Chapter 107

Chapter 107

Alexei's head slowly emerged from the water, MP7 raised and scanning the surroundings. One by one, other operators followed, moving with calculated precision, until finally Leonard surfaced, coughing up water. They climbed onto the riverbank, soaked but alert. Resh-1 immediately formed a protective circle around Leonard, their movements crisp and rehearsed.

Leonard coughed a few more times before glancing at Alexei. "So, are we still being followed ?"

Alexei's eyes glimmered faintly as he scanned the area, his senses extending like an invisible radar. After a moment, he replied, "Negative. No signatures detected within an 800-meter radius."

Leonard exhaled, relief tinged with fatigue. "Good." He stood up, wringing some of the water from his weapon. His eyes unfocused momentarily as he accessed the system in his mind, a glowing map appearing within his thoughts, invisible to everyone else. The layout of the area flickered into view, showing how far they'd traveled along the river. He muttered, "I've never swum this much in my life. Goddamn… Anyway, where to now ?"

Alexei glanced at him, his expression tightening before beginning, "Boss, I think we need to- " He abruptly cut himself off, his head snapping toward a direction upriver, his body going rigid.

The rest of the team instantly reacted, weapons raised and senses sharpened, the tension thick in the humid air. Leonard frowned, his voice low and steady. "What is it ?"

Alexei responded, "I just detected two signatures entering my vision perimeter. One is human, the other is an animal. Both have stopped. I suggest we move away from them."

Leonard paused, considering for a few seconds before asking, "In which direction shall we go ?"

Alexei hesitated, his expression hardening. "It's…"

Leonard sighed, his tone firm. "We don't have a choice. We'll make contact with this person and try to gather information. Besides, they're alone. If they pose a threat, I won't hesitate to deal with it."

Alexei gave a curt nod. "Understood."

With that, the group advanced cautiously toward the two signatures, their movements precise and deliberate, weapons at the ready for whatever awaited them.

They crawled through the plain, concealed by the cover of tall grass, until the scene unfolded before them.

An elderly man was struggling to pull the reins of his horse, which stubbornly refused to budge. The horse, harnessed to a wooden two-wheeled cart laden with supplies, stood unmoving, its hooves planted firmly in the dirt.

The man, visibly exhausted, gave up his futile effort and sat down on the ground with a weary sigh. He leaned back slightly, casting a frustrated look at the animal, as if willing it to cooperate through sheer determination.

Leonard motioned for the group to stay low, whispering, "Looks like a traveler. Keep quiet. Let's observe a little longer before deciding how to proceed."

The old man murmured desperately, "Come on, old friend, I need you to get me to my granddaughter. We're just half a day's journey from the city."

But the horse remained still, unmoving as if it hadn't even heard him.

With a heavy sigh, the old man, his hunched back straining, reached into the cart and retrieved a worn wooden cane. He hobbled to a nearby rock, sat down slowly, and buried his face in his hands. His shoulders began to shake as he let out quiet sobs.

"My dear granddaughter," he whispered between his tears, "I'm so sorry. Grandpa won't make it to your birthday."

Leonard, moved by the old man's sobs, suddenly stood up. The other Resh-1 operators began to rise as well, but Leonard stopped them with a clenched fist. He motioned toward one of the operators, signaling him to follow. Together, they emerged from the tall grass and approached the elderly man.

As they got closer, Leonard called out, "Excuse me, sir ?"

The man flinched, startled by the sudden voice, and quickly raised his head to look at Leonard and the operator. He clutched his chest and said, "Young men, don't frighten an old soul like that, I'm too old for shocks like this!"

Leonard exchanged a brief glance with the operator, realizing with relief that they could understand and communicate with the locals in this dimension.

Leonard lowered his voice and said, "Apologies for startling you. My friend and I saw you in distress and came to check if you needed any help."

The old man smiled faintly, though his exhaustion was evident. "Such kindness. I'm trying to get to the city of Roseen, but this stubborn mule has decided to abandon me," he said, gesturing toward the unmoving horse.

Leonard glanced at the operator, who leaned in and whispered, "At Resh-1, we were trained to handle any form of transport, horse-riding included."

Leonard nodded. "Good. Get that horse moving."

The operator replied with a firm, "Understood," and moved toward the horse. Meanwhile, Leonard smiled reassuringly at the old man and said, "Don't worry. We'll help you get there."

