The next day followed the usual routine, though there was a new addition to the dynamic. When the group saw Sannet, they introduced Leanna to her. Like most people who met Sannet for the first time, Leanna froze. Her mind went blank for a few seconds, an instinctual hesitation she couldn't quite place. Sannet didn't seem to mind; perhaps it had happened too many times, or perhaps she simply didn't care.

  While they were eating in the mess hall, Viola suddenly spoke up. "Do you guys know about a man called Jenkin?"

  Everyone looked at each other and shook their heads.

  "I mean, his actual name is John Kranich, but everyone calls him nicknames like 'Jenkins,'" Viola continued, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "There's apparently a file somewhere in this base explaining his death."

  "Remind me again who that is?" Minka asked.

  "He was considered one of the leading fighters against the Phyrexians on this planet about ten years ago. But he disappeared after the peak of his career. There was no news, no obituary. Literally nothing," Viola answered with deep curiosity, playing with her food.

  Weird... Leanna thought as she took another bite from her bowl.

  "He was also called 'The Legend' by many people, if that refreshes your memory," Viola added with a smile. "His main fighting style was an advanced form of dual-wielding blades—the so-called 'Two-Blade Technique.' The movements are described as quite fast, smooth, and extremely deadly."

  "Oh, 'The Legend.' I heard a thing or two about him," Sannet said, maintaining her usual cold expression. "He was rumored to be a huge ass, though."

  "That… I don't know anything about. But are we all in to find more information about him? I heard the intel fetches a nice price~" Viola asked, looking around the table.

  They all agreed immediately—except for Leanna, who sighed but silently nodded along with the rest of the group.

  A few hours later, they began their training for the day. Once finished, they claimed to have free time for "something fun and relaxing"—at least, that was what they told the supervisor. In reality, they were on their way to the B2 facility, a sector contracted with Militarumtech containing sensitive information deep underground.

  "I still don't get why we are doing this…" Leanna complained while being led into a large cargo elevator.

  Viola looked at her, puzzled. "Because it's our mission."

  "No, it's not! We are supposed to complete the training and be assigned to Militarum branches that fit our personalities. Also, aren't there other options?" She continued as they stepped inside. "What if someone sees us going in here like this?"

  "Lea, I didn't take you for the 'high moral compass' type," Viola laughed. "Oh, please. Are you really scared right now, or maybe just too afraid of losing face? Aren't you trying to escape your responsibilities? No sane person would join a boot camp just for fun."

  Leanna narrowed her eyes and replied sternly but quietly, "I am responsible for my own choices. You know nothing about me!"

  "Guys, please!" Minka interjected from behind them. "Don't fight about it when we have so much work ahead of us. Let's go." Minka was mostly in because she needed money to get a few upgrades for herself.

  They arrived outside a huge metal door. It looked like a vault, but it was merely a protective blast door for the archive sector. It required a Class Two ID card to enter—which Viola had—but it also needed a registered Militarum member's biometric print, which Leanna, as a certified pilot, possessed.

  Leanna gave Viola an icy stare before placing her hand over the sensor. With the groan of heavy machinery, the doors opened smoothly. Lights around the room flickered on one by one until the vast space was brightly lit.

  The place seemed deserted, a repository for forgotten paperwork. They ran in, scouting each corner. First, they found the control room. Sannet easily broke the lock and knocked out the single guard dozing inside.

  "Aren't we doing a bit much?" Minka asked, eyeing the unconscious body.

  "It is fine. The current shift usually takes naps around this time; this sector is low priority," Sannet explained as she began searching the facility’s database for information about 'The Legend.' "And this mission should be easy compared to our usual stuff."

  "Why's that?" Leanna asked as she examined a map placed in the center of the floor.

  "Because no one has officially visited here for months," Viola said, pointing at the dusty visitor log.

  "I found it." Leanna pointed at a section of the map. "This is the paper document section, dating back twenty years. It will have what we need."

  Minka checked the corridor. Seeing no people, they sneakily bypassed a few automated patrols and finally arrived at the archive sector door. The door slowly opened with their combined effort, revealing countless shelves filled with files. Some were wrapped in ribbons or secured with special sealants, ensuring only authorized personnel could access them.

  Leanna picked up several random documents before turning her attention to an old, thick file. She began to read through it carefully, but before long, her eyes grew wide in shock. "This isn't possible…"

  "What isn't?" Minka asked while searching for the file they wanted.

  "Apparently, this facility was a research base for cultivating an alternative to Space Marines. They were trying to create a serum able to give superhuman strength and durability while retaining the person's personality." Leanna read through the first few pages. "Huh… And they used people in the camp for the experiments."

  "What a lovely story. Now help us find the information regarding The Legend," Viola said as she flipped through a stack of files until she found the one she needed.

