Chapter 4: The Enemy We Face
Location: GOC Headquarters – Hall of Valour
The simulation victory turned the trio into rising stars. As they stood in formation among the other new agents, the heavy steps of a veteran echoed through the hall.
Major Jack Thomsen, a weathered but respected training officer, stood before them. He wasn't one of the 7-Star Division or Elite Walls—but when Thomsen spoke, soldiers listened.
Major Thomsen (gruff):
"Black Echo. That's the name they gave you, huh?"
Nick (whispering to Lucas):
"Sounds pretty metal, right?"
Lucas (dryly):
"Try not to get us renamed 'Team Disaster.'"
Major Thomsen:
"You three impressed the hell out of HQ. Most squads panic when they see a Type 1. You adapted. You earned your place."
He stepped closer and handed each of them their GOC badges.
Major Thomsen:
"You're officially Agents now. Try not to die next week."
Day Off: Calm Before the Storm
Later that day:
Emma could be found analysing Neuroxin data in the Archives.
Lucas was in the weight room, pushing himself as always.
Nick? He was in the lounge, feet on the table, sipping a soda and "supervising" other squads.
Nick (smirking):
"I'm technically working. I'm boosting morale... by being seen."
Emma (passing by):
"You're boosting laziness. Try reading a manual for once."
Nick (grinning):
"I'd rather read your mind. But I'm scared of what I'd find—probably a to-do list and five backup plans for how to kill me."
Emma (mock-nice):
"Oh no, just one plan. Quick. Clean. Undetectable."
Lucas (walking past, sighing):
"I'm going to regret introducing you two."
Next Morning – GOC Conference Hall
The trio marched into the grand chamber, along with every other new squad. At the front stood a tall woman with commanding grace and sharp, silver-blue eyes—Commander Vivi Luna. She wore the polished black and chrome uniform of a Field Commander.
Nick (staring):
"Whoa… is she from Earth, or did a goddess get lost on the way to Olympus?"
Emma (elbowing him):
"Eyes up, Romeo. She's your commanding officer."
Nick (smirking):
"Then I'll fall in line—right into her heart."
Lucas let out a long breath.
Lucas:
"Nick. Don't."
Commander Vivi stepped forward. The room fell silent.
Commander Vivi Luna:
"Congratulations, agents. You've earned your place. But understanding your enemy is what ensures survival."
She activated the main hologram. The image of a grotesque, monstrous Type 1 Neuroxin appeared, crawling on all fours.
🧬 The 5 Neuroxin Types (Commander Vivi Speaking)
Type 1 – Beasts
"They follow orders, but they are lethal. Never underestimate instinct."
Type 2 – Semi-Humans
"They lead packs. Clumsy tools, crude tactics. Dangerous in numbers."
Type 3 – Humanoid Brutes
"They command waves. Half-sentient. They can reason, barely."
Type 4 – Intelligent Hunters
"They plan. They speak. They blend. We've lost entire outposts to a single Type 4."
Type 5 – Apex Entities
"They are fluent. Strategic. Destructive. Qi of 120+. We estimate only three exist. One could destroy a state with a flick."
Emma (serious):
"So, the higher the type, the closer they are to us in intelligence... and beyond."
Lucas:
"And they evolve with every generation."
Nick (leaning forward, grinning):
"So… Commander, you single or—"
Vivi (coldly):
"If I wanted to date a soldier, I'd pick one with a survival rate over 20%."
The entire room laughs.
Emma (smirking):
"Burned by a higher rank. That's got to sting."
Nick (grinning):
"She's into me. She just doesn't know it yet."
Lucas:
"Remind me again why I teamed up with you?"
🌍 The True Reason Behind the Invasion
The hologram shifted to a dying planet. Cracked, bleeding light from within.
Commander Vivi:
"This is Erexus. The Neuroxins' homeworld. Their core is collapsing."
She pointed to Earth.
Commander Vivi:
"And what keeps Earth alive is what they want—the World-Holding Crystal. If they take it, Earth will shatter."
Silence filled the room.
Emma (low voice):
"We're not fighting monsters. We're fighting extinction."
🛡️ GOC Ranks (Vivi Continues)
Commander Vivi:
"GOC has seven ranks. You've just become Agents. This is where you start."
Agents / Soldiers
Squad Captains
Majors
Commanders
7-Star Division
4 Elite Walls
Mission Conical
Vivi:
"You rise by proving you can lead, survive, and outthink an enemy not from this world."
She turned to face Black Echo directly.
Commander Vivi:
"You handled a Type 1. That's a beginning, not a victory. Dismissed."
Aftermath
As they exited:
Nick (grinning):
"I think she likes me."
Emma:
"She's 10 ranks above you and has a plasma sword. If she liked you, you'd be dead."
Lucas:
"You two argue like you've known each other for years."
Nick:
"We have chemistry."
Emma:
"We have conflict."
Lucas (smiling slightly):
"We have a mission soon."
To Be Continued...