Before the man could protest, Leonard knelt down, gently lifting him onto the cart. The old man, surprised, exclaimed, "Young man, don't waste your time looking after me. You should be on your way!"

Leonard sighed softly and lied, "Well, we're wanderers ourselves. We lost our way while heading to Roseen. I hope you don't mind if we travel with you."

The old man chuckled, his expression softening. "Not at all, not at all."

As they climbed aboard the cart, the operator raised his voice and asked loudly, "Sir, which way to Roseen ?"

The old man pointed to the dirt path ahead. "Just follow the road, it'll take you straight there."

The operator repeated in a louder voice, "We follow this path. Got it."

Leonard gave the operator a questioning look but quickly noticed him discreetly pointing back toward the tall grass where the rest of the team was hidden. He understood immediately. The operator was covertly relaying directions to the others. Leonard saw no movement in the grass, but he knew the team had already started moving.

Satisfied, Leonard exhaled and gave the order. "Go."

The operator firmly guided the horse with a practiced hand, and after a moment's resistance, the animal finally began to move. The trio advanced down the dirt road, heading toward Roseen.

---

Lina sat aboard the military transport aircraft, surrounded by the members of Omega-7 "Pandora's Box." She was fully equipped, just like her peers, with one small distinction: the armband on her uniform marking her status as a humanoid anomaly. She glanced around, her thoughts trailing to recent weeks. Her trainer, Agent Lucretia Popescu, had taken charge of her personal training regimen, keeping her in top condition despite the lack of missions. The last deployment, an emergency scramble, had been abruptly canceled mid-flight.

Late last night, however, her commander, Colonel Mendoza, had shaken her awake for another urgent operation, sharing no details with anyone in the task force. Lina stifled a yawn and rubbed the fatigue from her eyes. Over the radio, the pilot's voice broke the hum of the aircraft:

"This is your captain speaking. Omega-7, arrival in 10 minutes."

The announcement stirred the vice-commander, Lieutenant Kovacs, from her slumber. Stretching her arms, she groaned, "How long was I out ?"

Lina glanced at her. "Around seven hours," she replied.

"Seven hours only ? Damn," Kovacs muttered, leaning back into her seat. "Foundation transport still amazes me with how fast it is."

Curious, Lina asked, "Lieutenant, do you have any idea where we're headed ? The colonel hasn't told us anything."

Kovacs smirked faintly, nodding toward the other side of the aircraft. "I think you'll get your answer soon enough."

Following her gaze, Lina spotted Colonel Mendoza walking down the aisle, waking the team one by one. Eventually, the entire squad, ten operators and four anomalies, gathered in a semicircle near the cargo hold. Mendoza stood before them, his expression serious.

"Listen up," he began, his voice cutting through the low hum of the engines. "The mission we're about to undertake will not be easy. I've been authorized to share only limited information with you." He paused, scanning the group. "First off, we are currently en route to Site-19."

At those words, a ripple of murmurs spread through the operators. The name alone carried immense weight: the infamous Site-19, the stuff of Foundation legend.

Lina, puzzled by her colleagues' reactions, turned to Kovacs, her expression questioning. Kovacs leaned in and explained, "Site-19 is the Foundation's largest facility. It can house over a thousand anomalies and acts as a central hub for all Foundation departments. It's also the most active base of operations for MTFs worldwide."

She paused, lowering her voice. "They say Site-19 is so vital that it's directly overseen by the Administrator himself."

Mendoza continued, his tone unwavering: "We're about to take part in a massive operation involving over 15 MTFs from three branches. We'll also receive heavy assistance from tactical teams, so many, even I'm not sure of the exact number."

One of the operators let out a low whistle. "Wow, don't tell me we're dealing with another demon invasion ? Last time was already a disaster."

Mendoza shook his head. "No. This time, our enemy isn't demons. But the mission is so critical that the entire O5 Council and the Administrator have deployed their personal MTFs."

The team broke into murmurs at this revelation, exchanging uncertain looks. Mendoza raised his voice, cutting through the chatter. "This time, no jokes or fooling around. Return to your seats and prepare yourselves. As soon as this plane touches down, we'll head straight to the briefing area."

One of the operators raised a hand. "Excuse me, Commander. Did you say 'area' ?"

Mendoza chuckled dryly. "The entirety of Nu-7 'Hammer Down' has been deployed for this operation."

At this, the air in the cabin shifted. The operators fell silent, their expressions stiffening.

