The loudspeaker buzzed to life again, crackling over the ambient noise of soldiers and operatives preparing their gear.
"All Class 2, 3 and 4 operatives, prepare for immediate deployment. Your assigned target zone is Lacan State University. Multiple wings will be cleared simultaneously, and teams will receive specific coordinates en route."
Murmurs spread through the gathered crowd like wildfire. Lacan was a known red zone risk, still under partial lockdown after previous outbreaks. It was the biggest university among provinces in the country.
Theo adjusted his gloves, heart pounding, not from fear, but anticipation. He scanned the crowd, already spotting familiar faces.
Then he saw her. Lexa Spears.
Standing tall in her uniform, backlit by sunlight filtering through the glass panels. She was already briefing several operatives assigned under her command.
Theo's lips parted slightly, waiting… hoping… he'd hear his name under her unit.
But it didn't happen.
