Captain's Dominion (Raiden Mei X Fem Reader)

Chapter 7: Orders Received

[Y/n's PoV]

My group soon arrived at the terminal room, and were now standing in front of the huge monitor that was currently displaying a map of the surrounding area. Durandal already looked as though she had all of the latest detailed information on the situation, as expected from her.

"According to our latest information, this is the location of the branch facility that lost communication with us not long ago. We don't know what has occurred there, but we do know that the facility itself is still intact."

I nodded and hummed while thinking of a plan.

"Hmm... There are different rooms towards every corridor. So I'll let you split up into three groups."

I assigned them by pair, leaving me here to watch the monitor- including Durandal yet she refused which resulted to a minor conflict.

"Even though you assigned everyone a specific section to explore, I have a different idea for how we should approach this."

She looked over at the screen again, and started to take a much closer look at the map.

"Based on the data we've gathered, there is a very strong possibility that there is a large amount of enemies who are holding up in one central room... and I have a feeling it's this room here."

She pointed at a specific room which was on the northernmost side of the facility. There appeared to be a significant amount of Honkai energy coming from that room, and it was likely that the Honkai beasts or other possible individuals were responsible for the incident were waiting there for them.

"But... aren't we most likely to be predicted let alone having a probability of being ambushed?" Seele asked her.

"And yet, you can expect the enemy to think that we wouldn't be 'that' reckless when it comes to how we handle this situation..." Durandal quickly countered.

"I predict that they wouldn't be expecting us to immediately head for the exact room with the highest concentration of Honkai presence, which would give us the advantage when we make our move. It's a gamble, but it may very well pay off in our favor." She added.

I nodded slightly.

"Very well then. Valkyries."

"Affirmative, Captain."

They all responded in unison- each Valkyrie clearly understanding their assigned roles in this whole mission. The time for preparations was officially over, and now it was time to take action against the threat that could very well be hiding behind that door to Room 412.

As they began to move out, I noticed Durandal hadn't moved an inch.

"Aren't you coming along with them?" I asked her.

"I'm staying with you."

Hearing this tone, it was made clear that she wanted to keep me secure and safe even if it meant that she'd have to stick close by to keep a watchful eye over me in case something happens. I appreciate her concern, but...

"Oh? You're the squad's leader, they need you there for further instructions. I'll be fine here." I said dismissively.

"We all do respect, Captain, but this is one of those times where I will not hesitate to disregard your order if that means it will ensure your own safety. You have to remember that we'll be dealing with an unknown type of Honkai threat that is still currently unchecked by our forces... it's not worth the risk to leave you in this room while the others go check on the threat on their own."

"Durandal, orders are orders." I firmly said.

"I apologize, Captain, but I cannot in good conscience just allow you to stay here alone."

I sighed. She was not willing to budge with this situation and it was pretty obvious that she was still concerned about my health despite giving her a direct order.

"Go with them." I added another command.

Suddenly, I could sense a shift in Durandal's expression and behavior as something had just drastically altered. The resolute and staunch demeanor that she held before had suddenly disappeared and was now being replaced by a new one which made me a little confused.

"I... okay, Captain. I'll do as you said and go with them." She complied.

Huh...

I already feel as though something was off with her. Her tone of voice was different than before and she seemed much more submissive..?

At first it seemed unusual seeing this side to Durandal, but it didn't take long for me to realize that her mind was being influenced by something before she left.

"...Strange..."

Could this be... the Herrscher's domination?

I shook off the feeling before looking back at the monitor.

From the terminal room, I could once again see the map of this building and could clearly tell that the various Valkyrie squads were slowly moving through each of their assigned sections of the building in order to get to Room 412. Their movement was fairly slow, but they were making decent progress so far in identifying any potential threats within their assigned areas.

Now that all the Valkyries are busy dealing with the threat on the other side, I stepped away from the monitor before turning my body around.

"You've been observing us from the shadows for quite some time now. I say you wanted my presence alone, yes? Now that I set off all my Valkyries somewhere, isn't it time for you to show yourself... Mei..?"