"This is called a [Nexarion] or the [Nexa] for short". She raised her hand and pointed at the device. Seeing that she had Zyran's full attention, she continued. "This device is our lifeline. It keeps us connected, informed, and one step ahead of the enemy. Imagine having a personal AI assistant, a GPS navigator, and a secure communication channel all in one device. It's our edge. It helps us stay stealthy, avoid danger, and complete our objectives. It's not just a tool, it's a partner. It watches our backs and helps us make strategic decisions. It can hack security systems, track targets, and even provide medical assistance. The device is our eyes and ears on the ground. It gives us real-time intel and helps us stay coordinated. It's kinda like having a mission control center in the palm of your hand. We can access everything we need right here". She gently tapped it.
Zyran's eyes were practically shining, he wasn't pretending, this device really looked and sounds cool.
Thea greatly enjoyed Zyran's look of admiration and so she continued. "I'll list out it's function's, though I won't delve too deeply into them. You'll do that yourself once you get your own. Biometric monitoring, environmental scanning, enhanced optics, secure storage, hacking tools, medical assistance, language translation, stealth mode, power management, communication encryption, mission logging, smart tracking, smart notifications and lastly AI driven insights since it has a built in AI called Eva. That should be everything, I think. So, what do you think?".
"Impressive" Was all Zyran said, while his eyes were still locked on the [Nexa]. Impressive was an understatement, the [Nexa] was unreal, she had him hooked when she mentioned the AI. Knowing that he'll be getting his own made Zyran feel like patting his back. 'If I had refused joining the Yeager Corps, I would have lost the opportunity to get my hand on one of these'.
Zyran's reaction was a little disappointing for Thea as she expected something a little more energetic, she doesn't even know why she cares about Zyran's reactions, she just found herself into it. She then looked at her [Nexa]. "Eva" she softly called out, followed by her [Nexa] flashing on.
[Good morning captain Thea, How may I assist you?] A female robotic voice responded from the [Nexa].
"I want you to activate this [Bridge], set coordinates for the [Yeager Tower]".
[Understood]
[Establishing Connection...]
[Connection Successful]
[Setting coordinates for Yeager Corps main base...]
[Coordinates set]
[Commencing Bridge Activation]
"You should step back". Said Thea as she took a step away from the platform, followed by Ailani who reluctantly pulled Sofia back too.
Zyran took a step back and observed how space on the platform suddenly began to ripple, like a stone tossed on a calm lake. Suddenly there was a blinding flash of light that only lasted an instant.
[Impossible!], This was the first time Zyran heard Telos sound shocked.
Once his eyes adapted to the light again, Zyran's jaw dropped. "Is that what I think it is". Suddenly he understood the reason for Telos's shock.
The platform was no longer empty, instead it now had a white swirling vortex on it that spun around in a hypnotizing manner. It's constant rippling caused a gentle gust of wind to blow around the whole room.
[Bridge Successfully Opened]
Zyran couldn't believe what he was seeing. One had to know that even though Terra is entering it's scientific era, portal technology is still years and years in the future. It should technically be impossible, but here it is, an actual portal right Infront of him. 'How were they able to achieve this?' he looked away from the portal and looked at Thea, who happened to be also looking at him as well and even though her face was blank, he could see the pride in her eyes.
Zyran turned towards the portal again, this time, with a thoughtful expression. 'A device that acts as a command center, an AI and portal technology. It seems I might have underestimated their organisation. With this kind of technology, no wonder the demons can't stand a chance. I suddenly don't regret choosing to join them'. Zyran lifted his hand forward and felt it being pulled towards the portal. It felt like a gentle tug.
Whilst Zyran continued to observe the [Bridge], lost in his thoughts. Sofia's gaze was fixed on him, she only looked at the [Bridge] once after it opened, the rest of the time, she was sneakily looking at Zyran. It seems not even this scientific breakthrough can make her heart waver.
