Into the Unknown

The squad wasted no time preparing. This was their first mission, and failure wasn't an option.

Jade tapped the top of her weapon storage box, and in a flash of sparks, Eclipse materialized in her hands. She checked the chamber before securing the box at her side. Rico did the same with his Vortex Twins, grinning as they appeared in his grasp before vanishing back into the storage unit. Ari calmly activated her own box, watching Requiem form before syncing it away.

Gage, ever silent, pressed the top of his box, and Hailstorm emerged. The sheer size of the weapon made an impact, even in its storage state. He gave a simple nod before sealing it away again.

Skye, unlike the rest, simply willed her Omni Striker into existence for a brief second before dismissing it. She never needed the storage unit—her weapon appeared whenever she wanted it, due to her weapon being made by herself.

Lexi hovered beside them. "Your transport is ready. Estimated arrival time: 20 minutes."

They made their way to the underground garage, where their mission vehicle awaited. It was sleek, black, and, like everything else in this world, hovered instead of using wheels.

Rico whistled. "Okay, I like this."

"Get in," Jade ordered, stepping into the driver's seat.

As soon as everyone was inside, the vehicle lifted off the ground with a soft hum, speeding toward their destination.

The facility was a ruined skeleton of its former self. Overgrown vines wrapped around its cracked walls, and the air smelled of rust and decay. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the building's shattered windows.

Jade pulled the vehicle to a stop a safe distance away.

"Lexi, scan the area," Skye ordered.

A small drone emerged from the vehicle, scanning the building with a faint blue glow. Moments later, a holographic map flickered to life in front of them.

Three entry points. No confirmed hostiles inside.

"That's too easy," Jade muttered. "Skye, any signs of surveillance?"

Skye's eyes glowed faintly as she accessed the drone's readings. "No cameras, no active signals." She frowned. "But something's off. It's too quiet."

"That's 'cause it's a trap," Rico said bluntly. "Creepy abandoned buildings 101."

Ari tightened her grip on her sniper rifle. "Doesn't matter. We still have a job to do."

Jade smirked. "Exactly."

She glanced at her squad. "We split into two groups. Skye and Ari, take the west entrance and secure a lookout point. Gage, Rico, and I will take the main entrance and sweep the building."

They nodded.

With silent precision, they moved out.

The mission had officially begun.