  Minka looked at Leanna, who continued reading another document. The contents clearly described how The Legend worked together with other mercenaries and successfully managed to kill two separate groups of dangerous monsters. But then, the reports stopped. No follow-up. It really seemed like a lost page of history.

  "Weird..." Minka thought. "The reports regarding The Legend seem like they were stripped after this mission."

  Leanna put a paper down in front of the group. They couldn't believe it; they had never seen this kind of thing before. But then Sannet found something stranger: a psychological report regarding The Legend. It contained various records showing the personality and behavior of different people when they encountered him. It wasn't anything extraordinary until the very end, where the writer mentioned a woman named Nova Terra.

  "Nova Terra dictated that the Legend had started to stray from the role assigned to him. She decided to demand further resources and manpower to deal with the situation."

  "Your mom signed off on this?" Viola asked Leanna.

  "I don't know… she never really talks about work at home… Especially something like this. Knowing Mom, she would have written something very detailed about further reports. We need to find it." Leanna went back to searching, moving through the shelves.

  Minka looked at the file again but only found a single word written in black ink on a plain white paper inserted into the folder: Cursed.

  That's strange. Why would the word 'cursed' be in the file but not written in the official report format? Minka thought.

  Viola then found another file: "Mission Report 2192." She opened it and read it carefully. She saw an odd paragraph she could hardly understand at first glance. It discussed an incident involving an Imperial General who went insane due to his defeat and went on a rampage across the planet until The Legend killed him. Apparently, based on what they'd found, this was his last mission.

  "A general going on a rampage?"

  Suddenly, they heard footsteps outside the door. They all froze. Luckily, the person outside did not come in, but the sound of boots pacing nearby was distinct.

  "I think someone is coming this way," Viola whispered.

  "Looks like it," Leanna said, checking the map. "I think we have found enough. Let's ditch via the vent."

  Leanna crawled under a shelf, prying open a grate. They squeezed through the narrow space, descending several floors using a service ladder near where Leanna crawled out. Then, they used a maintenance lift to leave the facility unnoticed.

  "Whew! Not even breaking a sweat." Viola patted the files in their bag. "This will fetch a nice price."

  "Before you turn it in, let's meet up in our room to link the information together," Minka suggested. Everyone nodded.

  Later that night, near midnight, everyone sat on the dorm floor, discussing the intel.

  "Now, let us conclude what we know. Legend was a very avid fighter who served and became a prominent figure. But soon after, Nova Terra herself deemed The Legend unfit for further deployment…" Viola looked at the stack of documents in her hand. "What the hell happened?"

  "Maybe because the mission was related to that Imperial General who went on a rampage… which was… wait..." Minka blinked a few times, staring at the date on the rampage report. "200 years ago?"

  Everyone looked at Minka in silence.

  "Are you serious?!" Leanna exclaimed. "That can't be right! Legend was active ten years ago!"

  Viola took the document Minka held. "It is legit… unless this document is forged or altered. The event apparently also took place near the Abyss. But that doesn't make sense because the Abyss didn't exist until the end of the Phyrexian War, which was recent."

  "Well… I can ask my mom about it… it's just…" Leanna sounded hesitant.

  "What's wrong?" Viola asked.

  Leanna shrugged. "Nothing. I am just afraid to go home. She will probably say something like, 'Oh Lea, you’re already back?' And Mom will blame herself for not helping me prepare better for this."

  "That sounds rather sweet of your mom…." Viola said with a smile, then quickly looked at the documents again. "Anyway, let us start from the beginning..." She continued reading the file.

  "Or we should just go to the location mentioned in the document," Sannet suddenly spoke up. Everyone turned their eyes toward her.

  "But how are we going to sneak out of the camp? We don't have a valid excuse," Minka said.

  "I think it's possible if we plan well enough... If we come up with a story and act naturally," Leanna replied, thinking through the possibilities. "Like a family emergency…"

  "But it would take days for us to get there! It is too long for us…" Viola added. "And we need to submit the document as well. So we need to act independently." Viola then looked at Sannet. "You work for the Adventurer's Guild… so… are you able to give us some membership pass or something like that?"

  "You want to join the Guild?" Sannet pondered for a few seconds. "Alright, but you guys need to do some tests in order to become members."

  "What's the qualification? I love tests!" Minka said with a straight face.

  "Nerd!" Viola pinched Minka's cheek.

  "I am not a nerd…" Minka said, blushing, before noticing the amusement in Leanna’s eyes.

  Sannet handed them all a card—a provisional membership card for the Guild. "It is only good for three months. So it's good for the current investigation. However, you guys will need to attend and pass the test later."

  "Why do we need to pass it?" Leanna asked.

  "Because the card I just handed you is a personal recommendation card, which only exclusive members can give to outsiders. All of my personal honor depends on this," Sannet replied. "After this investigation, I need to assign you guys some quests to make your qualification legit."

