The Devastated City of Cairo

As they got closer to the city, they could see that many buildings were set on fire and the screams of people being burned alive could be heard even miles away at their location.

Looking at each other, the team started running towards the city in hopes that they might be able to save someone. Although the mission was at hand, human life was more important.

As soon as the road curved to enter the city, a few sphere shaped objects shaped like comets were seen floating around. Double the size of a man's head, they seemed to have an opening in the center of the round 'head' of the comet which shot out a red light, constantly scanning the surroundings.

One such object shined the red ray of light on Darius who coincidentally happened to be at the front. Instantly, all of the objects beeped strangely and condensed around the one that had spotted Darius.

All of the objects had stuck together to become one big silver sphere from the front with ridges in the back which were the 'streak' parts of the comets.

In the middle of the sphere, a red ball of what seemed like energy started forming as Lance, realizing what was happening, screamed "GET DOWN" before leaping forward and dragging Darius down.

A thick laser beam had made a hole of inestimable depth near them. If Lance hadn't hurried and dragged him down, Darius would have been hit by now with devastating consequences.

The edge of the laser had still managed to scrape Lance, who had jumped into its way. He felt one barrier that he had worn at his neck suddenly lose half of his power as he thanked his lucky stars that he had realized in time that it was a hostile attack.

Quickly getting up, the two started running backwards. The others had taken cover after hearing Lance's shout. Now seeing what had happened, they also turned back and started running in the direction they had come in.

After running for a short distance without stop, Lance looked back to realize that nothing was following them.

"STOP", he shouted, bending and panting as he got his breath back.

The rest of the team did the same before turning towards the city again.

"Is there nothing we can do? Can we tunnel under and try to save some people maybe?", asked Yu Yan who had tears in her eyes.

Just as she said so, an explosion like that of a bomb going off was seen in the city. The explosion brought another round of screams and moans of anguish that seemed to pierce each team member's ears, as if imploring for help.

Thinking for a bit, Lance shook his head.

"No. Think about it for a bit. If such a major attack were happening and so many deaths were taking place, would everyone at IE stay there, without coming to fight? It doesn't make sense. Either they lied and we are in a virtual world again or the attack isn't real."

"How can you say that Lance? You can hear them screaming! You can smell the blood and the residue of the explosions! How can something like this be fake? Even if it was, wouldn't it be expected of a member of IE to save as many people as possible or die trying?", asked Yu Ying, who was also now crying and looking at Lance as if we were heartless.

With a cold expression on his face, Lance answered, "No. We are soldiers who are tasked to defend the earth, true. But as soldiers, the first objective is to finish the mission. So, we must reach the pyramid."

Seeing Yu Yan and Yu Ying getting emotional and even Darius and Entsy getting sad looks on their faces, Lance's face softened as he said, "Guys, I'm sorry but I think that this is the choice to make. I think that finishing the mission will result in everyone being saved. You elected me as the leader, and this is my decision. You can tell me if you don't want to follow it."

After saying so, Lance turned his back towards them, letting them make their own decisions.