The debriefing was about to start and everyone's alertness was getting higher by the second. I wasn't sure if I was the only one noticing it but everyone was clearly uncomfortable or antsy. Olley secretly held her holsters while the whole Vanta stayed on the opposite side of the office. Nex and I stood by the board filled with strings trying to compose ourselves. It seemed that Nex was also holding reservations even just being in the same room as me. No one spoke except for the silence. Siv was the front man of Vanta instead of Volv this time. Looks like he's showing his serious side. This cramped office turned into a giant time bomb just waiting to blow up. Anyone one of us could have been the traitor that had sold out the team's attack on the airship. I clenched my fist just by thinking of the possibility of anyone backstabbing us again.

Nex: Status report, Vanta.

Siv: Nothing to report. Isn't that right Arc?

Arc: Nothing on my end.

Nex: What about what happened in the airship? Could you give us the rest of the details on that?

Arc: The airship contained various clues on what the airship was working on. However, what should catch our attention would be this.

I placed down a glass serum vial on the table. The blue liquid caught everyone's gaze including Olley. I wasn't quite sure on how to proceed with my original plan but this was a good way to get us into a good direction.

Arc: The liquid inside this glass vial contains part Adamian DNA. Although the research is mostly incomplete, the defectors are still currently using this to test out on the lifeforms of Plaux. What this sucker actually does is that activates a lock in the body's system to manipulate magical particles. If the blue color means something, it is supposedly to be the reason that our eyes glow blue. Or in other words, the surge. The Platform keeps it a secret as to where or what actually causes the surge so this is a breakthrough in some ways or the other.

Volv: So what do we do?

Nex: This is a breach in what the Platform wants. Magic being already dangerous and that the Vanta team has to deal with rogue agents. Think of that but on a wilder and wider scale. Any lifeform being able to control magic. There are two different routes that this could work. Mass universal anarchy or universal domination. That's why within the Leffion accords, every person born in the Platform is to be recorded no matter what. Registration of magical beings.

Siv: What does this have to do with us? So what about it? We're still in business.

Nex: We don't mean anything, Just know that the person who has created this serum has a live Adamian on their hands. If we don't find them, then say goodbye to being special and hello to war.

Nitra: Are there any clues so far?

Arc: Just one and we're heading there now. It's a place that was hidden from the Platform's surveillance because of how underground the place is. Talos is where we believe the scientist and Terra are in. I saw some recordings in their airship that might lead them towards Talos.

Volv: If that's the case then let's get moving.

Arc: There's one more thing before we get moving. We want to make sure everyone is accounted for. No one that isn't out of the lineup.

Siv: Arc, don't start this.

Nex: The prime directive for this skirmish is to find that scientist, eliminate him, and eliminate Terra. The scientist holds more importance because without him the entire knowledge of the serum will be lost.

Nitra: Sounds like a walk in the park.

Arc: Whatever happens in Talos, you must watch each other's back. We don't know if they're actually there yet but don't underestimate them. They're a lot more powerful than we had initially thought. Kill on sight.

Nex: Strap up with whatever you need then meet me here. I'll transport us to the location.

The Vanta team started to disperse leaving just me, Olley, and Nex. He still showed a lot of annoyance at me. Olley sighed a breath of relief when they all started to vanish from sight to resupply. I walked over to where she was and it was a bit strange. Olley had been wearing an Adamian combat suit for quite sometime now. It almost made me forget that she wasn't human. She even designed it to have the same colors of the suicide squad despite it coming from the Vanta team. I truly admire the spunk she has. Though a part of me kept nagging me not to get too attached. Things are just going to get harder if I rely on her like she's part of the real team. I just couldn't shake this feeling being close to her.

Arc: So are you ready?

Olley: Ready as I'll ever be. Well to be frank, I didn't even know that I'd be part of this mission. From the way it sounded, it seemed a bit personal. Something happen between your people.

Arc: Yeah, I guess it is. But you've been a great asset so we couldn't just pass it up. You're pretty capable with that AWD.

Olley: Well practice makes perfect. Anyway, I need to stock up too. I also need to say goodbye to Kier. He offered me a job as his personal body guard when they finally get everything fixed in Hyer. That was Leon's old job by the way. I hope he's safe.

Arc: That meathead isn't just a meathead anymore. He managed to stay alive with his head. I'm sure he's safe.

Olley: I hope so too. One last question, how do I look in Adamian clothing? Never thought I'd actually get to wear one these.

Arc: Change your eyes and maybe it'll be convincing.

Olley: I wasn't expecting that. You could've just said something normal.

Arc: You look nice.

Olley: … Erm… Thanks… I actually didn't expect that… Anyway see ya!

