Chapter 509 115.7 - First Mission

Chapter 509 115.7 - First Mission

"Today, I continued my work researching the places where I had marked before." She said as she tapped onto her smartwatch. Following that, right on top of the table, the holographic map of the Veilcroft appeared.

The map flickered briefly before stabilizing, showing a complex network of streets and districts, with several locations marked prominently in red.

Lira pointed to a specific location on the holographic map, a cluster of red markers indicating one of the most affected areas in the southern district. The room's attention remained fixed on her as she continued her report.

"This location," she said, zooming in on the map, "has shown the highest frequency of disturbances. Over the past few days, I've been focusing on more than just the physical and environmental factors at play. I've started investigating a possible psychological commonality among the victims."

She tapped her smartwatch again, and the holographic map shifted to display a series of profiles—images and brief descriptions of individuals who had reported encounters with the whispers and other phenomena.

"What I've found is that many of these individuals share certain psychological traits," Lira explained. "Specifically, they have all experienced significant emotional stress in recent months—loss of a loved one, financial difficulties, personal crises. It's as if these disturbances are targeting those who are already vulnerable, amplifying their fears and despair."

She paused, letting the gravity of her findings sink in. The monitors displayed data points and correlations she had uncovered, showing a clear pattern in the psychological profiles of the affected individuals.

"I believe that there is an intelligent design behind these disturbances," Lira continued, her tone resolute. "The way these whispers and phenomena are escalating suggests that someone, or something, is deliberately manipulating the emotions of the people in Veilcroft. This isn't just a random occurrence—it's a planned activity, likely orchestrated by a villain with a specific agenda."

She looked around the room, gauging the reactions of her colleagues. "If this is the case, then we're dealing with an adversary who understands human psychology and is using these disturbances to create fear and chaos. The whispers are likely a tool to sow discord and weaken the populace, making them easier to control or manipulate."

The room was silent for a moment.

However, before anyone could respond, Mikhail leaned forward, his expression thoughtful but firm. "I disagree," he began, his voice calm but carrying an underlying tension. "While I respect Lira's findings, I believe we're looking at this from the wrong angle."

He tapped his own smartwatch, and the holographic map shifted again, this time highlighting several older, less populated areas on the outskirts of the city.

"There's a different pattern here," Mikhail continued. "The locations Lira has pointed out are indeed significant, but I've been studying the history of Veilcroft and cross-referencing it with reports of ancient creatures and forgotten entities. I believe these disturbances are the result of an ancient monster being awakened—something that has been dormant for centuries, perhaps even millennia."

He paused, letting his theory take hold before continuing. "The whispers, the strange phenomena—they're not just psychological attacks. They're the echoes of a being that is gradually regaining its strength. The people who are most affected may not just be psychologically vulnerable—they could be more sensitive to the influence of this creature, drawn to it in ways they don't fully understand."

Mikhail's words introduced a new layer of complexity to the situation. While Lira's theory focused on an intelligent, calculated plot, Mikhail suggested that the disturbances were the result of something far older and far less human—an ancient force of nature that was reawakening after a long slumber.

"This being," Mikhail continued, "could be influencing the city on a subconscious level, drawing power from the fear and despair of its inhabitants. But its ultimate goal might not be to control or manipulate—it could be something much more primal, like survival or feeding. If that's the case, then we're not just dealing with a villain—we're dealing with a force of nature that needs to be contained before it consumes the entire city."

Shanks, who had been listening to the exchange with a thoughtful expression, finally intervened. "This discussion has clarified that we're dealing with a complex situation, one where both theories—Lira's and Mikhail's—could be contributing to the overall picture. The disturbances may be the result of an ancient force that's reawakening, but that force might also be manipulating the environment in ways that are more deliberate than we realize."

He looked around the room, meeting the eyes of each team member in turn.

"Is there anything one of you wants to add?"

Shanks's gaze swept over the room, finally settling on me. His expression remained neutral, but there was a subtle expectation in his eyes as he addressed me directly.

"Anything you want to add, newbie?" Shanks asked, his tone almost casual, though it carried the weight of authority. Before I could respond, he gestured towards Lira and Mikhail. "Lira, Mikhail, this is Astron Natusalune. He's new to our team, but he's got a reputation for being sharp. Astron, you've had some time to review the reports and get a feel for the situation. What's your take?"

I nodded in acknowledgment, appreciating the introduction but aware that all eyes were now on me. Keeping my expression neutral, I took a moment to gather my thoughts before speaking.

"I've read through the reports carefully," I began, my tone measured. "Both of your theories have merit, and from what I've seen, they're not mutually exclusive. The disturbances could very well be the result of an ancient force reawakening, as Mikhail suggested. But at the same time, Lira's point about the calculated nature of these events can't be ignored."

I paused, glancing at the holographic map still displayed on the table. "If this force is ancient, it's possible that it's acting on instinct, following patterns that we don't fully understand yet. But that doesn't mean there isn't some level of intentionality in how it's spreading fear and chaos. The line between instinct and intention can be thin, especially when dealing with something that's been dormant for so long."

I kept my words carefully balanced, appearing to play it safe. But in reality, I was already piecing together a different understanding of the situation—one that I wasn't ready to fully reveal yet.

At least, I needed enough evidence. Without it, I would look like a fool.

"The reports indicate that this situation is evolving rapidly," I continued, "and both perspectives will be important as we move forward. We need to remain adaptable and ready to shift our approach as new information comes to light. For now, I think it's wise to continue exploring both angles."

Shanks watched me closely, his expression unreadable, before giving a slight nod.

"Not bad. At least you seem to know how to talk."

I could feel the scrutiny of the team, especially from Lira and Mikhai, both of whom clearly assessed me.

In a way, I had just repeated what they said, but at the same time, it was a slight warning of what was there to come tomorrow.

Shanks shifted his focus back to the rest of the team. "Alright, let's wrap this up for now. We'll reconvene when we have more data."

Just like that, the team dispersed.