  "That should be easy, right?" Minka asked.

  "Sure, you just need to survive as a group in the Phyrexian Ruins for about a week," Sannet said, looking at them seriously.

  "Hold on… I remember hearing that the ruins are currently infected with some strange organisms which killed three strike teams already…" Viola muttered, pale.

  "Well, decide now. Or we are not doing this." Sannet crossed her arms.

  They looked at each other nervously. After several minutes, they all agreed. "Alright, we accept! So… what now?"

  "I will submit a claim with the head, then we leave the day after tomorrow." Sannet stood up and headed back to her room. "Good night."

  On the preparation day, they all packed backpacks and headed out to the Abyss. The Abyss was originally a man-made mining rig for deep planetary mineral operations, but it was abandoned after the diggers released something from the depths of the planet—or so the rumors went. It was never confirmed. The Abyss was so deep that it had its own climate and ecosystem within.

  As long as you stayed in the lighted zone above ground, there were no monsters roaming around; only strange plants grew near the entrance. Or, as Minka's father used to say to her: "All kinds of weird shit grows down here. No human has ever ventured inside because even the brave explorers who were sent to scout have vanished into thin air. Only a fool would actually try and go even near there."

  "I guess I'm a fool then," Minka muttered, shrugging off the words Trazyn had told her a while ago.

  Sannet drew a lot of attention, not because of the way she looked, but because of the Guild badge that had seemingly only been given to ten people since its creation. Despite encountering some small issues, they managed to arrive at the town where the event related to The Legend had happened.

  They decided to rest their tired legs by purchasing some food at a nearby restaurant and eating together outside.

  "Minka?" Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind her.

  "Dad?" Minka turned around, looking very surprised. "What are you doing here?"

  "Just visiting this place. Aren't you supposed to be at the boot camp?" Trazyn asked. He looked at the girls with his usual expressionless face before turning back to the horizon.

  "Well… we are having a… field trip here." Minka panicked a bit.

  "Hi. How are you doing?" Viola interrupted, seeing Minka struggling.

  "Hi, Uncle," Leanna also greeted him.

  "Hey, hey, it's nice seeing you guys hanging out." He changed his expression to a wholehearted smile.

  "Dad... this is Sannet," Minka introduced.

  "Sannet." His smile widened, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Is Sannet also your friend, dear daughter?" Trazyn asked, putting emphasis on the last part as if sharing an inside joke only he found funny.

  Instead of her constant expressionless cold face, Sannet focused entirely on sipping her drink, actively avoiding eye contact with Trazyn.

  "Yes, Dad. This is why she's with us… is there something wrong? Where's Mom, by the way?" Minka asked worriedly.

  Trazyn exhaled softly. "Your mother is on one of those missions again. So worry not, she won't be home anytime soon." He then shifted his gaze to Leanna. "Lea, does Nova know about this?"

  This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.

  "Huh?" Leanna's eyes widened. "I… no… I didn't tell her about coming here…"

  "You naughty kids…" Trazyn patted Minka's head. "Well, don't worry, I won't tell on anyone. Snitching is hardly my area of expertise. But you guys should worry about this place… it's godforsaken for a reason."

  "Thanks, Dad… by the way, are you the CSO of Militarumtech?" Minka asked, glancing at Viola.

  "Oh, yes. I am. Did Viola tell you that?" Trazyn smirked.

  Minka looked at Viola, who nodded silently with a slight blush. Then Trazyn explained, "It wasn't a title of accomplishment, strictly speaking. I am just a representative of countless hard-working people, much like Viola. I still report to the head, though." He patted Minka again. "Well, enjoy your trip with your friends!" He then looked at Sannet, adding pointedly, "Take care of yourselves."

  "Thanks, Dad!" Minka hugged her father tightly and bade farewell.

  The next morning, they rented a car and started driving towards the destination.

  "Wait... is that a hot spring?" Minka pointed at the map.

  "Yeah, you guys wanna go?" Viola asked.

  Sannet and Leanna nodded. It was unusual to go early in the morning, but it meant fewer people.

  "Man... it has been a while since I was in a hot spring..." Minka laid her head back on the edge. Sannet, who didn't like heat, just dipped her feet in.

  "Aunt Monika and Uncle Trazyn don't bring you often?" Leanna asked.

  "No, it's more like I was in school trying to get away from them," Minka said, annoyed.

  "Your parents are amazing, why don't you want to spend time with them?" Viola asked.

  "I just feel awkward when I'm with them," Minka explained. "They just treat me like a kid and I just can't stand it."

  "Minka, it's not their fault." Leanna stared at the water. "They are just trying to protect you."

  "Of course you're the one to talk. If I had Aunt Nova as a mom I would be sooo happy," Minka said with anger. "But instead my parents treat me like a kid and won't listen to me."

