The group gathered around, exchanging glances as they started putting on their combat gear. The room buzzed with low murmurs as they speculated about what kind of mission Garo had planned for them.
Haru strapped on his gauntlets and adjusted his belt, glancing over at Luis, who was pulling on his boots. "What do you think this mission could be? Something straightforward, or another one of those crazy tests?"
Luis shrugged, his expression thoughtful. "Garo’s not one to make things easy. It’s probably going to be something challenging, maybe even something we’ve never faced before."
Aurora, tightening the straps on her own gear, chimed in. "Whatever it is, it’s going to test us as a team. We’ve been thrown together for a reason, and I’m guessing this mission is meant to see how well we can work under pressure."
Blaze, already dressed and leaning against the wall, smirked. "I hope it’s something that gives us a real fight. I’m itching to see what everyone’s made of."
Ashelyn, tying her hair back, nodded in agreement. "It better be worth all this trouble. Getting woken up in the middle of the night for something easy would be a waste."
Just then, Aurora rummaged through the large bag Garo had left behind. Her hand brushed against something solid, and she pulled out a sealed document. "I think I found something that might give us an idea of what we’re up against," she said, holding up the brief.
Lawrence, already geared up, took the document from her with a serious expression. "Let’s see what Garo’s got in store for us," he said, breaking the seal and unfolding the paper.
The room fell silent as Lawrence began to read aloud, his voice steady but carrying the weight of the information within.
"Kodoshi, The Breacher of Lacul Umbrelor," Lawrence started, glancing up to see everyone’s reactions.
The name alone made Haru’s brows furrow, his mind racing to connect it with anything he had learned about Breachers before. The others leaned in closer, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern.
"Lacul Umbrelor, once a serene and mystical lake nestled between the towering peaks of the Munții Umbrei, has become the cursed domain of Kodoshi, The Breacher. This grotesque entity has poisoned the very heart of the lake, turning its once-pure waters into a toxic, sludge-filled wasteland."
Luis’s eyes narrowed, and he crossed his arms. "A whole lake corrupted by one Breacher… that’s not a good sign."
Lawrence continued, "Kodoshi’s presence has corrupted the entire area surrounding Lacul Umbrelor. The surface of the lake has transformed into a bubbling, viscous morass, with tendrils of sludge reaching out like the grasping hands of a drowning soul."
Aurora shivered slightly, the vivid description sending a chill down her spine. "This thing sounds like a nightmare."
Lawrence nodded, not breaking his focus. "Villagers who have dared to venture near the lake speak of monstrous, misshapen forms emerging from the water—clones of Kodoshi, smaller yet no less terrifying, which seem to act with a will of their own."
Saki’s eyes widened. "Clones? So it’s not just one Breacher we have to worry about. This could get messy."
"It gets worse," Lawrence added, his tone grim. "Unlike other Breachers, Kodoshi is driven by a disturbing blend of malevolence and frustration. It wants to destroy and conquer like all Breachers, but it’s also plagued by an unfulfilled, instinctual desire to mate—a desire that its own unnatural composition prevents it from ever satisfying."
Blaze’s smirk faded as he leaned forward. "So it’s not just dangerous; it’s unstable. This thing could be even more unpredictable than we thought."
Lawrence continued, "Kodoshi is a Beta-level Breacher, although it’s considered to be on the lower end of that scale. But it’s growing quickly from its consumption, and if it gets stronger, it may become more intelligent and powerful, seemingly on the verge of Alpha."
A hush fell over the group as they processed the information.
"The Kalkan Federation has issued this mission as a top priority," Lawrence read on. "We’re to eliminate Kodoshi before it reaches Alpha rank, while causing as little collateral damage as possible. This is no simple task, given the creature’s size, strength, and unpredictable nature."
Aurora exchanged a glance with Haru, both of them understanding the gravity of the situation. "If we don’t stop this thing now, it could become a threat to the entire region."
Luis, ever the strategist, spoke up. "We need to figure out how to approach this. We’ve got the element of surprise, but we need to use it wisely. We can’t afford any mistakes."
Lawrence folded the document and looked around at the group. "This mission is going to test us in ways we haven’t been tested before. But we’re Arknights—we can handle it."
Haru nodded, his mind already working on a plan. "We need to be smart about this. Kodoshi might be powerful, but we’ve got our own strengths. We just have to use them right."