Olley ran out of the door with an energetic step than usual. Strange how that girl works. Though I couldn't help but feel strange thinking about the notion of leaving her. What is this feeling? I'll never know unless someone tells me. The one time I needed the advice of the previous Arcs, they came up empty. I turned to see that Nex's mood still hadn't changed. It was just the two of us now. He started playing around with his kunai on the table, making various marks and such.

Nex: Looking a bit too comfy with the locals aren't you?

Arc: Now you're starting to sound like Siren.

Nex: I can't help it. I've never seen you interact with other people the same way you do with that girl. I don't get it. She's not even Adamian.

Arc: You're still frustrated aren't you?

Nex: Of course I am! My best friend might change classes and I'll be alone with the other fresh blood. People that I haven't worked with.

Arc: I never said I was going to accept them. I just said that I would give it some serious thought. I want to find out what they're hiding from me. What they're hiding from me.

Nex: It's always about you…

Arc: What did you just say?

Nex: I said it's always about you! Why is it that when something happens it always has to revolve around you! I thought we were a team. What about us? You talk to Olley more than you do with the person you worked with for cycles!

Arc: You're mad at that? Why would you even say that! I'm out here trying my best to figure what the fuck just happened to this team and you're blaming me. What's worse is that you brought Olley into this and she didn't even do anything!

Nex: That girl changed you didn't she! Y'know when we go back to the Platform, you will never see her again.

Arc: I know…

Nex: Then why are you still interacting with her like we'll bring her up with us to the Platform?

Arc: I don't know okay!

Nex: What are you going to do next? Are you going to leave the Platform for her?

Arc: I SAID I DON'T KNOW OKAY!

Nex recoiled back. I think this was starting to go into its boiling point. Both of us are just confused at what the hell is happening. This is what it means to be a soldier. To fight without questions asked and serve the Platform. I sat on the desk massaging my forehead. This wasn't going to get us anywhere. Nex was a bit scared because I think this was the first time I raised my voice at him. I felt a bit guilty for that. He's my best friend. He even reaffirmed it several times before. My head is just trying to justify everything that's happened but he was right.

Arc: I'm sorry okay? I didn't mean to raise my voice like that.

Nex: I never thought I'd ever hear you raise your voice. I always thought it was non existent.

Arc: Guess I did change quite a bit. These missions are never easy. It's just one hurdle after another.

Nex: Back when we actually were a team I guess.

Arc: Look, I'm sorry that you feel that way. I guess I should've checked in with you more often. It's just that Olley makes me feel so weird. It's like nothing I've ever felt before.

Nex: I think I know that feeling too.

Arc: And I can't just ignore that offer. It's a chance to find out things that I want to know about.

Nex: Then, tell me okay? I want to be part of your world as much as I can. We're best friends. If you join Vanta, then I guess I can't stop you.

Arc: Then join me if you want to follow.

Nex: Join Vanta?

Arc: Yeah, I'll refer you too. I'm sure that they would want a Nex series in their squad.

Nex: Does it mean that I get to keep working with you?

Arc: Yes, of course.

Nex: Alright, I'll follow you Arc. I'll follow wherever you'll go.

Arc: So are we cool?

Nex: Yeah, we're cool.

His mood got a bit better but there was still something that was bothering him. I didn't want to press on any further because this was a big decision. This was also the first time that Nex decided to express himself like this. A bit surprising since, he was never like this before. I guess times are changing. There were a lot of things that did bother me though. Chasing after this curiosity will probably land us in a lot of trouble. Was I going to allow Nex to blindly follow me like that? He's his own person so I can't blame him. It's just unsettling that he'd go through such lengths for me. Juxo finally starts to reveal himself to me, this strange business with Eden, and a small secret war with the Platform. What the hell is going on?

It wasn't long before everyone had started to gather up in the office. The Vanta team were finally together. The same can't be said with us. Olley was on standby next to me while Nex was explaining the last remaining points that everyone needed to know. With all that said and done, we held onto each other then vanished. I opened up my eyes to see that everyone was inside the giant library. However, something was different. The library was in shambles! Book shelves were broken with books being scattered all over the place. Lights were barely functional and it was flickering all over the place. Without any further delay, Nitra surged up and pushed out all the toxins from the small area we were in. She started filtrating us with small pockets of air.

Volv: What the hell!?

Siren: This doesn't look like a good sign.

Siv: I can go on recon. Give me a second.

His eyes started to glow a bright blue too. A trail of blue started to appear going towards the inner parts of the library. A second later returning. Siv looked a bit worried as he returned.

Siv: If we're looking for something we got something else in here with us stopping us.

Volv: Vermins?