Lina, noticing the tension, glanced at her comrades and then at her instructor, Lucretia. Unlike the others, Lucretia's face remained calm, except for her widened eyes. Lina hesitated, wary of Lucretia's often intimidating demeanor, but curiosity got the better of her.

"Who's Nu-7 ?" Lina asked cautiously.

Lucretia turned her head toward Lina, her sharp gaze locking on her. After a brief pause, she answered, her voice steady:

"Fully titled as Armed Mobile Task Force, or AMTF Nu-7 'Hammer Down,' they're one of the Foundation's largest and most heavily armed units. Think of them as an entire battalion-sized MTF. They have access to heavy weaponry, armored vehicles, tanks, combat helicopter squadrons, nuclear specialists, missile launch platforms, fighter jets, airborne units, and more. Simply put," Lucretia's eyes narrowed slightly, "they're the ones the Foundation sends in to obliterate anomalies and hostile forces."

Lina swallowed, the weight of the explanation sinking in. If "Hammer Down" was being called, then whatever awaited them at Site-19 was beyond anything she'd encountered before.

She returned to her seat, her thoughts swirling with speculation about the operation ahead. The weight of the unknown gnawed at her mind, and she couldn't help but feel a flicker of unease. Several minutes later, the aircraft finally touched down.

As the ramp began to lower, Lina adjusted the strap of her weapon over her shoulder. She rose to her feet, stepping toward the opening, but the sight that greeted her stopped her cold.

Stretching out before her was a sea of activity, hundreds, no, thousands of personnel moving in an organized frenzy. Uniforms of all kinds dashed between armored vehicles, tanks rumbled into position, and helicopters roared as they were prepped for deployment. The air was thick with the hum of machinery and the barked orders of officers.

Lina nearly choked on her breath. She'd never seen anything like it.

Mendoza's booming voice cut through the chaos: "MOVE OUT!"

Omega-7 fell into formation behind him, forming a single file as they descended from the aircraft.

As they stepped onto the tarmac, an agent jogged toward them, shouting to make himself heard over the noise: "Omega-7 'Pandora's Box' ?"

Mendoza yelled back, "THAT'S US!"

"Good. I'm Agent V," the man replied. "Follow me, I'll escort you to the briefing area."

Without wasting a second, the group followed Agent V through the chaos of the airstrip. After a short walk, they arrived at a military transport truck. Agent V climbed into the driver's seat, Mendoza took the passenger side, and the rest of Omega-7 piled into the back.

As the truck began to move, Lina sat near the edge, her wide eyes soaking in the whirlwind of activity outside. Both sides of the road were alive with motion: technicians and engineers rushing to and from vehicles, armed guards standing watch, researchers in pristine white coats hurrying with clipboards, and even members of the administrative department coordinating with others.

Eventually, they approached a towering gate flanked by thick concrete walls topped with wire fencing. The truck came to a stop, and a voice crackled over the vehicle's radio:

"Radio check, radio check. Omega-7, this is your driver. Apologies for the rushed ride, but we're short on time. We've just arrived at the MTF Quarter, a massive military complex equipped with everything from armories and training grounds to command centers."

Lina's head swiveled as the truck drove past rows of barracks, shooting ranges, and training facilities. Her awe only deepened as she took in the sheer scale of the site. It was as if an entire city dedicated to war had been built here.

One of Omega-7's operators noticed Lina's shocked expression and chuckled.

"Ha! You know this is just the MTF sector, right ? The real Site-19 is an underground complex way bigger than what you see here."

Lina's eyes widened in disbelief. "What ? For real ?!"

The operator laughed. "A Foundation site without an underground isn't a site."

Finally, the truck came to a stop in front of a massive hangar. The driver stepped out and turned to face the group. "There are too many people involved in this operation for a single briefing," he announced loudly over the surrounding noise. "Head inside Building MTF-25 and go to briefing room 14 on the first floor. Just follow the red markings on the floor; you'll find it easily. This is where we part ways."

Mendoza nodded firmly. "Thank you, Agent V." Turning to his unit, he ordered, "Omega-7, move out."

The squad quickly disembarked from the truck and headed toward the building. Inside, they approached a checkpoint manned by heavily armed guards. Mendoza frowned as his eyes fell on the guards' green armbands, marked with a distinct insignia.

One of the Omega-7 operators whispered, "Omega-1 ? What are the Ethics Committee's guards doing here ?"

