New ERA Saga

Chapter 09 – A New Mission

Upon arriving at the headquarters, Nouel immediately met with Professor Volkov. Without wasting any time, he greeted Vera with a warm welcome. Vera found Nouel’s behavior somewhat peculiar, as he didn’t immediately rush to meet his superior. However, Professor Volkov’s warm reception made it clear that they had a good and close relationship.

“Vera, how have you been?” Professor Volkov asked, his gaze warm and gentle. From their interaction, it was clear that they had a good and close relationship.

Smiling at the greeting, Vera responded politely, “I’ve been very well, as you can see.”

“Don’t hesitate to talk to me if something doesn’t feel right,” said Professor Volkov, sounding like a father figure wanting to help his daughter.

“I will.” Vera replied, nodding her head.

Nouel interrupted their conversation, getting straight to the point. “Volkov, how’s the progress on examining those cyborgs?” Nouel’s way of speaking to the middle-aged man was casual, as if they were peers and held similar ranks.

Professor Volkov turned to Nouel and began to provide answers to his questions. “Our team has gathered most of the information. There are still a few things left to do before we complete all the data.”

“Sorry, I seem to have underestimated it. The damage to those bodies has made things a bit more complicated, even with the latest technology. Are you okay with waiting a bit longer?” Professor Volkov explained, providing a reason for the delay.

Nouel scratched the back of his head, visibly unsatisfied with what the older man had just told him. However, he couldn’t force the issue and tried to understand that such a task was not easy to complete without adequate technology. “If you need more time, I won’t mind waiting.”

“Good, I’ll provide you with the information as soon as we have it.”

“What’s the superiors’ response to this?”

“They appear frustrated and displeased.”

“That’s to be expected,” Nouel muttered indifferently, showing that he didn’t care.

“At the latest, today we’ll finish collecting the data, and tomorrow I might have updates for you.”

“I’ll be waiting,” Nouel nodded. Then, he remembered his conversation with Vera during the journey. “Oh, by the way, Volkov, have you seen the news today?”

“Yes, the headline about NewTech and FoodCount. It’s been a hot topic, it’s impossible not to know about it,” Professor Volkov replied, showing keen interest, as if he always reacted to discussions about technology.

“What do you think about those two companies?” Nouel intentionally started a new topic of conversation. Hearing that, Professor Volkov’s face displayed genuine interest and enthusiasm.

“Fascinating. I’m impressed with the breakthroughs they’ve made. This...”

“Um... Professor, sorry for interrupting, is this going to be a lengthy conversation?” Vera interjected, cutting off the man’s speech.

“More or less.”

“I’m glad you’re having a conversation, but... we were called here. What if the general gets angry?” Vera sounded somewhat uncomfortable.

“Oh, forgetful old man. I apologize, I just remembered,” Professor Volkov tapped his forehead, as if Vera’s words had jogged his memory about something important.

He continued his speech, turning to Nouel. “Nouel, the General wants to meet you, and coincidentally, the CEO of NewTech is here.”

“What? Here?” Vera asked enthusiastically. As previously explained, NewTech was the creator of the cyborg project and a key supporter of the military statement, so it was natural for Vera to be excited about the CEO’s appearance.

“Let’s not keep the General waiting, Captain,” Vera immediately grabbed Nouel’s hand and walked quickly towards the room where the general was.

“Don’t act like a child,” Nouel muttered lazily, but he still had to comply as Vera dragged him along.

“Okay, I’m sorry.”

*** 

The working room where the General was currently occupied had several people inside, and indeed, the CEO of NewTech Industries was present. There was also a tall, imposing man, taller than Nouel, who stood at around 184 centimeters tall.

As they entered, they were greeted warmly. Nouel responded casually, while Vera appeared very enthusiastic and happy about the presence of these two men. The CEO was named Mr. Watson, and the tall, big man who was the head of security was named Anderson.

In the room, there were two other individuals who were also team captains: Lucrezia Auditoires, captain of Team Eagle, and Veilus Droigmar, captain of Team Sabertooth.

“Hi, you two were called here as well,” Nouel greeted the two captains.

“We’ve been waiting for you for a while now. How can you ignore the summons?” Lucrezia reprimanded Nouel, who seemed to be acting too freely. She did not look pleased, possibly due to Nouel, as a captain, appearing quite undisciplined.

