Three battered transport vehicles rolled to a halt before Minerva's colossal gate. Their engines sputtered, metal groaned, and cracks lined their armored shells—every dent a reminder of the journey they had endured.
Emerging from the opposite lane, three elegant escort transports glided effortlessly forward. Their polished chrome exteriors gleamed under the sunlight, reflecting the world around them like liquid mercury.
The tinted crystalline glass gave a glimpse of the lavish interiors while maintaining an air of mystery, shielding their occupants from prying eyes.
Each vehicle's reinforced hull exuded strength and sophistication, humming with a palpable energy that hinted at the immense power contained within.
Trailing behind them was a convoy of three formidable armored carriers, their rugged exteriors adding a stark contrast to the sleek escorts.
These hulking machines were designed for both protection and intimidation, their surfaces adorned with a matte finish that absorbed light rather than reflecting it.
Completing the procession were four floating military drones, gliding silently overhead. Together, they formed a striking tableau of luxury and might.
Felix watched the convoy pass, silent, expression unreadable.
A moment later, the doors of his own damaged lead vehicle opened. He and his exhausted squad stepped out—dusty, bruised, uniforms torn, eyes heavy with fatigue.
From the main gate, several soldiers emerged wearing high-tech vests threaded with blue circuitry. Their rifles hummed with energy cores, glowing faintly beneath the barrels.
Their leader approached and snapped a crisp salute.
"Lieutenant Kloop, Second Division of the Cybernetic Human Corps reporting, sir."
Felix sighed, waving a hand. "At ease, Kloop."
He pointed back at the first transport.
"The targets for pickup are inside, plus a few civilians. Handle the rest. Our mission is complete."
Kloop nodded and signaled his unit forward.
As the transport doors swung open, a wave of emotional release swept through the civilians inside. Tears streamed down their faces, a mixture of relief and exhaustion etched into their features as they caught sight of the military officers. It was as if the weight of a week filled with terror had suddenly lifted.
Felix, however, kept his gaze fixed ahead, his expression resolute. Not one member of his squad turned back to face the heart-wrenching scene. They all understood that they had done everything within their power; the fate of those left behind was now beyond their control.
As the civilians were helped out, Felix and his team quietly boarded an armored vehicle assigned to them. No celebration. No cheering. Just silence.
The gates rumbled open.
Their escort moved forward, slipping into Minerva's protection.
Only when the doors sealed behind them did the entire squad exhale—a long, unsteady breath none of them had realized they were holding.
Inside the armored vehicle, no one spoke. No one had the strength.
They didn't even attempt to compile a comprehensive report detailing their mission as they made their way home. Once they passed through the heavily fortified military district and entered the heart of the city, a vibrant tapestry of colors enveloped them.
Brilliant neon blues danced across glass-paneled buildings, while warm golden hues flickered invitingly from street lamps and shop signs. Drifting holograms floated through the air like ghostly apparitions, casting an ethereal glow on the bustling streets below.
The city pulsed with life, a stark contrast to the grim realities that lurked just beyond its borders, creating a bubble of safety and oblivion for its inhabitants, blissfully unaware of the horrors that lay outside their illuminated sanctuary.
None of them commented. They just… closed their eyes.
Within minutes, the hum of the engine lulled them into sleep. Heads leaned against glass, shoulders slumped, weapons resting loosely on their laps.
An hour passed.
Finally, the vehicle slowed, pulling into the driveway of a large residential building in the inner city. Clean white stone, tall windows, flower-lamps glowing softly along the path—peaceful, warm, a different world entirely.
The doors opened, and they stepped out, bones aching, clothes stiff with dirt and dried blood.
Waiting in the foyer was Mary, dressed neatly, with two housemaids behind her. Her eyes widened with relief as she saw them.
"Welcome back, everyone."
Felix managed a tired smile.
"It's good to be back, Mary."
She nodded warmly.
"I've prepared a big dinner, but I insist you all bathe first."
No one objected—Kara, Eryn, Jace, the rest—they only nodded numbly.
But before anyone could move, Felix turned toward Jace and Eryn. His eyes sharpened slightly—not angry, but expectant.
"And I want the full story from both of you," he said. "During dinner."
He didn't wait for their response. He simply walked down the hall toward his room.
Jace and Eryn exchanged a glance, then looked at the rest of the team.
No one said a word.
Exhausted, they all drifted to their respective rooms, the quiet of the house settling around them like a heavy, needed blanket.