by Riker Kane
“Well, I guess he’s not the only model who has your back then.”
Nina stopped in her tracks suddenly and looked up at me. Her throat shifted with a swallow.
“I have to tell you something, Liam.”
“Okay,” I said with a shrug. “You’re making this sound like it’s serious but I don’t think—”
“I know you’re an Adept. I’ve known since the beginning. I read everybody’s compatibility results before they were released.”
“Right… I guess it pays to have family who work with the LOD… Wait a second. Is that why you wanted to be in my squad? That’s why you asked me to go through that Junction with you the first time?”
She shifted her eyes away from me. “That’s how it was at first. But once I got to know you, I realized you’re just like me. The same with Quentin. We’re all just trying to make it and do our part. And I’d say we work pretty damn well together.”
Nina’s revelation was so sudden. Then again, considering who she was, I shouldn’t have been surprised at her having a secret. I never thought it would be personal though. I mean, she wanted to use me just because of my stats.
“You’re not mad, are you?”
I should’ve been but all I did was shake my head. “On one hand, it sounds like you were just trying to use me … On the other hand, it’s kinda flattering. That’s the first time anybody ever wanted something from me. It’s nice to know what I finally have to offer now that my stats are open for everybody to see.”
“It wasn’t just the stats. You stood up to Rhys in the dining hall. You went through that first Junction and led our squad without hesitating. Most people would’ve quit if they went through what you did. That’s something that can’t be measured. Anybody can choose their class and pick up a weapon. But after all the things we’ve faced, you know it takes something special to be an Omega, especially being a squad leader.”
“Well… I can’t argue with our synergy. I mean, it’s right on my communicator—”
“Don’t show me.” The way she looked at me now, I wasn’t sure if she was about to start crying or burst into laughter. But she turned around and motioned for me to follow her.
We moved into the middle of the Central Square. There was enough grassy area for us to move around. She moved underneath the shade of a tree and looked up at the moon.
“We might be on standby tomorrow but that’s just one operation,” she said. “I really feel like we can do something. Not just because of your stats or how you perform on the battlefield. There’s… something else. It just works. God… Listen to me… I’m not making any sense.”
“I get it.” I laughed and put a hand on her shoulder. “Sometimes it’s just a feeling. Can’t argue with the results we put up.”
She slowly turned to me. Emerald green eyes stared back at me, piercing the darkness of the shade. I was close enough to see the faint freckles on her porcelain cheeks.
“You have freckles… Never noticed that before.”
“Must be the Irish genes from my mom’s side. That and the red hair.”
“It’s a good look.”
“You’re not too bad looking yourself, Liam.”
“Oh?” A mixture of surprise and confusion made me struggle to find what to say next. But I didn’t need to say anything.
She put her hands up around my neck and pulled me closer. I watched as her eyes started to shut. So many thoughts were running through my head. Voices telling me how crazy this was. But I stopped thinking.
My eyes closed. My lips pressed against hers. Her kiss was soft and wet with her tongue searching for mine. She sighed softly into my mouth and moved her body against mine.
I instinctively reached up and cupped her through her uniform. A soft squeeze of her breast made her pull her lips away and step back.
“What are you doing?” She raised an eyebrow at me.
“Um… What do you think?”
“We’re in the middle of the Central Square, Liam.”
I looked around and remembered where I was. Even though the other cadets weren’t paying attention, I didn’t have nearly enough guts to do what my body was telling me to do.
Nina giggled softly and straightened out my collar. “I’ll tell you what,” she said. “Maybe when this whole operation is over and we’ve got some free time… We’ve gotta focus. Even on standby.”
I sighed a deep breath, which did little to stop the feelings already stirring inside of me. But looking into Nina’s eyes was enough to make it worth the wait. “Yeah,” I said with a nod. “When the time is right.”
My communicator buzzed and I glanced at the display.
SYNERGY with LIAM ALDRIDGE
Nina Higashi - Level 3: +5 increase to speed
Quentin Young - Level 3: 10% damage resistance
Paige Costa - Level 3: 10% increase to saber damage
Brooke Silvestri - Level 3: 10% increase to saber damage
“Anything interesting?” She raised an eyebrow at me.
Nina didn’t need to know what just happened. Judging from the grin she was trying to fight off, I figured she already knew.
I shook my head and sighed. “C’mon. Let’s head back to the dorm now. We’ll need our rest. Even for standby.”
41: Roll Call
Everybody was lined up in the Junction Room early the next morning. Even with around a hundred cadets, there was enough space for everybody to fit in formation.
The Class Captains lined up in front of our group and remained silent. The only sound was the soft hum of the energy flowing from the Junction gates.
Everybody had their attention on Chancellor Layton, who was accompanied by Adviser Campbell and Janice. Layton smiled with a calm confidence as the room quieted.
“Today is an important moment. Not just for us. Not just for the Legion Omega Defense. For every person affected by the devastation of the First Event. And for future generations. The threat must be defeated. Today, we challenge that threat.
