Chapter 38

As the day of the promise approached, Renok headed to the designated location. The process wasn't much different from when he first accepted the deal with Dyke. The only difference now was that his teammates were not just waiting for him, but for his leadership.

Five team members, standing against the sky at sunset, looked up as Renok approached. A plateau covered with sturdy reeds of a deep pink color, surrounded by cold barbed wire. This was a common sight in undeveloped areas where civilization had tried but failed to take root.

"Captain, it's good to see you."

A man with a hearty appearance extended his hand with a friendly smile.

"Let's do our best today."

Hazer. A close-range vanguard. His weapon was a thick mechanical hammer with a booster attached to the back, an incredibly bold and powerful tool. A former mercenary who recently went freelance, he worked under the same broker as Jod, the quiet young man standing next to him.

After exchanging greetings with Hazer, Renok nodded at Jod and then turned to the young woman with a hood pulled over her head, who bluntly asked, "When are we starting? To increase our chances of success, we should get into position soon."

Renok glanced at her and replied immediately, "We'll go in after Siger Vang has finished positioning his people. Agria will disrupt the communication network, so once the gang makes contact with the soldiers, we can cause a disturbance without much of a reaction."

"......If it doesn't go as planned, I won't be responsible."

She turned her head sharply and chewed her gum vigorously.

Kainy. A freelancer who, despite not yet being twenty, possessed the ability to move at high speeds. Known for her excellent combat skills and efficient use of her powers, she seemed to be taking jobs from 'Madam.'

Renok, upon learning this, was careful not to mention Mount or Trisha's names, even by accident. Especially since Trisha was still in the hospital, it wouldn't be strange at all.

"Don't think so negatively. After all, Dyke's side has already laid out the detailed plan, hasn't it?"

The smiling curse caster, Allen, interjected.

"Captain will only decide the timing of the assault and the specific tactics after the operation starts... that's something we can all handle, right?"

"That's true. Since we're the ones making the first move, there's no need to be intimidated!"

Hazer shouted loudly, while Jod shook his head from behind.

"......In the end, the only time we can coordinate in advance is the initial collaboration, using our individual specialties to shake things up. After that, we'll be too busy fighting to communicate properly."

Jod's voice was very low, but his observation was sharp.

A team assembled for a single goal in a short time can't possibly fight in perfect harmony. He had realized this fact long ago.

Of course, if the team members were much more skilled and experienced veterans, such a magical feat might not be impossible... but Renok never expected such perfect teamwork from them.

Renok smiled and responded to Jod.

"That's why we need to accomplish as much as possible during that first coordinated move."

"........."

"The most important thing isn't choosing the entry timing or sneaking in undetected. It's the first strike we can make while the enemy is unaware of our presence. The success or failure of this will determine the outcome of the battle."

Looking each team member in the eye, Renok whispered low.

"I don't expect much. Just don't get in each other's way."

"......Is that all it takes?"

Kainy grumbled, but no one else objected to Renok's words. Everyone understood their roles and what they needed to do afterward.

There was no need for empty talk.

Renok immediately turned and started walking.

"Let's go."