Chapter 108

Chapter 108

The sky darkened as the cart approached the distant city. Leonard and the old man were asleep while the Resh-1 operator quietly guided the mule, keeping a steady pace. As they drew closer to the city's tall walls, the operator nudged Leonard awake.

Leonard stretched and yawned, rubbing his eyes. "How long was I out ?"

The operator glanced at his watch. "Five hours, twenty-four minutes, and thirty-five seconds."

Leonard blinked and chuckled dryly. "No need to be that precise. Just the hour would've sufficed."

Leaning forward, he squinted at the city walls in the distance. His eyes widened with concern. "Damn it, they're not checking identities at the gates, are they ?"

The operator shook his head. "Boss, I think we should stop here and regroup with the second team."

Leonard accessed the map provided by the system. He noticed the second group was moving at a steady pace a few kilometers away. Refocusing on the present, he nodded. "Hmm… Let's wake the old man first."

Gently, Leonard roused the elderly passenger. The man blinked, his face tired but kind. "Have we arrived ?"

Leonard scratched the back of his neck, smiling awkwardly. "Well, sort of. We have a bit of a… problem. You see, my friend and I are wanderers. We've never really registered with the kingdom, and, uh… we don't have any papers."

The old man looked at them in surprise. "Are you from the city of Sombrelune, by chance ?"

Leonard hesitated, unsure how to respond, but the Resh-1 operator spoke up smoothly. "Yes, we're from Sombrelune. Just poor folk trying to escape that miserable place for a better life."

Leonard turned to him in astonishment, but the operator's expression remained unreadable behind his mask. The old man, touched by the tale, sighed compassionately. "Oh, my poor boys. You've been so kind to an old man like me; it would be unforgivable not to return the favor. Let me guide the mule through the gates for you."

He paused, frowning slightly. "But how will you manage to stay hidden ?"

Leonard hesitated, glancing at the operator for an answer. Before Leonard could speak, the Resh-1 operator silently raised his arm. A strange gust of wind surrounded both Leonard and himself, and within moments, they vanished from sight.

"Problem solved," the operator said flatly.

The old man, now guiding the cart alone, sighed deeply. "My poor children. So talented in magic… You could even find a place at the Royal University. Such a shame fate has been so unkind to you."

Leonard, still invisible, exchanged a glance, or at least the equivalent of one, with the operator, an amused smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Well," he whispered softly, "guess the cover story's working."

The chariot slowed as it approached the massive city gates, towering structures carved from stone and adorned with intricate symbols that glimmered faintly in the dimming light. Two guards clad in heavy armor stood on either side of the entrance, their halberds resting firmly on the ground. Their gazes were sharp, scrutinizing each traveler with a suspicious intensity.

A line had formed before the gates, consisting of merchants, weary travelers, and a few other carts weighed down with goods. The atmosphere was tense, with the occasional murmur among those waiting.

The old man tugged gently at the reins, bringing the mule to a halt just as one of the guards raised a hand, signaling them to stop.

"State your business," the guard barked, his voice firm but not unkind, as he stepped closer to the chariot. His helmet obscured most of his face, but the glint in his eyes suggested he wasn't new to spotting trouble.

The old man offered a polite smile, his demeanor calm and practiced. "Just a simple trader, sir. Returning home after visiting relatives in the countryside," he said, his voice steady, as if he'd rehearsed the line a hundred times before.

The guard's eyes shifted to the covered back of the chariot, lingering for a moment before narrowing. "What's under the tarp ?" he asked, suspicion creeping into his tone.

"Supplies," the old man replied smoothly. "Mostly grain and some tools. Nothing out of the ordinary."

The guard motioned to a second soldier standing nearby. The younger guard approached, lifting the edge of the tarp to take a cursory glance. Beneath it, all he found were neatly stacked sacks of grain and a few rusted farming tools.

"Looks clean," the younger guard said with a shrug, stepping back.

The older guard gave the old man one last look, his gaze lingering for a heartbeat longer than necessary. Then, with a curt nod, he stepped aside. "You may pass. Welcome to Roseen."

The old man thanked them graciously, flicking the reins lightly to urge the mule forward. As the chariot rolled past the gates and into the bustling city, the faint hum of life within the walls grew louder, the air tinged with the mingling scents of baked bread, sweat, and distant smoke.

After they were out of sight of the guards, the chariot turned and entered a quiet alleyway. The Resh-1 operator raised his hand, dispelling the invisibility spell that had concealed both him and Leonard. As they reappeared, Leonard glanced at the operator and noticed the faint smile on his face. Curious, he leaned closer and asked in English, careful not to let the old man overhear: "Why are you smiling ?"

