1020 hours, 1 July 0145...

Me, Axel, Lisabelle, Nolan, and Kyoko all crowded into Commander Katoki's office, listening intently to the mission briefing between Katoki and Marisa while we were chatting with each other out of boredom.

As we waited for Christine to arrive, Commander Katoki laid out the briefing as he stood in front of the desk with a firm tone.

"Welcome back, Scorching Hunter. We are now beginning the mission briefing that the director had reported to us."

"It is such a missed opportunity that Red Cheetah cannot join us because they and Commander Darrell should never miss their important affair. But nonetheless, they will catch up with us if things are going south."

After all of us responded with a curt nod, Commander Marisa opened her laptop as she clicked the keys to present us the mission goal.

"Recently, Onigashi led her infected unit in a march for around 170km beyond the boundaries of Grande Maria's city. Their primary focus is to assemble the infected against the oppressive Cleanser Squadron."

"Initially, Grande Maria boasts an impressive array of CCTVs and security measures that can identify criminal activities through its social system. The Cleanser Squadron easily plunges dissidents into their labor camp, Volonta Del Cielo, and the CCTVs will collect and store your biometric information every time you encounter them."

"To fulfill this, Onigashi had to seek the server's source, demolishing the social system in the process, which was stored beneath the Saint Capriccio Great Church as their backup headquarter."

"Cleanser Squadron developed their social system specifically to detect and suppress the anticipated infected uprising, utilizing advanced technology and strategic planning. However, the situation took a dark turn when they manipulated the system to their advantage, leading to the purge of so-called heretical innocents."

"Onigashi plotted her anarchist troops as a diversion to drain the weaponry of the Cleanser Squadron, allowing her to eradicate the social system without interference. Once her anarchists exhaust their troops, she plans to attack the entire squadron from the rear."

"Henceforth, The Great Pope Enzio Busso volunteered himself for the July 5th election in Grande Maria to become the governor of that city and to combat Crescent's anarchy with his highest authority."

"Even Onigashi and her troops planned their assassination of the Great Pope during Election Day."

"On the Fourth of July, Christine will perform a soulful melody at Grand Maria's majestic church during the opening of the joint prayer, offering her heartfelt wishes for The Great Pope's success in the election. But one should be vigilant in case Onigashi causes havoc."

"Despite their corrupt practices, you must guard Pope Enzio Busso and the Cleanser Squadron against the Onigashi menace."

Lisabelle's sharp motion startled the room as she raised her hand and inquired.

"Commander, what should we do if the Cleanser Squadron discovers our plans, despite our obligation to protect them?"

Katoki responded in a clear, steady voice.

"Let them expose themselves before you take action."

If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Nolan eagerly raised his hand, his voice quivering with a question.

"Who are the candidates, if I may ask?"

Commander Katoki tapped on the laptop's keyboard, displaying the pictures of the candidates, as he explained in a clear voice.

"The Great Pope Enzio Busso and General Martha Cittaggio."

"In fact, all favoritism went to General Cittaggio. But the Great Pope can alter the election result with his social security server."

"In an exception, if Crescent demolishes the social security server, it would cause Pope Busso's failure and General Cittaggio's success. But in the end, the major casualties will be those in the middle."

"However, the assassination of both candidates would cause chaos in that city and throughout San Martino."

Commander Katoki was mid-sentence when Christine suddenly entered the office after creaking open the door, her sudden voice cutting through the silence.

"Commander, my apologies that I came late."

Commander Katoki gave a curt nod, and Christine approached the briefing table. As soon as everyone was present, Katoki resumed his presentation.

"Our aim is to protect Pope Enzio Busso, the Cleanser Squadron, the electioneering security, and that city from the danger of Crescent."

"Sadly, our trip was not a vacation because we will undertake a mission to save the citizens of Grande Maria from imminent peril."

"Everyone must assemble at Hangar 4 at 0500 tomorrow. We will board a private jet from St. Minerva Island to San Martino and arrive at Grande Maria International Airport."

"The trip will last for seven hours. We expect to arrive at 1200 hours, unless we have access to a faster private jet that could get us there in six hours or less."

"And to ensure the safety of the mission, I, Commander Marisa, and the tour host will guide you to prevent any of your nonchalant actions."

"Is that comprehensible?"

Our voices blended as we all responded in unison.

"Loud and clear!"

"Good, now, justice for freedom!"

After that, we spoke the jargon boisterously.

"Justice for freedom!"

"Good. Now, dismissed!"

"But for Tsuyuki, please remain inside for the time being. There's something I wanted to discuss with him."

Silence settled in after the latter had left the office, while I remained the only one. I'd assume he'll bring up Crescent because he knew I was familiar with this infamous terrorist group. So I asked Commander Katoki, my words punctuating the stillness of the office.

"You told me to stay because it's all about Onigashi, right?"

All of a sudden, he patted my shoulders and advised with a worried look across his face.

"When you meet her again, be mindful and avoid repeating the same mistakes as last time."

His advice was very tiring to hear because I kept practicing my combat skills, hoping to fight Onigashi. I took a deep breath and asked my question.

"You warned me because her virus is getting stronger, right?"

I remained silent, taking in Katoki's voice as he explained.

"Just because she's always finding new ways to challenge herself, it doesn't mean that you can easily ride through her coattail. I don't want your carelessness to endanger anyone or yourself."

"And if you wish to take care of Enzio Busso's corrupt practice, do it in the right situation."

As he explained, he suddenly looked down and saw the worry on his face.

"The concern extends beyond Pope Enzio Busso himself to include the engagement of Antonio and Christine as well."

"Can you keep her safe from them? I've heard her mental state decline every time she runs into a soldier from there."

I gave a single nod and responded with a sharp but cold glare.

"As you wish, Commander, I'll bring them to hell if they dare touch her."

I left the office and returned to my dorm room to pack my bags for my mission to Grande Maria tomorrow morning.

No matter how much I try to ignore it, I'm certain Onigashi will go after my head in there. I don't know why she's pursuing me so relentlessly. Maybe she is seeking a fight or revenge for the previous mistakes I've ever made toward her?

I have no recollection of ever having done anything to her. I am so engrossed in my own world that I fail to perceive her endeavoring to capture my attention. Unless I cautiously approach her, I allow her to respond to my inquiry without glancing at her blade.

First, I must ensure that the Cleanser Squadron is well taken care of.

Second, I must expose Enzio Busso's manipulations that he used for his political ambitions.

Third, I have to take care of Antonio if he suddenly causes any trouble for Christine, which could affect her psychological impact.

Lastly, I must confront Onigashi in her relentless pursuit, standing my ground.

But I dread feeling something imminent in Grande Maria, or perhaps even in the entirety of San Martino. Acknowledging that the country was fucked hard by the corruption of every party.