Siv: Tons. They're trying to get into a specific room but they just can't. Plus there's another one. It's a big one.

Volv: We should split up. Vanta to clear the way and yellow to move into wherever they need to go.

Nex: Are you sure that's a good idea?

Volv: We're here to eliminate anything related to this serum and if it means finding them. Then this is our directive. You on the other hand need to find your asset and leave as fast as possible. This place looks like it's about to collapse. Take Onagi with you.

Arc: Who's that?

Onagi: Me. 4th Onagi. An honor it is to see you.

Arc: Another first series. Alright. Good luck to everyone. We have our orders and watches synchronized. If anything goes wrong, drop the transponder.

Vanta started to roll out towards where Siv headed towards while leaving Onagi with us. Onagi was a tall guy that towered over me. His skinny build made it feel as though I could just push him down despite his stature. Something just made me think that he was a pushover. Was it also because of his expressionless face or that his blue unkempt hair. Nex, Onahi, Olley, and I started to place our masks then ran towards the opposite direction of Vanta. Right now, we need to find Eliza. From the looks of this place, she probably fled the area. I took a look at our watches to see a distress signal going towards the center of Talos. Nex looked at his watch and started speeding up too.

Talos was up in smoke as explosions were appearing out of nowhere! These vermins and mutants are just doing what they want. Talos security golems were attempting to subdue but they were barely keeping up with the sheer strength of some vermins. Guardians were on the ground stomping. The sound of metals buildings just being torn apart as the guardians moved were rattling through the air. We grappled through each broken just to avoid the ground. The center of the city was in sight. However, as I was about to swing to the next building, a blunt object tackled me out of the air, smashing me on the metal building. My back was in intense pain but I couldn't feel it because of the adrenaline. A hand was about to throw out a strong punch. Just like back then, I felt that power in me. Without another second, I kicked my attacker right on the abdomen which tossed it to the other side of the street and into another building. I detached myself from the building to see who it was. It was Song!

Nex: Arc! Are you alright!?

Arc: I feel like I broke something on my back but other than that my spine feels fine.

Nex: What the hell is that?

Arc: That's the king's bodyguard. Song. It's a primordial guardian.

Olley: OH! I know it! I've seen it fly around sometimes.

Arc: Now's not the time to talk. It's getting ready again. Nex and Onagi! Go find out who that signal is. It could be Eliza hiding. Go!

Onagi: Roger.

Nex: Let's go!

Arc: Looks like it's just us and that thing.

Song: Hostiles agitated. Battle mode successfully unlocked.

Olley: This is a huge deal. Be careful Arc.

Arc: Look out for yourself Olley.

I jumped onto the metal streets and Song did the same. His giant body rivaled mine but I still had the advantage of speed. Song produced a giant blade from a part of its wings then swung it. I slid down under the blow then surged the metallic ground. Spikes started to impale the automaton but it didn't seem to notice. It's arms were hindered. However, I raised its wings then flew free. Song didn't hesitate to fly back down, his speed was nothing like any guardian I've seen. I couldn't dodge this one. As soon as it sped with the blade in hand, a shot rang out hitting the metal bird right on the chest. The bird's body smashed on the metal sidewalk from the sheer strength of the bullet. From the smoke, it's red eyes looked towards Olley on the roof. She cranked the Mark2 without losing her target. Song's wings blew the dust away signaling that it was going after her. Not this time Song! I slammed my hands on the ground manipulating the metal to wrap on it's legs. Song jumped but fell to one knee because of the metal snare. Olley didn't hesitate, her next bullet rang through the air and hit Song directly on the head! It's metal piece fell apart. I jumped on to attack next, tearing the lampost from the ground I changed it into a pike then ran through its neck! However, as I did, Song looked at me despite a pole plunged in its neck. His eyes glowed purple. Before I could do anything, a purple beam shot from his eyes hitting me on my chest. The beam threw me far from Song. As I slid on the metal pavement, I touched the affected area. It almost burned off the magic on the AWD combat suit. That's no easy feat. If I get shot one more then I might die!

Arc: Olley! Don't get shot by that! It'll vaporize you instantly.

Olley: No shit!

Song: I am the lord's protector. I will not concede! Restraints removed! Primordial drive activated. I am a saviour.

It's core started to glow as well. The area around Song started to heat up and buildings were slowly melting. This was bad! Olley started to grapple away from the area. Song's metal eyes continued to glow purple. His wings melted off as well as the other parts of him that didn't consist of the crystal. Just a bird skeleton was left. Guess it wasn't going to be that easy huh. Golems in the area started to get attracted towards Song but as they approached they got incinerated. Those things were made out of complete metal! Olley from a building shot another but the bullet didn't even make it before it got incinerated. Song shot a beam at the building that Olley was in. The building exploded and I didn't get to see if Olley grappled away! I started to grapple towards the building but my grapple got beamed too! Fuck! Here he comes.