The operator chuckled softly and replied in a low voice, also in English, "Well, I was part of the old second detachment stationed at HQ before the reforms, back when your assistant appeared. We handled a lot of missions, some of them… questionable, all in the name of strengthening the Foundation. One time, I was sent on a solo operation disguised as a Mexican immigrant trying to cross the border near Laredo in Texas. The objective was to identify a smuggler trafficking both drugs and people, so we could secure a steady supply of Class-D personnel."

He paused, shaking his head at the memory. "After we crossed the border, we ended up in a farm. The owner spotted us and immediately started shooting at us. He was yelling at the top of his lungs: 'THERE'S A BUNCHA GODDAMN ILLEGALS ON MAH PROP'TY ! I'MMA KILL Y'ALL!'"

The operator laughed, clearly entertained by the absurdity of the situation. "I'll admit, even with bullets flying past me, I couldn't help but laugh while being chased by that crazy farmer."

Leonard couldn't help but smirk at the story, but he quickly composed himself and muttered, "Only you would find getting shot at funny." The operator shrugged nonchalantly, the grin lingering on his face.

Finally, the chariot came to a stop in front of a modest establishment. The old man turned around and pulled out a small pouch, jingling with coins. Leonard raised an eyebrow, surprised, as the man handed it over.

"Good lad," the old man said with a kind smile. "You told me you were a vagabond, and judging by the state of your clothes, I can only assume you were planning to sleep in the streets. I can't let that happen, not after you helped me. So I've given you 35 bronze coins, enough to share a room at the tavern for a week. And if you have time, visit my granddaughter's bar, The Laughing Boar. They serve the best beer in town."

After exchanging a few more words and polite farewells, Leonard and the operator climbed down from the chariot, watching as the old man rode off into the bustling streets. With a brief glance at each other, they turned and stepped into the tavern.

The moment Leonard entered, he felt as if he'd walked straight into a fantasy novel. The room was alive with chatter and laughter, packed with patrons seated at wooden tables and chairs. The air smelled of ale, roasted meat, and smoke from the hearth. Behind the counter, the tavern keeper, a burly man with a thick beard, was busy pouring drinks and chatting with the regulars.

Leonard and the Resh-1 operator scanned the room briefly before approaching the counter. The tavern keeper eyed them for a moment before offering a warm smile.

"Welcome to my inn," the man greeted. "What can I do for you ?"

Leonard straightened up and replied, "We'd like a room for two. Three nights."

The tavern keeper nodded. "That'll be 15 bronze coins."

Reaching into his satchel, Leonard pulled out the old man's pouch and carefully counted out 15 bronze coins. He handed them to the keeper, who grinned as he pocketed the payment. In return, he handed over a wooden key attached to a pendant carved with the number 17.

"Room 17," the keeper said, gesturing toward the stairs. "Second floor."

Leonard nodded, gripping the key as he turned to the operator. The two of them made their way toward the stairs, the lively atmosphere of the tavern buzzing around them.

Finally, they arrived in their room. Leonard, seeing the cozy bed with a fur blanket draped over it, couldn't resist. He leapt onto it, and the moment his body hit the mattress, he let out a loud cry.

The Resh-1 operator immediately panicked, rushing toward him. "Boss, are you okay ?"

Leonard groaned and replied, "Oh, damn, my back is in pieces. It feels so good to finally lie down on a proper bed."

The operator froze for a second, then sighed in relief, shaking his head with a small smile.

While still lying on the bed, Leonard accessed the system map in his mind, focusing on Alexei and his team. His eyes widened slightly as he saw their position, they were just now crossing the city walls ?

Leonard muttered to himself, "Well, whatever," before turning toward the operator. "Shouldn't we go meet up with them ? I mean, they don't really have a way to contact us."

The operator shook his head. "No need. Vice-Commander Alexei is the best Observer in Resh-1. He'll probably track our aura and find us easily."

Leonard tilted his head. "An Observer ? What's that ?"

The operator leaned back against the wall, crossing his arms. "To put it simply, an Observer is someone who can see the traces of EVE around them. It's like following footsteps in the snow, but for magic."

Leonard's eyes narrowed in curiosity. "So… he can see what we've done with our powers ? Even something like the invisibility spell you used earlier ?"

The operator nodded. "Exactly. Observers specialize in reading these trails. That's why Resh-1 has some of the best infiltration and reconnaissance capabilities in the Foundation. No EVE signature can hide from us for long."

Leonard sat up, intrigued but slightly unnerved by the concept. "Huh… good to know. "

Finally, after 45 minutes, Leonard heard a noise at the window. There were three knocks, followed by five more. The Resh-1 operator commented, "They're here," and moved to open the window.

Suddenly, more than nine figures entered the room, their forms initially blurry before a snap of fingers made their bodies clearer.

Alexei greeted Leonard, "Boss, what are your orders ?"

Leonard responded, "Squad, regroup for briefing."