The comment drew immediate attention, and Mendoza shot a deadly glare at the operator. The man lowered his head instantly. "Apologies, sir."

The Omega-1 operative inspecting Mendoza's credentials looked up, his tone cold and sharp. "Don't ask questions you shouldn't. You might regret it."

The Omega-7 operator clenched his jaw, biting back a retort as he kept his head lowered.

The Omega-1 guard handed Mendoza his access card, stepping aside. "You're cleared, Colonel. Just make sure to keep your men in line."

Mendoza leaned in slightly, his voice laced with quiet fury. "I don't need advice from the Ethics Committee's lapdogs."

The tension in the air was palpable as the two men stared each other down. A sharp cough broke the standoff, and both turned to see another squad of Omega-1 "Law's Left Hand" operatives standing nearby, observing the exchange.

The Omega-1 leader stepped forward. "They're expected in the briefing. Don't hold them up."

The Omega-1 guard stepped aside, allowing Mendoza and his unit to pass.

As they moved on, the Omega-1 leader called out, "First floor. Turn right. Briefing room 14."

Mendoza nodded curtly. "Understood. Thank you."

Without wasting another moment, Omega-7 climbed the stairs and headed toward their assigned briefing room, preparing themselves for what lay ahead.

They finally entered the briefing room, a large space capable of holding over two hundred people. At the front of the room stood a vacant podium. Lina scanned the room, taking in the sight of several operators from various MTFs. The room was already nearly full.

Mendoza called out firmly, "Omega-7 'Pandora's Box', reporting for duty."

Several commanders from other MTFs returned the greeting with nods or salutes. Omega-7 moved to take seats toward the back of the room. Lina settled into a chair with her teammates, who immediately began whispering among themselves.

"Hey, look over there in the middle. Isn't that Nine-Tailed Fox ?" one of them murmured.

Another operator nodded. "Yeah, it's them. But what are they doing here ? Aren't they supposed to handle emergencies at different sites ?"

"No, not just that," a third operator interjected. "They're also deployed frequently as a support unit for Alpha-1. I think they're directly subordinate to them."

Curious, Lina leaned closer and asked, "Who's Nine-Tailed Fox ?"

One of her teammates turned to her, speaking with a mix of respect and admiration. "MTF Epsilon-11, 'Nine-Tailed Fox.' They're one of the most famous and effective combat units in the Foundation. Their primary role is internal security, responding to major incidents like large-scale containment breaches or assaults by hostile groups. They're an elite special-ops even among MTFs ."

Lina turned her gaze toward the group of Epsilon-11 operatives, looking at them with newfound respect and awe.

Another Omega-7 operator nudged his teammate and gestured toward a different part of the room. "Wait, I know those guys. That's Omega-45, 'Street Samurai.'"

He pointed at a group of operators equipped with cool-looking futuristic weapons and armor, their gear giving them a cutting-edge, almost cybernetic appearance. They seemed to be in a conversation with an Epsilon-11 operator.

The room fell silent as the doors opened once more. A woman in advanced combat gear strode in confidently, followed by four soldiers who marched with precision behind her. Their appearance immediately drew every gaze in the room, the quiet murmur of conversations dying out. Lina, noticing the intense focus of her teammates, turned to look as well. The soldiers were equipped with weapons that practically radiated technological sophistication. Even Mendoza, usually unshaken, seemed surprised by their arrival.

The woman stopped at the front of the room and saluted. "Captain Sarah Hughes, commander of Tau-5 'Samsara,' reporting to duty."

With that, she and her four soldiers took seats at the very front of the room. The silence lingered, an unspoken tension hanging in the air as every set of eyes remained fixed on the five operatives.

Unable to contain her curiosity, Lina leaned toward one of her teammates and whispered, "Who are they ?"

One of the operators, still staring at the group, replied softly, "The legendary Samsara Squad of Tau-5."

Another let out a quiet sigh. "They're literally immortal demigods working for the Foundation."

Lina's eyes widened in disbelief. "Immortal what ?!"

The first operator, lowering his voice further, said, "Within the Foundation, there's a well-known sentence used to describe them."

Before he could continue, Lieutenant Kovacs, who had been silently observing, interjected with a calm but ominous tone. "Immortal cyborg clones created from the flesh of a dead god."

The operator nodded, as if affirming a sacred truth. "Exactly that."