  "That's not true! Your parents are the ones I look up to the most!" Leanna placed her hand on her chest. "They have no expectations of you! And they give you a choice to be happy and have fun growing up! You should be grateful!"

  "Why are you always fighting against me? I thought we were friends!" Minka's eyes turned red.

  "I am saying this because I'm your friend!" Leanna sat on the edge of the pool. "You are stubborn and careless!"

  "You..." Minka turned away, tears dropping.

  "I'm sorry!" Leanna quickly moved to hug Minka. "But you should know how lucky you are to have parents like yours."

  "I don't care!" Minka pulled away.

  "Minka... why do you hate them so much? Did they do something wrong?"

  Minka shook her head, tears flowing. "No, everything they did was right to me! But... they never let me do anything outside of their expectations, and if I do... they will take it away... That's why I was so scared of having friends..."

  "They wouldn't do that... right? That sounds psychotic..." Viola muttered.

  "They thought I wouldn't know... but I knew all along..." Minka sobbed.

  "Minka, every single one of us is proud to be your friend... and we are all strong enough to protect ourselves and each other!" Viola wiped the tears from Minka's eyes. "Don't cry, we are here for you."

  Leanna held her hand. "We will protect you."

  Sannet also held their hands. "So do I."

  "Well, we are getting close to our destination, so keep your eyes peeled!" Viola said, driving rapidly down the road. "There might be monsters in here, so be on your guard!"

  "Monsters?" Leanna asked. "What kind of monsters?"

  "You know, the usual type, like a boar and stuff."

  Suddenly, Viola slammed on the brakes.

  A huge, half-mechanical lizard was crossing the road, almost as big as their car. Its body was a grotesque mix of flesh and steel. The beast saw them and swiped its huge tail like a giant club. Viola reversed just in time, doing a sharp 180-degree turn, but a second lizard emerged from the forest, blocking the road.

  "Guess we have to fight this..." Sannet exited the car, drawing her short sword. "I'll take one of them."

  "Wait! You can't fight it alone!" Leanna said, holding her breath as she got out. "What should I do?"

  "You stay here..." Sannet said, running towards the lizard. "I will handle this."

  "Lea, Viola, let's deal with the other one," Minka said, activating the bracelet her father gave her.

  Leanna took a deep breath and unleashed a wave of air blades at the lizard. It did damage, but was far from killing it. The lizard roared and tried to crush Leanna under its tail; however, she avoided it with ease. Suddenly, she saw Minka rushing forward recklessly.

  "Minka?!"

  "I'll do it!" Minka shouted, charging. Green light flashed from her right hand, and a weapon resembling a Power Fist materialized. With a loud crack, she sunk half the lizard's jaw into its face.

  "Minka!" Leanna shouted with worry.

  Minka didn't seem to care. She swung the Power Fist with full force, sinking it completely into the beast's head. It roared in pain and fell to the ground, but immediately jumped back up, jaws wide.

  "Minka! Duck!" Viola shouted, firing her grenade launcher. It blasted the beast's cheek repeatedly until it finally fell dead.

  "Nice work, girls!" Viola said, approaching them, breathing heavily. "Are you guys alright?"

  "Yeah, we are fine."

  They looked over and saw Sannet split her beast open with her sword, running across its back and landing with a flip. She was covered in blood.

  "Did you get hurt?" Leanna asked Sannet with worry.

  "I'm alright, it's just the blood is really nasty..." Sannet said, trying to clean herself off.

  "We better report this to the authorities." Viola took her notebook out. She wrote down everything that happened in great detail. "Now we better get to the village and report what happened."

  Everyone nodded in agreement and got back into the car. Sannet managed to wipe away the blood on her face, though she muttered about needing to find a place to wash her hair.

  Leanna looked at Minka and finally asked about the Power Fist she used during the battle. "So... where did you get it?"

  "Oh... Well... You know..." Minka answered nervously. "I... uh... got it from a weapon shop."

  "Lies. No weapon shop sells anything like that," Leanna said, raising her eyebrows.

  "Alright... It was my dad," Minka admitted, hiding her embarrassment by staring out the windshield. "He gave it to me so... I could kick your ass..."

  "..." Leanna was speechless for a moment, then let out a long sigh. "Well... just don't show it to others, and I think we will be fine."

  As they approached the village, they could see smoke rising from the chimneys. Viola slowed the car, approaching with caution. "Let's be on our guard." She parked next to a hotel and packed her heavy weapons into a discrete sports bag.

  Sannet had wiped most of the gore off, but the metallic scent of blood still made everyone frown. They checked into the hotel quickly and went straight to their room. The first priority was to shower and change. Naturally, Sannet was the first one to step in. Leanna, ever the diligent one, went downstairs to ask some questions about the locals.