All the operators formed a half-circle around Leonard, who crossed his arms and waited for silence to settle in. Finally, he began, "Alexei, anything to report during your journey ?"

Alexei replied, "Negative."

Leonard nodded. "Okay then. This civilization is more advanced than I initially thought, considering they already have some kind of identity system, though I don't know exactly how it works. Now, we have two objectives to complete in this city:

"First, we need to gather as much information as possible. Three and Seven, you'll be tasked with reading all the books we collected from that village and piecing together as much intel as you can. The rest of you will disperse throughout the city and gather information on the ground. Finally, there's a second issue we need to address, one that's very important."

All the operators focused on him, their expressions hardening in anticipation of the challenge.

Leonard paused for several seconds, then finally said, "We need to make money, because right now, we're broke as fuck."

Resh-1: …

Leonard looked at them, feigning indignation. "What ? Don't look at me like that. It's a real problem."

One of the reality benders stepped forward. "Boss, may I see a coin, please ?"

Leonard handed him one, watching as the operator examined it carefully from all angles. The reality bender then concentrated, holding out his hand. Suddenly, another coin appeared, identical to the original.

Leonard picked up both coins, inspecting them closely. They were perfect replicas. He smiled and said, "Perfect. You're officially our new money printer."

The operator froze, a look of silent despair crossing his face. He turned to Alexei with pleading eyes, but Alexei averted his gaze, trembling with suppressed laughter.

Leonard clapped his hands. "Alright, jokes are over. Recon operators, get moving. Be back here by nightfall."

The operators nodded and quickly headed for the window, each slipping out silently and scattering in different directions. Some darted across rooftops, their movements quick and fluid, while others blended seamlessly into the bustling crowds below.

Leonard turned to the three remaining operators. Two of them were already poring over the books they had spread out in neat piles on the floor, scanning through page after page with focused intensity. The third operator, however, sat cross-legged on the ground, still begrudgingly conjuring coins with a resigned expression.

Leonard chuckled at the sight of the defeated operator, shaking his head in amusement before making his way over to the others. He grabbed a book from the pile and settled down next to them, flipping through its pages in search of useful information.

---

Lina and the Omega-7 operators stood in a semi-circle around Colonel Mendoza, who held a tablet in his hand. "Alright, team. I've just received the official list of squad assignments. Listen carefully and remember your squad number. Kovacs, you're in the 3rd Squad. Three, 23rd Squad. Four, 7th Squad. Five, 13th Squad. Six, 4th Squad. Seven, 19th Squad. Eight, 15th Squad. Nine, 17th Squad. Ten, 25th Squad. Lucretia, 11th Squad. Cain, 2nd Squad. Iris, 5th Squad. And finally, Lina, you'll be with me in the 1st Squad."

He paused, scanning their faces. "Any questions, or does anyone need me to repeat their squad number ?"

The operators shook their heads silently.

"Good," Mendoza said firmly. "Let's move. From now on, you'll be under the command of your respective squad leaders."

They walked into a massive hangar bustling with activity. Groups of MTF operators milled about, gathered under large signs that displayed squad numbers ranging from 1 to 25. Lina lingered near the entrance, her eyes scanning the organized chaos of the room. She felt a strange tension in the air, a mix of anticipation and dread.

Her thoughts were interrupted when someone snapped their fingers in front of her face. Startled, she blinked and turned to see Mendoza looking at her.

"Are you with me, Lina ?" he asked, his tone sharp but not unkind.

"Sorry, sir," she replied quickly. "I zoned out for a moment."

"No problem," Mendoza replied, motioning for her to follow. "Come on."

They made their way toward the sign marking the 1st Squad. As they approached, Mendoza's expression soured, and he muttered a curse under his breath.

"Are you kidding me ?" he growled.

Lina followed his gaze and immediately understood his frustration. Standing near the 1st Squad sign was a group of individuals that made her blood run cold. She clenched her fists tightly, her jaw tightening as memories surfaced unbidden.

Mendoza, ignoring her reaction, stepped forward and announced, "Mendoza and SCP-8888 of Omega-7, reporting for duty."

The squad leader turned to face them. "Black Eagle, Resh-1," he introduced himself curtly.

Lina froze on the spot, her heart hammering in her chest. That name. She knew that name. Memories of the invasion, of the threat they'd issued to her during that mission, flooded her mind. She trembled involuntarily, the weight of those words pressing down on her like a vise.

Black Eagle, completely indifferent to her state, addressed the group. "Now that everyone's here, introduce yourselves."

The first to step forward was a cold, imposing figure clad in Alpha-1 armor. His voice, modulated and emotionless, carried an air of authority. "Red Eagle, Alpha-1 'Red Right Hand.' I'll be serving as Black Eagle's second-in-command for this operation."

Next came a woman in futuristic armor, her voice mechanical and precise. "Onru, Tau-5 'Samsara.'"

