The noise from the gym was always loud when Arch was working out, but today was much harsher to the ears then before. Arch was in a relentless stream of missions because of the lack of soldiers thanks to the recent need for the Moclin Agency to send soldiers to kill Nox himself. A message was sent out today for all level 20 soldiers to come to the agency's main office for a "special assignment," which usually meant "suicide mission."

For that very reason, Arch decided to get as much workout time as he could to make it so he had at least a chance to survive this assignment. Arch was unusally strong for a level 20; he could lift a 200 pound weight 500 times before becoming winded, and he liked blade to blade combat more than sitting back and shooting up everyone.

After literally ripping apart the punching bag, he got into his uniform and headed toward the main office. He was late as usual to the briefing, but when he got there it looked like he was early; there was only one other guy in the room, and he had a weird darkness about him, like he was utterly and completely sure that he could kill you, but he just guessed the guy was kinda just acting tough, but it worked.

He sat down and it took two minutes for the instructor to come out and explain the mission. "Welcome Nycon and Archmein, you're probably wondering where everyone else is. Well, you two are the only level 20s left in this company." The instructor said it so casually, but Arch knew something was wrong about that; they couldn't possibly be the last ones, and if they were, then this really was a suicide mission.

"This will be the greatest chance to destroy Nox himself, and this mission will comprise the elements of attack that we didn't use before..."

As the instructor kept talking, Arch was wondering how this Nox mission would be different from the rest of the times all those men had to die. What would make us 2 more effective then the countless soldiers they sent to do the exact same thing?

"...are to go to this science facility in Zendenn and find Nox as he goes over the facility's readiness for the battle ahead. What makes this mission difficult is that you will go in with no firearms of any type. Your skills with your standard blades is what have made you so successful in the past, and that's why we suspect you're the only 20s still alive."

"OK, here is the overview: You will depart from the camp in 24 hours with no special gear or firearms, just your standard blades and supplies. You will then meet your hired team member at the port and take the airship to Zendenn's international hotel. Then at 21:00 hours meet at the gates to the science facility and get inside. Remember not to carry any firearms till you have killed Nox, whom you will engage in combat in the Science Testing Area: C. After your main objective is completed, get out of the building in 15 minutes any way you can and meet your transport helicopter at the air pad 3 miles away at 24:00 hours. If you get there earlier then use the radio to call for your transport. We should arrive in about 20 minutes. If you don't get to the port by 01:30 hours then you will miss the transport and the radio will be jammed. Please take caution, this mission is easier said then done. Any questions?"

I raised my hand. "Who is our other team member?"

The instructor replied, "Her name is Seria Yonn. She was found escaping Moclin's Federal Bank 4 days ago. She is renowned for her technical knowledge and her ability to throw knives with deadly accuracy. She is a thief, but we have paid her a hefty wage to do this. She will cooperate, so don't worry about her. Any other questions? OK then, dismissed!"