Song: I am an Avatar to serve. I cannot lose.

Arc: I guess it would make sense that you're an Avatar.

His feet got into a start position then started to run to me at full speed! This was bad! It's like he has his own personal force field! I started to run as well. I manipulated the metal on the ground to be like wires then shot them onto the buildings. Swinging, beams were shot behind me following explosions. Some shrapnel even started to cut my arms and back. How the hell do we beat someone that has the core of a star! Wait! That's it! I leapt on top of a building then started to surge. This time unhinged just like the airship. I placed my hands on the building and surged the entire thing! I could feel everything from a mile radius. The clunking and vibrating of the metal. It was unlike any feeling that I had when I used the other elements. As Song got ready to shoot another beam. I tore every metallic object, building, street around him. The metal just kept melting instantly not affecting him at all. His eyes were about to shoot, I needed to move! But if I move now, then he'll just run to me again! This was a do or die! More and more buildings were melting right on the feet of Song. But I was too late. Song shot a beam directly at me! I could see the purple light fly right at me. Well that was a good run right? But after a second, there was nothing. Instead a hot sensation right in front of me. As I opened my eyes, Able was right in front of me! NO!

Able: Hello friend!

Arc: NO! NO! NO! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?

His metal started to melt at a quick pace. Sweat was starting to pour down faster off my forehead but I didn't care! I could feel my skin starting to burn up. Yet the only thing that I was thinking about was that this stupid robot just jumped in front to take a beam from a primordial engine! With all my focus, I surged once more! At this point, I wasn't sure if I was screaming from the pain of the heat or because my heart was being torn apart. Just as planned, the liquid metal finally reached his knees. Without a second thought, I manipulated the metal to get inside it's system. The ooze started to sink in through it's armor but since it was melting it couldn't be incinerated anymore. Just as it's body started to be covered, his engine started to get contaminated. The thing with primordial engines is that they're fragile that's why they're within a case of their own material. The heat started to die down, meaning that Song was about to deactivate. His eyes were powering down into darkness. Now what was left was Song covered in metal ooze on a crater of heat. There wasn't an explosion but that wasn't the thing I was worried about. I looked up to see that Able fell beside me. Just as I was about to do anything, Olley zipped up to my building with a couple of burns on her arm. Her sleeve on her left arm was incinerated. Olley saw Able, her expression was blank like she couldn't understand what just happened. I attempted to grab Able to see if I could find something like a memory core or something! But as I went over to him. Olley grabbed my stomach and pulled me back. I kept trying to resist but she was persistent. I didn't know why I wanted to keep going at it. I just knew that my mind went blank there. What was I trying to save? Able was just a golem. I say that but I'm the one that's trying to scramble to see him. Explosions from other areas were seen. Yet, I couldn't hear a damn thing. Neither did I hear anything that Olley was screaming. My burns were probably worse too. It was like turning off the mute option on screen that everything started to return to normal.

Olley: STOP ARC! STOP! YOU'RE GOING TO BURN YOURSELF! IT'S OKAY! IT'S GOING TO BE OKAY! STOP PLEASE! JUST DON'T!

Arc: NO! I CAN STILL SAVE HIM! LET ME GO! LET ME GO OLLEY!

Olley: HE'S STILL BURNING! YOU NEED TO CALM DOWN!

What was I saying? Did I actually say that? Wasn't I supposed to be apathetic to this golem? But I'm here trying to make it to his side. I could see his sparks on the open areas of Able's back. Olley must've lost her grip because she let me go. This isn't how a soldier should act? I couldn't even show a strand of emotion yet my eyes started to fill up. I could barely see but I just knew that I had to go to him. I surged up then touched his body to stop the melting. My hand was severely burned because of it.

Arc: Hey! Hey! You golem! Wake up! Boot up already! Don't do this! Don't just deactivate after something like that! You can't just save me and die! That's not how this works! It's humiliating! YOU USELESS PIECE OF SCRAP!

Olley: Arc! You need to heal that hand! Quickly!

Arc: Shut it! Able! Come on! Don't break like that! Come on! You have some kind of memory bank right? You have something that restores you! SAY SOMETHING DAMN IT!

Able: ZZZzzzZZZZzzz… Waszzzz Izzz of servicezzzzzzzzzzzz.

Arc: You were, okay! So tell me! Tell me how to help already!

Able: Zzzzz Friend zzzzz…

His eye deactivated and I didn't know what happened next.