  In the room, Minka watched Viola unpacking. "Are you always carrying a bag full of weapons?"

  "Yep, always," Viola replied as she took out her notebook.

  "Are you allowed to? Do you have a license or something?"

  "Nope. That's why I joined the boot camp—to get the legitimacy to do so," Viola answered nonchalantly.

  "You don't think about serving the Imperium? Helping those who can't defend themselves?" Minka asked with a shocked expression.

  "Nope. Couldn't give a damn. I have side jobs and main responsibilities to take care of," Viola answered with a cold expression, cleaning her gear.

  "But there are plenty of people willing to fight for this world. Why don't you join one of them?" Minka asked with genuine concern.

  "Why do I need to join if plenty of people like you are already doing it?" Viola replied coldly. "And why would I join just for glory or honor? There are people who fight for money, power, love... but there are even more who fight for survival. I just happen to be the latter."

  Minka was speechless. She didn't expect an answer like that from someone who usually teased her so playfully. Viola was right in her own way, but Minka felt she should at least try to understand the other side before making such an insensitive remark.

  "That doesn't sound like you," Minka said softly.

  "I don't see you doing any better..." Viola gave a cold smile, closing her notebook and stowing it away. "Look, I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth. I had to fight through my life to take care of whoever is important to me."

  "Is that why you keep helping others even when you're in trouble?" Minka asked curiously.

  "Yup... I guess you can say that." Viola’s expression turned awkward for a split second before she masked it. "But I wouldn't help anyone if they didn't help me in return. Now... since you know more about me..."

  Viola suddenly pushed Minka onto the bed. "How will you repay me?~"

  Minka gasped, her eyes widening. She hadn't expected such an aggressive move. She lay stunned, having no idea what to do or say. "Um... what do you want...?"

  "Well now... since no one is here..." Viola put her hand on Minka's collar, looking straight into her eyes. "I want you..."

  Minka gulped. A tingle of confusion and fear—mixed with a strange fluster—spread through her body as Viola's hand caressed her collar. "M-me?" Her face turned bright red. "You have a boyfriend!" She was blushing furiously now, her heart pounding against her ribs. "I-I don't want to...!"

  Suddenly, Viola broke character and laughed uncontrollably. "I don't want to..! Now that's a good reaction!" She giggled, wiping a tear from her eye. "My... you really think I was going for it?"

  She pushed herself further onto the bed, pressing Minka down and hooking a leg over Minka's, reaching up to caress her cheek mockingly. "You are just too cute."

  "Get away from me!" Minka pushed Viola away and scrambled up, tidying her shirt. Her face was burning, but annoyance had overtaken the embarrassment. "You... you are unbelievable! How could you joke about something like that?!"

  "Oh, c'mon... What's wrong? Is that really what you think of me?" Viola asked with a teasing smile.

  "I mean... I don't mind if you flirt or tease, but... just so you know, I am not interested in women whatsoever. I don't have problems with it, but it's really not for me," Minka said, glaring at Viola. "I thought you were my friend, but it seems I was mistaken... you are a real piece of work."

  "Oh, that's too bad..." Viola stood up, stepping into Minka’s personal space again, her playfulness vanishing. "In this world, it's either you get fucked or you fuck other people."

  "That's not true!" Minka stared right into Viola's eyes. "The world can be cruel, but it doesn't mean you should face every person with that pessimistic attitude!"

  "And how should I feel then?" Viola asked, her expression turning icy. "You're just a spoiled brat who has clearly never seen the worst of the worst."

  "Is that how you see me? Like a plant growing in a greenhouse? Always protected from the outside world?" Minka stepped forward, matching her intensity.

  "You are not even worth my time," Viola replied. "It's a wonder you haven't been killed already."

  "Don't you even know how much I have suffered in my life?" Minka asked, her eyes full of tears but shining with determination. "You don't know how much pain I went through for everything I am today..."

  Suddenly, Leanna entered the room, looking confused. "Were you two fighting?"

  "Just a little," Viola replied as she walked past Leanna without stopping. "She was being an idiot anyway." Viola proceeded downstairs for fresh air.

  Leanna put her hands on her hips, looking at Minka with disappointment. "What did you do to her?"

  "Nothing," Minka answered, taking a towel from her backpack. "I just wanted to help her... but she didn't want to listen..."

  "Why do you do that all the time?" Leanna asked, her tone sharp. "Why do you always try to 'help' people even when they won't listen to you?"

  "Well..." Minka began, but Leanna interrupted.

  "You know what you did wrong. Look, in an adult world, people select who they want to be with. That goes for friends, family, and lovers. Don't try to change her. Be the friend she needs when she's sad or down. I don't care about what you two were arguing about, but this was on you!" Leanna poked a finger against Minka's chest. "You're such an idealist, and honestly, it's getting on my nerves. You need to apologize."

