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Mission 2

Enhancers, a groundbreaking technology born in the crucible of the first war against The Gins, emerged as a potent tool to temporarily amplify an individual's rank. This technological marvel played a pivotal role in the conflict, providing a two-fold boost even in the face of formidable abilities. The war, though challenging, saw a notable shift in dynamics with the introduction of enhancers, making the seemingly insurmountable slightly more manageable.

After a brief respite, the intrepid group resumed their mission, navigating the dense foliage of the forest until its final frontier loomed ahead.

"Get down; I can see the cave. Let's conceal ourselves behind that formidable boulder," Zine's voice, barely audible, cut through the hushed ambiance of the forest.

A massive boulder, standing sentinel at the forest's edge, served as their impromptu refuge. Peering over its rugged surface, the party beheld a cave cloaked in an impenetrable darkness that seemed to absorb the ambient light.

"We must proceed with caution. The plan is straightforward: retrieve the contents, and if empty, execute a strategic retreat," Zine articulated, his words carrying the weight of seasoned leadership.

The group, nodding in unison, suddenly detected the distant resonance of weighty footfalls. As the rhythmic thuds approached, Alex and comrades surreptitiously elevated themselves for a vantage point. What met their gaze was nothing short of astonishing.

Three colossal humanoid figures, each standing at an imposing 6 feet 7 inches, emerged as the Gins. Two stood tall, adorned in armor resembling black rocky stone plates, with one possessing piercing green eyes and the other, a fiery red gaze. Their movements emitted a resonant 'Thug,' as they advanced purposefully. The third, sinewy and towering, moved on all fours, elongated nails curling in a grotesque dance.

"Now we are truly in dire straits. I cannot discern the extent of their power; this complicates matters," ruminated Alex, the weight of uncertainty etched across his thoughts.

"Damn it. I anticipated a smoother operation, but we have no recourse. Let us tail them and relay our findings," Zine spoke with a tinge of frustration, having expected encounters with lower-ranking Gins.

As the Gins vanished into the cave, the group trailed closely. Within the cavern's obscurity, the ambient glow of the moon faintly illuminated their path. After traversing the cavern's twists and turns for approximately two minutes, they arrived at a corridor's terminus. Nestled against the corridor's side, they beheld a vast expanse.

"This is the designated location. However, the absence of the anticipated item perplexes me," remarked the Gin with the red eye, a furrow forming on its forehead.

"It appears our adversary possesses a cunning intellect. Perhaps he deliberately misled us regarding the location," suggested the emaciated Gin, gradually rising from its prone position.

"I beg to differ. Given his prior punishment and behavioral patterns, it's plausible that the humans absconded with the coveted item," asserted the green-eyed Gin, agitation coloring its voice.

Unbeknownst to the Gins, five shadowy figures clandestinely eavesdropped, meticulously crafting an escape plan to evade detection. The prospect of confronting the Gins head-on seemed perilous without a clear understanding of their formidable capabilities, but just as uncertainty loomed large...

CLANG!

'Damn it, the sword fell off the seal, now we're going to die,' Alex thought. His shoddy gear caused his weapon to clatter to the floor, earning him disapproving glares from his teammates.

The metallic resonance echoed, drawing the attention of the Gins toward the cave entrance.

"HUMANS!" The skinny Gin hissed, venom lacing its voice.

"Damn you, trash! Guys, we have no other option but to fight. Attack!" Zine commanded, resigned to facing potential demise due to Alex's foolishness. With no alternative, they prepared to fight for their lives.

"I will take care of them. I'm definitely going to enjoy this," the Gin with the red eye declared, a sinister smile revealing sharp, pointy teeth. Drawing a sword made of black, scaly rock-like substance, matching its armor, the Gin moved forward with astonishing speed, sword at its side.

Zine leaped out of the cave tunnel, simultaneously hurling a fireball at the approaching Gin. With a swift swing, the Gin effortlessly slashed the fireball in half, causing an explosion that left it unscathed. Undeterred, it advanced toward Zine, wielding its large scaly black rock sword.

Suddenly, the Gin halted, discovering its feet encased in ice. Looking around, it saw four more humans, two with outstretched hands—rank 3 ice ability user Iris and rank 2 ability user John—attempting to assist. Watching from the sidelines were Brock and Alex, ready to lend their aid.

"More humans? This is getting annoying, but don't worry. When I get my hands on you, I will snap those little twigs you call necks," the Gin with the red eye growled unhappily at the sudden reinforcements.

The Gin shattered the ice on its foot effortlessly. In response, Zine erupted in flames, charging forward and slamming one of his swords into the Gin's arm. Simultaneously, a portion of the earth rose and struck the Gin's abdomen, courtesy of Brock, a rank D earth ability user.

Amidst the chaos, a sense of foreboding gripped Alex at the back of the group.

'They're not going to win this fight. The odds are too low. Even if they're holding their ground now, once the other Gins join, it's over. I need to get out of here,' Alex thought. Recognizing the bleak situation, he made a desperate decision to break away.

Unfortunately, as he glanced toward the entrance, he saw the other Gins positioned, determined to prevent any of them from escaping.


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