggers, "Arihara, meet Sora and Yuki," Alice introduced the twins with a smile. "They are the all-rounder of the squad."
"Nice to meet you~," they both said in sync while playfully twirling their daggers.
As a horde of demons emerged from the shadows, Alice's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Oh? Good timing, Sora and Yuki. Why don't you show Squad 014 what you can do~?" she said, grinning mischievously.
"Okay!~" Sora and Yuki responded in sync, taking their combat stances. Their daggers began to emit a mesmerizing purple glow.
"Shadowblade Style: Oblivion's Kiss!" they declared simultaneously, channeling the dark energy within their daggers. With incredible speed and precision, they delivered swift strikes, enveloping the demons in a shroud of deep shadows. The demons were momentarily disoriented and blinded, their senses impaired by the shadowy veil.
In a graceful display of agility, Yuki leaped high into the air and exclaimed, "Shadowblade Style: Whirling Shadow Dance!" As she descended, she unleashed a flurry of rapid slashes, cutting through multiple demons that were trapped in the shadow shrouds within a short span of time.
The demons were swiftly dispatched by the twin assassins, leaving no room for a counterattack. It was evident that Sora and Yuki were a formidable duo, seamlessly complementing each other's movements and techniques.
It's impressive.
"Wow, impressive!" Saori exclaimed, her eyes wide with admiration.
Shin nodded approvingly, "Their synchronization is on another level!"
This is the power of Squad 04 that left me utterly speechless.