Another operator followed, his tone livelier but still professional. "Viper, Weapon Squad of Tau-5 'Samsara.'"

The rest of the squad introduced themselves in turn: two operators called Bear and Wolf from Xi-13 "Sequeres Nos," Sword from Alpha-6, an operative called Green from Omega-1 "Law's Left Hand," and Hunter from Titan-1 "Off the Books." Finally, Mendoza and Lina stated their names and roles.

Black Eagle clapped his hands once, commanding the squad's attention. "Alright, team. Here's the plan. The initial exploration teams have identified a camp full of armed personnel in the forest south of Area-19. Command has assigned us to assess the situation. Preliminary intel suggests they could be criminals. If that's the case, we have authorization to neutralize them."

He turned his gaze sharply to Lina and sneered. "SCP-8888, I've been informed that you're still a rookie when it comes to tactical combat. So, you'll stick close to either me or Red Eagle and follow our every move like a baby chick. Understood ?"

Lina clenched her teeth, her fists trembling at her sides, but forced herself to respond. "Yes, sir."

"Good," Black Eagle replied curtly. "We've already wasted enough time. Move out."

Without another word, he strode out of the hangar, flanked closely by Red Eagle and Green, as well as Onru. His sudden departure caught the rest of the squad off guard, prompting them to quickly gather their bearings and jog to catch up.

Black Eagle led the team with a sense of purpose, moving swiftly through the facility. He entered a nearby building and headed directly for the elevators, his squad in tow. The journey through the various sectors was marked by seamless access; each checkpoint they encountered was manned by security personnel who, upon spotting the Resh-1 leader flanked by Alpha-1 and Omega-1, immediately stood at attention and rushed to clear the way. Doors were opened without delay, no questions asked.

Eventually, they arrived at the entrance to Sector 39, where the checkpoint was heavily guarded by Alpha-1 operatives and overseen by a Resh-1 operative. Upon seeing Black Eagle approach, the Resh-1 operative snapped to attention.

"Sir," the operative greeted, standing rigid as he swiftly unlocked the sector's secured doors.

The team entered a massive room filled with towering machines that emitted a faint hum. At the center stood an imposing portal, surrounded by several Resh-1 operatives. Upon spotting Black Eagle, the operatives stood at attention, saluting him as he approached.

Without a moment's hesitation, Black Eagle stepped through the portal. One by one, the squad followed.

Lina, standing near the rear, hesitated briefly as she stared at the swirling energy of the portal. Her mind raced with unease, but she shook it off and, clenching her fists, stepped through the threshold, determined not to fall behind.

Lina felt a wave of nausea hit her as she stepped out of the portal, her stomach churning from the sudden shift. She stumbled slightly, steadying herself just in time to realize she was no longer in the facility. Around her, the rest of her squad was already regrouping, looking as composed as ever.

Her eyes widened as she took in her surroundings, a military encampment stretched before her, complete with rows of neatly arranged tents and personnel bustling about. Operators clad in tactical gear moved with purpose, while researchers carrying clipboards darted between the makeshift structures. The hum of generators and the faint chatter of communication devices filled the air.

Black Eagle wasted no time. "Move," he ordered coldly, his tone leaving no room for hesitation. He strode forward through the camp, his presence commanding enough to part the crowd ahead of him like a blade slicing through water. The rest of the team quickly followed, their movements practiced and efficient.

Lina trailed behind, her attention caught by the details of the camp, MTF operatives stationed at checkpoints, researchers engrossed in their tasks, and the eerie professionalism that seemed to blanket the entire area.

They approached a large tent at the heart of the camp, flanked by a Alpha-1 squad operators standing stiffly at attention. Before Black Eagle could enter, the tent's flap was pushed aside, and a woman stepped out.

Her appearance was striking, her face obscured by a mask, her suit was adorned with the emblem O5-1. Her calm yet commanding demeanor radiated authority. Black Eagle's expression remained as stoic as ever as he addressed her, his voice clipped. "The tracker. Hand it over. Now."

O5-1 tilted her head, clearly unimpressed. "No 'please' or 'thank you' ? You're as rude as ever. How do you expect to find a wife with manners like that ?" she teased, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.

Black Eagle's eyes narrowed, his tone turning frostier. "I exist solely to serve the Administrator. Marriage and love are meaningless distractions. Now, if you're done wasting my time, the tracker."

O5-1 let out an exaggerated sigh, her shoulders lifting in mock exasperation. "You're no fun at all, you know that ?" She snapped her fingers, and one of the Alpha-1 operators stationed nearby stepped forward, carrying a sturdy metal briefcase.

Without a word, the operative handed the briefcase to Black Eagle, who immediately entered a code into the keypad. With a soft click, the case opened to reveal a device that resembled a sophisticated radio, complete with multiple antennas and a faintly glowing screen. Black Eagle retrieved it and secured it in his pack before turning away without so much as a nod of acknowledgment.

