Enter: The Counter

The sun soared slowly across the brightening sky, raying down on civilians who walked in districts below it. From the inner metropolis', all the way to the outer regions, Nexi and Dexus alike roamed with both fear and confusion. It was an odd and uneasy time since the initial scare of The Broadcast and the Forbidden Document.

"When will the Cardinal Nexus do something about all these strange happenings? My business is failing because no one's coming anymore. Not ever since that odd incident at the gentlemen's club down the road."

People were waiting. People were expecting. But those expectations only dwindled the more tragedy happened, and the more tragedy happened the more confusion and fear broke out. Because no one could explain what caused these tragedies; nothing but the connection of the anonymous Seven Sins.

The infamous title was first given birth to when a group of religious cultists began protesting down a street in Crete District. They claimed they'd been struck by the seven convicts themselves, bringing about numerous scandals that occurred within their cult.

Things such as "The Sin of Lust possessed our brethren!" could be heard echoing down the street. When it was really just an excuse for a case of pedophilia.

But nonetheless, their voices were heard. Not by authorities, but by other civilians alike. The labels of Sins were taken into consideration, and soon, conspiracists aligned the dots. Abilities stated in the Forbidden Document were related to the Seven Deadly Sins; Wrath, Greed, Pride, Envy, Gluttony, Sloth, and Lust. These are now the infamous seven individuals that have roamed the districts for a year now. Their identities remain unknown, and so too are their whereabouts.

There are absolutely zero leads.

Zero; a place where the next force will start. The force that will soon be revealed as the counter to the Sins.

Beep! Beep! Beep!

An alarm sounded from the hearts of each district. They came from a speaker emitting off the giant billboard-sized screens that rounded the buildings. But this alarm wasn't one to worry about. It was a broadcast sound meant to notify civilians that the Cardinal Nexus had a statement to make, meaning everyone should stop, look, and listen.

The distinct sound froze everyone in their tracks, leading to an encirclement around the buildings that displayed the new broadcast.

{ Attention citizens of all districts. The Cardinal Nexus has an important announcement to make. The statements and complaints of the commonly-known terrorist group known as the 'Seven Sins' have been heard by the Cardinal Nexus repeatedly. It is now that we have decided to create a solution for it. }

The first screen pan ended, and it left everyone in anticipation.

"They've finally come up with a solution to all the attacks that have been happening?"

"Only now? It's already been a year! What's taken them so long!?"

"Maybe I can finally let my children outside in peace if their 'solution' comes into effect…"

"This better be worth it."

The next screen now panned along.

{ We present to you, Squad Zero. Squad Zero is a team of distinct individuals chosen from our separate military branches, all of whom specialize in different areas, and who have all contributed to the defense of our country in the past up until now. }

The screen flashed a picture of the group.

{ Squad Zero contains seven members. Jasper Garrison of Jenzaya District is its leader, a long time sergeant in the military who's already had hands-on experience in defending against terrorist attacks. Wardell August of Heisen District is the group's heavy-hitter. He's earned himself many medals on the front-end of battles, solidifying himself a great deal. Suto Meeres of Pactolus District is the team's all around support, mainly fighting on the frontlines alongside the aforementioned. He's well-rounded in skill, having aided nearly every branch the military has to offer. Zika Tress of Vesp District is the team's tactical spy. She's infiltrated enemy lines more times than any other espionage soldier in our branches, and she can earn intel through efficient methods unimaginable. Axel Garrison of Jenzaya District has only been in the military for two years, but has shown progress that rivals that of a veteran. The young individual has performed outstandingly in recent infiltrations and battles that has earned him his spot on this exclusive team. Jarrett Smith of Hunsington District is the team's engineer. He's been responsible for a large majority of the Cardinal Nexus' newly developed weapons that have been distributed throughout district authorities and military infantry. He works with the highest ends of technology, using material found only in the Cardinal Nexus HQ, forming results that a normal person couldn't ever fathom. Last but not least, Hugo Hethens of Xavier District is the team's lead in strategy and information. Graduating from the prestigious Advanced Xavier Education Program with a score rating of 99.70, and an IQ rating of 122, he's shown an efficient ability to revise and produce planning for any given subject within a matter of minutes, or even seconds. This is your Squad Zero, the team that has been formed and trained for the sole purpose of uncovering the identities of the Seven Sins and bringing a halt to their terrorization. Their duties will begin shortly. In the meantime, every district will continue to rest in a state of Level 1 Threat: Emergency, until further notice. }

And just like that, the broadcast was over. The screen dispersed, and instead continued its daily forecast of weather, while others displayed ads paid to be shown.

"Squad Zero? That sounds sick!"

"How are seven people gonna help an entire country of districts? The Seven Sins have powers! Squad Zero doesn't!"

"I wonder how they're going to find the Seven Sins…"

"This is it. We're done for sure now."

"This is great! The Cardinal Nexus' first step in the right direction. Better later than never."

There was an amalgamation of opinions and speech on each street of each district. There were many doubters, but even more believers. Finally, after an entire year of distraught, their beloved government had proposed a solution. It was about time, and whether too late or too soon, most people were ready to count on what they've been given.

The reveal of Squad Zero was a success. The masses had been reassured with seven symbols of hope to willfully defend them against the opposing threat of the Sins.

"Public enemy number one no more. Say hello to our heroes!"

Banners flew up. Posters were made. People danced in their houses with relief like never before. To some people, it was the thought of finally being saved. To others, it was the thought that the Sins now had specific people to target, meaning their innocent lives were out of the way. Either way, civilians were given a little more room to breathe. It had been too long since they could smell hope. Fear dwindled.

But within this dwindling fear, was an unnoticed, growing, mischievous energy that motivated all but one sentimental feeling;

Greed.