The Outgroup gathered in their hall. They were all wearing resolute expressions on their faces.
Silence pervaded the group, and their eyes looked over each other. They had done many operations like this before, so it wasn't a new thing.
Still, there were times when they lost one or two comrades in an expedition. No one could tell for sure.
"We've made all the preparations possible. Right now, we can only try our best." Neron finally spoke to his team members.
Almost as soon as he said this, the last member they were waiting for arrived solemnly.
"Lady Ciel." They all beamed with a smile.
Since she was now out of her meditation, it meant she had gathered enough energy to utilize her [Teleport] Spell.
"The time has come, dear friends." She returned their smiles with her gentle demeanour. "Let us begin."
All nodding, they moved close to each other—leaving Ciel at the centre. Battles were often unpredictable and dangerous, but they were confident in their abilities and their cause.
Well… almost all of them.
'My intuition tells me something is off…' Neron's thoughts echoed.
However, when he considered just how much time and effort was put into the planning and the stakes that arose as a result of this operation, he knew he had to do more than rely on his intuition.
Everyone here was willing to risk their lives for the cause and he was no exception.
'Maybe I'm overthinking things, but…' Tightening his fist, he looked at the only family he had.
"Let's all be extra careful out there."
As usual, they would be split into pairs, and they would be scattered across the various regions marked on the map. The survey and investigative analysis that led to this moment played a big role in their current operation.
"Sure. Let's do our best, buddy." Edward grinned, smacking Neron on his back.
Just like the last time, he was paired with Edward.
"Yeah." He returned the gesture, smacking Edward at least twice as hard.
"Ow! That hurt! To think I held back out of consideration…"
They all laughed at Edward's response, enjoying the brief moment of joy before the storm. Deep in their hearts, the Outgroup members knew they might not see each other again.
"You must all survive. Let's meet at the rendezvous point." Ciel spoke, and they all nodded.
"Then… let's go.
*
*
*
Protected by a double-layered barrier, a certain factory stood tall in its massive compound.
It covered over a dozen acres of land, and the eerie energy that poured out of its several chimneys showed how intense the activities within it were.
One of the barriers protecting this facility handled stealth, while the other served to protect it, like armour. In addition, since it was in such a remote area, the factory was away from civilization and prying eyes.
The most important thing about this factory, however, was its function.
About twenty per cent of the total manufacturing power of the Magic Weapons utilized by Jared's World Power was made here.
That didn't sound like a lot, but when compared to the other areas the Outsiders alone had hit before, it added up to over fifty per cent damage to the United Nations under Jared's banner
A perfect score!
>VWUUUUSSSSHHHHH!!!<
A bright beam of light suddenly surged at the northeast section of the massive factory building.
The brilliant radiation pierced the darkness that shrouded the building's outer shell, and one could see other similar flashes of light from other regions—representing the other teams of Outers.
Two men emerged from this beam of light, both shrouded in some sort of transparent aura.
'The security measures should kick in now and our simultaneously divergent appearances will confuse the system for some time.' Neron thought, looking up into the darkened sky.
As expected, there were flying drones monitoring everything and they would now be alerting the denizens of the factory.
'We're currently cloaked, thanks to the Enchanted Devices we have equipped ourselves with. Looks like everything is progressing considerably well…'
The security footage and Magic sensors would only detect surges of light, but none of them would be detected.
Still, by diverting the attention of this facility's security to many areas at once, they would be able to thin out their opponents, as well as cause a distraction long enough to carry out their plans.
It was a plan Neron developed—the act of killing all their birds with the single stone of their appearance.
Neron glanced at Edward, who already had his blade unsheathed, and they both nodded at each other.
Their resonating devices allowed them to see each other—the same applied to every other member of their team. However, considering the fact that the Magic Power of their devices were limited, they had to hurry.
A ring on Neron's hand glowed golden and instantly a blade appeared. It had runic inscriptions, and intricate designs on it—not to mention the aura pouring out of it.
"Alright, Ed…" He smiled, no longer feeling any dread or hesitation. "... Let's do this!"
Edward's eyes turned bright blue, and his long blade glowed with azure light. He had an equally daring expression on his face.
"Yeah!"
*
*
*
>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!<
The massive surge of energy sent metallic debris flying all over the massive factory room.
Two pale silhouettes of males could be seen swiftly sending their blades dancing as they cut through the several golems that stood in their way.
"9 Martial Precepts … #01: REND!"
Moving like the breeze, Edward skillfully sliced through multiple Golems at once.
The Precepts were his self-made Martial Arts—nine techniques he had mastered to their limits. They were his very best techniques.
As he cut through more Golems, Neron utilized one of his blade's special abilities—creating energy projectiles in the form of similar-looking blades.
As he pointed them in the direction of his enemies, he went on to actualize the true aim of the mission.
'I'll plant the Mana Singularity Bombs (M.S.Bs.) in the strategic areas—same as every other pair—and after scouring the facility for useful resources… we'll blow it all up!'
That was the plan.