"Don't strain yourself thanking me," O5-1 called out dryly, but Black Eagle didn't respond.

The rest of the squad hurried to follow, their footsteps falling into sync with his as he led them out of the camp and toward their mission. Lina hesitated for a brief moment, glancing back at O5-1, who now seemed more entertained than annoyed. Then, Lina jogged to catch up with the others.

The squad moved steadily through the camp, weaving past bustling personnel and checkpoints, until they reached an imposing gate. It was heavily guarded by two armored vehicles and a contingent of Nu-7 "Hammer Down" operatives, their presence a clear deterrent to any unauthorized entry or exit. Without sparing the guards a glance, Black Eagle led the way out of the camp, his pace deliberate and unyielding.

Once outside, he stopped momentarily, scanning the surroundings with calculated precision. His gaze quickly locked onto a dense forest in the distance. Without hesitation, he set off toward it, his stride brisk and purposeful, leaving the rest of the team to keep up.

As they advanced, Mendoza turned his attention to Lina, his tone calm but instructive. "Lina, it's going to be nightfall soon. Did you check your night vision goggles ?"

Lina nodded firmly, her response measured and confident. "Yes, sir. Just as you taught me."

Satisfied, Mendoza gave her a brief nod of acknowledgment before quickening his pace to match Black Eagle's. The squad moved as a cohesive unit, their footsteps synchronized, as the towering trees of the forest grew closer with each step.

---

A few hours later, the forest was swallowed in an impenetrable void of darkness, the absence of moonlight rendering the surroundings eerily silent and oppressive. Shadows melded with shadows, creating an endless, featureless abyss where even the faint rustle of leaves felt amplified. The squad moved cautiously, their every step calculated and deliberate, their equipment nearly soundless against the uneven terrain. The darkness felt alive, pressing in on them like an unseen predator.

Black Eagle abruptly raised his fist, halting the entire squad in an instant. The operators froze where they stood, rifles steady and senses heightened. He turned his head slightly toward Onru, his voice a low whisper that cut through the stillness. "Drones."

Onru nodded without hesitation, unstrapping a compact drone from her pack. Her fingers danced across the touchscreen interface mounted on her forearm, activating the drone with a faint hum. Its small rotors spun up soundlessly as it ascended into the pitch-black sky, equipped with thermal imaging to pierce through the oppressive void.

Onru's screen lit up with a grainy thermal feed, and she adjusted the drone's altitude, guiding it carefully over the treetops. "I've got visuals," she murmured softly. The feed sharpened as the drone zeroed in on a break in the forest, a clearing illuminated faintly by flickering campfires. Shapes moved sluggishly near the fires, their forms glowing faintly in shades of orange and red on the thermal display.

"It's a camp," Onru whispered, zooming in to get a clearer picture. The thermal images revealed crudely constructed tents made of patchwork materials, scattered haphazardly around the fires. Figures milled about, their movements uncoordinated and sluggish. She enhanced the feed to focus on their weapons, bows slung over shoulders, crude quivers packed with arrows, and a few swords gleaming faintly in the firelight.

"No firearms," Onru confirmed quietly, her tone professional. "Primitive weapons. Bows, arrows, swords, nothing modern."

Black Eagle's voice cut through the comms, calm and cold. "Bandits, then."

"Affirmative," Onru replied, continuing to scan the camp. She zoomed out to get a broader view, identifying the approximate number of hostiles. "Approximately thirty to forty targets. Defensive positions minimal, just a few sentries posted at the edges of the camp, but they're distracted. Movement patterns suggest low discipline."

The feed captured more details: a few bandits sitting around a campfire, laughing and drinking what appeared to be crude alcohol. Others were huddled near piles of supplies, likely stolen goods. Onru adjusted the drone's positioning, circling the camp silently, ensuring no detail was missed.

"Setting drone to autopilot for continuous surveillance," she muttered, tapping a few commands into her wrist-mounted interface. The drone continued its silent orbit around the camp, transmitting real-time data to Onru's display. Satisfied, she deactivated the manual controls and stepped back from the screen.

"We're set," she reported to Black Eagle, her voice steady. "The drone will monitor their movements and provide updates. Awaiting further orders."

The squad remained motionless in the suffocating darkness, awaiting the next command as the bandit camp lay oblivious to their silent observers.

The team moved in silence, advancing toward the camp Onru had scouted with the drone. The thick canopy above plunged the forest into an oppressive blackness, the absence of moonlight rendering everything into indistinct shapes. Only the faint glow of their thermal imaging devices illuminated their path. Black Eagle led the way, his movements precise and deliberate, signaling commands with crisp hand gestures.

