The air in the Vanguard compound buzzed with tension as the recruits assembled in the main briefing hall.
The walls, reinforced with layers of steel and adorned with tactical maps, seemed to hum with the weight of what lay ahead. The surface, the long-forbidden land above, now stood within reach.
For the first time in a long time, humans were poised to reclaim the world that had once been their home.
Commander Matilda stood at the head of the room, her sharp gaze sweeping over the rows of recruits.
She carried an air of authority that silenced even the quietest whispers. Beside her stood a small group of senior officers, their faces grim and serious.
"Recruits," Matilda began, her voice resonating through the hall.
"Tomorrow, we embark on a mission that will determine the future of humanity. The surface is both a hope and a danger, and only through your training, discipline, and teamwork will we survive what lies ahead."
Tobi sat near the front, his squadmates beside him.
Morikata, as stoic as ever, kept his eyes fixed on Matilda.
Hannah fidgeted with her gloves, her normally steady hands betraying her nerves.
Neon, ever analytical, studied the maps projected on the wall with intense focus.
Matilda gestured to the largest map, which displayed the area their mission would cover.
"This is the entry zone," she said, pointing to a cluster of old structures surrounded by dense greenery.
"Reconnaissance indicates some stability here, but further in, the terrain becomes unpredictable. Your squads will be deployed in phases to ensure maximum coverage and support."
She turned to face them fully.
"Remember, the surface is not the world you read about in history books. It's a land transformed by war, time, and unknown forces. You'll encounter remnants of the old world, yes, but also new threats, creatures and phenomena shaped by the surface's harsh conditions. Treat every step as if it could be your last."
A murmur spread through the hall as the recruits exchanged uneasy glances. The reality of the mission was sinking in.
"Your primary objective," Matilda continued,
"is to establish a forward base. This means securing a perimeter, scouting the immediate area, and assessing the viability of long-term habitation. Secondary objectives include recovering any usable technology or artifacts and cataloging the flora and fauna."
She paused, letting the gravity of her words settle. "And above all, watch each other's backs. We go up as a team. We survive as a team."
As Matilda stepped back, one of the senior officers stepped forward.
A man named Captain Luke, with a scar running down the left side of his face, began assigning squads to specific sectors. When he called Tobi's squad's name, they were tasked with scouting the eastern perimeter, an area marked by ruins and overgrown vegetation.
"The eastern sector has potential as a secondary base location," Luke explained. "It's also close to a suspected old-world facility that could hold valuable resources. Your squad's adaptability and teamwork make you the best candidates for this task."
Morikata gave a slight nod, while Hannah whispered, "Great. Nothing like starting with the hardest sector." Neon, ever practical, simply murmured, "It'll be a good test of our skills."
The briefing concluded with the distribution of supplies. Each recruit received a survival pack containing rations, water purifiers, and emergency medical kits.
Gifted Supes were provided with weapons tailored to enhance their abilities in the surface's unknown conditions.
For Tobi, this meant a specialized gauntlet designed to channel his telekinetic powers more efficiently.
As the recruits dispersed, Tobi lingered in the hall, staring at the map projected on the wall.
Friend's voice echoed softly in his mind. 'You've come a long way from the slums, Tobi. But the journey ahead will be your true test.'
Tobi sighed, his gaze fixed on the eastern sector. 'Do you think we'll find anything up there? Something worth all this effort?'
Friend's tone was unusually serious. 'The surface holds secrets beyond anything you can imagine. But whether those secrets are worth it… that's for you to decide.'
That evening, the recruits gathered in the mess hall for what would be their last meal underground.
The atmosphere was a mix of camaraderie and apprehension. Tobi's squad found a quiet corner, sharing their thoughts on the mission.
"I've been thinking," Neon began, his analytical mind already racing ahead.
"If the surface is as unpredictable as they say, we need a contingency plan. What if we're cut off from the main group?"
Hannah frowned. "Let's not jump to worst-case scenarios. But… you're right. We should have a fallback point."
Morikata, leaning back in his chair, finally spoke. "The eastern ruins. If things go south, we regroup there. It'll give us cover and a defensible position."
Tobi nodded. "Agreed. And we stick together, no matter what."
As the night wore on, the mess hall gradually emptied. Tobi returned to his bunk, his mind restless.
Sleep eluded him as he thought about the surface, Hiki's absence, and the mark on his chest. He traced its edges with his fingers, feeling the faint warmth it emitted.
Friend's voice broke the silence.
'The mark will guide you, Tobi. Trust it, even when the path seems unclear.'
Tobi closed his eyes, taking a deep breath. 'I hope you're right.'
Morning came too quickly. The recruits assembled at the compound's departure gate, where massive elevators awaited to carry them to the surface.
The air was thick with anticipation. Tobi tightened his gauntlet, feeling its weight as a reminder of the journey ahead.
Commander Matilda gave a final address, her voice cutting through the tension.
"Recruits, remember your training. Stay vigilant, stay united, and stay alive. The surface is a second chance for humanity and for each of you. Don't waste it."
With that, the massive gates began to open, revealing the towering elevators. One by one, the squads boarded, their gear secured and their resolve tested.
As the platform beneath them began to rise, Tobi felt a strange mix of fear and exhilaration.
The underground world he had known his entire life slowly disappeared below, replaced by a dim light filtering through cracks above.
The ascent was slow, the sound of grinding machinery echoing around them. Tobi glanced at his squadmates.
Morikata stood calm and steady, Hannah whispered a quiet prayer, and Neon adjusted his gear with meticulous care.
Friend's voice filled his mind once more.
'This is it, Tobi. The first step into the unknown.'
As the elevator neared the surface, a blinding light seeped through the cracks. Tobi shielded his eyes, his heart pounding.
When the platform finally came to a halt, the gates opened, revealing a landscape bathed in sunlight.
The surface stretched out before them, a mixture of beauty and ruin. Towering trees grew alongside crumbled skyscrapers, and strange creatures darted through the shadows.
For a moment, silence hung in the air as the recruits took in the sight. Then, Commander Matilda's voice crackled through their comms.
"Welcome to the surface. Your mission begins now."