The room hung heavy with silence as the Shuryo attended to her myriad interfaces and logs. Lt. Yuki "Radiant Rose" Nakamura, the sentinel, stood at attention, awaiting her chief's response.The gravity of the situation was evident from the Shuryo's unusually serious demeanor - well, more serious than usual -, her face unmasked today, revealing the scars of her years in service. A prominent scar slashed down her left side from forehead to jaw, while the skin beneath her right lower lip and chin bore the disfiguring marks of an old burn.
Surveying her subordinate with weary eyes and pronounced bags beneath them, the Shuryo spoke plainly, "Lieutenant, I won't sugarcoat it—we have a problem."
"Yes, ma'am?" responded Radiant Rose, her tone brimming with duty.
Flipping her screen around, the Shuryo displayed the troubling situation to Radiant Rose. "We've got a magical breach here in the Asahoro region," she explained, gesturing towards the readings.
"Yes, ma'am. Can't the local sentinel battery handle it? Sounds like routine business," queried Radiant Rose.
"They're on it and have contained the situation, but this portal is different," the Shuryo admitted. "It refuses to close, and its dark magic levels are skyrocketing. Our analysts suspect a potential Sonohoka involvement."
Radiant Rose felt a chill run down her spine. A Sonohoka here? In their territory?
"We haven't confirmed a Sonohoka presence yet, but the signs point to it brewing. We have no choice but to send a team in to shut it down before it materializes," the Shuryo explained.
Radiant Rose knew exactly why the Shuryo was confiding in her. It was clear she would lead the charge.
"You want me to assemble a team for this, ma'am?" she inquired.
The Shuryo nodded solemnly. "Yes, I need you to gather a team and handle this. Whoever you trust the most get them together."
Radiant Rose saluted, “Yes, ma’am.”
The Shuryo slid a tablet over to Radiant Rose, who picked it up and scanned its contents: statistics, battle plans, and vital information.
"I want you to lead the team inside the portal. Once there, your objective is to locate the catalyst causing the disturbance. Eliminate it by any means necessary," the Shuryo instructed, her tone heavy.
With a sigh, she folded her hands in front of her. "I won't sugarcoat it, Lieutenant. This is a near-suicide mission. I can't guarantee safety or ease, but you'll have every resource at your disposal."
Radiant Rose nodded, her apprehension palpable. Who wouldn't be scared? Yet, this was her duty. She had faced portal incursions her entire life; this was no different.
"You are dismissed. Get to it, Lieutenant," the Shuryo concluded, offering a salute.
Returning the salute, Radiant Rose turned towards the door, her mind already focused on the task ahead. Straight to the barracks, she would go.
“You want us to do what?” Senior Leader Akari "Moonlight Muse" Mizuki stammered, momentarily losing her composure before swiftly regaining it in front of her superior. "I apologize, Ma'am, it's just that—"
Radiant Rose raised her hand, acknowledging Moonlight Muse’s concern. "No need to apologize. I understand the gravity of what I am asking of you."
Moonlight Muse took a moment to gather her thoughts. "I mean, once we enter that portal, it's going to be chaotic, and even if we survive that, navigating an unfamiliar realm to find something we've never seen before..."
"I understand your apprehension. That's precisely why I chose you," Radiant Rose reassured her.
And she meant it. Few NCOs had ascended the ranks as rapidly as Moonlight Muse. Her decorated service record spoke volumes.
Radiant Rose continued, her voice steady. "You have the skills and the courage needed for this mission. We're counting on you to lead the team through whatever challenges may arise."
Moonlight Muse shifted uneasily, her apprehension evident in her furrowed brow. She knew the enormity of the task ahead, and it weighed heavily on her shoulders.
Radiant Rose noticed her hesitation and offered a reassuring smile. "I understand your concerns, Moonlight Muse. But rest assured, you won't be alone in this. We have support measures in place."
Moonlight Muse's gaze lifted, "What kind of support, Ma'am?"
Radiant Rose outlined the resources at their disposal, detailing backup plans and reinforcements. "However," she added, her tone serious, "when it comes to decision-making on the ground, you'll have absolute discretion. Trust your instincts and do what you believe is best for the mission."
Moonlight Muse's unease remained palpable, her brows knit with worry. Sensing her apprehension, Radiant Rose placed a comforting hand on Moonlight Muse's shoulder. "You're not alone in this, Moonlight Muse. I'll be accompanying the squad alongside you."
A flicker of relief crossed Moonlight Muse's face, but the cloud of doubt still lingered. "I appreciate that, Ma'am, but I can't shake the feeling that this is suicide."
Radiant Rose's expression softened, "I won't sugarcoat it, Moonlight Muse. It might be a dangerous mission, but we'll do everything in our power. We'll trust in our training and rely on each other, as the Ōrumaiti wills it."
Moonlight Muse nodded. Radiant Rose removed her hand and handed Moonlight Muse a tablet. “I need you to assemble a team. Pull in anyone you need from anywhere. Find the best people you can trust, and report back to me once your team is ready."
"Understood, Ma'am. I'll gather the team and ensure they're prepared for what lies ahead." Moonlight Muse said, straightening herself up.
Radiant Rose offered a nod of encouragement. "Take your time, but don't delay. We need to move swiftly."
With a final salute, Moonlight Muse turned to leave. As Moonlight Muse left to prepare her team, Radiant Rose let her façade slip, allowing the weight of the impending mission to settle upon her. The gravity of the situation was undeniable, and for a moment, she allowed herself to acknowledge the fear and uncertainty that lurked beneath the surface. With a heavy heart, Radiant Rose drew upon her faith in the Ōrumaiti, finding solace in the belief that she would guide them through the trials ahead.
