Just moments ago, the ground munitions depot on Planet 3-11 was under assault by a horde of monstrous creatures.
The situation there has become exceedingly perilous; unless control is regained within the hour, the entire facility will be obliterated.
Such a high-risk endeavor is naturally unsuitable for elite troops or regular forces.
Upon returning to the Falcon, Filia noticed two small teams dispatched for this mission. The squad leader had sent Teams 3 and 5, personally leading the latter.
"Athena, this is your first mission. Take a sniper rifle and fall back," instructed Brook, aware of Filia's impressive skills, yet still mindful of her novice status, he aimed to position her in a relatively secure location.
To his surprise, she replied, "No, I excel in close combat; a sniper position doesn't suit me."
With that, Filia deftly grabbed two laser pistols from the weapons rack and selected two military daggers to fasten onto her person.
"Wow, Athena looks so cool!" Toto exclaimed with a chuckle while preparing his own magic powder.
"Emmm, alright then. I hope you return safely," Brook relented, his initial concern fading as he recognized Filia's determination.
After a brief preparation, the Falcon took to the skies.
The crew aboard the spacecraft appeared tense, for the Alpha team lost members with each mission they undertook.
Filia felt unsettled as well, downing three bottles of concentrated plasma.
"Athena, feeling scared is entirely normal. Don't worry; I'll support you," Toto said reassuringly, patting Filia on the shoulder.
Filia lifted her gaze and smiled. "I'm not nervous; I'm excited." She had long awaited the opportunity to engage in battle, fueled by the deep-seated desires left by her former existence; now, she felt her blood boiling with fervor.
"Excited?" Toto observed the glimmer in her eyes and suddenly realized his concerns had been entirely unfounded.
Before long, the Falcon smoothly departed from the Zeus.
Meanwhile, Luciano arrived at the command center aboard the Zeus.
"Commander, Alpha has departed for 3-11, led personally by Brook."
"Display a live feed; I wish to assess the situation on-site."
Luciano stood before the large screen, hands tucked into his pockets, exuding an air of calmness.
"Understood."
The technician adjusted the HD satellite feed while maneuvering surveillance drones above the munitions depot.
At that moment, enormous ferocious beasts were wreaking havoc upon the last line of defense of the depot, while malevolent beastly mages unleashed their dark energy to assault the protective shield.
The ground defense forces had suffered heavy casualties, with the line poised to collapse at any moment.
"What lies within the 3-11 munitions depot? Why have they launched a sudden attack here?" Luciano queried, his eyes glued to the screen.
"There is an energy core inside. Should the enemy seize it, the ramifications are unimaginable. Thus, Commander, we have formulated a plan: if Alpha cannot maintain control, we will initiate the self-destruct sequence."
"Have you permitted Alpha any time to withdraw?" After a moment of contemplation, Luciano focused his gaze on the operations officer.
"Uh, it seems there may not be enough time for them to retreat."
This encapsulates the essence of the Alpha unit's existence: standing ready for sacrificial duty when the need arises.
Yet Luciano could not fully endorse this course of action. He firmly believed that at any battlefield, human life should be prioritized above all.
However, the structure of the military isn't solely dictated by one man; frequently, even as the commander, he could not afford to overturn established protocols.
"Stand up."
As Luciano approached a nearby command podium, the seated officer swiftly rose.
"I will lead this battle; connect me to Alpha's channel."
"Yes, sir."
The surrounding officers hastily opened the communication channel, and Luciano leaned closer to the microphone.
"This is the command center of the Zeus, calling Captain Brook of Alpha. Please respond."
The communication channel of Alpha was accessible to all team members. Upon hearing the voice, Filia froze—how did it sound so much like her husband's?
"Brook here. Who is this?"
As the Falcon commenced its descent, Brook, holding a heavy machine gun, replied with impatience.
"I am the commander overseeing this battle; I will be directing operations."
"Ah, greetings, Commander." Brook harbored no fondness for such commanding figures, as they often showed little regard for the lives of the troops.
"No need for pleasantries; I will provide support from the air. Additionally, after 45 minutes, if the mission is incomplete, immediately retreat to the extraction point. An aircraft will be dispatched to retrieve you."
"Alpha acknowledges."
As Brook ended the communication, the two small teams had touched down.
Planet 3-11 was heavily forested, and Alpha's strategy involved a surprise attack from the rear, necessitating a landing site some distance from the munitions depot.
As the squad members disembarked from the spacecraft, the drone captured the visuals and transmitted them back to the Zeus.
Navigating swiftly through the dense foliage, the Alpha team moved with remarkable speed.
Many werewolves and half-demons revealed their primal forms, but among the myriad of 'monstrous beings,' Filia stood out, her slender physique captivating.
However, her arsenal of close-range weapons lent her an imposing presence.
"Brothers, we're almost there. Let us catch them off guard. Prepare for combat and spread out into formation!" Brook commanded, igniting a battle-ready spirit in the forty-odd members.
Watching the unfolding events on-screen, Luciano's typically placid demeanor betrayed a flicker of tension.
With the echo of a gunshot, the raid commenced.
Though Alpha may be regarded as expendable troops, their combat prowess was formidable. Under Brook's leadership, they surged forward with machine guns, while support personnel raised protective shields in their wake.
With Alpha's intervention, the attention of the beastly horde was diverted, granting the depot's protective shield a momentary reprieve for self-repair.
Yet, the colossal monstrosities seemed unfazed by the gunfire; wielding massive axes, they effortlessly sent nearby squad members flying.
Just as Luciano contemplated redirecting the special forces' attack, he witnessed a lithe and agile figure darting through the chaos, traversing the gunfire as if it were mere mist. Before teammates could even process the need to cease firing, that incredibly dexterous silhouette sprang onto one of the beasts, leaping onto its neck with astounding agility.