As the group settled into a serious discussion about their strategy, the weight of the mission ahead of them became clear. This was their first real test as a team, and they knew they had to rise to the challenge.
//////////////
The group sat down in a circle, their expressions serious as they began to dissect the mission. Haru leaned forward, his fingers tapping rhythmically on his knee as he initiated the discussion. "Alright, we know some things about Kodoshi, but there are still a lot of unknowns. Let’s break down what we’ve got so far and what’s missing."
Aurora, still holding the mission brief, nodded. "We know Kodoshi has corrupted Lacul Umbrelor and that it’s a Beta-level Breacher on the verge of becoming an Alpha. It’s got these clones that act on their own, and it’s driven by some kind of frustrated instinct to mate, which makes it unpredictable."
Luis frowned, his mind clearly working through the possibilities. "But what we don’t know is the full extent of its abilities. Sure, it can create clones, but can it control them? And how intelligent is it, really? We’re going in with some solid intel, but it feels like we’re missing key pieces of the puzzle."
Ashelyn, her brow furrowed in thought, added, "And then there’s the environment. Lacul Umbrelor isn’t just any lake. It’s in the Munții Umbrei, a place already known for its supernatural elements. We don’t know how Kodoshi might be interacting with whatever ancient forces are at play there. We might be walking into something even more dangerous than we’re expecting."
Blaze, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up. "And there’s the matter of those clones. If Kodoshi can just keep creating more of them, we could be looking at a prolonged fight. We need to figure out a way to cut off that ability or we’ll be overwhelmed."
Emma nodded, agreeing. "We also don’t know how the presence of both humans and vampires in the nearby villages might complicate things. If this turns into a political mess, it could make our mission even harder."
Haru leaned back, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Speaking of the villages, the brief mentioned Valea Sângelui, one of those cross-villages where humans and vampires live together. It’s right on the border between the human and vampire regions of the Federation. That means there’s a lot more at stake than just taking down a Breacher. If we mess up, it could lead to tensions between the two sides."
Luis crossed his arms, looking at the map again. "The lake is on the other side of the country, further north. It’s going to be a long journey just to get there, which means we’ll have plenty of time to think about our approach. But even so, a two-week journey seems too long, especially if this thing is growing stronger by the day."
Saki, who had been studying the map closely, suddenly pointed at a strange X mark located a few hours from the village they were currently in. "What about this? It’s marked in a different color, almost as if it’s been added after the fact. Could this be a clue from our teachers?"
Aurora leaned in to get a better look. "It’s not exactly on the way, but it’s close enough to the village that it wouldn’t take us too far out of our path. If it’s something Garo and Takurov want us to check out, we should definitely consider it."
Blaze smirked, his competitive nature shining through. "Well, whatever it is, it’s probably meant to give us an edge—or test us even further. Either way, we should check it out."
Haru nodded, his mind made up. "Agreed. We’ll head to this X mark first. It could be crucial to our mission, or at the very least, it might give us more information that we’re currently missing."
The group exchanged determined glances, the weight of the mission settling on them even more. The unknowns were daunting, but they knew they had the skills and the teamwork to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Their journey was just beginning, and already they were moving into uncharted territory.
As they stood up, gathering their gear, the sense of anticipation mixed with a hint of anxiety filled the room. They knew this mission was not just a test of their abilities but also a test of their resolve and unity. And with that, they set their sights on the mysterious X mark, ready to uncover whatever secrets it held.
//////////////
The remaining Arknights gathered in the Homeroom the next day, the absence of their classmates heavy in the air. The room felt oddly quiet without the usual buzz of energy that filled it when everyone was present. Aslan, Elif, Enri, Yue, Penelope, Junko, and Matteo sat in their assigned seats, exchanging puzzled glances.
Aslan was the first to break the silence, his voice tinged with concern. "So, where do you think they went? Thirteen of them are just… gone. That's half the class."
Elif, ever the observant one, nodded in agreement. "It’s not like we haven’t been sent on missions before, but this feels different. It’s too many people all at once. And the fact that they left without saying anything…"
Penelope leaned forward, her brow furrowed in thought. "I’ve been thinking about that too. They could be on some kind of special assignment, something that requires a bigger group. But why not tell us anything? We’re all Arknights in training; it’s not like we can’t handle it."