As they neared the camp, Mendoza suddenly raised a clenched fist, freezing the team in place. Through the muted thermal displays, three figures became visible, wandering away from the camp along a narrow trail. Their movements were uncoordinated, their attention lax.

"Three hostiles," Mendoza murmured into the comms, his voice barely audible. "Primitive weapons, swords and bows. Fifteen meters out."

Black Eagle's hand rose, signaling clear instructions: Three targets. Divide. Silent elimination.

The squad moved fluidly, dispersing into the surrounding shadows. Mendoza veered left, vanishing into the dense foliage, while Red Eagle flanked from the right. Black Eagle advanced directly, his steps noiseless against the forest floor. The guards were poorly equipped, crude swords hung from their hips, and their body language betrayed complacency.

Mendoza struck first. Emerging silently from the darkness, his combat knife sank into the neck of the nearest bandit, cutting off any chance of a scream. He caught the body, lowering it gently to the ground.

On the right, Red Eagle launched into action. With swift and calculated precision, he swept his blade upward, slicing into the ribs of his target. The man collapsed soundlessly, Red Eagle's grip steady as he eased the body down to the forest floor.

Black Eagle's approach was as ruthless as it was efficient. His knife flashed in the dim light of his goggles, slashing cleanly across the throat of the final guard. The man staggered forward before crumpling, a muffled gasp his only sound.

The team regrouped without a word, their work clean and methodical. They dragged the bodies deeper into the brush, obscuring all signs of the kills.

As they advanced toward the camp's perimeter, Onru paused, her eyes glued to the feed from her drone. "Hold," she whispered, her tone sharp with caution. Her fingers flew over her arm-mounted display, enhancing the drone's thermal view.

"What is it ?" Red Eagle muttered, his voice barely above a breath.

Onru zoomed in on one of the larger tents within the camp. "Multiple heat signatures," she reported, her tone tense. "Humanoid, but… they're motionless."

"Prisoners ?" Mendoza guessed, crouching lower.

Onru frowned at the screen. "Could be, but… something's off. Their body temperatures are unusually low for living individuals. I can't confirm."

Black Eagle nodded once, signaling the team to proceed with heightened vigilance. The potential presence of prisoners added a layer of complexity to the mission, but it also presented an opportunity, if they could extract them alive.

Black Eagle assessed the camp through his thermal imaging, noting the layout and the sparse patrol routes. The drone's earlier reconnaissance and their own silent advance had given them a distinct advantage. He raised his hand, signaling the next move.

"Split up," he commanded, his voice a low whisper over the comms. "Mendoza, Green, Viper, you're with me. The rest, stay back, cover our approach. We move silently. No alarms."

The four broke away from the main group, slipping through the darkness like wraiths. The camp's defenses were crude, bandits with rudimentary weapons and little tactical discipline. Their sentries were scattered, poorly positioned, and oblivious to the danger closing in on them.

The first kill was swift. Mendoza, leading the right flank, crept up behind a distracted guard near the edge of the camp. His knife slid across the man's throat in one fluid motion. The body hit the ground without a sound, quickly dragged into the shadows.

Viper and Green moved in tandem, circling around the perimeter. Viper struck next, his blade sinking into the back of an unsuspecting bandit who was leaning lazily against a wooden post. Green, not far behind, dispatched another guard with an upward thrust of his knife beneath the ribs.

Black Eagle advanced toward the heart of the camp, each movement calculated. He came upon a pair of bandits chatting quietly near a pile of supplies. Without hesitation, he struck. His knife plunged into the first man's neck before he turned and silenced the second with a clean slash across the throat. Both bodies crumpled to the dirt, unnoticed by anyone else in the camp.

The team continued their silent sweep, eliminating targets one by one. Each kill was precise, leaving no trace for the remaining bandits to discover. By the time they neared the large tent identified by Onru, they had taken down ten guards, thinning the camp's defenses significantly.

Finally, the group regrouped near the tent's entrance, their weapons at the ready. Black Eagle scanned the area one last time, ensuring they had not been detected. He exchanged a silent nod with Mendoza, then turned his gaze toward the others.

The faint glow of a fire within the tent cast flickering shadows on the fabric, distorted shapes that gave no clear indication of what lay inside. Black Eagle held up his fist, signaling the team to hold. They had reached the objective.

For a moment, only the quiet crackle of distant fires and the faint rustle of leaves filled the air. Black Eagle's cold, measured gaze settled on the tent flap as he raised his hand to signal the next move.

The team entered the tent with weapons raised, their footsteps cautious but firm. What greeted them inside was nothing short of a nightmare.

The stench of death hit them first, a thick, metallic odor that clung to the air. The interior was dimly lit by a few dying torches, casting eerie shadows on the grotesque scene before them. Bodies, mutilated and dismembered, were strewn across the ground in pools of congealed blood. The walls were lined with the remains of women, their naked bodies suspended grotesquely, marks of unspeakable cruelty etched into their flesh.

