Cherreads

Chapter 12 - Team X [III]

Instead of a van, the group is riding a converted cargo truck where the inside of the container is changed to be similar to a camper van's interior, but bigger and much more spacious. Not only that, but the interior of the container also features a monitoring team that guides the operators working directly on site, who are the main support and primary spotters of anomalies.

Hubert now understood why they had to use the time stopper on site, as it would help with the extermination of anomalies without interrupting the workflow of the monitoring team, since dealing with an anomaly takes time and effort. Hubert also didn't expect that those same anomalies that hunt them in the other dimension are also capable of hurting those who are watching them in the cameras. Just thinking about it is terrifying.

Of course, with the Monitoring team having their special location to stay while the operation is ongoing, the Ops team that will work on site has their place as well, and it is much more high-tech than he thought. The moment he sat down on the chair where the Ops team, the tools that they needed for the operation appeared before him, and he was startled by their sudden appearance. Chief, who was currently sitting beside him, chuckled at his reaction.

"Pretty slick for a tool loadout, yeah? That's only exclusive to the Team X vehicle. No other vehicle can compare to his one," Chief brags about the difference between the van and the truck.

"Chief, I know you like to brag about the truck, but it functions the same as the other vehicles, and it's not brand new or anything. Don't warp the mind of the rookie like that," Alliah reprimanded Chief, who heard him.

"Ah, don't be such a cold blanket there, Alliah. It's not like the other vehicles have this kind of display the moment you sit down in your seat. And besides, considering that Team X is also the first group who utilize the experimental tools that the department is giving out before the others can even use them."

"There's no benefit with us on being the guinea pigs for these tools, Chief. I know you really like to test out these weapons and tools yourself, but I prefer that they do that less; some are just impractical, and some are just plain annoying to carry; they interfere with movement, and it's best to be abandoned on the site instead."

Hubert finally understood why there are some things he has no idea about just by seeing the loadout. The tools he used during the first mission were there, obviously, but there are other tools aside from them, and there are also new weapons.

It didn't take too long before the truck started to rumble to life. The others seem to be so used to the job that they didn't look tense at all. Chief seems to have noticed Hubert's tensed aura, so he pats him on the shoulder.

"I've been there, pal. But considering you survived your "tutorial" mission and came back home in one piece, you don't need to worry too much. Just be sure not to be a burden, or else, you can just be a bait for everyone in the process."

Hubert nodded. This isn't his first rodeo, but that doesn't mean he won't be tense at all.

The screen that is present with the weapon loadout and tool loadout flickered, and the mission preview appeared before everyone in the special op. The same voice from the last time started speaking again, but this time, it seems that they know that the one who got this mission is their team, as the voice specifically mentioned them.

----

"I expect good news for Team X on this mission. The mission location this time is the regular market complex located downtown. Many people have felt that something is off there every day and every night before the market closes. There have been some mysterious things happening in the background. Intel gatherers and investigators have tipped our company that the one causing these things is the anomalies, and it is happening rampantly every night. Tonight, we close down these anomalies and deal with them for good before they become a danger and cause irreversible damage to the regular people."

"The objective this time, to properly deal with the anomalies and stop them from spawning, is to restore at least 30 anomalies, but there will be chances that you will only need 25 to do so. If the portal does reopen after 25, then it is safe to extract and return, but if not, continue to the expected quota."

"Now, for the expected anomalies, there are reports that some things are missing, replaced, or duplicated multiple times, so expect multiple reports on those things. According to the intel, there are also a few dangers lying ahead that were caused by intruders. Be sure to check things properly and deal with them before they become truly dangerous. Although not too sure if it's going to appear on this mission, please be aware that the Axe-Wielding madman can be expected to be encountered. Please be careful out there and make sure to deal with him as soon as you spot him to ensure they do not only mess with the team but also instantly kill the monitoring team and cut your lifeline. Aside from that, this mission also has a big chance that the portal to Hell will open up. Please bring up the Hell Key Seal to deal with it if it appears. That is all, good luck to Team X, and may you all succeed."

----

Hubert frowned and looked at Chief. "Portal to hell?"

"Oh? That one? Something that happens regularly, a gnarly scene revealed in a portal. Sea of flames, screaming sounds from people burning alive inside, and countless things that make it disturbing to see. You will understand once you see it."

After explaining, Chief started taking his loadout and readying himself. Hubert decided to follow suit and also do that. He didn't forget to bring the Hell Key Seal gadget with him, and although he isn't sure how this thing works, seeing that it is a literal key with an ominous design on it, he is sure about its function in the future. As for the weapons, he decided to grab the same weapon types as in the first mission. He easily got used to it, so this time, he will use it as his own signature weapon as well.

The truck slowly came to a halt, and the weapon and tool loadout disappeared, and the Special Ops are now standing at the exit of the truck, waiting. Hubert can feel the intense stare coming from the guy who criticized him before. If he remembered correctly, his name was Rob? As he was getting uncomfortable with his gaze, Miss Alliah Mendez stood in front of everyone and acted as the leader of the group. Get ready for deployment, everyone. Stick together and return home alive."

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