“Our coordinated strike will set the example for all other Districts around the world to follow. Now that we know the presence of the Heralds is real, we can seek them out. We will find them and defeat them.”
The elderly man straightened up as much as he could. His head raised high, he held his chin up and smiled at all of us.
“There is no peace without war. Every battle brings us one step closer. Find that peace.”
The Captains looked at one another before moving into one of the Junction gates at the center of the room.
“All right! Listen up!” Rhys barked. “You’ve all been through this before. Wait for your class to be called out. Follow your orders. You do what you’re told, the Golem will fall like every other World Boss.”
He unholstered his saber and rested it over his shoulder.
“Those of you on standby, stay ready. You never know what might happen… Do your duty.”
I was near the back of the formation but he still made it a point to look right at me. His obnoxious confidence had never been so apparent. It was the look of a man who knew I wasn’t happy about sitting on the sidelines.
“What a prick,” Quentin muttered under his breath.
“Move out!” Rhys led the formation into the next Junction gate. The cadets disappeared squad by squad until only those who were on standby remained.
All twelve from my recruitment class were here with me. Paige and her squad. Elliot and his. And the last squad.
But we weren’t the only ones. To my surprise, Brooke was left behind as well. Judging from the frustration on her face, I figured she wasn’t happy with the decision like the rest of us.
We fell out of formation and watched as Janice escorted Chancellor Layton out of the Junction Room.
Adviser Campbell moved in front of us, his hands behind his back as he addressed us. “Because of the nature of this operation, we need Omegas on standby. If you’re needed, you’ll be recalled to assist the Captains in their hunt for the Herald
we’ve located or you’ll join Omega Griffin in his battle against the Fire Golem. Until you’re called, stay ready. As far as you’re concerned, you’re in this fight as much as everybody else.”
He didn’t say another word before marching out of the Junction Room. Men and women in lab coats moved around the room like I was used to, monitoring the progress of the simultaneous raids occurring.
Dr. Bonet walked up to us, his white hair swishing around with every step he took.
“Omegas. Now, I know you’re not exactly thrilled to be standing around while everybody else is in the fight. But it’s just like Campbell said. You can see how they’re doing for yourself. If your assistance is needed, you’ll head in—”
“Yeah, yeah,” Elliot said. “Campbell just said all of that. You got anything important to tell us?”
The doctor arched an eyebrow at him. Bonet looked like he was somewhere between punching Elliot in the mouth and throwing his tablet at him. I held back a laugh along with everybody else standing around.
“Make yourselves comfortable,” Bonet said. “You’re not leaving until the operation is over.”
He moved back to the small lab area at the side of the room where all of the other scientists were.
The rest of us stood in a circle and looked around at one another.
“Every Bronze gets left behind,” Brooke said. “And I’m the only Silver who gets ordered to stay here, too. Fucking Rhys…”
She crossed her arms and sighed in frustration. The others murmured the same displeasure to one another but I was too resigned to the facts to complain.
I walked over to the side of the room along with Nina and Quentin.
The digital display on the side of the room took up most of the wall. It was about as big as a movie screen, so it was easy to see regardless of where I was in the room. At the moment, the status of both raids was on display.
Junction 1
Herald
Current Boss HP: 100%
Active Omegas: 100% of battalion
Junction 2
Fire Golem
Current Boss HP: 91%
Active Omegas: 100% of battalion
Quentin stared up at the screen, a dejected look on his face. “All of that leveling up. All of that training. Just to sit on the sidelines and watch a bunch of numbers change.”
I put a hand on his shoulder. “Look at it this way. We’ve got two chances to contribute. Either group has trouble, we’re storming in to save the day. Who wouldn’t wanna be a part of a good rescue?”
“Have you seen the Captains? They’re all Primes. I don’t think they’re gonna be asking us for help…”
“Maybe we can sneak into the Junction when nobody is looking. Eh? Eh?” I nudged him with my elbow and finally got a smile out of him.
“The thought of fighting alongside Captain Valentine is pretty appealing… Let’s hope I didn’t put on this gear for nothing.”
He took a seat against the wall and stayed staring at the progress on the display.
I looked at Nina and she smiled back.
“Last night—”
“Save it.” She held up an index finger. “Not when we’re in gear. Not when there’s a chance we have to step up.”
I stayed staring at her. Her cheeks were so pale, it was easy to tell when she was blushing.
“What are you looking at?” She narrowed her eyes at me.
“Nothing. Just noticed your freckles… again.”
She rolled her eyes and laughed before leaning against the wall next to Quentin.
The numbers on the giant scoreboard continued to shift around but there was no indication we were needed.
