New mission part 3

They did not hesitate to agree to my request. Their confidence in me was unshakable.

I stood, the weight of every gaze in the room pressing on me. I raised my hand slightly in agreement and said with a confident voice, "Sir, I'm Roy Celgius. I would like to volunteer for this mission with a team."

Andrew and Sophia immediately stood up and introduced themselves. Their unwavering support gave me strength.

Daniel's expression changed briefly, a hint of surprise appearing on his face at how quickly we had made the decision. "Roy, I've heard your name before. Your history is… remarkable."

He pauses for a moment, thinking then added " I'll approve your volunteer request and expect results. From what I've been told, you've never failed in a single mission. I trust you'll handle this one well. Andrew and Sophia will be under your lead."

That last part caught me off guard. My lead? I hadn't planned for that. But I held my reaction. If it was going to be like this, so be it.

Daniel continued, "However, you'll need one more member to complete your team."

He scanned the room, and what surprise me, several hands has raised. But the one that caught my attention most was Crimzo's.

The sight of him volunteering was unexpected. I wasn't about to waste this opportunity. I said, Calmly, "For this mission, we need someone skilled in sniping and long-range support."

Daniel turned toward the others, addressing the snipers in the room. "Anyone else interested?"

Every other hand lowered except Crimzo's. Daniel gave him a nod of approval.

Crimzo stepped forward with a confident voice. "I'm Crimzo Lee, I'm ready to join the team. And I believe that my experience in long-range combat will be very useful."

I was surprised by his sudden willingness. What changed his mind? Was it because of the mission, or did he have his own reasons? Anyway, I'll find out by time.

Daniel seemed satisfied. "Great. With four members confirmed, the rest of the members will be dismissed to continue their normal duties. As for you, stay here. We will discuss the details of the mission now."

I looked at Crimzo briefly as he approached. He offered nothing more than a neutral expression. Whatever his reasons, this mission just got a lot more interesting…

The hall was quiet now, the weight of the mission pressing down on the four of us as we gathered around the map.

The faded paper was marked with hand-drawn routes and landmarks, scarred by years of use.

Daniel stood at the head of the table, his weathered hand tracing a path through the dense, scribbled terrain.

"Now that the team is set, let's get to work," Daniel began. "Your target is Princess of Drayton, who is currently heading to negotiate with the Ingocian Empire. Your mission is to intercept her convoy and bring her back alive. She must not be harmed. Understood?"

We all nodded in unison.

"This is the route her convoy is expected to take. The forest is dense, and after the war, it has become filled with dangers and radiation, unstable ground, and wilderness areas. It's not just the guards you need to worry about."

Sophia leaned in, and looked closely. "What about the radiation levels along the path? Can we pass through it without protective equipment?"

Daniel nodded. "The Forest of Kren is relatively safe compared to other areas, but you'll need to avoid the ancient ruins here."

Then he tapped a dark spot on the map. "This area is still unstable. Stick to the ridge and the marked paths. Crimzo, you and your soldiers will position here."

Crimzo studied the map and nodded slowly. "This hill gives us a good vantage point on the road. I can provide cover, but if the convoy changes its route, it will be difficult to track them in the forest."

Daniel handed him a whistle. "There are no advanced communications devices left in this world, but this whistle will do the job, it has the sound of a bird. Use it only in emergencies. Accuracy is key here. The last thing we need is to alert the convoy that you are there."

Andrew crossed his arms. "What about the soldiers? Is it a few soldiers, or is it more serious?"

"The princess probably has a mix of some regular soldiers and her own bodyguard." Daniel replied. "I don't know exactly the number of soldiers, but our scouts pointed to a convoy of about 20 soldiers. They're well-trained, but not invincible. Speed and coordination are your best tools here."

Sophia straightened up. "We have to surround them so the princess can't escape. I can handle that with Andrew and our soldiers. Roy and Crimzo can focus on the princess."

I studied the map silently. "The convoy will be heaviest in the middle, where the princess is likely to be positioned. I will approach from the shadows, neutralize any immediate threats, and isolate her. Once she is alone, I will secure her."

Crimzo looked at me, and with a dry tone he said. "And if she resists? This isn't exactly a diplomatic mission."

"She won't have the option," I replied, my voice cold and decisive.

Sophia exchanged a look with Andrew but said nothing.

Then Daniel stepped in, his voice firm. "The princess must remain safe. Your mission is to capture her, not kill her. Any unnecessary violence would expose us to a major war."

I nodded. "Understood. No one dies unless it's an unavoidable thing. We are not here to escalate the war."

Andrew replied "I agree, but let's not forget they won't show us the same mercy. We need to be sharp and prepared for anything."

Crimzo leaned against the edge of the table, his expression unreadable. "Mercy or not, I'll do what's necessary to get the job done. Just don't expect me to babysit anyone."

Sophia shot him a sharp look. "We're a team now. That means we watch out for each other."

Crimzo shrugged. "As long as no one gets in my way, I have no problem with that."

Andrew sighed, his tone light but pointed. "Great to see we're off to a harmonious start."

I looked at him, my voice steady. "Harmony doesn't win battles. Precision and discipline do. Let's focus on that."

Sophia raised an eyebrow but didn't argue, instead turning her attention back to the map. "He's right. Personalities aside, we need a plan that works."

I nodded and pointed at the map. "The convoy will be heavily guarded, and there's no way to avoid a confrontation. But we can control the terms of engagement.

Sophia, you and Andrew will block their forward path. Draw their attention and slow their advance."

"And for Crimzo you'll take position Which leader Daniel told you about" I said. "From there, you'll have a clear line of sight to the convoy. Focus on disabling, not killing, unless absolutely necessary. Taking them as hostages is better for us."

Crimzo smirked but said nothing, his silence feeling like an agreement to me.

"We'll stick to the plan," I said firmly. "If they change their way use the whistle, adapt accordingly. Stay sharp, and don't take unnecessary risks."

Andrew's expression softened slightly, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. "We've got your back brother."

For a moment, I allowed myself a rare little smile. "I know. That's why we'll succeed."

Daniel watched the conversation calmly, then spoke. "You have your plan. Remember, this mission is not just about capturing the princess, it is about proving our ability to act with precision and purpose. I trust all of you to achieve this."

We all nodded in unison. The weight of the mission hung in the air as we prepared to step into the unknown.

Yuri smiled warmly, his tone light but encouraging. "Go on, Roy Celgius. Show me what kind of leader you will be."

I remained my expression calm. "I don't need to show anything." I nodded respectfully to Yuri and the others, then left the hall to start preparing for the mission.