  "Leanna, stop it!" Minka yelled back. "This isn't even your business!"

  "When our team starts having pointless arguments like this? Now that is my Emperor-damned business. I will not hesitate to give you a good beating if you keep this up." Leanna looked at Minka furiously. "That girl has suffered so much already. It's enough that she has to suffer alone; don't add more pressure on her. You can tell from the way she deals with people—do you think she would ask us for this quest if we weren't somewhat useful to her?"

  Minka's face flushed. She knew she had screwed up. "Leanna... I'm sorry..."

  "Apologize to her." Leanna put her hands on Minka's shoulders, pulling her close and staring directly into her eyes. "Look... I might be your cousin, but I see you like my own sister. And sisters always have each other's back, even correcting one's mistakes."

  "Lea..." Minka hugged Leanna tight, tears finally spilling over. "I'm sorry..."

  "Don't apologize too much." Leanna smiled, hugging her back. "Now... head down and give Viola a nice, heartfelt apology, and it will all be gone."

  Minka nodded and headed downstairs.

  "Well, I didn't know you were so good at holding the team together." Sannet leaned on the door frame, wrapped in a towel. She looked impressed.

  "I just hate when things are out of order. And humans are... unpredictable by nature... I do my best to cope with everyone I know," Leanna said, sitting on the couch.

  "You're really good at holding us together," Sannet replied, starting to change her clothes. "You always find the best approach to talk to everyone."

  "Thanks for that." Leanna smiled, tapping her finger against the armrest four times before cramping it into a fist. "But don't tell anyone I told you this, or they would be worried about me."

  "Don't worry about it." Sannet gave a warm smile. "But... how come you're so good at talking to others? Even me?" she asked with curiosity, before noticing Leanna's guarded look. "Sorry, it's not my business really."

  "I guess I was born with it," Leanna replied, scratching her cheek. "I'm always trying to keep things under control."

  "I see..."

  Then Viola came in, looking as stoic as ever. Leanna looked up. "Well? Did you and Minka make up?"

  "Minka? I didn't see her," Viola replied coldly. "What was I supposed to say to that spoiled brat anyway?"

  "Wait..." Leanna stood up. "She was about to apologize to you. She went down a few minutes ago." Leanna checked the window. Nothing. Minka wasn't downstairs.

  Sannet was already geared up. "I will go and look for her. Stay here. I feel like something is wrong."

  Viola opened her sports bag and threw Leanna a shotgun. "You know how to shoot?"

  "Yes." Leanna caught the weapon, checked the chamber, and loaded it. "If someone is onto us, we need to stay together."

  Viola stuffed a small auto-pistol into her holster. Leanna opened the door, and suddenly—

  "What the..."

  "I'm sorry!" Minka yelled as she rushed inside and hugged Viola tightly.

  "Minka..." Viola took a step back, looking at her face. "You alright?"

  Minka nodded rapidly and handed over a bag full of cupcakes. "I am sorry for being such an insensitive brat..." she said timidly.

  "Don't be an idiot!" Viola scolded loudly, then stepped forward and hugged her tightly. "I wasn't mad at you at all... Just don't disappear on us again..."

  Minka noticed the shotgun in Leanna's hand. "Wait... did you guys think I was kidnapped?"

  Before anyone could answer, Sannet barged in, dragging a man by his collar and throwing him onto the ground. "I found this man peeking on us." Sannet pointed her sword at his throat. "You better not move a muscle, or you'll regret it."

  The man, covered in a long coat, curled up on the ground. "Wait... don't kill me! I was only watching out for my master! I swear! Don't kill me!"

  "Who is your master?" Sannet asked. "And why were you following us?"

  "I wasn't! My master's son is currently on a trip alone! He sent me to watch out for him!" the man panicked.

  "False alarm, then." Sannet picked the man up and shoved him outside the room, slamming the door shut.

  Everyone let out a relieved sigh. They made up, shared the cupcakes Minka bought, and thoroughly enjoyed them.

  Later, Leanna and Viola went out to get supplies, leaving only Minka and Sannet in the hotel.

  "Sannet... do you mind if I ask how you feel... about me?" Minka asked timidly.

  "Not interested," Sannet responded bluntly. "I don't have any feelings towards any of you."

  "No, I mean do you think I'm... stupid? Because Leanna and Viola both said so..." Minka looked away.

  Sannet chuckled lightly. "You're not stupid... In fact, you are very intelligent. Just that..." Sannet paused. "You're too naive at times... And that's what makes you look stupid..."

  Minka pouted slightly. "What do you mean? I meant everything I said to them."

  "It's fine if you believe what you say... But reality is different from belief. You can't get by just believing. Unless... you're a greenskin. Are you an Ork, Minka?"

  "No... I'm not an Ork." Minka sighed. "I see... thanks, Sannet..."

