In the end, they let Moe choose the 6 people for the mission. 3 women and 3 men. They were their best soldiers and that meant a lot coming from Moe.
The scouting mission will be done from two directions, north and southwest. Lucy and Sera decided to do it this way because it will increase the chances of gathering information.
So after a couple of minutes of walking the 8 of them split into two groups. One was led by Lucy and they will scout from the southwest. The other is led by Sera and they got the north.
As they walked through the ruined city, Sera was feeling very uncomfortable, the three people with her acted like she was a religious figurehead. At some point it got so annoying that she began asking them questions so at least they were talking.
"What are your names?"
"Saint Seraphine! My name is Ash, thank you for choosing me on this mission! I hope I won't let you down."
'Fuck me, please don't tell me they are going to talk like that...'
"Saint Seraphine! I'm Faith and it's an honor to be here My Lady." Said the other female bowing.
'Oh my god! She actually fucking bowed.'
"Saint Seraphine! I'm called Isaac, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."
'Well, he is somewhat normal at least...' But he wasn't finished.
"If the Lady requires anything, please just ask."
'Okay, no. All of them are like that. This is going to be a long mission...'
As they walked through the streets, they sometimes had to run, hide or even fight. But something became very obvious for Sera pretty soon.
'I'm so much more powerful! The increase in Essence made me way stronger! But I shouldn't overestimate myself. I'm still only an Evolved.'
The power growth did nothing to make her look more human in the eyes of the regulars. When they were closing in on the bunker entrance, the three soldier acted like she was a holy being sent by god.
'Fuck, and it's only going to get worse... But I could use it to our own advantage as well. They will fight way harder if religion is involved.'
They finally arrived at the building where they will take their position. The Corrupted walks around these streets sometimes. The bunker entrance is close by and that's where the monster lives.
"Okay, lets go to take our positions."
"Yes, Saint Seraphine!" The three said together.
With a big sigh Sera began walking. The building was mostly empty except for some Tainted that the regulars took care of.
At some point she decided that killing the weaker monsters would make the regulars feel useless, so she ordered them to take care of anything smaller than a 3rd Tier Tainted.
They took their positions on the top floor of the building and the soldiers began making food. They are going to be here for a day. If the Corrupted doesn't show up and Lucy sends no news, they will move closer to the entrance.
The soldiers were talking in hushed tones as they gathered around the fire. Sera didn't hear what they talked about, but judging by the amount of glances they threw in her direction, it was not hard to guess.
At some point the woman named Faith approached Sera. She was beautiful by regular standards, her hair was the color of straw and her body was ample at all the right places. She looked very nervous.
"Saint Seraphine... We were talking about... We heard a rumor... We wanted to ask... We don't mean to be offensive..."
"Faith, just spit it out!"
The soldier was practically stunned by Sera, but for all the wrong reasons.
"My Lady... you remembered my name?"
'Oh... My... Fucking... God...'
"Of course I remember. By the way you can ask me anything. I'm not easily offended."
"Thank you Saint Seraphine for the honor. We only wanted to confirm if the rumors between you and Lady Bea are true or not?"
Sera was a bit surprised hearing that, and didn't know what to say, instead she asked.
"Uhmm... What rumors did you hear?"
They looked at each other then Faith began.
"We heard that you two fell in love on first sight."
Ash cut in. "And you immediately connected your Watches because you knew that she was the love of your life. Is it true?"
'I-I mean I like her... But love of my life is a bit of an exaggeration at this point. But I can't say that... I just lay out the truth and they do with it what they want.'
"I did connect my Watch with Bea's and we do like each other."
With that Sera left them to do the cooking, she had a lot to think about. Mostly her future progression.
'I nearly have a thousand Life Essence, so what monster should I hunt for the rank up?'
Sera thought about it for a while then dropped the topic.
'It's unnecessary to plan that far ahead and I want to ask Bea's opinion on the subject.'
The next thing she thought about was her Heritage, specifically the next one. Sera nearly mastered the use of Clear Mind, but until she gets better at fighting, it wouldn't really improve.
'How to get the next one? The description said "With that clarity he continued to fight, because giving up meant the destruction of his people". But what does it mean in my case? Fighting while using Clear Mind to save my people. Do I even have people?'
While thinking Isaac approached her.
"Saint Seraphine. Dinner is ready, if you would like to eat."
'I will think about it later.'
Sera just nodded her thanks and went to eat. After eating her fill she took out her training sword and began practicing. She was sweaty and exhausted by the time the Sun went down. And when night arrived so did the Corrupted.