Level-A Mission

The morning weather was fairly clear with refreshing air. The coolness of the morning accompanied the residents of the Left Head branch of Cerberus who had already started their activities.

Ain, who had just been inaugurated as a Cerberus army last night, was eating breakfast served at the Left Head academy canteen. A slice of bread filled with beef, accompanied by a cup of hot coffee, has been Ain's favorite menu since he was still an academic student.

There was a different atmosphere that morning. Usually, Ain just sat alone with Riev. But this time, Ain and Riev were surrounded by disciples from the West Cerberus (Left Head Cerberus). Some want to ask for advice and suggestions, some just want to chat, some even want to ask for their autographs.

How could it not be, the news of the shocking incident during their exams had spread like wildfire. Coupled with Ain who immediately occupied Rank A, the highest Rank in the Cerberus army.

Of course, this condition made Ain uncomfortable. As he always prefers to be alone, lost in his own thoughts.

Riev, who had known Ain for years, could certainly read the situation. Riev deliberately distracted the Cerberus academics who were still busy flocking them so that Ain could leave.

Once there was a chance, Ain hurriedly got up from his chair and walked quickly leaving the crowd.

"Troublesome," he thought irritably.

Just when Ain stepped out of the cafeteria, new trouble that was ready to disturb him again appeared.

Lyona, an 18 year old ponytail girl who is still undergone in training at Cerberus Academy, with a big smile greeted Ain. "Brotheer~ Aiiiiin!!!" The cheerful girl lowered her body while slightly lifting the hem of the black Cerberus Academy uniform she was wearing, just like a princess who was saluting.

"What's now? Ugh," Ain really wanted to leave there. At that time, he desperately needed fresh air.

Apart from Heim and Riev, Lyona was also quite close to Ain. Hence, Lyona did not hesitate to greet Ain so intimately.

Ain and Riev first got to know Lyona when the girl, enrol the academy several years ago. Just then Lyona, who had just joined the Cerberus Academy, got lost in the boys' dormitories. Luckily Riev and Ain helped him. Otherwise, Lyona could be punished for breaking the rules. Since then Lyona has been close to Riev and Ain.

"Congratulations!" said Lyona cheerfully. She looked at Ain with a cheerful gaze, hoping Ain wiped the flat look from his face. But her efforts were in vain.

"Yeah, thanks" Ain replied briefly, then walked quickly leaving Lyona. He didn't want his day to start with a noisy voice around him. Ain needed a calm situation as soon as possible. But his desire disappeared again when a woman's voice was heard on the intercom which was scattered in every corner of the Left Head building displaying the woman's hologram.

"Cerberus Force ID: A-775-922B, Ainlanzer X Revolt. Cerberus Force ID: B-522-812A, Vabica Cress. Cerberus Force ID: B-645-753G, Marlat Kiere. Cerberus Force ID: C-776-922S, Riever Draco. Please head to the Maestro room immediately for the Level-A Mission briefing. Once again, for the aforementioned please head to the Maestro room for the Level-A Mission briefing. "

The announcement from the intercom left Ain quite surprised. Just last night he was inaugurated as a member of the Cerberus army, and there is already a mission waiting for him. Plus, the missions mentioned are of the highest level.

"A-Ainlanzer?! That's so coooooooooooll!!" Lyona jogged after Ain who was hurrying to fulfil the call.

So far, Lyona only knew Ain's name as 'Ain X Revolt'. While still at the academy it was permissible to use a short name. But when you join the Cerberus army, you must use a long name without being abbreviated for official matters.

That raises a question for Lyona, if there really shouldn't be any abbreviated names, then why is there an 'X' in Ain's long name. At first, Lyona wanted to ask this question, but the situation at that time didn't support her curiosity.

Lyona followed Ain to the main elevator located at the Left Head's lobby. "Cheer up! You can do this, fight!" shrieked Lyona encouragingly to Ain who kept walking.

From a distance, Riev ran to catch up with Ain. Apart from Ain, Riev who has the long name 'Riever Draco' is also called.

Ain and Riev stood in front of the main elevator. Then a thin beam of light coming from a small object above the elevator highlighted the two young men. The tool functions as a DNA scanner. Once the DNA is confirmed, then the elevator door open, inside stood a woman who was in charge of the elevator.

"Floor?" asked the woman after Ain and Riev entered.

"4" Ain replied as he handed her his identification card. Followed by, Riev who also handed over his ID card.

The woman then pointed to Ain and Riev's ID cards alternately at the scanner installed on the right panel of the elevator door then pressed the button marked the number 4.

This is necessary to see whether the person concerned is allowed or not to go to a certain floor. "Confirmed," it was after a woman's recorded voice appeared from the panel that the elevator moved. Unlike elevators in general that still use ropes as lifters, the elevators there already use an Anti-Gravity system.