  "But I think you need more than words of encouragement. How about we get some action?" Sannet suggested. "I have no idea how you are in combat, so I'll teach you some things. Not just in fighting, but also about life."

  "You kicked my ass last time..." Minka muttered.

  "Well, after some time in the camp, I think you at least learned something, right?" Sannet asked, taking a sip from her canteen.

  Minka nodded, and they found a field where no people were around. "What now?"

  Sannet pointed at Minka's wrist. "Activate it and show me how it works."

  "You knew?!" Minka asked curiously.

  "I don't think any of us are blind. Now... let's see what you can do." Sannet didn't even pull out her sword. She just put one hand behind her back and told Minka to strike.

  Minka complied, phasing out a bat from her hand and swinging at Sannet. However, Sannet immediately blocked with her hand and swept Minka to the floor with her feet in less than a second.

  Minka was stunned. A girl smaller than her had just floored her. She stood back up and struck again, only to have her strike blocked once more. Sannet used Minka's momentum to slam her into the ground again.

  Sannet shook her head. "All brawl and no skill..."

  Minka gritted her teeth and tried to kick Sannet away, but Sannet countered easily, knocking Minka back.

  After about ten minutes of one-sided beating, Sannet checked her watch. "Stop for now. It's getting late, and we need sleep for the journey."

  "We are not done yet!" Minka wiped blood from the edge of her mouth. "I can win this!"

  Sannet was slightly taken aback by her determination. She smirked. "You can try... But... let's just call it for now. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone about this." Sannet winked.

  Minka blushed for a second. "I-If you insist... One day, I'll show you that I can win!"

  "Looking forward to it." A genuine smile appeared on Sannet's face.

  On the roof not far away, Leanna handed Viola a bill of Imperial credits. Viola grinned and pocketed the money. "Well, this is what you get for overestimating Minka."

  "I just can't believe that she can't even land a single hit..." Leanna shook her head in disbelief.

  "You wanna spar too?" Viola asked with a grin.

  "No... not tonight... We better head off and pretend we are sleeping so Minka can rest peacefully..." Leanna started heading to the exit.

  "You're hopelessly caring, aren't you..." Viola chuckled, following her.

  When Minka and Sannet returned to the room, Viola and Leanna were already asleep. Minka let out a relieved sigh and changed her clothes. Even though she had bruises under her shirt, they were already healing. Minka never questioned this; she always assumed she was just healthier than her peers.

  It didn't take long for Minka to fully recover. The next morning, everyone packed up and headed to their first destination: The outpost near the Abyss.

  "So... do you guys remember the origin of the Abyss?" Viola asked, staring at the endless ocean of black water in the distance.

  "The Abyss is one of the deepest areas on the planet that never sees light," Sannet said casually.

  "When I was in school, they suggested it didn't exist before the Phyrexian War," Minka added. "Some theory about an anti-grain blast causing a collapse. That's what we heard, anyway."

  "How deep is it?" Leanna asked.

  "Nobody really knows," Viola answered. "At least three miles deep, maybe more."

  "It was one of the deepest parts of the planet, after all," Sannet added. "We should be careful. The place seems to have some unnatural power under it."

  They approached the outpost, which was bustling with personnel from Militarumtech and the Astral Militarum.

  "Halt." A guard stood in front of the car. "This place is forbidden."

  "We are here for Adventure Guild business." Leanna handed the ID card over.

  "The Guild sending people here?" The guard looked at the card skeptically. "Please step out of your vehicle."

  After checking their IDs, he shook his head. "I am sorry, Ma'am, we can't let you through. This place is currently off-limits due to classified reasons."

  "I can't believe it." Leanna looked at the guard angrily. "That's our first destination; how come it's off-limits?"

  "Sorry, Ma'am. I understand your frustration, but please leave now. Don't come back."

  Leanna was about to argue, but Viola glanced at the side of the road. They drove out of sight and began approaching the Abyss on foot. Viola used a mine detector to lead the way. Surprisingly, there were no mines.

  They managed to sneak past the outpost and saw a strange facility in the distance, covered in white armor plates with a chimney spewing smoke. It looked designed for warfare, surrounded by turrets connected to the main facility.

  "This is getting weird..." Viola muttered. "Is this some kind of military facility?"

  "I don't remember ever seeing it on the map..." Leanna whispered.

  Suddenly, a strange howl echoed from the forest. Everyone climbed the trees to observe.

  "What is that?" Leanna whispered, staring at a giant creature approaching the facility.

  "That thing's a Wurm!" Viola quickly jumped down, signaling everyone to hide on the ground.

  "Halt! Halt!" Soldiers appeared, aiming rifles at the beast. Twin bolter turrets rained bullets, damaging its armor, but the beast let out an angry roar and charged, causing the soldiers to flee in panic.

