"Underground Base - Cargo Elevator Zone"
Axel tightened the straps of his tire-rubber armor. He checked his shin guards and the dagger at his waist one last time before spreading a tattered map onto a wooden crate.
"Listen up! Here's the plan..." Axel pointed to a red circle on the map. "We surface right here, near the 'Inner City Wall'."
He traced the path with his finger. "We move along the wall to scout the perimeter. If it's clear, we head for the 'Main Gate'. But if the mechanism is jammed..."
He nodded to the scout unit. "We use 'Grappling Hooks' to scale the wall and cross over."
"What about formation, boss?" A squad leader asked.
"Just like we practiced!" Axel ordered with precision. "Shields and melee in the front! Those with magic affinity, stay in the back for support..."
He tapped his chest. "I'll be in the center. I'll use my 'Wind Magic' to boost the fire mages and control our arrows... Remember, safety is our priority!"
With the plan set (perfect for fighting humans, at least), the 200 warriors roared in agreement. They were the beacon of hope.
But in the shadows, cynicism festered.
"Tch... absolute lunatics," an old man spat on the ground. "Do they want to die that badly?"
"Yeah... no self-awareness at all," another muttered. "Let them go. Fewer mouths to feed down here."
CLANK... GRIND... THUD!
The screech of rusted gears filled the cavern. Massive chains lowered the open-air cargo elevator, which slammed onto the floor before them.
Dust billowed. Axel took a deep breath, suppressing the tremor in his hands. He knew they had zero experience against real monsters—only sparring matches against other humans. But there was no turning back.
"Let's move... To our home!"
Wave by wave, the warriors boarded the lift. Their eyes wide with a mix of thrill and terror.
CLUNK... CREAAAK...
The old elevator groaned as it ascended. The stale underground air was slowly replaced by something foreign... the smell of wet earth, rotting leaves, and a feral musk they didn't recognize.
"We're here..."
The lift ground to a halt at the surface level. The containment gates opened.
The first thing Axel saw wasn't the glorious city of legends, but a "Dark Jungle."
Massive vines and trees had swallowed the ruins. The canopy was so thick it blocked out most of the moonlight. Visibility was terrible—barely five meters in any direction.
"Is this... really the city?" A soldier whispered, trembling.
"Stay focused!" Axel whispered sharply. He pulled out his map, trying to orient himself in the gloom. "Wait for the rest of the squad. Defensive circle formation! Eyes open!"
They waited for the rest of their comrades to ascend, surrounded by rustling leaves and the chirping of strange insects...