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Ch. 42 - Exposition (Part 1)

Several days have passed since Amber and her friends have had their day off. Their relaxation time ended as the nation's soldiers put their full focus on their greatest current threat - Jack the Ripper.

London City Airport is just one of several airports in which travelers move to and from the country via airplanes. The bustling noise of civilians in the port and the humming sounds of planes taking off and landing were simply routine and audible.

Today was not like any other, as Chief Barry along with other military personnel was seen at the airport. Barry seemed to be expectant of someone, with how he was standing around patiently.

His patience was rewarded as the person he waited for disembarked an aircraft and approached them. All eyes became fixed on that individual as she walked past them and threw out several waves.

It was none other than Ada Foster. Barry and his men were immediately greeted by Ada's beauty. She wore a black double-breasted cardigan trenchcoat with a furred puff around the collar. She didn't fasten the belt of the coat, which left her coat open for them to see the size-fitted suit Ada wore on the inside, which accentuated her bust and curves.

Charlotte, Leon, and Nolan were with their dear Ada, all wearing black designer suits.

She looks even more beautiful in person. Barry thought. Tsk, I don't normally think that way, especially not after meeting someone for the first time.

"Good day, Chief Barry!" Ada greeted me with a bright smile.

"Yes, good day. I'm glad you made it safe," Barry expressed.

"Is everyone ready for the meeting?" Ada questioned. "I hope I'm not too late, am I?"

"No, don't worry, Ms. President. You are right on time," Barry assured. "My concern is that you may be tired from your flight. Are you sure you don't want the meeting postponed until you're fully refreshed?"

"Nonsense! I am perfectly fine!" Ada said. "Besides, the welfare of our people is at risk! The sooner we do this meeting, the faster we can plan!"

"Yes, you're right," Barry agreed. She has a positive and energetic personality, especially after what the S-Class criminals did to her and her country. I suppose that's a requirement to lead your country, especially after the death of its previous president.

"Let's head there promptly then," Barry advised, and Ada happily agreed. With that said, they made their way to various military vehicles parked and waiting for them.

* * *

Various soldiers and officers gathered in a large conference room of a military base in London. They were all there, from regular soldiers and blessed soldiers to Kreuger, the Queen Deathbringer, Ryzen, and the Enlightenment Program's instructors and soldiers.

While waiting for Chief Barry and Ada to join, they conversed amongst themselves.

"Wow, to think today's the day we're commencing the 'Jack elimination' mission," Aiden remarked. Although Aiden still possessed the burn scars all over the upper half of his body, his arm and eye were no longer bandaged. He had to keep his damaged eye closed, which revealed a nasty scar over his eyelid. "Never thought I'd be a bit nervous for this."

"Well, it isn't just Jack. It will be all the S-Class criminals," Sariel corrected. "But I suppose Jack's the most dangerous, especially since he appeared in our country."

"I told you guys you were being trained to become suitable assets against that bastard," Kreuger stated as he leaned back in his chair, showing no signs of nervousness. "I doubt you reached that standard, but good job getting stronger, at least."

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Aiden, Sariel, and Ariel ignored Kreuger and shifted their gaze to Amber. While nervousness and slight anxiety clouded the group, Amber was different, for she had solemnity written on her face.

This is it. I've taken my mind off it and filled my thoughts with the lovely people I've met in this program, but I can't ignore this any longer. Amber pondered. I will now...get to confront this demon!

"A-Amber? Are you okay?" Ariel questioned with concern. This inquiry snapped Amber out of her thoughts.

"O-Oh, yes! Don't worry about me," Amber assured. "I'm just preparing myself for this meeting."

"Oh, I suppose it would be hard to be in this meeting. Since you'll have to hear of such a heinous monster," Sariel assumed. "But just remember, we're always with you."

"Y-Yeah..." Amber muttered. That's not exactly why I'm like this, though...

Meanwhile, Kreuger stared at Amber. He knew exactly the reason for her seriousness, and so did Ryzen, who whispered to him.

