"Mayor Magnus, reporting over the damage throughout the city..."
"Mayor, more and more people have started destroying properties! If we don't handle them..."
"59% of the civilians have been moved to shelters and undergone anti-brainwashing measures. However, complaints are being raised about food shortages..."
On the top floor of Gravene Tower, inside Magnus' office, several people were giving reports simultaneously. It was just an hour past noon, but everyone's faces already showed signs of fatigue.
After the news spread of the Aracelli Race starting another "Divine Retribution War," panic overtook the civilians. Many of them began causing insurrections, adding to the chaos. Of course, their actions weren't entirely of their own will but influenced by the autosuggestion Lorelai had left in their minds.
"That woman... just how thorough was she in preparing to ruin my city?" Magnus sighed while reading and signing documents at the same time.
Out of the civilians in the shelters, around 25% were under minor mind control. This meant Lorelai had managed to put a quarter of the city's population under her influence not long after her "awakening."
Long story short, if not for her prioritizing saving her "family," then Orinfeld City might be over already.
"No choice..." Magnus grumbled, before turning to Geneviv, who was sitting on the sofa, handling her own set of documents. "My wife, please gather the Black Numbers... and the Hit Squad. ASAP."
"Dear..." Geneviv stared at Magnus, seeing his resolute gaze, and relented. "Alright. I will."
The Black Numbers were mobilized not that long ago and were being called on again already. This just speaks volumes about how dangerous the current situation is. Furthermore, even the enigmatic Hit Squad was called forth—the squad that's said to be the last line of defense of Orinfeld City.
Half an hour after the order was given, the two teams were already gathered inside Magnus' office. The entirety of the Hit Squad, all twelve of them, and for the Black numbers, only the team leaders were called, a total of twenty.
Among them, familiar faces could be seen. At the forefront of the Black Numbers stood a tall man with red skin, sporting two curved horns on his head. He was the overall commander of the Black Numbers, the Oni Uncle who usually guarded the Dungeon's Entrance!
Other than him, on the Hit Squad's side, there's also Zenearith, the receptionist of the Adventurer's Guild. Also Faeloria, the Director of the Class Exchange Hall. Two common figures that one wouldn't dare relate to being part of the top "Killer" organization of the city.
And although Magnus hated to acknowledge it, of all the research he got hold of, the Juviel City had the most advanced gear with the highest level of protection. The prototypes they got a hand at weren't as good, but could also provide some protection, however...
"There's only ten of these prototypes right now. Meaning, only ten of you can go and safely participate in this dangerous mission." Magnus went straight to the point. "I want for you to discuss who will go. This is a joint task for the Black Numbers and the Hit Squad."
"..."
Everyone went silent. The mission was infiltration, so rather than strength, their stealth abilities were more required. Before the discussion even started, five members of the Hit Squad stepped forward—members who were confident with their stealth abilities.
—And among them, Zena and Faeloria were included.
From the Black Numbers side, the Oni Uncle didn't dare participate. He was the worst choice to go with in terms of stealth, with his large build and noticeable presence. As such, five members of the team leaders stepped forward, joining in on the task.
Magnus scanned their faces, counting exactly ten participants, and nodded. "Good. Then, I'll be leaving the fate of Orinfeld City to you all."
The success of this mission would greatly affect whether they could survive Lorelai's invasion or not. As such, the pressure on them was quite something.
Soon, the others who were not participating in the mission left Magnus' office, leaving only the ten members, Magnus, and Geneviv, in the room. Right then, Magnus called out to Faeloria and smiled.
"Ms. Shadowleaf, sorry about this. Although it was almost your turn, it looks like things will need to be delayed."
Her frown quickly turned to a smile, returning to her "outside" persona.
"It's fine, Mayor," she said while sending a sneaky glance to Geneviv's face, then to her tummy. "I'm just someone who's well past her prime, and still dreams about having a child of my own."
Aster's second partner was supposed to be her—Faeloria Shadowleaf!