“Sorry, my AI assistant accidentally blocked all forms of transmission. I just wanted a peaceful breakfast, but this girl always disturbs me,” Nouel explained, pointing at Vera. However, Vera did not look pleased at being used as an excuse.

“Don’t make excuses, you should act like a captain and be more disciplined.”

“I understand, darling.”

“You... you... don’t call me that, I’ve told you several times.”

“Hahaha, I love your reaction.”

“You’re too close to your subordinates,” Veilus muttered quietly, making Nouel turn towards him. Inside the room, it appeared that only Nouel had brought a subordinate, Lucrezia and Veilus had come alone.

“I’m his right-hand, isn’t it normal?” Vera replied.

“There’s no such thing in the team,” Lucrezia immediately refuted.

“In our team, it’s different.”

“Thank you for coming. Please, have a seat.” The General finally spoke, ending the conversations among them.

After they had all taken their seats, the discussion began.

“It seems that something really important is happening, considering the head of security and the CEO are here in person. Moreover, they’ve called us. Is this a major issue?” Nouel got straight to the point after the introductions were over.

“Yes, as you’ve said, because this matter is crucial and highly confidential, we must handle it directly,” the CEO replied formally.

“This issue requires a substantial number of personnel, so several teams need to be involved,” they were informed.

They all nodded in understanding.

“We don’t like beating around the bush. Let’s hear what the problem is,” Nouel, while somewhat impolite, seemed to be in line with what had been expected. Perhaps the General had already informed them of Nouel’s personality.

“Have you read the news we published today?”

“Yes, it’s about the launch of new technology, right?” Nouel replied, not waiting for the question to be answered, but just to confirm.

“Yes, the launch of this technology is scheduled for next week.”

“Yes, it’s been reported in the news. So, what’s the issue?”

“We’ve received information that a rebel group is planning an attack on NewTech Industries’ main facilities. It’s highly likely that those who oppose this technology launch will try to sabotage it. They might attempt to steal and destroy the Prototypes and blueprints we have.”

“Our mission is to ensure the security of these facilities,” the General continued.

Nouel nodded in understanding. “If they succeed, you’ll suffer significant losses.”

“It’s not just a financial loss they’ll incur, they’ll have a negative public image, which could be catastrophic for the company,” Mr. Watson added. Everyone understood the potential dire consequences.

Mr. Mervile Watson spoke again. “That’s why we need extra forces. And, of all the security forces, it seems that it would be much better for the cyborg forces to take over and assist in the defense. Especially since I’ve heard you’re familiar with the movements and tactics of these rebels and anti-technology forces.”

The man spoke plainly, without any frills.

“Yes, that’s correct. So, you need us for this mission?” Nouel clarified the request for this mission.

“Yes.”

Nouel nodded and made his decision.

“The NewTech Industries building is very large and spacious, regular security personnel won’t be able to withstand an attack if the rebels appear in large numbers,” Velius commented as he looked at the holographic screen above the table in the middle of the room.

Lucrezia nodded, then turned to the General. “General, do we have data on the number of rebels and what weapons they possess?”

“We estimate there are thousands, and the rebels who have appeared so far are likely not all members. As for their technology, they use their own makeshift tech, so it can’t be identified.”

“So, it will require extensive guarding,” Velius added.

“So, when will we carry out this mission?” Nouel got straight to the point.

“In two days. We’ve received information that the rebels will begin their operation during the meeting,” the General explained.

After leaving the meeting room, Nouel arrived at the training room where all his team members were gathered.

During the journey there, he remained silent.

“Captain, are you thinking about something?” Vera broke the silence.

“No. Why do you think I’m thinking about something?” Nouel replied without turning, keeping his gaze fixed straight ahead as he walked down the corridor.

“Your expression looks very serious, and you’re not paying attention to your surroundings.”

“Are you watching me?” Nouel turned to look at the girl.

“Not really. So, what are you thinking about?” Vera asked curiously.

Nouel continued to look ahead. “Regarding this mission, the CEO of NewTech came here in person, which means he’s afraid of transmission leaks. I’m also sure they discussed some things before we arrived, something we’ve missed. Besides, the old man seemed to be hiding something.”

“If you’re saying that, it’s probably true. Your intuition is usually right.”

Nouel changed his facial expression, showing that he was not too concerned about whatever had crossed his mind earlier. “Whatever it is, it’s probably best not to think about it for now. Anyway, I’ll go train, you inform the other team members about the mission details.”

“Copy that.”