Matteo, always the skeptic, crossed his arms. "Or maybe it’s something else entirely. Maybe they’re being tested in some way—something more intense than what we’ve been through so far. It wouldn’t surprise me if the teachers wanted to see how they handle a high-pressure situation."
Junko glanced around the room, her voice barely above a whisper. "What if it’s something dangerous? I mean, really dangerous. We’ve all heard the stories about Arknights being sent on missions that they might not come back from…"
Yue, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. "But wouldn’t they have told us if it was something like that? I mean, they wouldn’t just disappear without a word unless it was something they couldn’t talk about. Maybe it’s top-secret."
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Enri, who had been sitting silently, staring at his desk, finally looked up. "Whatever it is, I hope they’re okay. I know we’ve all trained hard, but… thirteen of them, all at once? That’s not normal. We should be prepared in case something happens."
The room fell into silence again as they all considered the possibilities. None of them had any concrete answers, only speculations and concerns. The mystery of their classmates’ sudden departure weighed heavily on their minds.
Aslan, trying to lighten the mood, forced a small smile. "Well, whatever it is, I’m sure they’ll be back soon. We just have to hold down the fort until then, right?"
Elif nodded, though her expression remained serious. "Yeah, we’ll manage. But we need to stay sharp. Whatever they’re dealing with, we might have to face something similar sooner than we think."
The group exchanged determined looks, silently agreeing to be ready for whatever came their way. The mystery of their missing classmates lingered, but they knew they had to focus on their own training and be prepared for the challenges ahead.
The door to the classroom creaked open, and everyone turned to see Takurov entering. Normally full of energy, today there was a different vibe about him—serious, almost solemn, as he strode to the front of the room.
He faced the class, his usual flamboyance replaced with a tone of authority. “Listen up, everyone,” he said, his voice carrying weight. “Today’s session will be different. I need you all to head to the changing rooms and put on your battle gear. Once you’re ready, meet me at the front of the university.”
Confusion rippled through the room. This wasn’t what they expected, especially for a session that was supposed to focus on basic training. Enri furrowed his brow, voicing the question on everyone’s mind. “Battle gear? But it’s not practical training.”
Matteo, seated beside him, nodded in agreement. “Yeah, this doesn’t make sense. What’s going on?”
Aslan, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke up. “Maybe it’s a mission,” he suggested, though uncertainty laced his words. The thought of a mission, especially one sprung on them without notice, left him feeling uneasy.
With no other options, the students filed out of the classroom and headed to their respective changing rooms. Aslan entered his, his mind still reeling with thoughts of what could be ahead. When he reached his locker, he found something unexpected—a new suit and weapon laid out for him. The suit was dark and intimidating, with a sleek, modern design that contrasted with the more traditional battle gear he was accustomed to. The weapon, a scythe with a long, curved blade, looked equally menacing.
Aslan hesitated, taking in the sight of the new gear. It was powerful, no doubt, but the ominous look of it made him feel uneasy. Still, he began to put on the suit, knowing he had no other choice.
As he adjusted the hood over his head, Enri and Matteo walked in, already dressed in their battle gear. They both paused to admire Aslan’s new look.
“Nice gear,” Enri commented, though there was a hint of envy in his voice.
Matteo nodded in agreement. “Yeah, you look like you’re ready to take on anything.”
Aslan managed a small smile, though the unease still lingered. “Thanks,” he replied. “But I still can’t shake the feeling that something big is about to happen.”
Enri frowned, adjusting the straps on his own gear. “You think it’s a mission?”
Matteo shrugged. “Could be, but if it is, why weren’t we told anything?”
Aslan could only nod in agreement. The mystery deepened as they finished getting ready. Together, the three of them left the changing room and made their way to the front of the university. As they approached, they saw the girls already standing there, also dressed in their battle gear and waiting by a large, ornate carriage.
The carriage was unlike anything they had seen before. Designed in the grand Aurelian style, it featured intricate gold accents and plush interiors visible even from the outside. But what really caught their attention were the large white reindeers hitched to the front—majestic creatures that replaced the usual raptors they were used to seeing.
The girls waved at the boys as they approached, offering tired smiles. Aslan could see that they, too, were curious about what was happening.
“Any idea what’s going on?” Aslan asked, looking between Elif, Yue, and Junko.
