Rielinne sat cross-legged on the chalet's couch, her laptop perched on the coffee table in front of her. The fireplace crackled softly behind her and outside the panoramic glass windows, the snow fell in lazy, glimmering sheets. Her earpiece blinked once and the screen lit up—connecting. Then came the soft click, and there he was.
Phaser sat on a marble balcony overlooking Rome. Phaser looked calm. One hand rested casually on the balcony railing, the other holding a cup of coffee. His black shirt was unbuttoned just enough to make him look halfway between business and menace, and the wind occasionally lifted his bangs, catching the light of the city beneath.
Rielinne sighed, straightening slightly. Despite being technically in pajamas, she looked professional enough.
"Master, the reconnaissance is complete. Uploading the full report now."
Phaser gave a small nod. "Proceed."
She tapped a few keys, sending her scan data, terrain images, and voice logs. Phaser's gaze flicked down for a moment as he reviewed the incoming files, then back up.
"Summarize."
Rielinne pulled up a holographic window beside her, the blue light reflecting in her eyes.
"Yes, Master. As I revealed earlier, there are approximately forty to fifty Fluxers stationed at the ruins. All of them appear to be Commoner-class, though a few have armor, possibly sponsored. Funding traces lead to an entity calling itself Outer_7. They've set up temporary habitation domes and stabilizers around the central altar, likely to mask the Xana signatures from long-range sensors."
Phaser hummed softly, his eyes narrowing. "Outer_7, huh."
"Affirmative. From their chatter, it seems Outer_7 not only funded their deployment but promised financial compensation and survival arrangements in Altera Earth once the mission concludes. This group's primary objective is the third fragment of the Azure Sword, expected to manifest at midnight."
Rielinne paused, then added, "They're well-equipped for Commoners, but not disciplined. A few have already begun using Flux in the open for cooking or heating, meaning the signature there is climbing. It will draw attention soon, not just from other Fluxers but potentially from the government of Switzerland itself, who might think it's a Fluve Field."
Phaser exhaled softly through his nose and leaned back.
"Then the timing's going to be tight."
"Yes, Master."
Phaser's expression softened slightly. It as barely noticeable unless one knew him well. "Good work, Rielinne. You've done exactly what I needed you to."
The praise hit her like a warm gust of wind. Even though she didn't show it, her chest lightened.
"Thank you, Master."
He nodded once, then set his espresso down on the railing.
"Listen carefully. You'll be receiving reinforcements soon. A Princess of the House of Rameses, my sister and her companion will join you for this operation. You'll coordinate with them once they arrive at your chalet."
Rielinne blinked in surprise. "A… Princess, Master? With all due respect, why them?"
"Because I trust them. And because if there are already thirty or more Fluxers on-site, there's no way this Outer_7 won't attempt a split-interference strategy. That means Pisa's going to have its own crowd. We'll handle that end. You and the team will focus on the Alps. Your main objective is simple; draw their attention. Make them think you're after the fragment. Keep their focus away from the actual altar while the Princess, my sister and her companion secure the real target."
Rielinne nodded slowly, already taking mental notes. "So we serve as a distraction team."
"Exactly."
She hesitated for a moment before asking,
"Master… what if the situation escalates? If we're discovered or outnumbered, are we cleared for lethal engagement?"
"If you're forced to kill, kill. You're not being sent there to die for some moral code. I'm not asking you to be pacifists. Protect yourselves and the objective. There shouldn't be any unnecessary bloodshed but don't hesitate if it's between your life or theirs."
Rielinne nodded again. "Understood, Master."
Phaser glanced toward the horizon behind him, where the sky was beginning to tint faintly orange from the Roman sunset.
"It's almost nine hours until midnight. Rest while you can. Once it starts, it's going to move fast. After you complete the mission, the chalet's yours for the remainder of your stay. A few days at most, if I remember."
That got a blink out of her. "Are you sure, Master?"
"Of course. Even my assassins deserve a vacation after a job well done for their first mission."
Rielinne couldn't help but chuckle softly. "Thank you, Master."
"Don't thank me yet," he said, raising his cup before the call ended.
The screen went dark.
For a few moments, the only sound in the room was the faint hiss of the fireplace and the gentle whistle of the wind outside. Then, the door to the living room opened, and Syraleh, Naelle, and Iserra walked in, all wrapped in thick sweaters and with half-eaten chocolate bars in their hands.
"Well?" Naelle asked immediately, jumping onto the couch beside Rielinne. "What did he say? We're not getting kicked out, are we?"
Rielinne smiled faintly, closing the laptop. "Nope. We're staying."
"Yes!" Naelle fist-pumped, nearly dropping her chocolate. "I told you our Master's the best!"
Syraleh sighed in relief, taking a seat near the fire. "That's good news. I was not about to pack all this gear again."
Iserra leaned against the wall with her usual lazy poise. "So we're cleared to rest?"
"Yep, but the mission starts at midnight, so don't go too wild."
Naelle kicked her boots off and stretched.
"Rest, huh? We've got nine hours. Let's just relax. We can go days without sleep anyway."
Syraleh nodded. "Agreed. Might as well enjoy the warmth before we're back out freezing in that snow. Not that it affects us anyway."
The four of them laughed softly. Naelle turned toward Rielinne, smirking.
"So, what's he like on video call? Still as hot as in person?"
Rielinne blinked, caught off-guard. "You're incorrigible."
Syraleh giggled. "Oh, come on, you were totally staring."
"I was listening."
Iserra gave a small smirk. "You do have a soft spot for him."
Rielinne sighed, tugging her scarf higher. "He's my Master. That's all."
Naelle grinned. "Uh-huh. Sure. Keep telling yourself that."
Rielinne rolled her eyes, trying to hide the faint pink dusting her cheeks. "Focus on the mission, idiots."