Rour stood in formation alongside thirty two other Movers, their steps synchronized in quiet precision.
With firm and orderly steps, they entered the Armoury Room one by one.
Each Mover stopped in front of their assigned vault, standing at attention while waiting for the others to take their positions.
The Armoury Room spanned nearly five hundred square meters. Contained fifty vaults and preparation tables arranged in five rows. On the far left, a raised platform loomed, where their Commander observed them in silence.
The black paint of the vaults had peeled off on many sides. Exposing the brownish layer of rust underneath.
On the top right corner of each vault was the owner's ID. But only thirty three vaults were filled with white nameplates, inscribed with the names of their owners and the year they joined the military.
The moment the siren sound echoed, each Mover swiftly faced toward their vault. Their movements fluid and practiced. They deftly began to prepare their gear.
The siren would buzz exactly for ten minutes. A countdown for Mover to complete his costume and assemble his weapons.
Completing their preparations before the siren stopped was ideal.
But for those who haven't finished, often scrambled to finish while hurrying to run after the others to their deployment. On this crisis, if they still failed, they will embarked on the mission with incomplete equipment.
An error that have a high risk of injury.
Or the worst case, death.
This time, Rour was determined to beat his own record. He aimed to complete everything at least a second faster than his previous best—4 minutes, 33 seconds.
So, as soon as the siren sounded, his right forefinger immediately tapped the timer button on his wristwatch. His face was set in a calm determination as he began the preparation protocol.
He opened his closet wide. Picked up and put on the military defense suits hanging inside. One by one, in order.
From the tactical vest, body armor, combat jacket, chest rig, neck protector, knee pads, and elbow guards. Every piece was secured with precision and speed.
After that, Rour turning to the table.
Meticulously but without compromising his agility, he began assembling the sniper rifle. This step demanded the most time and care, but his hands moved with practiced ease.
Once the rifle was complete, he grabbed the additional weapons. Two pistols, a combat knife, some spare ammunition, and grenades. Stuffing them into the pockets of his chest rig.
Before ending his preparations, he did a final check.
Making sure his earpiece was working properly, his dual-filter mask secure, and helmet with goggles in place.
He then pressed the timer button again, and immediately got into a ready position with upright stance by holding his sniper rifle.
When the siren stopped, all Movers marched out of the room. Crossing a dimly lit field illuminated by yellowish streetlights.
Far ahead, four armored military trucks waited, ready to transport them to the mission site—Eblon, a northeast region of Monstral Gate, about three hours away from their base in Writhside.
"What was your time?"
A Mover with a build similar to Rour's matched his steps.
Proudly, he showed his watch. The screen read 4 minutes and 32 seconds.
The man, who called by Slick Nick, exclaimed, "Damn! You beat your own record!"
Rour's grin widened as he repeated the question, his tone teasing. "How about you?"
Slick Nick exhaled dramatically. "Still the same—seven, forty-five. Yesterday I was even three seconds slower."
"That's not bad for a two-year Patrioteer," Rour remarked.
"But you hit five minutes in your second year. Everyone knows that." Slick Nick punched Rour's shoulder lightly.
Rour chuckled, a sound that implied agreement without boasting.
After all, he could not pretend to be unskilled. Because his skills, were in fact, above average. But couldn't flaunt either, because he wasn't used to doing so.
"Hard work fuels progress. It will not betray results," Rour said. "You're still young. Use your time wisely to practice."
"Yeah, if today I make it back alive."
Rour gave Slick Nick a sharp glance, "Mind your words. On a mission like this, even jokes invite bad luck."
The eighteen-year-old man rolled his eyes.
"Fine. I take it back. Universe, I wasn't serious. Please send me home alive!"
But not a second had passed, he exhaled his desperate breath again, "I heard that the monster this time is a new species. It has never appeared before. That's why they're all in chaos."
"There are plenty of Patrioteers there already. Commanders and sergeants have also come down. Squad 1 of Writhside Unit has probably arrived by now. Other Units in the Front Sector are also on their way. I heard that units in Sector X are also sending reinforcements. We've got a lot of backup on this mission. I'm sure everything will be fine. As always."
Reportedly, the monster had first appeared around six in the evening. By eight, it began to show movement toward the fort. The launching of weapons came soon after.
Until past midnight, the creature remained undefeated. Its rampage grew fiercer as it moved from sea to land, breaching the fort's gates.
The region closest to Eblon was East Hollow—east region of Neo Schao.
When the monster showed increased aggressiveness, the three Squads in the East Hollow Unit that were already on standby, went directly to the mission site and assisted.
At that time, the monster was still just moving in the ocean while rampaging. But as time went on, its rampage became more and more brutal as it headed toward the land.
By the time the request for help reached them—Squad 2 of Writhside Unit—the monster had already knocked down the fort's gate.
Slick Nick shook his head with grimacing lips. Mix of fear and excitement etched on his face. "I'm terrified, but I can't wait to get there. It's going to be a blast."
Rour smiled faintly upon hearing that. Nick, the boy, was still young and always brimming with excess energy
He then climbed into one of the military trucks. Followed by Slick Nick and several other Movers.