Elif shook her head. “We're still just as clueless as you.”
Yue, who had been quietly observing the carriage, pointed to the middle seat inside. “There’s a letter in there.”
The group exchanged looks, each of them feeling the weight of the unknown pressing down on them. They knew that whatever was in that letter would likely explain everything—or at least give them some direction.
They climbed into the plush carriage, the seats sinking beneath them as they settled in. The air was thick with anticipation as they gathered around the letter in the middle, its seal unbroken. No one dared to make the first move, the weight of the moment pressing down on them.
Finally, Aslan reached out, breaking the seal and opening the letter. The entire group leaned in closer, their breaths held as they waited for the contents to be revealed.
But before they could begin reading, the carriage door closed behind them with a soft click. The reindeers outside stirred, and the carriage jolted forward, beginning its journey to an unknown destination.
The letter lay open on Aslan’s lap, but no one moved to read it just yet. Instead, they exchanged anxious glances, each of them wondering what was in store for them as the carriage carried them away from the familiar confines of the academy and into the unknown.
As they passed through the ancient gates of the university, the students felt a sense of finality—whatever was about to happen, there was no turning back now. The only thing left to do was to wait and see where the journey would take them.
As the carriage rumbled along the cobblestone streets, the group sat in tense silence, the ornate envelope resting in Aslan’s hands. The flickering light from the lantern inside the carriage cast long shadows on their faces, reflecting the uncertainty that hung in the air. After a moment’s hesitation, Aslan broke the seal, his fingers trembling slightly as he pulled out the letter. He cleared his throat and began to read aloud.
"Dear Young Arknights," the letter began in Takurov’s unmistakable flamboyant tone, "By now, you’ve probably noticed that you’re not with the rest of your class. That’s because I have a special mission just for you lot. While your classmates are off battling Beta-level Breachers in the north and purging dungeons in Ursab Forest, you’ve been given the distinct honor of dealing with a… shall we say, more 'civilized' problem."
Aslan paused, glancing up at the others, who were already reacting with a mix of confusion and curiosity. He continued reading, his voice steady despite the growing tension.
"In the port city of Swan-bay City, southwest of Bulistan, in the esteemed United Kingdom of Aurelian, a group of upstarts has taken it upon themselves to play at being Arknights. They call themselves the 'Moonlight Blades'—no doubt inspired by the legend of the Sunset Blades—and have been stirring up quite a bit of trouble. They’ve driven out the legitimate Arknights stationed there and have been causing all sorts of mischief. Vigilantism, it seems, has gone to their heads."
Junko frowned, her eyebrows knitting together as she leaned forward, listening intently. “Wannabe Arknights? That’s… unusual.”
Penelope crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. “If they’ve driven out the stationed Arknights, they can’t be that weak.”
Aslan continued, the tone of the letter growing more serious. "Now, normally, the United Kingdom of Aurelian would send in their own forces to deal with this lot, arrest them, and likely give them a nice, shiny execution. But here’s the thing—these Moonlight Blades, from what we can tell, are just kids, not much older than you. Maybe they weren’t accepted into the academy, or maybe they just decided they didn’t need our precious guidance. Either way, the higher-ups are hesitant to go in too heavy-handed against what are essentially rogue teenagers."
“Teenagers?” Elif echoed, her voice tinged with disbelief. “And they’ve managed to cause that much trouble?”
Yue nodded slowly, her expression pensive. “It makes you wonder how strong they really are.”
Aslan read on, his voice now carrying a hint of concern as he absorbed the words. "Your job, dear students, is to head to Swan-bay City, find these wayward youths, and, let’s say, encourage them to reconsider their career choices. Convince them to join the institution, or at the very least, to stop their ridiculous vigilante acts. But let me be clear—you’re not there to play nice. If they resist, you’re authorized to use whatever means necessary to put them in their place. And don’t worry, I’ll be watching from the shadows to make sure none of you get yourselves killed. Wouldn’t want to explain that to your parents, now would we? Good luck!"
Aslan finished the letter and looked up, his eyes meeting the gazes of his fellow students. The gravity of their mission settled over them like a heavy blanket. They were being sent to deal with rogue Arknights, teenagers like themselves, but ones who had chosen a different path—a path that had led them to become a threat.
