After finishing my task, I refocused on the training. I continued to advance through the forest. After a few hours of progress, I suddenly received an emergency alert from our captains. Captain Kireal's voice, transmitted through the system, said in a message sent to the entire team, "Emergency! Everyone gather at the base!" This sudden call quickened my heartbeat and brought several possible scenarios to mind. None of them were good signs.
I activated the system effectively, choosing the fastest route to head toward the base. The effects of the Mirage blue flowers were still lingering on me, so I might not be visible. This made my task a bit more complicated, but the focus now was to reach the base as quickly as possible.
I saw the locations of my teammates around me. According to their positions on the map:
To the south, three people were two kilometers away.To the north, two people were eight kilometers away.To the west, two people were six kilometers away.To the east, one person was four kilometers away.
The captain and the first officer were waiting at the center of the camp. I was the closest person to the camp and needed to reach them as quickly as possible. I picked up my pace, keeping an eye on my surroundings as I ran toward the camp. With every step, thousands of thoughts raced through my mind: "What is this emergency about? Are we in danger? Or is it just a drill?" This uncertainty gnawed at me, but I hoped that everything would become clear once I arrived at the camp.
When I reached the camp, it was early morning. I observed the shadows slowly receding and the daylight beginning to spread. However, the effects of the Mirage blue flowers were still present; therefore, I needed to announce my arrival properly. Captain Kireal and first officer Ryskar were assessing the situation with data tablets in hand. It was immediately clear that they had a serious demeanor.
I quickly approached them and gave a formal salute. "Kael'rax (Apprentice Warrior) Lynx at your service," I said, standing at attention and punching my right fist against my left chest.
Though they both seemed startled for a moment, they quickly regained a professional calm. "Drakron Thyron (Senior Warrior) Kireal sees you, relax warrior," Kireal responded and turned back to the data tablet, not taking his eyes off the screen.
"Rest until the others arrive," Kireal ordered, giving a slight nod as he issued his instruction.
I quietly withdrew to the edge of the camp, carefully observing my surroundings as I waited for the captains to gather the necessary information and make decisions. Within a few hours, the other team members arrived, and everyone congregated in one place. Under Kireal's command, everyone was resting.
After a while, once Kireal had examined the information on the data tablet, he announced, "Good, everyone is here. We have assessed the situation. We are currently facing an emergency search and rescue operation. A Vortan-class cargo ship (a medium-sized cargo ship used for transporting secret documents and scientists) has crashed four hours away in the northwest. The ship suffered heavy damage, and its communication systems are down. They could only send a distress signal. Due to the dense forest, the Rynor-class rescue ship cannot land. Our mission is to safely bring the VIPs and cargo from the ship here."
What Kireal said clearly indicated that we needed to act quickly and effectively as a team. "The exact location of the ship was determined thanks to the rescue ship," Kireal continued. "Now, we must use this information to reach the cargo ship in the fastest and safest way possible. Everyone needs to clearly define their responsibilities and make all preparations."
Captain Kireal, with Ryskar's help, quickly established the locations and task distribution for the team. "Lynx, you are assigned to take security measures around the cargo ship with me and Kireal. The others will prepare to inspect the cargo ship's interior and safely evacuate the VIPs."
First officer Ryskar examined additional information on the map and determined the team's direction. "We will move directly northwest. We have chosen the fastest route to reach our target. Everyone move in coordination and keep all communication channels open."
Kireal sent a signal from the data tablet to update the team's coordinates and mission instructions. "Report immediately in case of any disruption or danger during the mission. The forest around the cargo ship is dense, and we do not know what the Vortan-class cargo ship is carrying. Everyone be cautious."
Everyone quickly began to move toward the mission area. I felt a tense sensation; the Vortan-class cargo ship was a medium-sized cargo vessel typically used for transporting secret projects, documents, and scientists. It was also used by scientists to study and transport dangerous creatures from other planets. This increased the likelihood of risks and threats we might encounter.
As we approached the location of the cargo ship, my unease grew stronger. The effects of the flowers had worn off a few hours ago, and I felt like a clear target. Finally, we reached the wreckage of the cargo ship. I was horrified at the sight: the ship had turned into a complete wreck.
The ship had been dragged for meters and buried several feet into the ground, yet it remained in one piece. Around the wreck, every tree the ship had passed by was in disarray, with large chunks scattered throughout the forest. The fallen trunks and branches of the trees surrounded the area; everything laid bare the devastation caused by the passage of the cargo ship.
Captain Kireal and first officer Ryskar examined the area around the ship carefully. Kireal ordered the team to gather and approach the wreckage cautiously. "Move considering any potential dangers or restrictions. We do not know what is inside the cargo ship. Be alert at all times."
Other team members began inspecting the wreckage to find a way into the cargo ship. However, the cargo doors of the ship were completely malfunctioning and would not open. The doors had shattered after a massive impact and had closed tightly. We needed to find an alternative way in.
