Chương 440: Chapter : 440

"No naps, Luna," Sayma answered politely. The Vice-Captain was packing a leather satchel. She placed several blank maps and analytical tools inside the bag.

"This is a highly critical mission. The tactical engagement protocols require full attention." Risa sat on the floor. The sweet pink-haired healer opened a large medical bag. She carefully folded white bandages. She packed small glass bottles of healing salves. She looked a little nervous.

"There are a lot of monsters," Risa whispered softly. She hugged her stuffed teddy bear.

"I need to bring extra medicine. I do not want anyone to get hurt." Ken stopped walking. He looked at Risa. He offered a big, goofy smile.

"Do not worry, Risa. Naomi is going to punch all the monsters. She is very aggressive. You will be totally safe." Naomi rolled her green eyes. She playfully bumped her shoulder against Ken's arm.

"I am not aggressive. I am just highly motivated. Now, grab a backpack, Ken. You need to pack your field gear." Ken slowly walked over to an empty wooden table. He picked up a standard dark green canvas backpack. He unzipped the main pocket. He let out another loud sigh.

"Packing is so much work," Ken mumbled lazily. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets.

"What am I supposed to put in here? I do not use a sword. I do not wear armor. I just wear my nice navy blue suit."

"You need survival gear," Sayma instructed. She handed him a small rolled-up sleeping bag.

"Put this inside. And grab a canteen for water." Ken took the sleeping bag. He dropped it into the backpack. He did not fold it properly. He just shoved it to the bottom. He walked over to a different shelf. He ignored the canteens. He ignored the flashlights. He reached into a large cardboard box. He pulled out five massive bags of potato chips. He found three boxes of chocolate cookies. He grabbed a large bag of gummy worms. He carried the massive pile of snacks back to his backpack.

He started stuffing the junk food into the canvas bag. He filled the entire main compartment with chips and cookies. He smiled a very satisfied smile.

"Perfect," Ken announced cheerfully. He patted the side of the bulging backpack.

"My tactical loadout is complete. I am fully prepared for combat." Naomi turned her head. She saw the bag of gummy worms sticking out of his zipper. She let out a long, amused sigh. She walked over and shook her head.

"Ken, you cannot just pack snacks," Naomi teased gently. She pulled a bag of chips out of his hands.

"You need actual supplies. What if we get stuck in the forest overnight? You cannot fight a monster with a cookie."

"I disagree completely," Ken argued lazily. He tried to grab the chips back.

"If a monster attacks me, I will offer it a cookie. Food creates peace. It is a highly effective diplomatic strategy." This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

"You are so silly," Naomi chuckled. She put the chips back into his bag anyway. She knew he would just complain if she took them away. She handed him a small metal canteen.

"Just take the water, too. Please."

"Fine," Ken pouted. He clipped the canteen to the outside of his bag.

"But I am drinking the juice boxes first." Grandmaster Finlay walked into the armory. He looked at the fully geared unit. He nodded his massive head in approval.

"The equipment mobilization is complete," Finlay stated firmly.

"Excellent work. Leave your bags by the door. We must proceed to the strategy room immediately. Command has sent detailed reconnaissance data. We must review the tactical protocols before we depart." Laxmi grabbed her bag. She threw it over her shoulder.

"Let us go! I want to see what these monsters look like!" The 13th Unit filed out of the armory. They left their packed bags in a neat row by the hallway exit. They walked together toward the strategy room. Ken dragged his cheap shoes on the floorboards. Scuff. Scuff. Scuff. He shoved his hands back into his pockets. He let out one final, highly dramatic yawn.

"More meetings," Ken complained softly.

"Meetings are the true monsters of this world. I hope Sayma talks very fast today. I really want to finish my sandwich." Naomi smiled and lightly patted his back. She guided him into the strategy room. The playful banter stopped. The atmosphere turned very serious. The team was fully prepared to analyze the threat. The border mission was officially underway, and the lazy slacker had absolutely no choice but to listen.

The strategy room was very bright. The morning sun shined through the large glass windows. The long wooden table sat in the center of the room. Princess Iris sat at the head of the table. She looked incredibly focused. Her violet eyes watched her team enter the room. Sayma walked to the front. The Vice-Captain held a thick folder of official documents. She set the folder down on the wood. She pushed her thick glasses up the bridge of her nose. She opened the folder and spread the papers across the table.

Naomi sat down next to Princess Iris. She leaned forward. Her green eyes scanned the papers. Laxmi sat on the edge of the table. Zinia took a sturdy wooden chair. Ira stood perfectly still near the wall. Luna rested her head on her arms. Risa sat quietly, hugging her teddy bear. Ken Eliot walked to the far end of the table. He pulled out a chair. He sat down. He slouched his shoulders completely. He slid down until his chin almost touched the wood. He stared at the ceiling.

"Please tell me this briefing has pictures," Ken mumbled lazily.

"Words make my eyes very tired. I process visual data much better." Sayma did not scold him. She offered a polite, professional smile. She pulled a large, glossy photograph from the folder. She slid the photograph across the smooth table. It stopped right in front of Ken.

"We do have pictures, Ken," Sayma stated calmly.

"And they are highly alarming." Ken tilted his head. He looked at the photograph. The picture showed a massive, terrifying creature. It looked like a giant, mutated wolf. But it did not have normal fur. Its entire body was covered in thick, jagged, dark gray stone armor. Huge bone spikes stuck out of its spine. Its eyes glowed with a toxic, furious red light. The monster had massive, razor-sharp claws. Ken blinked his sleepy eyes. He did not look scared. He just looked highly annoyed.

"That is a very ugly dog," Ken observed casually. He poked the photograph with his finger.

"Why does it have rocks on its back? That looks incredibly uncomfortable. It probably has terrible posture." Naomi chuckled softly. She shook her head.

"It is not a dog, Ken. Look at the size of it compared to the trees in the background. That thing is the size of a carriage." Sayma tapped her pen on the table. She called for total attention.

"Listen closely, everyone," Sayma instructed. Her voice was strict and clear.

"Command sent detailed briefings on these specific hostile creatures. They are called Stone-Clad Direwolves. They recently migrated from the deep wasteland into the volatile border area."