Matteo was the first to break the silence, his voice steady and authoritative. “It sounds like we’re dealing with people who could have been us, but for whatever reason, they weren’t given the same opportunities. That makes them dangerous, especially if they feel like they have something to prove.”
Enri nodded, his expression grim. “They might be our age, but if they’ve driven out Arknights, we can’t underestimate them. This isn’t going to be easy.”
Aslan folded the letter carefully, his face thoughtful. “We need to approach this with caution. We have to be firm, but we also need to remember that these are kids who might be desperate.”
Yue sighed, crossing her arms. “I don’t like this. It feels like we’re being set up to fight people who could have been our classmates.”
Penelope, ever the pragmatist, shook her head. “We don’t have a choice. If we don’t do it, someone else will, and they might not be as merciful. We have to try to get through to them.”
Elif looked around at the group, her voice calm but resolute. “We’ll do what we have to do. But we need a leader to guide us through this.”
All eyes turned to Matteo, who had been silent for the last few moments. He met their gazes one by one, then gave a short nod. “I’ll take the lead. We’ll plan our approach when we get closer, but for now, let’s stay focused. We need to be prepared for anything.”
As the carriage continued its journey, the group sat in silence, each lost in their thoughts about the mission ahead. They knew this was going to be a test—not just of their strength and skills, but of their judgement and humanity.
//////////////
As Callus, Autumn, and Azrael emerged from the dark canopy of Ursab Forest, they stepped into the morning light, their mission accomplished far quicker than any of them had anticipated. The forest behind them, once teeming with the malevolent presence of Breachers, now lay silent, its ominous energy dissipated by the efficiency of their work. They had been prepared for a grueling task that could have taken days, but the reality was much different—Callus’s overwhelming power and Azrael’s swift precision had turned what should have been a marathon into a sprint.
Autumn walked slightly behind the two boys, her brow furrowed in thought. She had been ready to give her all in the mission, to prove her worth alongside two of the most formidable members of their class. Instead, she found herself barely having to lift a finger. "I... I feel like I didn’t do much down there," she admitted, a hint of frustration in her voice.
Callus, his usual stoic expression softened as he looked back at her, nodded in understanding. "You were there, Autumn. That’s what matters. The situation called for brute force and precision, and Azrael and I handled it because that’s what we do best. Next time, when the challenge requires your particular talents, you’ll shine."
Azrael, ever the enigmatic figure, gave her a rare smile. "He’s right. Besides, we couldn’t have done it without knowing you were watching our backs. Trust me, you’re more valuable than you think."
Autumn couldn’t help but smile at their words, though her pride still stung slightly. "Thanks, both of you. I guess I’ll just have to wait for my moment."
As they walked, Callus glanced at her, his eyes steady and calm. "Your moment will come, Autumn. And when it does, you’ll be ready."
She felt a bit more at ease as they continued their journey out of the forest, the weight of her earlier concerns lifting. Turning to Callus, she added, "By the way, that was some incredible work back there. Two Beta-level Breachers in just a few hours? It’s no wonder you’re at the top of the class."
Callus shrugged, his expression as unreadable as ever. "It had to be done. No use dragging it out if we didn’t need to."
Azrael, who had been quietly reflecting on his own role in the mission, added, "Callus handled the big threats, but I took care of the small fry. Teamwork made it easy."
The three of them shared a quiet laugh, the camaraderie between them stronger now than it had been before the mission. The experience had shown them the power of working together, and though it had been easier than expected, it was still a victory worth celebrating.
"So what now?" Autumn asked as they reached the edge of the forest, the path leading back to the academy laid out before them. "We’ve got a few days off, right?"
Callus nodded, already setting a steady pace towards the academy. "That’s right. We’ll head back, get some rest, and be ready for whatever comes next."
Azrael’s eyes gleamed with amusement. "It’s like a holiday, except we actually earned it."
As they walked on, the academy feeling closer with each step, Autumn allowed herself to relax fully, the tension of the mission falling away. They had done their part, and done it well. Now it was time to rest and recharge, and perhaps even enjoy a bit of normalcy—whatever that meant for Arknights in training.
But even as they joked and looked forward to their brief respite, their thoughts were with their fellow Arknights, who were facing their own challenges. Callus, in particular, couldn’t help but wonder how the others were faring in their missions. But he had faith in them—they were strong, and they would succeed just as he and his team had.