"Iris, Lira... Are you in or not?"
David asked, his voice cutting through the tension after Drew's words, waiting for their decision.
The question immediately drew the attention of everyone nearby... Claire, Mark, Thomas, Drew, Edward, and even Emily.
Lira shot David a sharp glare, irritated that such an important decision was being asked in front of everyone. She tightened her grip on Iris's sleeve, her silent plea clear; don't agree.
Emily and Claire both noticed the unease on Lira's face. Claire quickly moved to Lira's side, offering her hand in silent comfort, while Emily gave her brother a swift kick for being so thoughtless.
David, realizing the discomfort he had caused, gave a wry smile, his expression apologetic as he understood the situation he had placed Iris and Lira in.
"It's alright, Lira."
Iris gently reassured her before turning to face Drew and Edward, who were both watching him expectantly.
"Uncle Drew, I'll join the exploration. Lira won't be joining this one, as I don't want her to take this risk unless I'm sure of her safety."
Iris's words were firm and clear, stating exactly what was on his mind.
"But Iris, if you're going in, I'm coming too!"
Lira's voice broke out, filled with desperation, as she stood firm.
"I said you're not coming this time, Lira. Listen to me, both Mom and Dad aren't here, and since I'm your elder brother, please be a bit obedient and let me make the decisions."
Iris's tone remained calm, but his words carried the weight of authority, making Lira glare at him angrily.
"Indeed, I also think you should listen to Iris, Lira."
Drew added, stepping in as the sibling argument threatened to escalate.
"If something happens to both his kids, I might not be able to explain it to your old man."
Drew's intervention helped defuse the situation. He was already quite satisfied that Iris was joining the team. Based on what David had told him, Iris was stronger than David himself.
Drew knew that his nephew had trained pretty well for the past few years and was quite good. If Iris is better than him, it is a good thing for the team. He also knows Lira is a good asset to their team, but he doesn't want their argument to blow up and both end up not joining.
Lira stood trembling, her frustration evident, but she remained silent. The lack of support from everyone around her, including her best friend Claire, left her feeling isolated and defeated.
Iris glanced at Lira, sensing the storm brewing within her. She was like a volcano on the verge of erupting, but he knew better than to push her further. With time, he hoped she'd come to reason, as long as no one aggravated her.
"Major Drew! Only five people have signed up so far."
A soldier reported as he approached, saluting sharply.
"The rest said they haven't decided yet and will let us know when the portal opens."
Drew nodded knowingly, his expression calm.
"Forget about the others. Most likely, they won't join this exploration. I want everyone apart from the five volunteers to head back for now. Let them know they're welcome to return if they make a decision."
His tone was firm yet practical. He understood the hesitation of the crowd but needed to focus on those committed to entering the portal, ensuring they were prepared for what lay ahead.
Around five minutes later, the portal area was cleared of unnecessary people. Even half of the soldiers were reassigned to patrol the village, leaving the space quiet and focused.
The only ones remaining were the volunteers for the exploration, five additional soldiers, and Drew himself. Even Lira, Mark, and Emily had been sent away.
"That makes thirteen people."
Drew said, his voice carrying a hint of disappointment.
"Less than what I expected."
He sighed, but his tone quickly shifted to one of determination as he prepared to address the team.
"Major, we can take more soldiers..."
Edward suggested hesitantly, though even he knew his argument lacked strength.
"Indeed, they're strong, and some are quite willing to join."
Drew replied, rubbing his forehead as he spoke.
"But as we discussed before, we need soldiers here, Captain Edward. We must maintain a certain level of power for defense as well."
Drew's tone was patient but firm, reminding Edward that they'd already debated this point.
"Everyone, I don't want to give any flowery speeches, nor do I want to go through some introductory session since we all know each other and we do not have much time."
Drew began, gathering everyone's attention.
"I'll just address some important points that are necessary for both preparation and once you are inside the portal."
"First, Edward will be the captain of this team, and I expect all of you to listen to his command during the exploration. Second, Old Thomas and Claire will be second and third in line during the mission to make necessary decisions as needed. Third, of course, if anyone has better ideas or suggestions, they are free to bring them to the three of them."
As Drew finished, Iris glanced over at Claire and Old Thomas, understanding the responsibility that had been placed on them. David remained silent, already aware of the reasoning behind these decisions.
Claire caught Iris's glance and returned it calmly, exuding a quiet confidence that was hard to miss.
Iris could feel it, and he sure knew where it came from. He just hoped that Claire's calm demeanor and confidence would increase her chances of survival in the unknown dangers ahead.
However, the five village folk didn't share the same sentiment. They respected Edward, knowing him to be a seasoned veteran with years of experience, and they understood Old Thomas's value, given his brief military service in his youth.
But Claire? To them, she was nothing more than a simple village girl, with no real experience or training for the risks they were about to face. They exchanged uncertain glances, their doubt lingering in the air.