[•X-Code•]

The Left Head Cerberus building has 8 floors, 4 floors below ground and 4 floors from ground level. The 4 floors underground are reserved for the Cerberus Troops. Meanwhile, 4 floors and above are for the needs of the Academy, where they train Cerberus troop candidates. There is only 1 room on the top floor, room for the leader of the Cerberus academy; the Maestro.

Ain and Riev were already in the Maestro's room. The room was quite spacious, covered with a red carpet with gold hues. The walls of the room are covered with wallpaper which is also red with gold patterns. Various paintings and displays are attached on the wall, adding to the elegant impression of the room.

The Maestro sat in a floating chair that could walk automatically according to his wishes. In front of him was a table made of metal, with a holographic monitor emerging from the surface of the table.

The maestro was looking at the data that the hologram displayed on his monitor.

Vabica, Ain, and Riev stood straight before the Maestro. They were waiting for another person, whose name had been called via the intercom.

Not long as they were waiting, a young man with an arrogant face arrived there. He immediately stood right next to Riev and crossed his clenched fists over his chest, a gesture of Cerberians salute and respect. Then he lowered his hand and stood straight.

Seeing, the arrival of the last person the Maestro finally spoke up. "I won't go around the bush. The mission, you will carry out have the highest authority and difficulty. The mission this time does not come from a personal request, but rather represents the whole Logard," Maestro put on a serious face as he looked at the four Cerberus troops on the ground, before him.

The maestro's initial explanation made the faces of the four soldiers tense with many questions arose in their minds, but of course, they preferred to remain silent until the Maestro finished explaining.

The maestro touched the holographic screen in front of him, and suddenly the room turned dark. From above appeared a small hovering sphere that functioned as a projector, displaying a hologram of Logard's land map.

"The leaders and high-ranking officials of the Kingdom of Rovan, Feudal State of Zinzam and the Republic of Munkan will hold a big meeting. The three great powers of Logard's rulers are currently hit by a crisis that could lead to war. Therefore, they want to hold a meeting to discuss solutions to the problems that exist in Logard.

We don't need to know what their problem is, because our job is not to interfere.

Then, they chose a neutral place to balance the positions of all parties. They chose this academy, Left Head Cerberus, as their meeting place.

At this point, any questions? "The Maestro allowed them to ask while still looking deeply at the four Cerberus troops that were under his charge. However, the four armies remained silent with an upright position and a straight look forward.

"Very well, if there are no questions, I will continue. Left Head Cerberus was chosen by them because of our strategic location. We are in the western area where most part of the Logard mainland which is surrounded by mountains and dense forests, so it will be difficult for those who wish to sabotage the meeting. But it does not rule out sabotage. For that, you have a special mission.

Marlat, you will lead the Cerberus troops and join forces with the joint security forces to maintain security and order around the Left Head during the meeting." Maestro changed the hologram that was displayed. Originally the hologram displayed a map of Logard, now it displays the building blueprint of Left Head Cerberus. Red dot indicates the position to be occupied by the joint security forces.

"Vabica and Riever, you two will lead the Cerberus troops who are guarding the air. Judging from our geographic location, the most likely, if an attack occurs is by air. For that, you two must continue to be vigilant," The hologram changed again after the Maestro explained the task of Vabica and Riev. The hologram displays the points that must be occupied by the Cerberus troops tasked with protecting the encounter by air.

"And lastly, Ainlanzer. I read your report during the exam. From my judgment, you are the most worthy to carry out this task. Earlier I mentioned that there would be a possibility of sabotage occurring. Our informant mentioned that there was indeed a group planning to sabotage the meeting.

Ainlanzer, your job is to move quietly to foil their plans. You must find the group and thwart their efforts. But you are not allowed to move openly. We don't want unnecessary panic in the crowds." This time the hologram did not display anything.

After that, the large hologram before them disappeared as the ball of the projector moved, returning to its original place on the ceiling. The room lights came back on sweeping the darkness that had been covering the room.

"For this task, you can bring a few people from the Cerberus army to help you. Whether they are from the Left, Right, or even from Center Head. I've spoken to all the Maestros, they allow. But remember, to move quietly. So you can't bring a lot of people with you. How?" The maestro's gaze focused on Ain who seemed to be thinking about something.

"I know who I will bring, Maestro. Agna, from the Right Head Cerberus, is enough" said Ain with confidence. He felt that Agna's analytical skills were needed in this task. Even though it may take a lot of effort for him to understand Agna's speech which sounds strange.

"Agna...? Oh, you mean, Agnamelia? Hmm, I understand why you chose her. Alright, I'll contact the Right Head Cerberus later to immediately send Agna here," said Maestro while looking at Agna's data in the hologram in front of him.

"Very well, if you have nothing more to ask, please leave the room to prepare. The meeting will be held tonight. Prepare yourself well. But as for Ainlanzer, you will stay here. I have something to talk about," Maestro's instructions followed immediately by Vabica, Riev, and Marlat.

The three of them gave a Cerberus troop-style salute before leaving Ain and Maestro alone there.