Kyle Nova… was no longer just a boy.
He was a force. One growing at a terrifying rate. A force that, if left unchecked, could become a weapon of destruction.
"Kyle, you've done well, for now," Astreil said, his radiant form hovering calmly before him. "It's time you leave this place. Put what you've learned into practice. Take on missions. Grow your status. Gather allies,you will need many of them. Even at my peak, I couldn't defeat the Invaders alone."
Kyle listened carefully, every word sinking deep.
"Time is against us," Astreil continued. "Be smart. Be cautious. Not everyone should know the true extent of your abilities. Many Invaders can transform into humans, and they possess powers far beyond what you've faced so far. One wrong move, and you'll be defeated before our goal is achieved."
Kyle hesitated, then asked the question that had been burning in his mind.
"How did they defeat someone at your level?"
Astreil's glow dimmed slightly. "It was an ambush. I failed to detect their entry into this universe. I was outnumbered. I destroyed half of their army...but in the end, they compressed my power into four stones and scattered them across the universe."
"Four stones?" Kyle echoed.
"Yes. The Mythic Stone, which you carry, contains my core magic. The others represent Strength, Wisdom, and Manipulation. I don't know whether they've found hosts… or if they're still drifting through space."
Kyle clenched his fists. "So there could be other people wielding your other powers."
"Exactly."
"It would be better if we found them first," Kyle said. "But for now… I have to go."
Astreil nodded. "We will meet again."
Kyle slowly faded from the void.
Monday
Monday arrived faster than expected.
Kyle reported to Omega Corp and headed straight for the Weapons Department, just as the handbook instructed. The room buzzed with energy,holographic weapon displays, reinforced racks, and training zones everywhere.
Nearby, he spotted Talia in the practice environment, calmly testing a dagger. Her movements were sharp, precise and clearly trained.
Each recruit was allowed five free gear selections.
Kyle scrolled through the weapon list, his eyes scanning rapidly until he reached the sword category.Most didn't interest him, until two caught his attention.
Long Sword — Type B Weapon
Forged from a mutant elephant skin
Effective against C-rank skin, limited effect on low B-rank
Long Sword — Type B Weapon
Forged from an unknown metal recovered from an Invader warship
Damage: Unknown
Kyle didn't hesitate.
He retrieved both swords. They felt surprisingly light,almost unnaturally balanced.
He continued gearing up:
A Desert Eagle, specialized ammunition, and a tactical combat knife. Fully equipped, Kyle entered the practice environment.
A test dummy rose from the floor. He took five steps back. Then he moved.
Kyle lunged forward, blades flashing. One clean strike,the dummy split apart like butter.
He repeated the test on multiple dummies, chaining combinations, switching stances, blending swordplay with bursts of electricity. Each strike felt smoother than the last.
Soon, the others arrived.
They suited up in their battle uniforms.
Kyle wore a black shirt, black cargo pants, a Kevlar vest, thick gloves, and a black combat mask.
Together, they reported to the Mission Center. Multiple counters stood before them, each marked with a difficulty rank.
"So," Bill said, grinning, "what's our first mission?"
"D-rank," Kyle replied. "It's the highest level for new recruits. And we also need a squad leader..."
"I'll lead," Talia said, cutting in calmly. "I have the highest rank and real combat experience. My father made sure of that."
No one objected.
Kyle approached the D-rank counter.
"What missions do you have available?" he asked.
The attendant checked her screen.
"One: escort a researcher to a secret lab up south - $2500.
Two: investigate an abandoned city connected to recent mutant attacks - $3,000, plus $1000 if casualties are confirmed.
Three: assist Corporal Richard in clearing remaining mutants from a secured zone -$500 and gear coupons."
Kyle nodded. "I'll take all three."
She raised an eyebrow. "As long as you finish within two weeks."
"Deal."
She handed over the mission data and a key. "That's your team vehicle. Parking lot."
Kyle regrouped with the others.
"We're starting with the investigation mission," he said. "It'll take the longest, and we don't know what we're dealing with."
Talia stepped forward. "Here's the formation. Kyle - electric abilities and close combat. Bill - boost abilities, frontline support. I'll stay on Kyle's right. Bill on his left."
She turned to the others. "Mike and Sophia ,you're long-range. Mike with arrows, Sophia with sniper support. Stay twenty meters back at all times unless needed. To avoid danger in battle."
Sophia raised a hand. "I can use my wind ability to scout and analyze enemy behavior. It might give us an edge."
Talia nodded. "Good. You can use the communication I got for us and tell us our current situation. let's move."
They reached the parking lot and found a sleek black sedan waiting.
Mike took the driver's seat.
The engine roared to life.
And just like that, Omega Squad's first mission began.