"I know you have doubts, but believe me."
Drew said with a reassuring smile, addressing the group.
"Claire, can you show them, please?"
Claire gave a calm nod and stepped forward, the atmosphere around her shifting slightly.
With a slow, deliberate movement, she stretched her hand out and snapped her fingers. Instantly, a small flame flickered to life on her forefinger.
The five village folk were stunned into silence, their skepticism melting away as they watched the flame dance, clearly out of place in someone they thought was just a simple village girl.
Claire extinguished the flame with a casual flick of her finger, then calmly returned to her spot beside the others. Without even realizing it, she glanced once more at Iris, her gaze holding a quiet confidence.
Claire herself wasn't sure why she glanced at Iris again, but seeing his calm face left her with a faint sense of disappointment. She quickly dismissed the feeling, refocusing her mind on the task at hand.
"Thank you, Claire."
Drew said, turning his attention back to the group.
"Now, all I can say is that there are many things we still aren't aware of. People with special powers are indeed rare, but our village is blessed enough to have two. Don't worry about how they're awakened for now. We might find more answers on the other side, or at least gain some knowledge about it."
He addressed the five villagers, who were now visibly more intrigued.
Who doesn't want to be a superhero with a superpower like Claire?
After Drew's words, some of the villagers couldn't contain their curiosity and started asking questions about how Claire and Thomas had awakened their powers. They were eager to know more, but Drew raised a hand, signaling for them to focus on the present.
"Alright, everyone."
He said, raising his voice slightly to regain their attention.
"We have a little over one hour to prepare. All I want from you is to come ready as much as you can. Follow the commands of the team leaders, and most importantly, please survive and come back safely."
His words were simple yet heavy with the weight of the situation. The final speech was enough to stir the group, and without further delay, Drew let them disperse.
He told them to be gathered here again ten minutes before the timer ran out.
Iris, David, and Claire hurriedly made their way back to their homes.
"Iris... I have already prepared everything."
Just as Iris rushed into the basement, he saw Lira standing near a backpack, closing it with a calm expression.
"Lira..."
Iris started, his voice full of concern as he prepared to explain once more why he didn't want her involved in the exploration. But before he could get another word in, Lira cut him off.
"Brother, just promise me that you will come back safely. Mom and Dad are already not here, I do not want to lose you too."
Her voice was steady, but Iris could see the subtle tremor in her hands, the slight unsteadiness of her posture.
Iris stood frozen for a moment, taking in the depth of her words.
"Lira... I promise I will return safely."
Iris spoke with a steady voice, but he didn't say anything more. He knew that no matter how much he tried to comfort her, Lira's anxiety wouldn't fade until he was back home safe.
"Hm, I have packed everything. Just take your weapons and come up, I'll prepare coffee."
With that, Lira shouldered the backpack and made her way out of the basement, leaving Iris to prepare for what lay ahead.
Around twenty minutes later, Iris emerged from the basement.
Dressed entirely in black, his attire exuded a quiet menace; black pants, shirt, gloves, and shoes, with a blazer that seemed to melt into the shadows. A long sniper rifle rested on his back, while handguns sat snugly in custom holsters at his sides. Short daggers and extra ammo were within easy reach, all carefully arranged for swift access.
He moved over to the desk, grabbing the backpack Lira had placed there. As he added extra magazines, the sound of footsteps caught his attention. Lira stepped out of the kitchen with two cups of coffee in hand.
Lira couldn't help but feel a moment of awe as she watched Iris, fully geared up, a stark contrast to his usual self. The sight gave her a sense of reassurance, he was taking this exploration seriously, not just for the mission, but for his safety as well.
Without a word, she handed him the coffee, and they both sat in quiet contemplation, sipping the warmth in a shared silence. Time seemed to stretch as they finished their drinks, lingering in the calm for a good ten minutes.
Finally, Iris stood, picking up his backpack with a steady hand.
"Alright, Lira. I'm heading out now. I'll come back safely, so don't take any unnecessary risks."
His voice was calm, but the seriousness in his tone was unmistakable. With one last glance at her, he made his way toward the door, ready to meet the others at the Portal.
"Brother, as long as you come back safely, I won't cause any trouble."
Just as Iris stepped out of the house, Lira rushed to the door and added.
"I will, and you stay safe too."
Iris waved his hand, feeling a sense of relief. He had been troubled moments ago, as Lira had seemed too calm. But seeing her rush to the door, he felt reassured.
As Iris disappeared from her view, Lira quickly made her way to Claire's home, wanting to see her friend off as well.
With less than five minutes left on the timer, everyone who was supposed to gather had arrived near the portal.
The people who had said they would decide later didn't show up, but the five who had seemed uncertain also made it, much to Drew's relief. He let out a quiet sigh, feeling the tension at ease.