Two days had passed since the unsettling events in the council chamber, but for Junna, the weight of what had transpired lingered heavily on her shoulders. The journey back to the Defender's Ring, the first ring of Corintopia, had been uneventful. The roads were quiet, the soldiers stationed along the path respectful, but the silence offered her little comfort.
Now, as she entered the gates of her Lodge, the headquarters of the Defender's Ring, Junna's mind was already focused on the next task at hand. There was no room for hesitation, not with the threat of Tel-Nu looming over them all. The Core Seven had to remain strong, united, and prepared for what was to come.
She stepped through the front hall of the Lodge, her armor still dusted from the road, but her pace quick and deliberate. The soldiers and attendants who moved through the halls greeted her with a respectful nod, though they kept their distance, Junna's focus was clear, and they knew better than to interrupt.
She needed to meet with Sera.
Sera was not just a scientist; she was one of the brightest minds in Corintopia, and her counsel had always been invaluable to Junna. With everything that had happened, Tel-Nu's sudden appearance, Delson Jr.'s disappearance, and the cryptic warnings that still echoed in her mind, Junna knew that Sera would have insights no one else could provide.
Without pausing, Junna called to one of the nearby attendants, her voice firm but calm. "Inform Sera that I wish to speak with her. Set up a meeting at the earliest opportunity."
The attendant bowed quickly, disappearing down the hall to carry out the order. Junna stood still for a moment, her thoughts swirling. The past few days had been a blur, and yet the sense of urgency had not lessened. Tel-Nu had proven himself a force beyond their understanding, and while Delson Snow Sr. might have chosen to bide his time, Junna knew that preparation was key. If Corintopia was to stand against Tel-Nu's power, they would need every resource at their disposal.
Junna didn't have to wait long. Within the hour, Sera arrived at the Lodge, her usual calm and focused demeanor intact. Dressed in her typical attire, a long coat layered with utility belts and devices, Sera moved with purpose. Her analytical mind always seemed to be calculating several things at once, which was exactly what Junna needed right now.
"Junna," Sera greeted as she stepped into the meeting chamber. "I've been expecting your call. I assume this is about Tel-Nu?"
Junna nodded, gesturing for Sera to sit across from her at the long table in the center of the room. "We need to reinforce the Defender's Ring. After what happened at the council, it's clear that Tel-Nu's power exceeds anything we've prepared for. I can't afford to leave this ring vulnerable."
Sera's sharp eyes met Junna's, and she didn't waste any time diving into the problem. "Tel-Nu is no ordinary threat. His ability to manipulate shadows and move undetected makes him a different kind of enemy. Fortifying your defenses will require more than just walls and soldiers." She leaned forward slightly, her mind already at work. "We need to think about integrating old-world technology with bio-mech enhancements. Shields, motion sensors, and advanced energy weapons could help, but even those will only slow him down."
Junna clenched her jaw, the frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "What do you recommend?"
Sera tapped a device on her wrist, and a holographic display shimmered to life above the table. She projected a map of the Defender's Ring, highlighting key points around the perimeter. "I'd suggest installing energy barriers along the outer defenses, similar to what we've developed for the inner rings. They won't stop Tel-Nu, but they'll slow him down enough for your forces to mobilize."
She adjusted the display, zooming in on certain areas where weak points were more prominent. "We can also deploy automated turrets here and here," she pointed to two sections of the map, "designed to respond to bio-mech signatures. They can't detect Tel-Nu directly, but we might be able to program them to react to anomalies in the environment, shadows that move unnaturally, for example."
Junna studied the map carefully, her mind processing the information. "It's a start. But we need more than just technology. We need strategy. If Tel-Nu attacks, it won't be like anything we've faced before. He's not interested in a direct fight."
"That's why you need to train," Sera said, her tone shifting slightly. "You need a space where you can focus, uninterrupted, for as long as it takes. I know you pride yourself on being the strongest defender of this ring, but against someone like Tel-Nu, strength alone won't be enough."
Junna frowned. "I've already trained with the best, "
"And that's why you need more," Sera cut in gently but firmly. "You need a space where you can hone your skills, both physically and mentally. We can set up a training facility near the northern edge of the ring. It's isolated, and I'll make sure it's equipped with everything you need. This can't be just about preparation. You need to push beyond your limits."
Junna leaned back, absorbing Sera's words. She knew the scientist was right. Tel-Nu was a different kind of enemy, and if she was going to protect Corintopia from him, she needed to be prepared for anything.
"Make the arrangements," Junna said finally. "Strengthen the defenses and set up the training facility. I'll start immediately."
Sera nodded, her expression resolute. "I'll take care of it. But Junna," she added, her voice softening just slightly, "you're not alone in this. Tel-Nu may be powerful, but so are you."
Junna allowed herself a brief moment of gratitude, but the weight of her responsibilities quickly returned. "Thank you, Sera. We'll need every advantage we can get."
Sera tapped a few final notes into her wrist device, her holographic display fading as she stood. "I'll have the defenses ready soon, and I'll begin preparations on the training facility immediately. I'll let you know as soon as it's ready for you."
Junna gave a sharp nod, rising from her seat as well. "Good. I'll begin training as soon as everything is set. Until then, I'll make sure I'm ready." She paused, her gaze shifting momentarily to the armor she wore. "I need to run maintenance on my equipment, my sword and armor have seen enough action recently. I'll handle that tonight and get some rest."
Sera smiled faintly. "You've earned a bit of rest. But I'll make sure to keep you informed. Everything will be ready when the time comes."
"Thank you, Sera," Junna said, her voice sincere despite the tension that still hung in the air. "I trust your judgment."
With that, Sera nodded once more and left the room, her footsteps fading down the hallway. Junna stood in silence for a moment, her mind already shifting to the next task. There was always more to do, and tonight, she would ensure her weapons and armor were in peak condition.
Heading back to her private chambers, Junna carefully removed her armor piece by piece, setting it on the workbench. Each piece was meticulously inspected for any signs of wear, and she worked methodically, cleaning and repairing every detail. Her sword was last, its gleaming edge still sharp but requiring her careful attention.
As the evening stretched on, Junna found solace in the ritual of maintaining her equipment. It gave her something to focus on, something she could control. When the armor and sword were finally ready, she set them aside and allowed herself a rare moment of quiet before heading to bed.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges. But for now, Junna could afford a few hours of rest.