“The Mission Briefing”

Soundscape:

[Low hum of holo-projectors. Footsteps echoing in a briefing chamber. Soft static as screens activate.]

🏢 

Mission Briefing Room – Nova HQ

One hour after the simulation, the twelve members of Class Zero sat inside a dim-lit briefing room.

A long table.

A massive curved holo-screen.

The air felt thick with anticipation and leftover adrenaline.

Kasane, Chase, Riku, and Krystal sat in the front row.

Team B and Team C filled the seats behind them.

The door slid open.

Chancellor Reina entered with calm authority.

Behind her:

Akira Satoru,

Ryo Kanzaki,

Saya Kurogane,

and a few senior officers.

Instant silence.

Reina tapped her tablet.

A glowing map of Japan expanded across the screen.

🔮 

The Five Primary Crystals

Reina:

“Before we formally send Class Zero into the field, you must understand another reason why Scarlet Guardians exist.”

A deep hum resonated as six crystal icons lit up on the map —

each located in a major region of Japan.

Tokyo – The Radiant Crystal

Kyoto – The Spirit Crystal

Osaka – The Flame Crystal

Aomori – The Frost Crystal

Fukuoka – The Tempest Crystal

Naruko - The Shadow Crystal (STOLEN)

Each symbol pulsed with energy.

Reina:

“These are the six Great Crystals — ancient sources of Divine Energy embedded deep beneath Japan’s major cities. Unfortunately, one was stolen during a raid back then. ”

Kasane leaned forward slightly.

Reina:

“They power our rail systems, hospitals, communication grids…

They keep our cities alive.”

The screen shifted — showing glowing lines branching from each crystal into the infrastructure of Tokyo.

Reina:

“Without these crystals, Japan collapses in hours.”

👁️ 

Why We Fight the Corrupt

A dark pulse flickered across the screen.

Shadowy humanoid forms appeared — twisted shapes with glowing cores.

The Corrupt.

Reina:

“The Corrupt feed on Divine Energy and negative emotions.

They are drawn to the crystals…

and drain them.”

The map dimmed where a Corrupt passed through.

Reina:

“If even one major crystal is compromised, the entire region suffers blackouts, structural failure, and energy collapse.”

Chase swallowed hard.

Riku stiffened.

Krystal’s eyes trembled.

Kasane’s gaze stayed unwavering.

Kasane (monologue):

“Is this what destroyed my home…?

The reason my clan vanished?”

Reina continued.

⚔️ 

The Scarlet Guardians’ Duty

Reina:

“Your purpose is not simply to kill Corrupt.

It is to PROTECT innocent civilians and the crystals.”

The screen showed Guardians forming barriers around city cores, escorting civilians, holding lines against corrupted monsters.

Reina:

“If these crystals fall…

Japan dies.”

Akira stepped forward now, hands in pockets.

Akira:

“So don’t die. Pretty simple.”

Ryo slapped the back of his head.

Ryo: “Say something useful.”

Akira: “Aw, c’mon. That was useful.”

Saya and Reina sighed behind them.

Reina:

“Anyways, your duty is simple —

protect Japan’s crystals.

Defend the energy that sustains life.”

She lowered her hand.

The map shifted, splitting into three highlighted regions.

Reina:

“Each Team in Class Zero will be dispatched to a different location with your instructor.”

A ripple of anticipation spread through the room.

🩸 

Team Assignments & Missions

TEAM A — The Storm Blades

Kasane, Chase, Riku, Krystal

Instructor: Akira Satoru

Mission Type: Corrupt Disturbance

Location: Outskirts of Shinkiro Forest — an abandoned rural town with energy fluctuations.

Threat Level: C

Classification: Investigation → Unknown

Reina:

“Team A will scout a disturbance near the  Perimeter Crystal.

Readings are unstable. Proceed with extreme caution.”

Akira stepped forward.

Akira:

“Storm Blades — pack light, pack smart.

This won’t be a walk in the park.”

Kasane’s eyes narrowed.

Something about Akira’s tone told her he expected danger.

🔥 

TEAM B — The Elemental Crest

Hanabi, Kaito, Naomi, Seto

Instructor: Ryo Kanzaki

Mission Type: Border Patrol

Location: Abandoned Seaside Factory District

Threat Level: D+

Classification: Energy Leak Containment

Reina:

“Team B will investigate an energy leak along the shoreline.

Corrupt activity is minimal — but do not let your guard down.”

Ryo cracked his knuckles.

Ryo:

“Elemental Crest, you’re with me.

Stick together unless you want to swim home.”

🌙 

TEAM C — The Resonant Hearts

Gemma, Corin, Hugo, Vivian

Instructor: Saya Kurogane

Mission Type: Escort & Observation

Location: Kyoto Crystal Research Convoy Route

Threat Level: D

Classification: Non-combat unless provoked

Reina:

“Team C will escort a research convoy transporting stabilized Divine samples to Kyoto.”

Saya bowed slightly to her students.

Saya:

“Stay vigilant. A single misstep can put dozens at risk.”

🌌 

Team A’s Arc Begins

Chancellor Reina stepped back.

The room darkened and the speaker systems chimed.

Reina:

“This concludes your briefing.

Suit up.

Gear check.

Deployment in 24 hours.”

Class Zero stood in unison.

But Akira placed a hand on Kasane’s shoulder as she turned.

Akira (low):

“Stay sharp, Arisato.

Missions like this… sometimes can get out of hand if we’re not careful.”

Kasane froze — not in fear, but familiarity.

His tone reminded her of the past.

Kasane: “…I’m ready.”

Akira smirked faintly.

Akira: “We shall see.”

— End of Chapter 8 —