"Psst, isn't it funny?" Ryzen whispered. "Being the only ones that know Amber's true suffering--"

"Shut it, mate," Kreuger quickly interrupted him before the rest heard anything. In response, Ryzen giggled before keeping to himself.

Just when the conversations began to cool down, the main guests of the meeting arrived - Barry Alexander and Ada Foster.

All eyes quickly shifted to their presence but mostly fixated on Ada's beauty. Being the center of attention put a smile on Ada's face as everyone gazed in varying awe. Everyone except Amber, Kreuger, and Ryzen.

"Wow, so that's the US President, Ada Foster!" Baran said. "Heh, Nice."

"Her style...is impeccable," Ivory added.

"This may be the first time I felt embarrassment wearing jester makeup in front of someone..." Trixie stated. Altius, who was fully healed now, simply scoffed at her comment.

"Heh, I would say how would the President have enough time on her hands to come here," Kreuger commented. "But her country is screwed over by criminals. Not much to lead there, after all."

"Greetings, everyone. I hope you haven't waited too long," Barry said while everyone shuffled to their seats. "Since Ada has just come from her flight, let's not make this meeting too lengthy."

Simultaneously, Charlotte came through the door and handed Ada a book.

No one paid much attention to Charlotte as they assumed she was simply a bodyguard for her. No one except Amber, gazed at Charlotte with slight suspicion in her eyes.

Strange...why am I sensing something negative...from that woman? Amber thought. She didn't pursue that thought further and shunned it away.

"Well as you are all aware, this meeting will give us insight into one of the S-Class criminals," Barry said as he picked up a remote which turned on a holographic screen in the projector room.

"Oh my!" Ada uttered.

The screen displayed the five S-Class criminals: Nathan, Jack, Charles, Olivia, and Zack. It could be for the shock value, but Barry purposely chose pictures of them with unhinged smiles and expressions.

"These criminals have brought havoc upon the entirety of the United States, killing countless people and destroying countless property. We have partnered with President Ada to eliminate them, and with Jack baring his fangs on our country, this alliance is more necessary than ever."

Great introduction...could we get on with the important stuff!? Kreuger thought with a semi-annoyed expression. I want to know Jack's abilities!

"To make a successful plan, we must know our enemies' abilities," Barry continued. "And what other way would be better than letting the president who has first-hand experience explain."

"Thank you very much, Chief Barry!" Ada said. Almost immediately, most of the attendees brightened up after hearing her voice.

"First off, even though you are having difficulty with Jack too, I just want to thank you all for helping me in this...hard time," Ada expressed. "I will never forget this."

"No problem!" Barry replied and was supported by everyone's positive responses. They met Ada a few moments ago, and she garnered a fantastic impression on them....or perhaps they were being manipulated?

"Thank you. Getting back on track, I am aware that you guys may have experience in fighting Jack," Ada said as she strutted across the room. She then stopped at Kreuger's chair. "Um, Kreuger? Was it?"

"Huh, oh yeah?" Kreuger casually answered, much to the annoyance of the meeting participants.

Ada didn't seem upset, as she gave him a friendly smile.

"I heard from Chief Barry that you fought Jack the Ripper before joining the military."

"Yeah, I did..."

You did!? Amber thought with a confused expression. Her bewilderment was matched by the expressions of her friends.

"If you remember anything, could you tell us anything Jack displayed in your fight?" Ada asked.

"Well, outside his speed blessing, he had some kinda healing factor," Kreuger responded. "I managed to blow his torso and eye apart, but he regenerated them rather quickly..."

Immediately, whispers among the participants began as they heard new info about their target.

Regeneration. Of course, this demon has something like that... Amber thought.

"It was damn annoying. I would have murdered Jack if it wasn't for that regen, too!" Kreuger added with frustration in his voice.

While everyone reacted to that piece of information, Ada simply chuckled.

"Fufufu...thank you, Mr. Kreuger," Ada expressed. "But there's far more to that than just regeneration..."