[Nexille City]
[Time: 5:00 AM]
Thousands of regular and Gifted soldiers stood in groups of around four thousand, receiving briefings on their upcoming mission. They were gathered at a massive military base, waiting for their departure time. Behind them were never-before-seen Military Flight Carriers, utilizing alien technology. As these machines were new to most, their pilots underwent crash courses on flying them, formation strategies, and the estimated number of soldiers they could transport.
In total, there were ten thousand troops and fifty flight carriers, each with a capacity of five hundred people due to their massive size. As time ticked away and the sun's rays began to appear, the soldiers anxiously discussed their plans and tactics. Gifted soldiers, both minor and major, boasted about the number of Granians they would eliminate, while the regular soldiers remained quiet, confident in their skills.
Meanwhile, General Duke of the Nexille Military Forces was deep underground, discussing the mission with his subordinates. As they spoke, all eyes were fixated on the largest man-made aircraft carrier ever built. Shaped like an ocean liner with a narrow front and a bulky rear, the carrier had about thirty floors, each designed for specific duties and functions. It was armed with over eighty weapon cannons powered by B-tiered crystals.
"Holy Mary, mother of God," General Duke muttered, awestruck by the colossal machine. "This has to be the largest flying machine mankind has ever built."
"Indeed," one of the head engineers/scientists in charge of its construction replied with a grin. "It took us five solid years of hard work to create this beast, and thanks to the scavenged alien technology, we finished years ahead of schedule."
"General Duke, when we started building this, we didn't know its exact purpose, but we knew it had to be as powerful as possible. Now, seeing your valiant cause and the state of the world, we're confident it will get the job done."
"Excellent work," General Duke praised, bowing his head. "It warms my heart to see humans still willing to help us have a fighting chance for our survival. I have one question: Is she ready to fly?"
The aircraft's engines, powered by pure beast crystals, roared to life as the ceiling above slowly opened to allow its passage.
"THE SHIP IS EQUIPPED WITH A CREW OF ONE HUNDRED MEN AND WOMEN!" the engineer shouted over the deafening noise. "WE'VE ALSO ADDED A SECTION WHERE ELEMENTAL GIFTED CANDIDATES CAN UTILIZE THEIR POWERS IN CASE THE WEAPONS GO OFFLINE, GENERAL."
"EXCELLENT WORK," Duke replied. "LET'S GO GIVE THOSE SONS OF B*TCHES HELL."
*****************
"My friend and I were the weakest in our entire Military Academy. He had the power to control oil, while I was just a body cultivator without the ability to transform," Skyler explained to Lance, sitting opposite him on the bed. Lance, oddly interested in her story, listened intently. "Being the weakest, we had no choice but to stick together if we wanted to survive."
"Ace was weak, but he was resilient. He told me stories of how he would get bullied by this guy named Jason but still survive heavy punches and other things. Anyway, one day, ArkVille was attacked by the alien species, and both minor and major Gifted soldiers were sent out to battle them."
"As you may have already figured out..." Skyler began, but Lance interrupted.
"You and Ace were placed at the back because you were seen as those who could hold the team back," Lance interjected, and Sky nodded shyly. "I see. Well, go on."
"So, since we were at the back, we had nothing to do. However, we were attacked by low-tiered ground hog beasts, and Ace told me to look away. Before I knew it, he had killed them all, but then..." Sky paused, contemplating whether it was right to talk about how her powers were activated.
"If you keep stopping like this, I might as well leave you with that pervert," Lance threatened, getting up from the bed.
"I got a drop of ground hog blood on myself, and I transformed into one," she blurted out, earning Lance's attention and piquing his interest. "This sounds interesting. Please continue," he pleaded.
"Once I transformed, a black Granian appeared, and..." Sky started.
"A black one?" Lance and the taller Hunter gasped. "There are other colors for those things? I thought they were just grey."
"Well," Sky continued, "this one was like their greatest fighter, their champion or something. Sadly, I wasn't able to get his name or understand what he was saying, but Ace did. I don't know how, but they spoke to each other before we fought. I took out his eye, Ace was winning, but then we were hit by teleportation rays that landed us a few hours away from here. Long story short, we encountered some people, were attacked, I transformed again, and then I got terribly hurt. I think I passed out and woke up here."
"Interesting," Lance mused, rubbing his chin. "Well, do you realize what you've done to the people of this town?" he asked, drawing a bright red dagger from his trousers, tied next to his ankles.
"You and your boyfriend have attracted the aliens and led them here. You've put many lives in danger and deserve to die." He lifted his dagger, preparing to strike at Sky's head.
*CLANG*
"Don't you dare touch her."
[Ding]
[Quest Complete.]