“Standby it is…”
~ ~ ~
Liam Aldridge
Level 29 Bronze 4-Star Cavalier
(1150 Red Mana until next level)
Hit Points 100
Endurance 60
Strength 20
Speed 21 (+5 Nina Synergy Bonus)
Durability 15
Control 15
Silver Steel Saber
Damage Rating: D
Core: 5% Damage Increase
Synergy Bonus (Paige): 10% Damage Increase
Synergy Bonus (Brooke): 10% Damage Increase
Standard Cavalier Armor Core
Defense Rating: D
Core: 5% Damage Resistance
Synergy Bonus (Quentin): 10% Damage Resistance
Available Abilities
Upper Thrust (Cavalier)
Level 3
800 Green Mana until next level
Spiral Swing
Level 1
500 Green Mana until next level
Mana Charge
Level 1
1000 Green Mana until next level
“Hmm… Nina’s bonus is cumulative…” There was a noticeable difference in how light I was on my feet. I hopped in place to appreciate how much quicker I was while I listened to the conversation next to me.
“I love hot sauce. Frank’s. Tabasco. Sriracha. I put it on everything. You know what’s really good? Ice cream. Yeah, yeah. I know what you’re thinking. Hot sauce on ice cream? That’s crazy! But you get a nice bowl of plain vanilla ice cream, wait until it melts a little, then swirl in some hot sauce… I’m telling you, it’s good. You should try it sometime.”
Elliot widened his eyes, the grin on his lips slowly growing and revealing the gap in his front teeth. There was a certain kind of enthusiasm he had that nobody else could mimic.
And if anybody needed some enthusiasm at the moment, it was Brooke. The brunette stared blankly at him like she was wondering why she was listening to him. I was counting the seconds before she would reach her hand up and push him away. But all she did was sigh and slowly walk away.
Elliot looked at me and shrugged before turning around to join his squad.
I didn’t bother trying to hold back my laugh as Brooke walked up.
“Something funny?” she said.
“You gotta respect Elliot. He’s always willing to put himself out there without caring about what other people think.”
“I’ll give him that. This wave of recruits is an interesting bunch.”
“Interesting? Is that your way of softening the blow of having to be on standby with a bunch of Bronzes?”
“It has nothing to do with being Bronze. This is the first time I’ve ever had to be on standby. I didn’t even know that was a thing. Didn’t realize having the Captains around was a luxury…”
We moved over to the side of the room by ourselves. Everybody else was focused on the screen where the numbers continued to shift. It had only been twenty minutes since the operation began but everybody was already getting bored.
“How’s your squad?” I asked.
“My squad is fine. The blond guy, Isaac, he’s the best Zealot I could ever ask for. Phillip’s a hell of a Gunrunner.”
“Cavalier, Gunrunner, Zealot. Sounds like a good comp.”
She looked over my shoulder at Nina and Quentin.
“Cavalier, Strider, Vanguard. Traditional. Can’t go wrong with that. It’s a shame we’re both Cavaliers.”
“Why’s that?”
“It means we won’t ever be in the same squad together. It might be nice to fight alongside you.”
“When you say that, do you actually mean fight alongside me or…” I raised an eyebrow at her.
She giggled in response and shook her head. “Boys. Can’t keep their minds off of it for one second. I meant actually fighting.”
“You never know. I might change classes. Then again, I don’t know if you’d wanna be seen fighting next to a lowly Bronze.”
Brooke moved her fingers over the stars on my chestplate. “It looks like you won’t be Bronze for long. Catching up fast.”
“Working hard.”
She shifted her eyes back toward Nina and Quentin. A subtle smirk slowly formed on her lips. “You and your friend there. Did you…” She widened her eyes to say what she
was trying to say without so many words.
“Gossip?” I said. “Are we back in high school now?”
“Gotta do something while we’re on standby. Answer the question.”
“And I suppose if I answer that, you’ll be willing to tell me about all of the… Junctions you’ve closed.”
“Come on now, Liam. Don’t act like you don’t want to kiss and tell.”
I burst into laughter. I laughed hard enough I had trouble breathing. Brooke didn’t seem to mind, smirking as she waited for an answer.
When I finally regained my composure, I shifted my eyes back to the giant screen. “We’ve got more important things to worry about.”
Junction 1
Herald
Current Boss HP: 82%
Active Omegas: 100% of battalion
Junction 2
Fire Golem
Current Boss HP: 66%
Active Omegas: 92% of battalion
“Omegas! Omegas! Your attention, please!”
Dr. Bonet suddenly rushed to the center of the room.
“Quickly! Gather around!”
Brooke and I looked at one another before joining everybody else.
“What’s going on, doc?” Elliot said. “You all right?”
Dr. Bonet looked more panicked than usual, his eyes wide as he looked over his tablet.
“We’ve detected a surge,” he said. “A Mana spike.”
“What does that mean?” Brooke said.
“When there’s that much Mana, it means there are Shadows present.”
“All right!” Quentin pumped his fist. “Time for some action!”
“That is what you’re saying, right?” Nina said.
Dr. Bonet nodded. “That’s correct.”
“Okay,” I said. “Who are we joining then? The Captains or Rhys?”
“Neither… Our energy readings are coming from right here in the facility.”
“Hold on a second.” Brooke took a step forward and put her hands up. “Are you telling us there are Shadows here? On campus?”
“That’s what our readings are indicating. You have to deal with them. If our tracking is correct, they should be located in the vicinity of the Central Square.”
