After Daniel dismissed everyone, only Commander Daniel, Yuri, and we remained. The hall was quiet now, and the weight of the mission pressed down on us as we gathered around the map. The faded paper was marked with hand-drawn routes and landmarks and scarred by years of use. Daniel stood at the head of the table, his weathered hand tracing a path through the dense, scribbled terrain.
"Now that the team is set, let's get to work," he began. "Your target is the Princess of Drayton, who is currently in route to negotiate with the Ingocian Empire. Your mission is to intercept her convoy and bring her back alive. She must not be harmed. Understood?"
We all nodded in unison.
This is the route that the convoy is expected to take. The forest is dense and dangerous after the war. There is unstable ground and radiation, as well as wilderness areas. It's not just the guards you need to worry about."
Sophia leaned in and looked closely. "What about the radiation levels along the path? Can we pass through it without protective equipment?"
Daniel nodded. "The Forest of Kren is relatively safe compared to other areas, but you'll need to avoid the ancient ruins here." He tapped a dark spot on the map. "This area is still unstable. Stick to the ridge and the marked paths. Crimzo, you and your soldiers will position yourselves here."
Crimzo studied the map and nodded slowly. "This hill gives us a good vantage point on the road. I can provide cover, but if the convoy changes its route, it will be difficult to track them in the forest."
Daniel handed him a whistle. "There is no advanced communication devices left in this world, but this whistle will do the job. It makes a bird-like sound. Use it only in emergencies. Accuracy is key here. The last thing we need is to alert the convoy that you are there."
Andrew crossed his arms. "What about the soldiers? Are there just a few, or is it more serious?"
"The princess probably has a mix of regular soldiers and her own bodyguards," Daniel replied. Daniel replied. "I don't know the exact number, but our scouts spotted a convoy of about 20 to 25 soldiers. They're well-trained, but not invincible. Speed and coordination are your best tools here."
Sophia straightened up. "We have to surround them so the princess can't escape. I can handle that with Andrew and our soldiers. Roy and Crimzo can focus on the princess."
I studied the map silently. "The convoy will be heaviest in the middle, where the princess is likely positioned. I will approach from the shadows, neutralize any immediate threats, and isolate her. Once she is alone, I will secure her."
Crimzo looked at me, and with a dry tone he said. "And if she resists? This isn't exactly a diplomatic mission."
"It will be harder to secure her without harming her, but I will manage it somehow," I replied in a cold, decisive voice.
Sophia exchanged a look with Andrew but said nothing. Then, Daniel stepped in with a firm voice. "The princess must remain safe. Your mission is to capture her, not kill her. Any unnecessary violence would expose us to a major war."
I nodded. "Understood. No one dies unless it's an unavoidable thing. We are not here to escalate the war."
Andrew replied, "I agree, but let's not forget that they won't show us the same mercy. We need to be sharp and prepared for anything."
Crimzo leaned against the edge of the table, his expression unreadable. "Mercy or not, I'll do whatever it takes to get the job done. Just don't expect me to babysit anyone."
Sophia shot him a sharp look. "We're a team now. That means we watch out for each other."
Crimzo shrugged. "As long as no one gets in my way, I have no problem with that."
Andrew sighed, his tone light but pointed. "Great, so we're off to a harmonious start."
I looked at him, my voice steady. "Harmony doesn't win battles. Precision and discipline do. Let's focus on that."
Sophia raised an eyebrow but didn't argue, instead turning her attention back to the map. "He's right. Personalities aside, we need a plan that actually works."
I nodded and pointed at the map. "The convoy will be heavily guarded, and there's no way to avoid a confrontation. But we can control the terms of engagement. Sophia, you and Andrew will block their forward path. Draw their attention and slow their advance."
"For Crimzo, you'll take the position Daniel told you about," I said. "From there, you'll have a clear line of sight to the convoy. Focus on disabling them, not killing them, unless it's absolutely necessary. Taking them as hostages is better for us."
I said this only to avoid random killing.
Crimzo smirked but said nothing. His silence felt like an agreement to me.
"We'll stick to the plan," I said firmly. "If they change their course, use the whistle and adapt accordingly. Stay sharp and don't take unnecessary risks."
Andrew's expression softened slightly, and he placed a hand on my shoulder. "We've got your back brother. Always."
I allowed myself a rare little smile for a moment. "I know. That's why we'll succeed."
Daniel watched the conversation calmly, then spoke. "You have your plan. Remember, this mission is not just about capturing the princess; it's also about proving our ability to act with precision and purpose. I trust all of you to achieve this."
The weight of the mission hung in the air as we prepared to step into the unknown.
Yuri smiled warmly and spoke in a light but encouraging tone. "Go on, Roy Celgius. Show me what kind of leader you'll be."
I kept my expression calm. I really think he likes me. "I don't need to show anything." I nodded respectfully to Yuri and the others. "By the way, what are we going to do about phase two? I forgot to ask earlier."
Yuri chuckled. "Guys, don't worry about it. You're going on a mission where you might die. Just stay alive, get it done, and you'll automatically pass the second stage."
Daniel replied, crossing his arms. "I'll make sure that happens. Now, focus on the mission. The second stage is like a hurdle race designed to test physical strength, so this mission is already much harder."
We all nodded in unison. I felt some anxiety, but we needed to succeed no matter what. With that, we left the hall to start preparing for the mission.