Lina couldn't tear her eyes away from the four Tau-5 soldiers seated at the front of the room. Their presence was overwhelming, a silent weight that seemed to press down on the entire space. She stared in awe, her mind racing with everything she'd just heard. Immortal clones born from the flesh of a dead god ? The words echoed in her head, making her heart pound.

But then, one of the soldiers shifted slightly, tilting their head. Lina froze as their gaze seemed to meet hers. The soldier's face was entirely concealed, hidden beneath a sleek metal mask, and their goggles emitted a faint blue glow. The simple motion made her stomach drop.

Lina quickly looked away. She focused intently on her teammates, but her heart still raced.

One of the operators sitting next to her leaned in and muttered under his breath, shuckling, "They noticed you."

"Shut up," she whispered back.

Kovacs, who had been quietly observing, smirked slightly and added, "Don't worry. Tau-5 isn't hostile."

Lina nodded stiffly, refusing to look back at the front of the room. Still, she couldn't shake the feeling of that gaze, hidden behind metal and glass yet piercing, as though it saw right through her.

The door to the briefing room creaked open once more, and a low wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Oh come on, not them," one operator muttered.

"Are you kidding me ?" whispered another.

The room's attention snapped to the group entering, an entire squad of operators from Omega-1, "Law's Left Hand." They moved with calculated precision, taking up positions along the left wall of the podium. Their presence cast an immediate pall over the room. A tense, heavy silence followed, the kind only Omega-1 could inspire.

Then, just as the atmosphere seemed to settle, the door opened again. This time, three operators from Alpha-1, "Red Right Hand" strode in. Their footsteps echoed ominously, and the room went utterly still. The three figures carried themselves with an air of authority, each movement deliberate and intimidating.

Their gazes, hidden behind helmets and visors, swept across the crowd before settling on Omega-7. Lina froze as she felt the weight of one of their stares, it was cold, unyielding, and seemed to pierce straight through her. The Alpha-1 operatives moved with chilling precision, weaving through the crowd until they stopped directly in front of Omega-7.

They surrounded Lina, Cain, and Iris like wolves circling prey. One of them extended a gloved hand toward Iris, his voice distorted by an electronic filter.

"SCP-105-B." the operative demanded.

Iris hesitated, clutching the camera around her neck as if it were a lifeline. Her reluctance was obvious, but she eventually removed it and handed it over with a frown. The operative carefully placed the camera into a secured box before stepping back.

Another Alpha-1 member unfolded a small device mounted on a tripod. It barely reached knee height, but its presence was imposing. They set it up between Lina and Lucretia, activating it with a quiet hum.

The effect was immediate, and excruciating. Lina gasped as she felt something within her being pulled, as if her very essence was being drawn into a black hole. It wasn't her skin or flesh, but the Sarkic power within her. The sensation was deeply uncomfortable, and she could see the same strain etched across Lucretia's face.

"What… is this ?" Lina managed to whisper, her voice tight with unease.

Her instructor didn't answer, her jaw clenched as she endured the oppressive sensation.

Meanwhile, the last Alpha-1 operative moved behind Cain, positioning himself against the wall. The subtle action drew a faint smile from Cain, who glanced over his shoulder.

"Cheater," Iris muttered with a smirk, her voice low but dripping with playful annoyance. "Your power's way too overpowered. We're suffering here, and you're getting the VIP treatment."

The remark earned a few chuckles from nearby operators of various MTFs, but the laughter died quickly as everyone remembered the presence of Alpha-1.

The three operatives remained stationed behind Omega-7, their silent vigilance unsettling. The tension in the room was palpable, and Lina couldn't help but feel that the weight of the entire Foundation was bearing down on them.

Suddenly, the doors opened once again, this time with a dramatic flair that drew the attention of everyone in the room. More Alpha-1 "Red Right Hand" operatives marched in, their presence alone causing a stir among the gathered operators. The atmosphere grew heavier, filled with silent tension.

As if that wasn't enough, a new group followed, the operatives of MTF Resh-1 "Seat of Consciousness." Their arrival sent shockwaves through the room. Resh-1 positioned themselves with precision, splitting into two groups. One group flanked the podium on either side, while the other formed a line directly in front of the door, their stance facing Omega-1.

The sight of Alpha-1, Omega-1, and now Resh-1 in one room left the entire hall in stunned silence. Every operator, regardless of their unit or rank, was visibly shaken. This wasn't just a gathering, it was monumental.

