In the room, the three boys, as usual, were each minding their own business.
Asti was counting how many bets he had won, Tony was cultivating, and Hikiri was reading. A normal evening for them.
Suddenly, someone knocked violently on the door. Tony, annoyed, glanced at Asti, and Hikiri did the same.
"Seriously… one day, I really need to earn some respect around here," grumbled Asti as he got up.
He went to open the door… and was surprised to find Commander Darlius standing there.
"Asti, Hikiri, Tony. Come with me," he said simply.
The three boys exchanged confused looks.
"Uh… did we do something, Commander Darlius?" asked Asti.
"You'll find out very soon. For now, follow me."
They obeyed and followed Darlius to the armory. There, other people were already waiting for them.
Tony immediately recognized Aconé, Lucien, Simone, and Dina. They all seemed surprised—or pleased—to see him.
"Alright. You seven, line up in front of me," ordered Darlius.
"And now what? Just so you know, I've got a date tomorrow," said Lucien.
"Missing a date might actually restore your modesty," replied Aconé.
"What does the virgin want from me?" mocked Lucien, throwing him a provocative look.
"If you want to settle this right now, I'm game," replied Aconé, ready to fight.
"CALM DOWN, YOU DAMN ANIMALS!" shouted Darlius.
"Shit, does he ever think about other people's ears?" muttered Hikiri.
The door to the room opened again. Canou Gérard entered. Everyone except Tony stood at attention.
"Good evening. I'll keep it short. You now form team 8874, and you're leaving on a mission… tonight," Canou Gérard announced cheerfully.
Half the group's faces dropped. Even if they had known this fake peace at the base would end someday, they hadn't expected it… not this soon.
"Gentlemen… I'm glad to go, but… what is Asti doing here? He's not even rank six. He won't survive out there," said Hikiri.
"Sometimes, you have to go out weak to gain experience," replied Canou Gérard calmly.
"And what's the objective of this mission?" asked Tony, sitting while the others remained standing.
Canou Gérard stared at him. He almost lunged at him, but forced himself to stay calm.
"You're going to Fort Saint-Michel… and you will exterminate all members of the Payo clan inside," he said in a neutral tone.
An uncontrollable laugh broke out. It was Hikiri, doubled over.
Canou shot him a deadly glare, his face tense with anger.
"What's so funny, boy?"
"AAAAH AAAH… it's just the fact that you're sending us on a suicide mission! That fort is also called 'Billio Castle', and even the Chang call it 'the unbreachable fortress'! Since the Payo clan took it, no one—and I mean NO ONE—has managed to enter or even damage the walls! And you want US, just seven people, to clean it out? If you want us dead, just say it!"
All eyes turned to Canou Gérard. Everyone except Tony and Dina waited for his response.
"No… I'm not sending you on a suicide mission. More like a mission with a low success rate. But if you succeed… it could speed up the end of this war."
"So… you're sending us because we're people no one would miss?" said Tony.
The others gave him a strange look… but they knew he was right.
"Anyway, you have no choice. That's an order," added Canou Gérard.
Silence fell over the room. Like a death sentence. Even Asti, usually so cheerful, had a closed expression and avoided everyone's gaze. Who would've thought his first mission would be… a disguised suicide?
"Good. Pick an outfit from here. They're durable, but try not to take too much damage," said Canou Gérard.
Tony walked over to the suits and picked a black bodysuit that covered him from neck to toe, gloves included. The others did the same. Even Darlius geared up after a brief look exchanged with Canou.
"The fort is located in the former territory known as 'France.' Currently, we're in London—or what's left of it. At your pace, you should reach it in about a month."
"And how do we cross the sea?" asked Tony, cutting him off.
"I was getting to that. On the edge of the Channel, despite the war, both clans have small towns set up. There's one from the Chang clan right by the coast. You'll have to… steal a boat from them."
Tony sighed.
"This guy is really insane. He wants us dead."
"At the base exit, you'll find supplies, water, and a map. Gentlemen, lady… you may leave," concluded Canou Gérard, gesturing toward the door.
"Commander Darlius, you're the team leader. The honor of guiding us is yours," said Tony with a cold smile.
"But…" — Darlius stopped short as he caught Canou Gérard's gaze, then silently walked to the door.
The others followed him. In the hallway, Tony said:
"Off to our deaths, huh… Commander Darlius?"
Darlius didn't answer.
At the base exit, Tony asked:
"Who wants to carry the supplies?"
They all looked at each other… then slowly, they all turned their eyes toward Asti.
He sighed, picked up the supplies… and handed the map to Darlius.
"Why are you giving this to me?" the latter asked.
"Well… you're the leader, right? So, you should be the one holding the map," replied Asti.
"…Fine. Whatever… let's go," Darlius said in a tired voice.
Team 8874 finally exited the base.
"Finally outside… and I fully intend to stay that way," said Tony.