Chapter 128: The job is done
Adyr didn’t land directly in front of the gates or fly overhead. The upper walls were lined with automated turrets, designed to respond instantly to any threats, including aerial targets. Soldiers patrolled along the ramparts with long-range sniper rifles, scanning the skies and ground with unwavering focus.
He could likely force entry with his current power, but there was no reason to stir up unnecessary alarm.
Touching down at a distance, he retracted his wings and continued on foot toward the perimeter.
After a short walk, he arrived at the outer border checkpoint.
"Halt. State your identity," one of the gate guards ordered. A small squad had stepped forward, their rifles angled low but ready. Despite the STF uniform on his body, their expressions held measured suspicion.
"Adyr, attached to the PTF. I was deployed alongside Captain Kara Vance’s unit—15th Support and Rescue." He raised his hand in a sharp salute as he spoke.
"PTF?" One of the soldiers frowned. They were clearly aware of the division, but not of any active deployment. The lead guard tapped on his wrist tablet, quickly scanning the database. His brow lifted slightly as he looked back at Adyr.
"That unit deployed yesterday afternoon and sent a distress signal not long ago. A secondary convoy was dispatched about 3 hours ago to respond. Why are you alone?"
He studied Adyr’s face carefully. The man looked exhausted—his posture slightly slouched, his breathing controlled but deep. Like someone who had traveled a long distance on foot. But covering that ground in so little time without transport should’ve been impossible.
Naturally, Adyr didn’t mention he had flown. He had no interest in triggering pointless questions or dragging out the procedure. "I was assigned to a side objective. I returned midway through the mission."
The guard glanced down at his tablet again. The mission brief confirmed his presence on record. There were no discrepancies. And considering PTF had only recently been activated, the guard began to piece together the situation: this was likely a field readiness trial. A training op, staged in a real zone, but with controlled expectations. A temporary solo recon to gauge capability.