Whispers broke the silence as the realization dawned.

"Oh, crap," one of Omega-7's operators murmured under their breath. "How important does this operation have to be to bring together this many MTFs ?"

Another added, voice hushed but laden with awe, "Even the Big Three are here… in the same room. This is serious."

Lina's heart pounded as her gaze darted between the legendary units. The Big Three, Alpha-1, Omega-1, and Resh-1, were the most renowned and secretive Mobile Task Forces of the Foundation. The sheer weight of their combined presence made her feel as if the room itself was shrinking.

Then, the doors opened one final time, and five figures stepped in. The silence in the room turned from awe to absolute reverence.

The five individuals were dressed impeccably in dark suits, each wearing featureless masks that obscured their identities. Despite this, the aura of power and authority they exuded was unmistakable. On the torsos of some of them, insignias gleamed, O5-1, O5-7, and O5-10.

The moment was electrifying.

The commander of Epsilon-11, "Nine-Tailed Fox", stood abruptly, saluting with precision as she barked out a sharp announcement:

"Overseers on-site!"

Her words were like a signal flare.

In an instant, every operator in the room, whether MTF Commanders, Omega-7, or the other MTFs, rose to their feet and saluted.

The air was thick with tension, respect, and unspoken questions. The presence of the Overseers had elevated the gravity of this gathering to an unprecedented level. Lina swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest as she tried to comprehend just how monumental this operation must be.

One of the two unmarked men stepped forward toward the podium. Unlike the others, his appearance was slightly distinct, his long coat draped over his tailored suit gave him an aura of subtle authority. Calmly, he took the microphone, and when he spoke, his voice carried a calm but altered tone:

"Good day, everyone. I apologize for this sudden summons, but unfortunately, the situation demands it. I am the assistant of the Administrator. For the purposes of this operation, you may simply call me Marshal."

A wave of shock rippled through the room. Gasps and murmurs filled the silence as the weight of his words sank in.

Lina froze. The Administrator. That name alone brought a flood of memories she had buried deep. Images from the past 3 weeks surfaced vividly, her conversations with the Administrator, the battle against the demonic invasion, and the war against the Sarkics. She remembered that day as if it were yesterday, the day her life was irrevocably changed.

She had been on a simple camping trip with her school, nothing out of the ordinary. Then the Sarkics came, hunting them in the forest like prey. That was when her powers had first manifested, abilities she still did not fully understand. She remembered the towering, grotesque monstrosity of flesh and blood she had faced alongside the Administrator. It was a nightmare she would never forget, yet it was also the moment she began to truly understand her place in the world.

Marshal continued, his voice cutting through her thoughts:

"I will be serving as the commander in chief for this operation, assisted by O5-1, O5-7, O5-10, and the Chairman of the Ethics Committee, Mr. Tejani." He gestured toward the third man, whose expression remained unreadable beneath his mask.

"For this operation, your clearance levels have been temporarily elevated to Level 5."

That statement sent another shockwave through the room. Operators murmured in disbelief, struggling to comprehend the weight of this revelation.

Only the operatives of Resh-1, Omega-1, and Alpha-1 remained unfazed, their stoic composure unbroken as they stood in disciplined silence. The room was divided between awe and disbelief, the sheer gravity of this mission dawning on the gathered forces.

Lina glanced at her teammates in Omega-7. They were as stunned as she was, whispering among themselves about what could possibly require such unprecedented measures. The tension in the air was almost suffocating. She clenched her fists, a sense of both foreboding and determination settling in her chest. Whatever this mission entailed, it was unlike anything she had ever faced before.

Marshal resumed speaking, his voice calm and authoritative, cutting through the tension in the room like a blade:

"I suppose that all of you here are wondering why such measures have been taken. Allow me to reveal the following:

The Administrator is missing."

The revelation hit the room like a detonation. Shock rippled through the assembled MTF operatives. For a moment, silence hung in the air as the weight of Marshal's words sank in. Then, a storm of hushed whispers and uneasy murmurs broke out, the tension palpable.

"The Administrator… missing ?"

"How is that even possible ?"

"This can't be real…"

Lina froze, the words repeating in her mind. The Administrator. Missing. The man she had fought alongside during that unforgettable day, the one who had stood against horrors beyond comprehension, guiding them to victory against demons and Sarkic monstrosities. He had seemed untouchable, invincible. And now… gone ?

