The sound of magic and metal clashing filled the training room of Team 1 as they worked on mastering their coordination.
"Lindiwe, give Jake more room. Marika, focus more on support. Jake, don't act on your own—trust your teammates more," Ethan commanded, his voice steady and authoritative.
The team fought against simulated humans in a cityscape, moving with precision and skill. "Don't use flashy moves, remember this is a stealth operation," Ethan reminded them. As the timer for the simulation ended, the illusion dissipated, leaving the team catching their breath.
"Fuwoo," Marika exhaled, leaning back as if flopping onto an invisible bean bag chair. "These simulations are really tricky. Who would've thought that a difference of one star would put us at such a disadvantage?"
"I know, right? Even if it was just a simulation, it made me realize I need to keep my guard up and not overestimate myself," Lindiwe remarked, her face flushed with exertion.
"That's enough training for now. Tomorrow, we're heading north to a different country. We have a new mission," Ethan announced, his tone brisk and commanding.
"What, really? Does that mean we'll go on a cruiser? I can't wait!" Marika said excitedly, her eyes gleaming as she floated off the ground. She and Lindiwe chatted eagerly about their hopes of flying on a passenger carrier, even if it was just an in-planet cruiser. The only flying ships they had boarded so far were military-class passenger carriers.
Jake, too, seemed slightly excited but maintained his tsundere front. "Psshh, it's just a flying ship. Who cares if it's more luxurious," he said, trying to sound indifferent as he left the training simulation room.
As anticipation filled the air, the day drew to a close. The next morning, Ethan noticed a droopy mood among his team.
"What's wrong? I thought everyone was excited to leave the country," Ethan asked, puzzled by their lackluster demeanor.
"You knew, didn't you?" Marika asked, disappointment evident in her voice.
"I don't think I know what you're speaking of," Ethan replied with a faint smile.
"Who cares about a hyper train? I was fully expecting to leave this country by a cruiser, not a train. Trains are lame," Marika sulked, her enthusiasm dampened. Lindiwe, although quiet, also looked disappointed, her high hopes dashed.
"Anyway, everyone received the mission details, right? As soon as we arrive at our first checkpoint, we'll get started," Ethan said, trying to rally his team. The others agreed unenthusiastically, still nursing their disappointment.
"Were they really that excited?" Ethan thought to himself.
"Yes!" Marika replied, as if reading his mind, her voice tinged with lingering frustration and hope.
Entering Egypt, the team marveled at the city's beauty. "So this is Memphis," Marika gaped, her eyes wide as she took in the sight of ships and flying cars filling the skies, and holographic ads lighting up the city. It was a sight to behold, surpassing even the wonders of Iron City.
The team exited the train, slipping seamlessly into their roles as a family on vacation, complete with fake identities. G50, their guide, ushered them toward a taxi. "From here, we'll head to the Yellow Light District where you'll find your equipment. I'll wait for you all there," G50 instructed.
"Where to?" the driver asked as they settled into the taxi.
"Valley of the Sun," G50 replied. The driver nodded silently, recognizing the secret code used in the underground world.
"So these days even kids play around in the Valley of the Sun, huh?" the driver remarked, glancing at Ethan and his team in the backseat. The team remained silent, their expressions giving nothing away.
"So, you're one of Omar's people," G50 observed, a hint of curiosity in his voice. "I never thought he'd make it far in the information business."
"You know your stuff... Fine, I'll stop prying," the driver responded, his tone now more respectful. The rest of the drive continued in silence until they arrived at a rundown hotel.
"The Valley of the Sun, that'll be twenty credits," the driver said as they came to a stop. G50 transferred the credits as the team disembarked and made their way inside. The hotel was filled with shady characters, each giving off an intimidating aura. It was clear this was a district for criminals.
At the receptionist's desk, Ethan placed a card showing the number of the room they had booked. The receptionist handed them a glass card in return, matching the room number. As they headed to the elevator, the team members were uncharacteristically silent and serious, a stark contrast to their earlier demeanor.
Once inside the room, Ethan took out a small cube that glowed softly and emitted mana, creating multiple barriers around the room. "We're secured. Let's change and head out at night. G50 has some business to attend to, but we will meet back here in two weeks," Ethan instructed.
Each team member retrieved their assigned case, containing their enchanted battle suits. After they changed, they met back in the living room. "Is Mister Guard already gone?" Marika asked, noticing that G50 was no longer there.
Ethan simply nodded, and they prepared to leave. "We'll tail the target for now and not engage. After reading through the mission details and the extra information I requested, I've decided we should hold off engaging them and wait for a better opportunity. I've predicted that if we aggravate the target, they will most likely head to their hideout, giving us a chance to raid it. So, follow my plan," Ethan instructed, his voice calm and composed.
They went through the details once more. "Activate comms and head out," Ethan commanded. They spread out like shadows in the night, each heading to their designated location, moving stealthily through the city's darkened streets.
"Silent Step," Ethan cast a spell on himself, making his movements even more untraceable. "That building seems to have a good location," he observed, leaping towards one of the skyscrapers. "Eagle Eye," he muttered, enhancing his vision. He scanned the many cars hovering in the streets below. "Where are you?" he murmured, his eyes sharp and focused. "Found you," he said as a car caught his sight.
"Lindiwe, here. I've located my target, no sign of the apple," Lindiwe's voice came through the comms, steady and professional.
"Mari, here. Same, I can't find the apple, but I've found my target. I'm tailing them as we speak and will initiate phase two in ten minutes," Marika reported.
"Good. Lindi, you proceed with phase two as well, along with Marika. I also don't have the apple," Ethan said, his tone precise and commanding.
"Me neither," Jake chimed in.
"It's fine. Just proceed as planned," Ethan reassured them, his voice calm and steady. The team moved proceeding with the plan.
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