Ailani on the other hand, she was barely conscious. With her half closed eyes and folded arms, it wouldn't take a genius to realise that she wanted some sleep. Though the girl standing next to her, kept Ailani's senses on high alert, incase she has another episode.
Thea then walked forward and passed Zyran, standing Infront of everyone. Without turning around, she began to speak. "I believe we have wasted enough time already. It's time we leave for base. Lovely Sofia', she side eyed Sofia and reached out her hand, "Ready to go?".
Sofia, who had her gaze on Zyran, turned towards Thea's hand that was reaching out for her. There was a few seconds of silence, that made Thea think that something was wrong before Sofia stepped forward and placed her hand on Thea's. If someone payed close enough attention, they would have noticed that there was a moment of hesitation before Sofia placed her hand on Thea's. The person that noticed this was the half asleep Ailani and surprisingly, Zyran too.
Thea firmly held Sofia's hand before walking forward and climbing the few steps that led to the top of the platform. Once standing on top, Sofia could feel how the once gentle wind grew stronger but not strong enough to push them away, at the same time, the attraction force of the portal also increased, as if a single miss step will lead to one getting sucked in. Thea turned to Sofia, her smile no longer present. "Once inside, please avoid moving around. Things tend to get ugly when people do that". Without waiting for Sofia's response, Thea pulled Sofia along as they walked closer and closer into the [Bridge].
As they moved closer, Thea lifted her hand forward, which began to disintegrate into tiny white particles that were sucked in the portal. Within milliseconds, her whole arm disappeared inside.
Sofia, who appeared to be tense, stopped moving when she saw Thea's arm disintegrating. The fear in her expression and actions was apparent, something Thea understood.
Without looking back, Thea whispered. "It's okay". And even though it was windy, Sofia was able to hear her voice. Sofia then slowly lifted her hand forward, and as it slowly disappeared, she closed her eyes, expecting a flood of pain.
After a few seconds of feeling nothing, she opened her eyes and saw that even though her arm has disappeared inside, there was no pain.
Seeing that Sofia now understood a little of what was happening, Thea no longer hesitated and stepped inside the [Bridge], as both their bodies disappeared inside.
Zyran observed all this with an intrigued expression, he then turned to the half asleep Sofia. "Wanna hold hands too?", It was obvious that he was kidding, but for some reason Ailani felt that he wasn't kidding at all.
"No", she didn't have to think twice before she replied. She then walked forward and climbed on top of the platform before unhesitatingly entering the [Bridge], and disappearing through tiny particles.
The only one left to enter was Zyran, who slowly walked forward and climbed the platform. He stood Infront of the [Bridge], and then lifted his left hand, carefully observing how his hand disappeared inside. His arm was gone but surprisingly, he felt no pain at all. He then pulled his arm back and watched how the particles came together to reform his hand. "What do you think", he asked to no one in particular.
[In my thousand years of life, never before have I seen such a thing. Humans have again proven why they stand at the top of the food chain in this world. It's only a matter of time before they create something that would doom all the demons]. Telos's tone was for the second time, full of respect and a bit of fear, something the entity didn't understand. Humans are a danger to not only themselves but those around them as well.
"I've only seen things like this in those sci-fi movies. I never thought it could be replicated in real life". Zyran felt a little pride for being part of a race that's capable of creating such groundbreaking inventions.
"We should go, before I'm questioned again". Zyran took one last look of the room they were in before turning and facing the [Bridge]. Unconsciously, he held his breath before taking a step forward and then another step before his surroundings turned white. Looking around he was surrounded by a white space that resembled a tunnel, he was tempted to look around only to later remember Thea's earlier warning. He then looked ahead and saw the backs of Thea, Sofia and Ailani standing within a room.
'That should be the exit'.
He approached them and as he did, he suddenly found himself standing within a sleek white room. Turning around he saw the [Bridge] closing like a door before completely disappearing.
"Welcome back, Squad Three". Suddenly a voice that took Zyran off guard resounded in the white room.