She glanced at her team. Mendoza's jaw was set, his usually composed demeanor showing cracks of tension. Cain and Iris exchanged uneasy glances, while Lucretia frowned, her expression dark. Around them, operators from other MTF units were visibly shaken, their disbelief evident.

Lina's thoughts were a whirlwind, memories of that day flashing in her mind. The Administrator had been the center of it all, a beacon of strength and resolve. And now, that beacon was gone ?

Despite the chaos in the room, three groups stood unmoved: Alpha-1, Resh-1, and Omega-1. Their faces were obscured by masks, their body language rigid and unreadable. They stood like statues, silent and unshaken. It was clear they had already known.

The absence of their reaction only added to the weight of Marshal's announcement. These elite units, trusted with the most sensitive operations and secrets of the Foundation, knew the gravity of the situation, and yet even they hadn't prevented this from happening.

The operatives in the room, however, didn't dare speak of them. All focus remained on Marshal, the silent presence of the masked units looming in the periphery like specters.

Marshal let the silence linger just long enough to let his words settle, then continued, his voice unwavering:

"I understand the weight of this news. But know this: you were all called here for a reason. You are the best the Foundation has to offer, and together, we will ensure the Administrator is found. If you do your duty, we will succeed."

The murmurs died down as Marshal's words took hold. The operatives, despite their unease, found themselves drawn to the commanding presence of the man at the podium. Though the storm of doubt and fear raged within, Marshal's steady resolve began to anchor them, preparing them for what was to come.

Marshal pressed a button on a remote, and the large screen behind him lit up. He and the Overseers stepped aside, allowing everyone in the room a clear view of the display.

"A few days ago," Marshal began, his voice steady and calm, "the Administrator was traveling by plane to an undisclosed location. During this flight, his aircraft was suddenly intercepted by what can only be described as an interdimensional portal. Just before the plane was swallowed, the Administrator's security escort sent out a distress signal. Seconds later, all contact was lost."

A murmur of disbelief rippled through the room, but Marshal continued, unshaken.

"Ten minutes later, our fighter jets arrived at the location of the disturbance. What they found was… troubling. Several abnormally large avian creatures, ridden by hostile thaumaturgists, were circling the area. The threat was neutralized swiftly, but the portal closed before our forces could follow. Whether this was a targeted attack or a random anomaly remains unclear."

Marshal paused, allowing the weight of the information to sink in.

"Hours ago, Foundation teams succeeded in reopening a portal to the same dimension. Recon drones were sent through and confirmed the presence of an advanced thaumaturgical civilization, their technological level roughly equivalent to the 1600s. Two MTF units have already crossed the portal to establish a foothold. Temporary Area-19 has been set up on the other side."

The screen shifted to show reconnaissance footage: strange cities filled with thaumaturgical constructs, massive baroque-style buildings that seemed to pulse with energy, and soldiers clad in armor marked with sigils glowing faintly in the dark.

Marshal's tone grew sharper. "Now, I will outline your assignments. Mixed units consisting of Omega-7, Tau-5, Alpha-6, Alpha-1, Omega-1, Resh-1, Xi-13, and Titan-1 will conduct advanced exploratory missions across various areas within this dimension. Nu-7, Epsilon-11, Eta-5, Delta-3, and Omega-45 will remain stationed at Area-19 and will be tasked with responding to emergencies and reinforcement requests."

The operatives in the room exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of determination and unease. Marshal continued, his voice commanding their full attention.

"Area-19 operations will fall under the direct command of O5-7 and O5-10, with Mr. Tejani providing support. O5-1 will oversee all exploratory teams. As for myself, I will coordinate this entire operation."

The screen shifted once more, displaying maps of uncharted territories and potential mission objectives. Marshal gestured to them.

"Your itineraries and team assignments will be distributed within the next hour. Use this time wisely. Eat, mentally prepare yourselves, and ready your equipment. You are not just entering another dimension; you are embarking on a mission to rescue the Administrator. His survival is essential for the continued operation of the Foundation.

"Long live the Foundation. Long live humanity!"

The room erupted. Every operative rose from their seats, their voices unified in a resounding roar: "Long live the Foundation! Long live humanity!"

Caught up in the fervor, Lina stood and shouted the words with the rest of them. For the first time since the meeting began, a surge of pride and purpose coursed through her veins. The mission ahead was daunting, but in that moment, she felt ready to face whatever awaited them on the other side of the portal.