"What's the matter Chief?" asked the Fire Element awakener named Ron.
"We received orders from the higher ups. The awakeners are told not to engage in the battle," said the guy referred to as the Chief who was in a military outfit.
"You are joking right? After everything that has happened why are those old fools telling us not to fight?" said Kevin.
"Things have changed. The latest report shows that the monster wave we will be facing is something we won't be able to handle with our current manpower," said the Chief.
"Well, then should we pack our bags and leave? Is that what we are ordered to do? To act like cowards?" Simon asked.
"When it comes to acting like a coward, you are a natural," said Kevin.
"Enough with that, you two. I know we brought you guys here so that you guys could gain real-life experience. But we can't afford to put your lives at risk," said the Chief.
"But Ron here has shown how easy it is to deal with these monsters. There shouldn't be any problems with all of us fighting together," said Kevin.
"Then let's ask Ron here. Tell me, what was it like fighting three monsters at the same time?" The Chief asked Ron.
"It was manageable," Ron replied.
"See, like I said. There shouldn't be any problems with everyone fighting. The military can't possibly defeat them on their own," said Kevin.
"Then why don't we ask Ron again. Will he be able to fight against a hundred at a time?" The Chief again asked.
Ron remained silent.
"Why would he even need to fight so many at once?" Kevin asked.
"Because that's what's going to happen after six days. The reports show an increase in the number of the monsters. That's why we won't be deploying any of you," said the Chief.
"Hey, Cristina. Why are you silent? Weren't you looking forward to the fight?" Kevin asked.
"I did say that I will fight. And I will be doing that anyway. What you guys are going to do has nothing to do with me," said Cristina.
Kevin looked at the Chief. The Chief didn't reply to what Cristina said. Even Ron was silent.
"I am not getting anything that's happening right now. I don't mind going back to the base. But please make things clear," said Kevin.
Simon pulled Kevin to the side.
"Don't think anything about it. The Chief is telling us to make a choice. Cristina and Ron are in a different league compared to us. They can go against the order but the others probably can't. But I am sure some of them will also choose to stay and fight," said Simon to Kevin.
"I get it," said Kevin.
Both of them returned to the table.
"If it's a choice between to stay and fight or to flee, then I am staying," said Kevin.
Kevin's answer gave the rest of them the main reason behind that meeting.
Among the 15 awakeners, 10 remained while the rest 5 didn't want to go against the orders.
A smile was seen on the Chief's face.
"I don't blame them. But those of you who choose to say, let me make this clear. Even if we manage to win, we will be punished for going against the orders," said the Chief.
The Chief left. The six other awakeners who decided to stay also left the room after the Chief, while only Cristina and the other three remained.
"Why did you decide to stay?" Kevin asked Ron.
"I have a different mission. Sorry, I can't tell you the details," said Ron while taking a glaze at Cristina.
"Man, I just don't like these complicated talks. Why can't they just make things clear," said Kevin while leaning back.
"It's because you are a fool," said Cristina.
"You guys are the ones making things difficult," said Kevin.
"By the way, did you get what I asked?" Cristina asked Simon without paying a heed to what Kevin said.
"Yes, and you were right," said Simon while handing a paper to Cristina.
"What's this all about?" Kevin asked.
"This? It's an estimation on the possible casualties after the first wave," said Cristina.
"And how many is that?" Kevin asked.
"Take a guess."
"Five to six hundred?"
"Almost around a hundred thousand, at least," said Cristina.
Kevin was literally shocked after knowing that.
"Hey, stop the jokes. With us fighting, there's no way something like that will happen. To begin with, that many people aren't even around the range of the attack," said Kevin.
The three of them remained silent.
"Don't tell me, it will reach the in-lands as well?" Kevin said.
"That's why we decided to stay after all," said Simon.
"Then, we will be able to prevent it if we all fight, right?"
They were silent once again.
"The report is based on the scenario where the awakeners are deployed. Without us, it would have been around ten million," said Ron.
"Then what was the point of refusing Russia's help?" Kevin asked.
"We don't know what the higher ups are actually planning," said Simon.
"Does that mean we are all going to die?" Kevin asked with a laugh.
"Don't worry. Those monsters aren't capable of penetrating the flesh of the awakeners. I have experienced it myself," said Ron.
"I don't think that will be the case this time. Check this out," Simon showed them his tablet.
"This is the image of the first monster that was captured on camera. And these are the ones Ron fought," said Simon.
"So there are different kinds of them?" Kevin asked.
"No. And that's the problem. The first ones somehow evolved into the ones we saw last week," said Simon.
"But that shouldn't be possible," said Kevin.
"But the reports are saying the opposite and at the rate they are evolving, they might be able to do mortal harm to the awakeners during the first wave. And that was the main reason why the higher-ups gave the orders to bring us back," said Simon.
"I am going out for a bit. I need some fresh air, to clear my head," said Kevin and went outside.
Cristina also left soon after.
"You should rethink and go back," said Ron to Simon.
"No, I want to see what the higher will actually do. There's no way they wouldn't let Cristina's life be in any danger," said Simon.
"I guess you are right. After all she is the most valuable awakener they have," said Ron.
Meanwhile at an airport in France, Jason was ready to get on a private jet with Sara and Racheal.
At the same time, at a base in Canada,
"Sir, the jet just left the borders. Should we go with our original plan?" asked a man.
"Those fools think they can take down the Crimson Snow with just missiles," said another man who seemed to be in a higher position.
"We just received orders, Sir. The missiles are ready. Waiting for your permission to fire...." said one of the men, "....Sir, we lost track of the jet. It's like they just vanished into thin air."
"See, didn't I tell you? We are just wasting our time," said that man.
"But he won't be able to hide forever," said a woman who was sitting next to that man.