Viper froze momentarily, his fists clenching at the sight. His voice was low, trembling with anger as he whispered, "These bastards… they use them like toys and toss them away when they're done. Disgusting sons of, "

"Viper." Black Eagle's voice cut through the tension, cold and unshaken. "Focus."

Black Eagle approached one of the women still hanging against the wall, her head lolling forward and her body barely moving. He extended a gloved hand, pressing two fingers against her neck. For a moment, there was silence as he searched for a sign of life. Then, a faint pulse.

"She's alive," he muttered.

Without looking away, Black Eagle reached for his headset, speaking with precision. "First Squad to Overwatch. This is Black Eagle. We've discovered multiple bodies and several prisoners with severe injuries. Requesting instructions."

A brief pause crackled through the comms before Overwatch responded. "Overwatch to Black Eagle. Understood. Secure the area and gather the civilians in an open space for extraction. Additionally, capture one or two high-ranking targets if possible."

"Copy that," Black Eagle replied, his tone as steady as ever. "Over. Out."

He turned back to his team, his sharp gaze sweeping over the scene. "Mendoza, Green, start searching for survivors and secure the prisoners. Viper, with me. We're cleaning the place."

The squad moved into action immediately, their grim determination evident as they began combing through the carnage. 

The radio crackled as Black Eagle's authoritative voice broke through the static:

"Second group, move into the camp. Kill every last one of them, except the leader, we need him alive. Now."

Red Eagle responded, "Understood."

Red Eagle adjusted his headset and turned toward the group, his tone sharp and direct. "Stay focused. No hesitation. We clear the camp and secure the civilians. Let's go !"

The group burst out of the treeline and into the camp, spreading out into a coordinated assault. The bandits barely had time to react before the team descended upon them.

Onru was the first to strike, her movements fluid and deadly as she raised her rifle. A single silenced shot dropped the nearest bandit, his body crumpling to the ground before the others even realized they were under attack.

Lina moved swiftly, her boots crunching against the dirt as she aimed at another target. The man turned just in time to see her fire, a clean shot to the chest sending him sprawling backward. Her breathing quickened, but she pushed forward, adrenaline numbing the rising tension in her chest.

Red Eagle was ruthless, his blade flashing in the dim light as he silently slit the throat of a bandit who was scrambling for his weapon. He turned to Onru, who nodded toward the central tent.

"That's where the leader should be," she said coldly, her voice steady despite the chaos around them. "Let's wrap this up."

More bandits emerged from their tents, drawn by the commotion, but they were met with swift and brutal force. Lina spun around as a man charged her, a rusted sword raised. She reacted instinctively, her body moving faster than her mind as a crimson tentacle surged from her back, impaling the man mid-stride.

His eyes widened in shock as he choked out a gasp, blood spilling from his mouth. Lina yanked the tentacle back, and the bandit crumpled to the ground. Her hands trembled as she stared at the lifeless body, the reality of what she'd done sinking in.

"Focus, Lina!" Onru's voice snapped her out of it.

Lina nodded quickly, shaking off the moment of hesitation. She turned and followed the others as they carved a bloody path through the remaining bandits.

As they neared the central tent, the leader finally emerged, barking orders to his men. He was armed with a massive axe, his face twisted in rage as he charged at Onru.

She didn't flinch. Instead, she dropped her rifle and darted forward, closing the distance with alarming speed. The leader swung his axe, but Onru ducked under the blow and delivered a devastating high kick to his jaw.

The force of the blow sent the man reeling backward, his weapon falling from his hands as he hit the ground hard. He didn't move.

Onru adjusted her stance and looked down at him, her expression unreadable. "Leader secured," she said flatly.

The camp fell silent, the last of the bandits either dead or fleeing into the forest. Black Eagle's voice came through the radio:

"Status ?"

Red Eagle clicked his headset. "Camp cleared. Leader incapacitated. Awaiting further orders."

Black Eagle's voice came through the radio with his usual calm and commanding tone:

"Understood. Red, try to clear a large enough area for a Chinook to land."

Red Eagle replied immediately, his voice sharp and focused. "Copy that, but I'll need to blow up several tents to make room."

"Not an issue," Black Eagle responded without hesitation. "Prioritize searching the tents you plan to demolish first, then clear the rest. In the meantime, your group will handle searching the rest of the camp. Keep me updated."

Red Eagle acknowledged the order with a curt, "Understood. On it."

He gestured to the others in his squad, motioning toward the cluster of tents in the northwestern corner of the camp. "Onru and Bear start searching those tents. Mark anything we need to keep intact. I'll handle the charges."

