The tension in the air was thick as Lino narrowed his eyes, keeping his stance firm. He motioned for Rachel and Rex to join him.
As the civilians disappeared into the darkness, the squad remained still, processing what had just happened. The weight of the situation settled over them like the heavy clouds above.
Rachel crossed her arms. "If the Berserkers are moving in toward Fekka… that means an invasion is imminent."
Lino's expression remained cold and unreadable. "It seems like it. And I'm sure the higher-ups already know. The real question is—what action will the Beast King take?"
A distant rumble of thunder echoed across the sky as the first raindrops began to fall. The squad sat there in silence, letting the reality sink in. War was coming, and they all knew what that meant.
A sharp beep broke the early morning quiet. Lino checked his display and sighed before turning toward Taizen and Mionara. "You two have been recalled to the Beast HQ. Pack your belongings. All agents are being sent back effective immediately."
Mionara's expression tightened. "So, this is really it, huh?"
Taizen exhaled, rubbing the back of his head. "Figures. The second things start heating up, they pull us out."
Rachel walked up to them, offering a small smirk. "Well, you guys were only temporary guests. Guess it's time to go home."
Rex clapped Taizen on the shoulder. "You're strong, man. If we ever fight side by side again, I'll expect you to keep up."
Taizen grinned. "You better not slow me down."
Mionara turned to Rachel. "Take care of yourself."
Rachel nodded. "You too. And don't slack off just because you're leaving."
Lino crossed his arms, watching them for a moment before giving a small nod. "You two did well here. Stay sharp."
Taizen and Mionara both nodded, giving their farewells before heading off to gather their things.
As they walked away, the rest of the squad watched in silence, the weight of uncertainty looming over them. They all knew—this was only the beginning.
"You see that?" he muttered.
Rachel squinted into the distance. "Yeah… there's a lot of them."
Rex exhaled sharply. "Way too many."
Lino's voice was steady but firm. "Squad, ready up. This could be Berserkers trying to push in."
Immediately, weapons were drawn, and the once-scattered squad came together in formation. Despite their training, nervous energy rippled through the group—they were severely outnumbered, and if this turned into a fight, their chances were slim.
Taizen and Mionara exchanged glances before tightening their grips on their weapons, waiting for further instructions.
As the shadowed figures neared, they suddenly stopped. One man stepped forward from the crowd, walking slowly toward them.
"Stop right there!" Lino commanded. "Any closer, and we'll take this as an act of aggression!"
The man hesitated before slowly removing his hood, revealing a weathered face.
"Please," he called out. "We need help."
The squad stiffened, caught off guard.
Lino frowned. "What do you mean, you need help? Aren't you Berserkers?"
The man shook his head. "No. We're civilians. Refugees. We've fled from our hometown, Fekka. It's overrun—Berserkers have stationed themselves there, and war is coming. We need to escape."
Rachel's expression darkened. "If you're looking for safety, you're better off heading toward Kirkia. I promise you, Delria won't be any safer than Fekka."
The man's voice wavered. "Please. We have women and children with us. We won't make it all the way to Kirkia alone."
Lino clenched his jaw. "I'm sorry, but there's nothing we can do. You can't reach Kirkia without crossing through or around Nordia. That's a death sentence."
The man's shoulders slumped in despair.
Lino exhaled, glancing toward the others. "The Nordians might help you."
After a long ride back, Taizen and Mionara arrived at the Beast HQ. The usually lively base felt eerily quiet, with only a few members still lingering—though they were sure to be sent toward the border soon enough.
A man stood waiting for them at the entrance. He had short, neatly kept black hair and a composed demeanor. "Welcome back," he said. "I'm Maxwell. The rest of your fellow agents are already outside by the truck. It'll take you to the plane the agency sent over to bring you back. Please pack your belongings quickly."
Taizen and Mionara exchanged a glance before heading to their quarters. Packing was quick—they hadn't brought much with them. Once ready, they made their way outside, where a large truck was already filled with other agents, all preparing to leave. They climbed in, and soon, the vehicle began its journey toward the aircraft.
As the truck rumbled down the road, conversation sparked among the agents.
"Well, it's about to get crazy here, huh?" one of them said, exhaling deeply. "The war's basically at their doorstep now."
"Yeah, it's sad," a girl replied. "I made some really good friends here, and now they're about to be invaded by Nordia—who are like double their size. They'll be wiped out."
"Maybe," another guy muttered. "But it's none of our business. We didn't come here to make friends. We came here to train and get stronger."
"That's correct," Mionara added flatly.
Taizen glanced at him, slightly surprised by the cold remark, but he didn't say anything. He knew Mionara was simply stating the truth.
Another girl leaned forward. "Well, isn't it exciting? We're finally going back to the agency. Our lives really start now. I can't wait to make some real money—while risking my life every day."
Some of the agents chuckled, but Taizen and Mionara remained silent. They had seen war firsthand. The destruction, the suffering… it wasn't something they'd wish upon anyone.
After a few long hours, the truck finally pulled up near the aircraft. The agents stepped out, grabbing their bags as they prepared to board.
With one last look at the land they were leaving behind, Taizen and Mionara took a deep breath before stepping onto the plane—returning to the agency, and to the next chapter of their lives.