Chapter 209: Shock
A few moments earlier, inside the hoverjet,
The cabin was filled with a heavy silence. Though the two cities lay close, the journey that would take days on uneven, battered roads had been compressed into just a few hours aboard the hoverjet. Even Victor, normally restless and fidgety, sat quietly, staring straight ahead.
Besides the players, only Rhys was present. Observing the tense expressions and mental focus of everyone, he silently approved. This was the level of attention and readiness expected from soldiers about to face the unknown.
Adyr caught his eye, calm, composed, sitting upright with his eyes closed. Despite being the main figure of this mission, his relaxed demeanor was unmistakable. It was as if he were on a leisurely trip to visit someone, not preparing to fight thousands of mutants.
Suddenly, the pilot’s voice echoed sharply through the cabin, breaking the silence: "Ten minutes to target."
Adyr slowly opened his eyes and stretched as if waking from a light nap. "Flight officer, can you open the rear door?"
A pause, then the response crackled through the intercom: "We’re still flying above 100 knots, and the weather is rough. It’s not safe to open the door right now."
Adyr didn’t flinch. "Then reduce speed and bring us down to a safe threshold for opening the rear hatch."
He turned to Rhys. "I want to observe the enemy from above before we land."
Rhys nodded sharply, understanding the strategic advantage. As the highest-ranking officer aboard, he gave the order without hesitation. "Make it happen."
"Yes, sir," came the precise reply.
The hoverjet’s engines shifted, the deep hum softening as the aircraft gradually slowed. Tension thickened inside the cabin. Outside, the storm battered the fuselage—gusts rattling the wings, rain slashing against the windows.