Onru gave a sharp nod, her rifle at the ready as she moved toward the nearest tent. "Got it. Let's make this quick."

 followed closely behind, his expression grim but determined. "Don't waste time. We'll sweep through these and give you the all-clear."

Red Eagle pulled a satchel of explosives from his pack, methodically prepping the charges as he assessed the layout of the camp. His movements were swift and practiced, his mind entirely focused on the task at hand.

Meanwhile, back near the central tent, Black Eagle remained with Mendoza, overseeing the secured civilians and keeping a vigilant eye on the surroundings. He scanned the darkened forest beyond the camp, his instincts sharp and alert for any signs of reinforcements or fleeing bandits.

"Stay on guard," he ordered Mendoza. "This isn't over until we've extracted everyone safely."

Mendoza nodded, his grip tightening on his rifle. "Understood. I'll keep watch."

Lina was rummaging through a tent, searching for anything that could provide useful information. Her efforts proved fruitless, and with a sigh of frustration, she stepped outside into the cool night air.

Nearby, she spotted Viper standing with Hunter and Sword, all of them staring in the direction of Red Eagle. Curious, Lina approached, her voice cutting through the quiet.

"Is something going on ?"

Bear turned to her, a grin on his face. "Don't worry, SCP-8888. We're just admiring the fireworks Red Eagle's cooking up."

Lina arched an eyebrow but said nothing, stepping up beside them. She crossed her arms and joined in watching as Red Eagle prepared to detonate the charges he had carefully set.

The radio crackled to life, Red Eagle's voice coming through clearly. "Heads up. Clear the blast zone. Explosion in 20 seconds."

The countdown began. Lina felt a flicker of excitement despite herself as Red Eagle's calm, measured voice ticked down:

"…3, 2, 1. EXPLOS-"

BOOM !

The massive explosion drowned out the end of his sentence, the deafening sound reverberating across the camp. Fire and debris erupted into the sky, pieces of the destroyed tents raining down in a chaotic display of destruction. The operators couldn't help but admire the spectacle, until a massive chunk of debris hurtled directly toward their position.

For a moment, they were frozen in place, the sudden danger catching them off guard. The chunk of twisted metal was mere seconds from crushing them when, out of nowhere, they were all swept off their feet by a powerful sweeping kick that sent them sprawling to the ground.

The debris flew over their heads, landing harmlessly behind them with a loud thud.

Groaning, the four scrambled to turn around, their gazes landing on Green, the Omega-1 operator, who had just saved them. He stood calmly, brushing off the dust as he straightened up.

In a cold, mechanical tone, Green spoke, his expression unchanging. "You are in an active operational zone. Get back to work and assist Red Eagle in clearing all debris obstructing the helicopter landing site."

Lina and the others exchanged quick glances before nodding and scrambling to their feet. The momentary awe was gone, replaced by sharp focus as they set to work, knowing Green's words were less of a suggestion and more of an order.

They cleared away the remaining debris and organized the few scraps of information they had managed to gather. The sound of helicopter blades suddenly echoed through the pitch-black night. Lina looked up, her gaze searching the dark skies, but all she could make out was a massive shadow looming overhead. As it descended, the Chinook became more visible, its form cutting through the darkness as it approached the ground.

The heavy helicopter landed squarely in the middle of the camp, and a team of operators swiftly emerged, moving with precision and purpose. Lina turned to see Mendoza and Viper exiting the large tent, escorting a group of young women who clung to them in terror. The operators ushered them toward the waiting Chinook, urgency written on their faces.

Black Eagle, carrying an unconscious woman over his shoulder, paused briefly to address the rest of the squad. His voice rang out sharply above the noise. "What are you waiting for ? Help us get these civilians onto the helicopter!"

Lina didn't hesitate. She sprinted toward the tent, joining her comrades in helping the last of the captives. Inside, the scene remained as grim as ever, but Lina pushed the horrors aside and focused on the task at hand. One by one, she and her squad carefully transported the remaining prisoners to the Chinook.

The helicopter's interior was already crowded, but the team worked quickly and efficiently to ensure everyone was secured. As Lina stepped back onto the Chinook's loading ramp, she caught sight of Black Eagle standing near the entrance. He extended his hand, gesturing for the others to board quickly.

Then, without warning, Black Eagle snapped his fingers.

A low rumble rolled through the camp, and in an instant, the entire area vanished. Every tent, every trace of the bandit camp was consumed by a pulse of silent, disorienting energy. Only the barren, empty ground remained, as though the camp had never existed.

The sight left everyone momentarily frozen, the surreal nature of what they had just witnessed holding them in place. Black Eagle broke the silence, his voice calm and commanding. "Pilot, take off. We're heading back to base."

The loading ramp rose with a metallic hiss, sealing the passengers inside. The Chinook lifted into the air, its blades slicing through the darkness as it disappeared into the night, carrying the team and the rescued civilians to safety.