  Minka paused, her face hardening with determination. "We have to help them."

  "Why?" Leanna asked, watching the chaos. "Minka, we have to go now, or we will never find another chance to get near the Abyss."

  "We are doing this out of pure curiosity," Minka explained. "If we don't do something, they are going to die. We will have another shot at the mission, but if we don't act now, people lose their lives." She glanced at Viola and Sannet pleadingly.

  "Fine..." Viola agreed reluctantly. Sannet shrugged silently.

  "You..." Leanna sighed, then wind began swirling around her. "Let's save them."

  Minka charged first, phasing out an axe. She was nimble enough to climb onto the Wurm, hitting it with full might to draw its attention. Viola provided support with a bolt gun, targeting weak spots, while Leanna used wind blasts to deflect attacks.

  After a few minutes, Minka opened a deep wound. Sannet leaped on, sticking her sword into the flesh and running toward its head while slicing.

  The Wurm squirmed violently, yanking everyone off. It charged at Leanna. Sannet dove to intercept, slicing its body, while Viola tried to fire but was knocked back by a heavy blow.

  Suddenly, a massive tail strike aimed directly at Leanna.

  At the last moment, Minka blocked the attack. The force sent her flying into a tree with a sickening crack. She fell unconscious.

  "Minka!" Leanna roared.

  Fueled by rage, Leanna charged. She rode the beast, stuck her hand into the wound Minka had made, and unleashed her full power. A tornado formed inside the Wurm, turning into internal blades that shredded it from within. The beast bloated and exploded into a bloody mess.

  Sannet caught Leanna in mid-air, and they landed safely. Leanna rushed to Minka, ignoring her own limp.

  "Minka, you have to stay alive!" She laid Minka flat, applying pressure to the bleeding arm.

  "We did it," Viola said, panting.

  "I know..." Leanna breathed heavily. "You're such an idiot..." she whispered to the unconscious Minka. "But... without you... I would be the one lying here..."

  Minka’s eyelids fluttered. She opened them weakly and grinned. "I am so happy you're okay..."

  A team of soldiers arrived with a stretcher. A Commissar approached them. "I do not like that you trespassed, but you saved my men. For that, I will not include you in my report. Follow me."

  While sitting in the office later, the Commissar offered them warm drinks and spare uniforms.

  "What is this camp?" Leanna asked, taking notes.

  "We think we are bait," the Commissar sighed. "The Wurms attacked from the pit just a few days ago. We are barely holding on."

  After cleaning up in the female quarters, the trio visited the medical tent.

  "You're going to be okay," Leanna said, holding Minka's hand.

  "I'm already rested!" Minka complained, wincing. "I am just bored!"

  The others left to rest, leaving Sannet to watch Minka. Sannet sat quietly, reading a book.

  "Emm, Sannet?"

  "Yes?" Sannet didn't look up.

  "Do you want to sneak out for a walk?"

  "No. You need to rest."

  "Please, I don't want to be left alone..."

  "I'll stay with you for the night, so you're not alone."

  Minka slapped the table, irritated. "Fine! Just leave me alone then!" She covered her head with the blanket. "Don't wake me up until morning!"

  Twenty seconds later, Minka tried to leave.

  "Where are you going?" Sannet asked.

  "Toilet!"

  "I'll go with you." Sannet closed her book and followed.

  Outside the stall, Minka snapped. "I am a big girl! I get to make my own decisions! I don't need a guard!"

  "I know you're fine, but we all agreed you need to rest," Sannet said coldly.

  Minka washed her face, calming down. "I guess I shouldn't argue... but you really do piss me off."

  "Sorry..."

  "Can't I just go for a walk outside? I saved Leanna! I think I deserve a walk!"

  "You are not allowed to leave," Sannet said, grabbing her wrist.

  "Let me go!" Minka struggled.

  "Minka, this is for your own good. You may have power, but that does not make you a hero."

  "What do you mean?" Minka shouted. "You guys treat me like a delicate flower! I can take more hits than all of you combined! Try me!"

  Sannet pushed Minka onto the bed and pinned her wrists above her head, crawling on top of her to ensure she couldn't move. Her hands were cold and stiff, like stone.

  "Try me," Sannet whispered dangerously.

  Minka suddenly blushed. She hadn't expected Sannet to go this far. She couldn't form words, simply closing her eyes to hide her red face. "S-Stop!"

  "Only if you promise to stay and be a good girl tonight."

  "I... I promise I'll stay!"

  "No. Repeat everything I just said."

  "I will stay and be a good girl tonight..." Minka whispered, humiliated.

  Sannet let go and returned to her seat. "Good."

  Minka hid under the blanket. "I'm sorry for my behavior."

  "Don't worry about it. It was my job to take care of you."

  Soon, the lights were off. The only sound was the gentle breathing of Sannet and Minka in the dark.