Chapter 3: Resignation or Rebellion (Shawn)

10 Days Before the Infiltration of Oak Bay Town :

Shawn gazed out at the desolate wasteland that surrounded their camp. It was a harsh reminder of the world they lived in, a world that had been ravaged by war and chaos. The Lithium Ero Zone was a place where only the strong survived, and the weak were left to perish. He couldn't help but wonder how they had ended up here, fighting a war that seemed to have no end in sight.

As he made his way to the front of the group, Shawn's thoughts were interrupted by a voice that cut through the silence like a knife.

"Alright, listen up!" It was Officer Steven, the commanding officer of their division. "We've received new orders from higher up. It's time to finally put you guys to some use."

Shawn felt a knot form in his stomach. He knew that this meant they were going to be sent on a dangerous mission, one that could easily result in the loss of many lives.

"Sir, may I ask what this mission entails?" Shawn spoke up, his voice shaking slightly.

Officer Steven gave him a cold look. "It's none of your concern, Captain. Just know that we need to catch a traitor of the UPKF."

Shawn couldn't believe what he was hearing. The Rutherford family was one of the most powerful in the entire world, and they certainly wouldn't take kindly to outsiders trespassing on their land.

But before he could voice his concerns, Officer Steven continued.

"The traitor is currently being housed in Oak Bay Town, under the protection of the Rutherford family. We have reason to believe that they have been aiding the enemy, and it's our job to bring them to justice."

Shawn could feel his heart racing as he remembered the 200-year war after Officer Steven brought up the traitor.

'Oak Bay Town' is the provincial capital of the Aqua Blue Province present In World No.01 called the Ruhterford Empire.

It's the current king, King Alex Rutherford III that protects the traitor of the UPKF. After the traitor housed protection at the Fordian Embassy on Earth, the UPKF were not able to detain him as he was in an embassy and they couldn't just barge in.

The intelligence forces of the Dark Hall; a division of the Rutherford Empire, snuck the traitor out after he snagged a deal with its current king.

Over the span of 3 years, the military strength of the Rutherford Empire threatened the stability of the 'Treaty of Elysium'. This treaty was signed by World No.2 known as Regal World and The Rutherford Empire. The conflict between them spanned 200 years and stopped after the signing of the treaty under the administration of UPKF in Esylium which is the royal capital of The Rutherford Empire.

As he dismissed his squad for the day, Shawn could see the fear and uncertainty in their eyes. They all knew the risks involved in this mission, and it was clear that many of them were resigned to their fate.

But Shawn refused to give up hope. He knew that there was always a chance to fight back, no matter how slim the odds might seem.

That night, he sat alone in his tent, going over the mission details in his head. He knew that it would be a difficult task, but he was determined to see it through.

As Shawn lay in his tent, he could hear the sound of the wind howling outside, carrying with it the faint scent of smoke from a nearby burning city. The air was thick with the smell of diesel and gunpowder, a constant reminder of the violence that had consumed their world.

He could feel the rough canvas of his tent against his skin, and the hard ground beneath him as he tried to get comfortable. The only light came from a flickering lantern, casting strange shadows on the walls of his tent.

The sound of gunfire in the distance made his heart race, and he could feel the tension in his body as he thought about the upcoming mission. He could almost taste the fear and uncertainty in the air, a bitter flavor that lingered on his tongue.

As he drifted off to sleep, he could hear the distant sound of a lone guitar, its notes floating on the wind like a haunting melody. It was a reminder of the beauty that still existed in their world, a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak and barren landscape. He couldn't help but wonder what would happen if they chose to fight back against the UPKF. It was a risky move, one that could result in dire consequences for all involved. But at the same time, it could be the only way to bring about real change in a world that had been consumed by greed, hatred, and jealousy

Shawn knew that he had a difficult decision to make, and it was one that would have far-reaching consequences for everyone under his command. But he also knew that it was a decision that had to be made, no matter how difficult it might be.

Despite the darkness and the danger, Shawn felt a strange sense of calm. He knew that he had a job to do, and that he had to stay focused if he wanted to keep his squad safe.